Around DB March 2020

# DealingWithIt in DB FREE YOUR KIDS OF

COVID-19 FEARS

Stuck at home for the duration?

Cook up a luxuriant Lebanese lunch Writer, runner, heritage educator, traveller…

Meet DB’s Miyuki Lynn

Tour Sri Lanka from your armchair Get set for the

HLG Kart Race

ISLAND-WIDE EVENTS * PRIZES * COMMUNITY SNAPS * CLASSIFIEDS * THOUGHTS ON ISLAND LIFE

FREE MARCH 2020

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CONTENTS

Join your community online

March 2020

PROFILE - 24 Runner, writer, educator Miyuki Lynn

EDUCATION - 28 Freeing kids of COVID-19 fears

IN FOCUS - 34 Get set for the HLG Kart Race

ESCAPES - 38 Armchair travel: Sri Lanka

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RECIPES - 43 Cook up a Lebanese lunch at home

REGULARS If you have a story idea, email rachel@baymedia.com.hk To publicise a local event, email elizabeth@baymedia.com.hk For general enquiries, email info@baymedia.com.hk

AGENDA

47

WISH LIST March must-haves

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DB EVENTS

48

DB FACES In and around the plaza

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GIVEAWAYS

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OUT THERE Peter Sherwood talks back

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CLASSIFIEDS

50

PROPERTY

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LOCAL NUMBERS

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ON THE COVER Judi May Whiting and Ursula Pyeatt #DealingWithIt in DB

We also publish…

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YOUR GUIDE TO HONG KONG’S ‘GREEN JEWEL’

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Stuck at home for the duration?

Meet DB’s Miyuki Lynn

Tour Sri Lanka from your armchair Get set for the

HLG Kart Race

ISLAND-WIDE EVENTS * PRIZES * COMMUNITY SNAPS * CLASSIFIEDS * THOUGHTS ON ISLAND LIFE

FREE MARCH 2020

2019 / 2020

CHANGE LANCE LAU

TUNG CHUNG’S 10-YEAR-OLD ECO WARRIOR 2020 HOLIDAY PLANNER TIGER’S HEAD HIKE

Cook up a luxuriant Lebanese lunch Writer, runner, heritage educator, traveller…

BEING THE

G

To read the cover story turn to page 28

FREE YOUR KIDS OF

COVID-19 FEARS

IN

# DealingWithIt in DB

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February/ March 2020

Photo by Baljit Gidwani www.evoqueportraits.com

WIN!

A signed copy of Lantau Life by Charmian Woodhouse

NEWS & EVENTS * PRIZES * COMMUNITY SNAPS * CLASSIFIEDS * THOUGHTS ON ISLAND LIFE

FROM THE PUBLISHERS OF Publishers in Lantau since 2002

FOOD & DRINK • LIVING • PETS • SPORTS • PASTIMES • EDUCATION • HEALTH • BEAUTY • SERVICES • TRAVEL & EXCURSIONS • COMMUNITY

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PUBLISHER Corinne Jedwood corinne@baymedia.com.hk GENERAL MANAGER Philip Jay philip@baymedia.com.hk MANAGING EDITOR Rachel Ainsley rachel@baymedia.com.hk PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Elizabeth Jerabek elizabeth@baymedia.com.hk ART DIRECTION Terry Chow terry@baymedia.com.hk GRAPHIC DESIGNER Duey Tam duey@baymedia.com.hk DIGITAL & EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Alexander Grasic alexander@baymedia.com.hk OFFICE MANAGER Nikki-Ann Yee nikki@baymedia.com.hk PHOTOGRAPHERS Baljit Gidwani www.evoqueportraits.com Col Sim www.colsimphotography.com CONTRIBUTORS Jason Broderick Aude Garderet Elizabeth Kerr Peter Sherwood Bruce Taylor Dorothy Veitch PRINTING Champion Design & Production Co. Ltd Flat C & D 9/F Sing Teck Factory Bldg 44 Wong Chuk Hang Rd Hong Kong

DISCLAIMER The views expressed in AroundDB 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.

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www.yha.org.hk

NGONG PING CHARITY WALK

Some 1,000 participants enjoyed Lantau’s beautiful scenery, while raising HK$600,000 for Hong Kong Youth Hostels Association at the 14th Ngong Ping Charity Walk on January 12.

s t n e v e y t i rece nt c om m u n

THE HOTTEST

IN DISCOVERY BAY

VALENTINE’S WEEKEND IN DB

There were plenty of loved-up residents out and about in DB over Valentine’s weekend, February 14 to 16, despite the cancellation of the candlelit gathering on the beach.

www.evoqueportraits.com

www.arounddb.com March 2020

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DB EVENTS

CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS

On January 26, DBers welcomed in the Lunar New Year by watching the lion dancers at Discovery Bay Recreation Club and Club Siena.

www.evoqueportraits.com

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March 2020 www.arounddb.com

www.arounddb.com March 2020

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DB EVENTS

BACKSTAGE WITH ISLAND DANCE

Island Dance School Hong Kong students, many of whom are from DB, were ready to wow spectators at the Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Carnival on January 25. The carnival was cancelled due to concerns about COVID-19 but fortunately the dancers were photographed in rehearsal.

www.islanddance.com.hk

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Tackling the challenges of online learning:

How MALVERN COLLEGE HONG KONG is supporting pupils through times of school closure

H

ong Kong is certainly off to a rough start heading into the Year of the Rat. Not only have last year’s prolonged public movements considerably affected residents’ day-to-day lives, the recent coronavirus outbreak is now causing serious concerns for public health and safety. Malvern College Hong Kong (MCHK), like all other schools in the territory, is dealing with its second period of school closure in the course of this academic year.

Photos courtesy of Malvern College Hong Kong

While last November’s shutdown was relatively short, pupils had to stay home throughout February – and, at the time of writing, the date on which schools will finally reopen remains uncertain. This situation is challenging for all parties involved: the schools, teachers, parents – but most of all, the pupils.

It is of utmost importance to MCHK to support its pupils not only academically but also from

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a pastoral care point of view – be it during regular school times or in times of adversity. During this challenging period, MCHK has put a comprehensive online learning programme into place. The Education Bureau’s announcement to close all schools was published just after the Chinese New Year holidays started, and many of MCHK’s staff worked tirelessly over the holidays to ensure a swift and smooth roll-out of the programme.

“We are keen to emphasise that the online learning programme is not just about filling time – it is meaningful planned learning,” says Dr Robin A. Lister, Founding Headmaster of MCHK. “We strive to manage the workload carefully as it is not healthy for children to be sitting in front of their screens for hours a day,” he adds. “Balancing the workload is a key priority in order to avoid anxiety in an already stressful period.”

Among the many factors impacting

March 2020 www.arounddb.com

the success of an online learning environment is the age of the child.

While older children will be able to manage online learning more independently, this is typically not the case with younger children who require more support. At MCHK, flipped learning pedagogy is used in the form of instructional videos that are created by the teachers.

This enables pupils to (re-)watch the videos, multiple times if necessary, to comprehend and digest content.

Teachers subsequently follow up with personalised comments, online chats or video conferencing on school-endorsed platforms, suitable to the age of the child.

This pattern, in effect a ‘flipped’ version of what often happens in the classroom, has very real educational benefits and ensures that engagement with the teacher is highly productive and focused on individual needs.

MCHK benefits from its relatively small class sizes and low teacherpupil ratio of only 1:10 in that all teachers are available online for

real-time support of their pupils during their school day.

Building on the lessons learnt during last year’s school closure and the parental feedback received, MCHK has tweaked its approach.

Conscious that parents have varied expectations when it comes to online learning, MCHK has put in place a balanced and flexible programme. “Many households feature two working parents who are not in a position to support their children with accessing online learning throughout the day. Our teachers therefore have taken the level of pupil independence into account when designing their programmes,” explains Dr Lister.

“Moreover, we realise that the absence of regular human interaction in the classroom and around the school increases the learning intensity. Our response has been to adapt the length of learning blocks and bite-size related activities carefully. Above all, we want to ensure quality learning

experiences while minimising the risk of disengagement which can easily happen when pupils are working independently.

“It is important to emphasise that in this period of uncertainty and anxiety, the school’s concern with providing pastoral support for its pupils is as important as ever.

One-to-one check-ins with pupils are key, and our school counsellor continues to be available online.”

It comes as no surprise that online learning can be an isolating experience. Allowing children time for relaxation and other activities – especially plenty of exercise – is paramount. MCHK places great emphasis on children’s wellbeing especially during times when normal school routines are disrupted. “Parents can greatly enhance their children’s learning

experience by creating a structured environment at home. Adherence to routine will make the transition back to school easier for both parents and children,” Dr Lister points out.

“We do not believe that there is a viable long-term alternative to face-to-face teaching in a school environment with its natural interaction which happens in a classroom setting. However, there are also real benefits to online learning experiences, such as the development of self-management skills,” Dr Lister concludes.

“Pending the government’s decision on when it is safe to readmit pupils to school, MCHK is embracing the development opportunities home learning provides and has established the strong foundations for a successful online learning experience for as long as it is required.”

FIND IT • Malvern College Hong Kong, 3898 4688, admissions@malverncollege.org.hk, www.malverncollege.org.hk www.arounddb.com March 2020

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DB EVENTS

L A I T N E S UPCOMING S E

YOUR GUIDE

E H T TO

COMMUNITY EVENTS

HOLI DAY CELEBRATIONS

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

Across Lantau

March 8

March 9-10

Photo courtesy of Sanjay Guha www.wikimedia.org

Happy International Women’s Day to all the fantastic women in DB! This year’s campaign theme is #EachforEqual – an equal world is an enabled world. To find out more, and for inspiration on how best to celebrate women’s achievements on March 8, head to www.internationalwomensday.com.

FREE WORKOUT WITH KRISTEN HANDFORD Central Park, Siena One

Holi, also known as the Festival of Colours or the Festival of Love, is a Hindu spring festival that originated on the Indian subcontinent. For many on Lantau, it’s a time to celebrate with friends and family and get into water fights – with brightly coloured water.

HLG KART RACE Discovery Bay Road March 28

March 8

www.hlgkartrace.com

kristenhandford.com

Channel your inner Super Woman at Kristen Handford’s free workout session in honour of International Women’s Day from 9am to 10am. To register and for more information, visit kristenhandford.com.

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March 2020 www.arounddb.com

The first HLG Kart Race in October 2015 attracted over 20 competitors, the latest race in March 2019 saw over 80 children, aged 7 to 13, vying for trophies.

The races are split into age groups, and kids have the option to design and build their own karts. To know more, turn to page 34 or visit www.hlgkartrace.com.

FOR A GOOD CAUSE

COMPETITION YEAR OF THE RAT DRAWING COMPETITION

YOUNG WRITERS COMPETITION

REBOOKED

www.evoqueportraits.com

www.clipartwiki.com

DB primary school students have created fantastic pieces of art for the Year of the Rat 2020 Drawing Competition. Thanks to the interest and support from DB schools, there are now 20 shortlisted entries, which you can see on page 22. To vote for your favourite entry from March 5 to 13, head to the Around DB Facebook page.

We have decided to postpone the Young Writers Competition 2020 until the schools reopen. A little later in the year, secondary school students living and/ or studying in Lantau will be asked to submit a 700- to 800-word story about a global pandemic. Three mentors will again work with the finalists to improve their stories before they are posted on the Around DB and Life on Lantau Facebook pages for an online vote. Watch this space for the 2020 timeline.

unsplash.com

reBooked is a Hong Kong-based nonprofit social enterprise that provides a platform for families to reuse pre-loved children’s books. The reBooked team collects your books from your home, and then uploads them to the reBooked online store. Customers can shop online and order books to be delivered; book donors receive a credit of HK$1 for every 10 books donated. To learn more and shop, visit www.rebooked-hk.com.

ENJOY FREE COMMUNIT

7.30am to 8.15am. Call 6977 782 Y YOGA classes at Yoga Bay, DB North Plaza on March 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 from 8 or visit yogabay.hk.

ADOPT A PET through the Ho to 6pm. Call Kat Cheung on 948 ng Kong Paws Foundation (PAWS) in DB Plaza on March 7, 14, 5 5188.

21 and 28 from 2pm

JOIN A BEACH CLEAN-UP at Sam

plasticfreeseas.org.

BRING YOUR DRINK CART

Pak Wan on March 8 with Plastic

Free Seas from 2pm to 4pm. Vis it

be collected for recycling at the ONS AND POLYSTYRENE (food containers, packaging waterfront side of Hemingway’s and fruit nets) to on March 15 from 9am to 11am.

Facebook page.

Visit the DB Green

HELP YOUR HELPER! Enrich with greater financial security. Vis HK workshops equip helpers with the tools to save, budget and plan for a future it www.enrichhk.org.

www.arounddb.com March 2020

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DB EVENTS

THANK YOU

CONGRATULATIONS

FREE MASKS FROM STAR MART

JOANNE HAY

LANTAU HIGHLIGHT FIGHT FOR FINN Treasure Island, Pui O

March 14-15

www.arounddb.com

With masks in short supply, Star Mart in DB North Plaza has been giving free masks to residents in need since late January. The store, which is part of a South Asian grocery chain with six stores in Hong Kong and Macau, continues to donate up to four free masks per person. For more about COVID-19 preventive measures in DB turn to page 18; for more on Star Mart, visit www.starmart.com.hk.

www.evoqueportraits.com

After a successful kickstarter campaign, DB resident Joanne Hay has just published Please Be You, an ABC book that aims to foster selflove, self-acceptance and resilience in kids. Joanne wrote the book for her daughter Skye. You can grab your copy at Bookazine, Kelly and Walsh, Swindon and Hong Kong Book Centre, or contact Joanne directly via pleasebeyoubook@gmail.com or www.facebook.com/haysabc.

www.treasureilslandhk.com

Fight for Finn aims to raise funds for the medical treatment of Finn Harper, a local schoolboy and friend of Treasure Island Group. Proceeds from the sale of a specially brewed Fight for Finn beer will go towards Finn’s cancer treatment, and families can expect a beach BBQ, raffle, silent auction and quiz night. For more information, visit www.treasureislandhk.com/tigfightforfinn and www.gogetfunding. com/fight-for-finn-2.

NEW in DB SUGAR DROP PHOTOGRAPHY

HEMINGWAY’S HOME DELIVERY

LEVAIN IN DB PLAZA

levain-bakery.com www.sugardropphotography.com

At Sugar Drop Photography, May Simpson specialises in portraits of newborns and families. Her goal is to help you capture life as it happens, without fake poses and cheesy smiles.

Her photos create lasting and meaningful memories that capture the connections within each family. See for yourself at www.sugardropphotography.com.

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www.evoqueportraits.com

Stuck at home most nights?

Hemingway’s has got you covered with its new home delivery service. Delivery is available from 6pm to 10pm daily with a minimum order requirement of HK$120.

Call 2987 8804/8855 to order, or visit ibb.co/Rg8Mr4K.

March 2020 www.arounddb.com

Levain Bakery serves wholesome artisan bread, sandwiches and beverages, and roasts its coffee on site, before brewing it in a traditional lever-operated Italian espresso machine. Stop by the new store to see how the dough is mixed and shaped by hand, and to pick up some freshly baked European sourdough. For more information, visit levain-bakery.com.

SPONSORED CONTENT

Safeguarding the community from COVID-19:

Protective measures implemented by DB Transport and City Management

D Photos courtesy of HKR

B Transport and City Management continue to closely monitor the latest developments of COVID-19. The health and safety of the DB community is HKR’s top concern, and has been even before the first cases were confirmed in Hong Kong. An emergency response team has been set up by different business operations units in DB to implement appropriate disease prevention and control measures, and the team is ready to put further measures in place as and when they are deemed necessary.

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As we all know, the main mode of transmission of COVID-19 is through respiratory droplets, that infected people expel when they breathe, cough or sneeze. The virus can also be transmitted through contact.

Current information

suggests that the incubation period ranges from one to 12.5 days (with median estimates of five to six days), but can be as long as 14 days. In light of this, all DB Transport and City Management staff are equipped with face masks and they have their temperature checked and recorded before and after work. Selected windows on ferries and buses have been opened for better ventilation.

A coronavirus generally cannot survive for more than a few hours on surfaces outside a human host, but people can pick up COVID-19 from a contaminated surface for a short window of time. For this reason, at each building entrance, the handrails of the main door, visitor’s panels, lift panels and lift buttons are cleaned with a diluted bleach solution every two hours.

March 2020 www.arounddb.com

At the ferry piers, the turnstiles, ticketing offices and panels are also cleaned with a diluted bleach solution every two hours. The handrails and bell buttons on buses and ferries are cleaned with a diluted bleach solution daily. Disinfected doormats have been placed at the entrance to both piers, and also at each building entrance.

DB parents can also be reassured that the outdoor play equipment in villages is cleaned every two hours between 9am and 4.30pm daily.

There is no vaccine for this infectious disease at the moment, and to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the community, we all need to work together.

Health information has been posted at public places

throughout DB to educate the community on how to maintain good personal hygiene. Simple measures – such as washing your hands, disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and objects, and avoiding touching your face, eyes and mouth – can greatly lower your risk of infection.

Perhaps most important is that we wash our hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds each time. Rub all surfaces thoroughly – palms, back of hands, finger webs, back of fingers, thumbs, finger tips and wrists.

The Centre for Health Protection (www.chp.gov.hk) reveals on its website that the observance of hand hygiene is the prerequisite of the prevention of the spread of

communicable diseases. We are advised to clean our hands with liquid soap and water when they are visibly dirty; at other times, throughout the day, washing our hands with a 70 to 80% alcoholbased hand sanitiser is an effective alternative. The World Health Organisation recommends alcoholbased hand sanitisers that contain either ethanol, isopropanol or n-propanol, or a combination of two of these products. Hand sanitiser is available at both piers and the bus terminus.

For the time being at least, to protect ourselves and others, we are advised to continue to keep social contact to the absolute minimum.

We need to stay at home and work from home as much as possible; we need to avoid crowded places and social gatherings; and when

greeting other people, we should avoid kissing or shaking hands.

As for household environmental hygiene, we are advised to maintain drainage pipes properly and regularly pour water into drain outlets (U-bends). We should pour half a litre of water into each drain outlet every week. After using the toilet, we need to put the toilet lid down before flushing to avoid spreading germs.

Both DB Transport and City Management will continue to monitor the situation closely in order to implement further disease prevention and control measures if necessary. Residents are advised to avoid airline travel and to consult a doctor promptly if experiencing a fever or shortness of breath.

www.arounddb.com March 2020

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GIVEAWAYS

HERE’S YOUR CHANCE TO WIN PRIZES! Around DB prizes are incredibly easy to get your hands on, and you have until the 10th of the month to apply. Scan the QR code, or go to www.arounddb.com/giveaways, select the giveaway you want, and enter your details into the online form

WIN A SET OF SOY-WAX CANDLES FROM RED VELVET DESIGNS Red Velvet Designs is offering three readers a gift set of two hand-poured soy-wax candles (worth HK$160 per set), available in three fragrances: cedar, wild bluebell, and English pear and freesia.

www.redvelvetdesigns.net

Lantau-based online homestore Red Velvet Designs provides the ultimate in convenience shopping. Specialising in decorative lighting products and customised rugs and carpets, Red Velvet Designs also offers bespoke products including lacquer jewellery boxes, aromatic candles and cushion covers. See for yourself at the Red Velvet Designs Discovery Bay HK Facebook page, or by visiting www.redvelvetdesigns.net.

WIN A PLACE ON A TREASURE ISLAND SPRING ADVENTURE CAMP Treasure Island Group (TIG) is offering one reader a place on one of its award-winning spring adventure camps (worth HK$4,480). Each camp includes a week’s worth of adventure, from either April 6 to 10 or April 13 to 17, on and around beautiful Pui O Beach.

www.treasureislandhk.com

TIG adventure camps are designed for kids, aged eight to 15, who want to experience a variety of exciting outdoor pursuits (like kayaking, gorging, raft building and hiking), while developing outdoor leadership skills. There are different activities each day, with overnight camping at TIG’s private Pui O campsite. To register, visit www.treasureislandhk.com; for more information call 2546 3543 or email inquiries@treasureislandhk.com.

Congratulations to last month’s winner Deborah Berkley for a Marnaut diving watch

I WANT YOUR MOMENTS,

not your poses. Come hug your babies. Kiss your spouse.

There are no real expectations other than to show up and be exactly who you are. Imperfectly beautiful. I want your real, your raw. Your moments matter.

GET THE PERFECT GIFT FOR MOTHER'S DAY AT

WWW.SUGARDROPPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

Year of the Rat 2020

Drawing Competition Discovery Bay International School

Arial Jang (Y6) Kiona McKnight (Y4)

Pika Kosi (Y4)

Discovery College

Mikail Omer Masqood (Y5)

Sadie Marr (Y5)

Honourable Mentions: Georgina Kovacs (Y6), Jinwoo Ha (Y2)

Discovery Montessori Academy

Ein Lee (Y5)

Marcus Wai (Y6) Arthur Looijen (6)

Laurie Yu (7)

Alefiya Sudhaman (Y5) Wanqi Shao (7)

Austin Lau (10)

Honourable Mentions: Marcus Wade (10), Juliet Scott (7)

Honourable Mentions: Lindsay Cha (Y5), Summer Fortune (Y4)

Discovery Mind Primary School

March 5-13:

Catherine Fugier (Y3)

Jean Mark Fugier (Y3)

Online voting on the Around DB Facebook page

March 16:

Results posted on the Around DB Facebook page and website Miles Raeburn (Y2)

Sebastian Raeburn (Y4)

Honourable Mentions: Maya Pugh (Y3), Lindo Shabalala (Y3)

Hong Kong International Learning Academy

Amalia Goossens (8)

Keira Sutherland (9)

April 1:

Prize winners’ pictures published in the April issue of Around DB Tasked with creating colourful Rat-themed pieces of art, DB primary school students have produced fantastic pictures for the Year of the Rat Drawing Competition.

Thanks to the interest and support from DB schools, there are now 20 shortlisted entries (pictured).

You can vote for your favourite from March 5 to 13 on the Around DB Facebook page, and you can learn more about the competition at www.arounddb.com.

Honourable Mention: Abigail Grant (12)

A special shout out goes to the students at S.K.H. Wei Lun Primary School, who were not able to participate this year due to complications relating to the school closures. It will be interesting to see what you come up with next year to celebrate the Year of the Ox.

Winner: HK$2,500 in vouchers 1st Runner-up: HK$1,500 in vouchers 2nd Runner-up: HK$800 in vouchers Merit x 3: HK$400 in vouchers

The organiser has the discretion to use the designs for promotion purposes and reserves the right of the final decision in the event of any disputes. Terms and conditions apply.

Olivia Meikle-Day (7)

P

RIZES

Zac Bowers (7)

Photo by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com

PROFILE

24

Multi-cultured

Miyuki

Writer, runner, heritage educator, traveller.

DB’s Miyuki Lynn is bringing Japan to Hong Kong’s Japanese residents the fun way. Elizabeth Kerr reports

March 2020 www.arounddb.com

D

on’t be misled. Miyuki Lynn is, in her landmark 50th year, by no means getting forgetful. But when she waffles a bit when asked how long she’s been in Hong Kong, it’s proof of the universal constant that once somewhere becomes home, all temporal metrics fall by the wayside. “How long have I been here? Twenty? Eighteen years? The more time goes by the less you think about it. I’ve been in Hong Kong overall 25 years,” she says, clearly counting in her head, and finally settling on 19 – though that’s a fluid figure.

Miyuki, a travel writer, interpreter, school director and Tokyo native looks as poised as would be expected of former Cathay Pacific flight crew. Her posture is enviable but she doesn’t look uptight or imperious. She looks like every other HongKonger who became enamoured of the city on a visit – for Miyuki that was in 1993 – and eventually relocated. And like so many transplants it became home without her even realising it.

Miyuki lived in Tokyo until she was nine before moving to the United States when her finance professional father got transferred.

She finished high school and university in Kyoto (with a detour in Hawaii to finish uni in a bikini on Waikiki) but headed to the SAR in 1994 with Cathay. It was also a way to get back to her roots.

Teaching third-culture kids “I wanted to live in Asia. I’d lived in the States for so long… I was curious about living in other parts of Asia,” Miyuki begins. Hawaii gave her a taste for a new world lifestyle, and returning to Japan wasn’t on the cards. “There were too many rules and too many things you couldn’t do in Japan.

I didn’t want to work there,” she

explains. It helped that her dad had moved to Hong Kong. The 19 years she’s referring to is the time she, her Cathay pilot husband – a New Zealand native –and their two secondary-school children have lived in Discovery Bay. Miyuki is philosophical about her sense of self; she’s grown into her cosmopolitan skin, but it quietly lies at the foundation of why she started a school.

“I haven’t lived [in Japan] in so long I can’t really say I ‘miss’ it.

I’ve lived most of my life in Hong Kong. I lived in New York and Seattle, and I went to university in Hawaii. I don’t really consider it ‘home.’ I was born there. I am Japanese, but…”

That school is the Hong Kong Japanese Supplementary School (JSS), which was founded to teach language and culture to Japanese and mixed-heritage kids (from kindergarten to roughly 13) living in Hong Kong about their, well, heritage. When Miyuki’s son was in P1, she started looking around for the kind of heritage classes she’d taken as a Japanese child in the US and came up empty.

“There were plenty of classes that taught the language but nothing that taught the heritage and the experience,” she recalls. The classes on offer weren’t quite what she was looking for, and it turned out she wasn’t alone. An informal survey, after striking on the idea of starting her own school (she has a partner), found many of the other 15,000 to 20,000 Japanese residents in the SAR wanted their kids to have that education too.

It was off to the races. As is the case with most things in Hong Kong, rental space was the biggest challenge, but eventually Miyuki found a school willing to board JSS in Yau Ma Tei, and another partner in the Chinese YMCA of

Hong Kong. The self-funded JSS officially opened in 2011, after a fundraiser in Causeway Bay (where the second campus is), with 88 students: Miyuki had hoped for 20.

JSS currently has about 180, and there’s a waiting list.

Miyuki uses a Japanese government curriculum for language and JSS’s own curriculum for heritage, which encompasses everything from New Year mochi-pounding to visits to Yakult’s factory in Kwun Tong. The school is not about indoctrination. It’s about recognition and understanding identity, something increasingly important in a shrinking world.

Miyuki explains: “I’m Japanese, my kids’ dad is from New Zealand, my kids were born in Hong Kong.

They’re classic third-culture kids, and there are lots of kids like that in Hong Kong. They can lose their identity; they don’t know who they are. I went through that growing up in the States. Both my parents are Japanese and I still felt lost. So, it’s important for them to understand where they’re from (both parents’ sides), where they’re born and where they live. I want that for my children and plenty of other parents do too.”

Travel writing on the run Naturally, Miyuki isn’t just corunning a school, she’s putting her history with Cathay to good use by continuing her travel writing – in Japanese. To that end, she recently published a travel running guide, so to speak, designed to get people out and running internationally. Miyuki herself started running after her son was born and 海外のいろんな マラソン走ってみた！ [Running All Over the World!], her third book, details the marathons she’s run (often with her children) in 10  different countries.

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PROFILE

“I’m more of a travel, fun runner. I don’t really care how I do as long as I finish,” she says with a laugh.

That attitude is blasphemy to anyone with a competitive streak, but Miyuki is happy to enjoy the place as much as the workout.

Her book covers marathons in Vietnam, Nepal and Malaysia (up Kinabalu) among others. One of her favourites is a wheelchairfriendly course in Angkor Wat, which winds among the famous temples. Her times there are, admittedly, not that good. “I stop a lot,” she says with a chuckle.

runners from the African wildlife.

“You run with rangers,” Miyuki deadpans. “I think I’ll finish that in record time.”

This summer she’s off to South Africa for the Big Five Marathon.

Known as the wildest race of them all, no fences, no rivers, nothing at all separates the

“There are 47 prefectures in Japan and I want to run all of them,” she gushes. She’s done six to date, and she calls running there “amazing,” thanks,

But if this guide does well, Miyuki hopes to write a second edition going in the other direction, for overseas runners to try Japan’s routes. In light of the attention the country is getting in the lead up to the Summer Olympic Games, Miyuki is likely on to something, and she is indeed focusing on inbound travel stories at the moment.

in part, to the warm welcome runners receive.

“The Nagoya Women’s Marathon is the most interesting,” explains Miyuki. “I think it’s the biggest [of its kind] in the world and it’s about 60,000 runners. At the finish line there are men in tuxedoes to present a blue box from Tiffany. You don’t get a medal: you get a Tiffany necklace.”

For the immediate future though Miyuki’s running around will be centred on her kids; she’s packing both of them off to New Zealand for the new school term. It’s her daughter’s first in Aotearoa, and it was her choice. “I was happy for her to finish here, but she wanted to go,” says Miyuki. Like mother, like daughter.

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SPRING TERM

JANUARY TO MARCH ENROL AT CLUB SIENA OR DBRC RECEPTION

春季課程 一月至三月 報名請到海澄湖畔會所或愉景灣康樂會接待處

ENROL AT CLUB SIENA OR DBRC RECEPTION MEMBERS & NON-MEMBERS SUMMER TERM 2020 2020夏季課程 MARCH TO JUNE 三月至六月

MONDAY TO SATURDAY 星期一至星期六

LOW RATIOS QUALITY INSTRUCTION STRUCTURED & PROGRESSIVE PROGRAMME ESTABLISHED IN 1975 小班教學 重視教學質素 課程循序漸進 創於1975年，歷史悠久

CLUB SIENA 海澄湖畔會所 MEMBERS & NON-MEMBERS 歡迎會員及非會員報名

報名請到海澄湖畔會所 或愉景灣康樂會接待處 歡迎會員及非會員報名

EDUCATION

ASSISTING OUR CHILDREN THROUGH

TRAUMA Photos by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com

We’ll make it through, but COVID-19 is a worry – for all of us, including our kids. Jason Broderick provides some takeaway tips to assist with children’s anxiety

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Judi May Whiting and Ursula Pyeatt #DealingWithIt in DB

March 2020 www.arounddb.com

D

uring unsettling times, such as the current COVID-19 outbreak, increased levels of stress and anxiety impact people in different ways. Learning to deal with these challenges over the years has, for many of us, been achieved through trial and error.

But when our children are faced with challenges or trauma, we need to recognise that they may not yet have developed the skills to cope. As parents, we need to know the right strategies and approaches that will enable our children to continue to function and thrive.

None of us wants to see a child unhappy, so the way we choose to help our children through these difficult times is important. If this is done well at this stage in their life, we are already laying the foundations for a future in which they are well-equipped to face adversity. But we need to recognise that we don’t always take the best approach; we fail to realise that sometimes our own coping skills could also use some improvement. Too often, we choose to remove the sources of stress that can trigger anxiety. However, the best way for us to start assisting our children is to do like the flight attendants tell us: “Put your oxygen mask on first!”

In short, we must become better attuned to our own behaviours before we can assist others.

As adults, we are always rolemodelling. Therefore, check-in with your own emotions and take a mindful moment before trying to assist your child; doing so can break the feedback loop of your child becoming stressed by observing and responding to your own stress. Children feed off your emotional ripple.

Keep it real Quite often worry is presented in different ways for each child.

This could be observed through changes in their sleep patterns, for instance nightmares, trouble settling down to sleep, or expressing fear about sleeping. A distinct change in their mannerisms – displaying irritability or anger, moodiness and/ or changes in appetite – can manifest. It is

explain how you are struggling to manage it in a healthy way. Children pick up on feelings and nonverbal cues in the adults they spend time with so, if we try to hide our emotions, it can make the situation worse because our children won’t understand what is happening and why. It is important to give children some information to help them obtain some sense of what is happening. For instance, inform them about COVID-19 – if you equip them with age-appropriate facts they will be in a better position to deal with their fears.

Judi May and Ursula keeping it real

Your goal is to normalise your children’s stress levels in order to help them observe and manage a traumatic situation in a more positive way. Talking openly about COVID-19 will help, as will going out of your way to make life seem as ‘normal’ as possible. When their routine is predictable, children feel safe because they know what to expect from their day. It’s essential to create structure: Identify key times of the day when important activities, like home learning, should occur and make it a routine. Be sure the routine works for the whole family.

common to observe a regression of behaviour in young children, such as clinging, bedwetting, thumb sucking, withdrawal from others, or crying and tearfulness. You could witness increased fearfulness, for instance about monsters, the dark or being alone. When such behaviours are presented at home even the most well-meaning parents can fall into a negative spiral and be left wondering what they can possibly do to help.

Communicate your expectations clearly and make sure your children know what you want them to do and when you want them to do it. Depending on your child’s age, use simple charts with pictures to visually display daily routines. Your children may not always want to follow the routine/ rules, so provide reminders and support, when needed, to help them succeed. Even when you’re tired or stressed, do try to stick to the routine as much as possible.

Model managing your own emotions in an age-appropriate manner. It may be helpful to acknowledge your stress, and

Validate their feelings Try to be understanding and  take the time to listen to what

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EDUCATION

is confusing or troubling your children. Let them know that they can share with you how they are feeling at any time. Realise they may have a hundred questions – this is quite common for children when they are processing events.

Listen and be empathetic: Help your children understand what they are anxious about and encourage them to feel that they can face their fears. Right now, your children need to feel empowered – explain that we can protect ourselves and our friends by wearing our masks whenever we go outdoors and by washing our hands more often than we normally do.

In your own way validate what your children are feeling. By reflecting and acknowledging their thoughts and emotions, you can help them understand that it is ok not to feel ok. The message you want to send is, “I know you’re scared, and that’s fine. I’m here and I’m going to help you get through this.”

Avoid negating children’s feelings with responses like, “Oh, don’t be worried.” This may cause them to feel embarrassed or criticised. It is better to confirm and reflect what you are hearing: “Yes, I can see that you are worried.” However, understand that validation doesn’t always mean agreement, and if your child is trying to use the trauma as an excuse to avoid commitments then you need to set expectations and consequences, more clearly.

Sometimes it helps to talk through what would happen if your child’s fear came true – how would they handle it? A child who is anxious about COVID-19 might be fearful about someone they know getting sick. I suggest you talk about that. “If someone we know caught COVID-19 what would happen to them? What

Ursula with her parents and helper on Tai Pak Wan

would we do?” And so on… Quite often the trauma being faced is escalated primarily because the child hasn’t experienced the problematic situation before and so for some, having a plan can reduce the uncertainty in a healthy, effective way.

Importantly, know when to seek help for yourself and/ or your

child. Distress and worry, in addition to other issues, may last for a reasonably long duration of time and this can be entirely appropriate both during and after a traumatic event. But seek immediate help from your family doctor or from a mental health professional if issues are interfering with your child’s ability to function or succeed.

Jason Broderick is a wellbeing coach and counselling psychologist at Discovery Bay International School (www.dbis.edu.hk). To follow him on Instagram, head to @wellbeingcoach101.

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March 2020 www.arounddb.com

Shop 112 DB Plaza, Discovery Bay

2987 4338

info@dmr-hk.com | www.dmr-hk.com

SPONSORED CONTENT

What a decade it has been!

HKILA is celebrating 10 wonderful years

A

private DB international school, offering a nonformal curriculum for students of all abilities, HKILA is the only education centre in Hong Kong where children are taught alongside one another, regardless of background, level of achievement, or language. Now entering its 10th year, HKILA has stayed true to its original ethos which is to provide pupils, both primary and secondary, with a stimulating big school experience in a nurturing small school setting.

Photos courtesy of HKILA

“We would like to thank our partners at Dimensions UK, EpicLand and Yifan Mandarin (Kate Zhou) for their commitment and support. We would also like to say a huge thank you to each and every student, parent, aunty and colleague for being part of our journey and making HKILA the truly wonderful and supportive community it is today,” says Justine Barlow, Head of School. “We calculate that during the decade, we have supported over 150 students in their education and helped many more successfully transition into schools overseas and here in Hong Kong.

We are beyond excited to enter the next decade with a number of new and innovative ideas ready to put into practice. We cannot wait to get started.”

32

FIND IT • HKILA, www.studyhkila.edu.hk

March 2020 www.arounddb.com

IN FOCUS

AT FULL

THROTTLE

Photos (HLG Kart Race 2019) by Darren Connelly, Thomas Corbin & Ganesh Vijayan

Ahead of the seventh edition of the HLG Kart Race, Ray Robertson provides the lowdown on the annually anticipated event and some advice for the thrill-seeking young competitors

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C

onceived by JeanFrancois Harvey of Harvey Law Group, the HLG Kart Race has quickly grown from a small community event into one of the most anticipated races in Discovery Bay’s packed sporting calendar. The first race in October 2015 attracted over 20 competitors. The most recent race in March 2019, saw 95 children, aged seven to 12, vying for trophies. Last year, 278 trials and

qualifying races were held over the course of the day (334 one-on-one races in total) and Jean-Francois (or Harvey as he is known locally) is hoping for a strong turnout this month despite families’ concerns about COVID-19.

Louis Basquin, 13, has competed in every HLG Kart Race to date, and though he’s too old to take part this year, he’ll be cheering from the sidelines. “The karts go lightning fast when they come

March 2020 www.arounddb.com

off the ramp,” he says. “It’s so much fun! It’s an exciting day out with your friends. We really enjoy competing against each other in the age races.”

So how did the first race in October 2015 come about? “We really didn’t expect so much business when we opened our DB meeting facilities eight years ago and we were looking for a way to give back to the community at large,” Harvey explains. “I finally hit upon the idea

Rules of engagement In order to level the playing field, the race is divided into six age-group categories – age seven through to 12 – so the kids race against their peers. A 6-foot high ramp, almost 16-foot long and 8-foot wide, is set up along the Discovery Bay Road cycle lane, and the track covers approximately 150 metres.

Competitors are required to wear properly fitted bike helmets, closed-toe shoes (trainers) and race shirts; they are advised to wear long trousers and gloves… masks too this year.

For each age group, each racer competes in two timed qualifying races. The eight racers in each age group with the best time qualify for the quarter finals. If the age group has fewer than eight racers, the kids participate in a quarter final, and the four with the best time qualify for the semi-final.

While standard karts are provided, kids also have the opportunity to compete in their own ‘freestyle’ custom-made karts. “Some will go for style, some for speed, so there are performance and design prizes,” Harvey says.

The race is divided into age-group categories, so the kids race against their peers

of a kart race because there is something about kart racing that’s so familiar, so simple. So many of us have good memories of it.

Also, it’s not typical, so people are interested.”

There’s no doubt that Montrealborn Harvey’s passion has struck a chord in DB, and after a strong start in 2015, interest called for two events in 2016. That same year, an improved brake system, devised by the event’s main sponsor

Milwaukee, allowed Harvey to lower the participant age to seven years old from the previous edition’s eight.

For Harvey, himself a dad, kids’ enjoyment is the driving factor. “I wanted to find something where every single child would have the same chance of winning,” he says. “In this event, kids are equal whether they are athletic or not. It’s open to everyone but it’s still a real competition.”

The spec for freestyle karts is brief but precise. They must be capable of being steered, they need to have a braking system and they are limited to gravity power (no propelling mechanisms).

The maximum width of each freestyle kart is 91 centimetres, and the minimum distance between the front and rear axle is 72 centimetres.

Fastest Freestyler in 2017 and 2018, Louis got some help in building his kart – the Red Rocket, which placed second in the Best Design category in 2016 – from his dad and uncle. “We looked online for a few different go-kart/ soap-box designs and then we chose the shape because we  felt it was something we could

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IN FOCUS

build ourselves from scratch,” Louis says.

“First, we drew a template on a large piece of paper, then we cut a cardboard template, then we constructed the kart out of recycled materials,” Louis adds.

“We used old pieces of wood from a renovation for the body and my broken scooter for the steering wheel system. We welded the pieces together and then my Aunty Cath painted it. The only items we bought to build the kart were the screws, wheels and bearings.”

Kids have the opportunity to compete in their own custom-made karts

The altruistic aspect While the logistics are fairly simple, participant safety is paramount and Harvey is quick to acknowledge the support of the HLG Kart Race officials, and of Hong Kong Resorts and City Management.

Parents make up the bulk of the race committee, and Harvey himself is also determinedly hands on. The global managing partner of Harvey Law Group doesn’t look like a speed freak or a mechanic but appearances can, as they say, be deceiving. “I like to build things,” he says. “Come race day I’m in the pit stop. I’m the repairman. That’s what I do all day long. I sit there with my tools. I put on my hat and hide under the trees… with cuts all over my hands.”

Harvey is well-known in the community for giving back, and proceeds raised through the kart race – the entrance fee is HK$250 per child – have gone to various Hong Kong charities over the years.

This year’s nominated charity is Heep Hong Society, for which HK$20,000 was raised last year.

“Heep Hong Society provides professional care, education and training services to children from

The race starts on a 6-foot high ramp, almost 16-foot long and 8-foot wide

Jean-Francois Harvey presenting a cheque to Heep Hong Society in 2019

birth to secondary-school age who have developmental and learning problems,” Harvey says. “We like the concept that the kids who pay to compete in the HLG Kart Race are in fact giving to other kids and helping them reach their full potential.”

So here’s hoping for a strong turnout this month… the kids

deserve a little fun having been cooped up for so long. As Harvey concludes, “The most satisfying part is to hear from parents after the event. We had a parent write to us about how his daughter’s friends came over for two or three days to see her trophy. When you hear things like that, you know you did something right.”

FIND IT • HLG Kart Race, www.hlgkartrace.com • Harvey Law Group, www.harveylawcorporation.com At the time of writing the HLG Kart Race is scheduled for March 28.

For updates and to register, head to www.hlgkartrace.com or email Amelia Polisano at apolisano@harveylawcorporation.com.

Find more topical local topics @ www.arounddb.com

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March 2020 www.arounddb.com

ESCAPES

ARMCHAIR TRAVEL:

SRI LANKA

Photos courtesy of unsplash.com

With ancient ruins and religious sites, killer surf and amazing wildlife, Sri Lanka has everything for everybody.

Just 27 kilometres off the south coast of India, it provides the perfect escape – a tonic for the soul.

Dorothy Veitch reports

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Aerial view of the Negombo coastline

March 2020 www.arounddb.com

1 Negombo Consider staying in Negombo instead of bustling Colombo upon arrival. Just half an hour’s drive from Colombo International Airport, Negombo boasts some of the best beaches on the west coast. The 100-kilometre long canal network running through the city is still used, and plied by time-old canoes as well as modern watercraft. Colonial highpoints include the Dutch fort built in 1672, and centuriesold Portuguese and Dutch houses, administrative buildings and churches.

Totally terrific Tangalle

2 The southeast coast Visitors in search of some serious downtime usually make straight for Sri Lanka’s southeast coast. Arugam Bay is as good a place to start beaching it as any; a surfer’s paradise, it’s quiet and home to a point break that many consider the best in the country.

Further south, Tangalle inhabits a stunning stretch of coastline, and you can turtle-watch in nearby Rekawa.

Next, hop along the coast to Mirissa, a sleepy bolthole where you have a good chance of spotting blue whales.

Yala National Park

3 Yala National Park Another must-see in the southeast is Yala National Park. There are in fact six national parks and three wildlife sanctuaries in the vicinity but Yala has some of the most varied animal life, including elephants, grey langurs and endangered Sri Lankan leopards. Yala has a permit-based entry system and you’ll find dozens of local tour operators ready to take you on safari.

4 Tea plantations Heading back upcountry to the northwest, you’ll want to spend a few days exploring Sri Lanka’s famous tea plantations. As you travel into the hills, feast your eyes on the dark green foliage beautifully terraced across the misty mountains. Travel  by train to capture the best views.

Tea country

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ESCAPES

5 Kitulgala West of the tea plantations, deep in Sri Lanka’s mountainous interior, a totally different kind of experience awaits.

Kitulgala, the adrenalin-sports’ capital of the country, is a great spot for jungle hikes and white-water rafting.

Kitulgala hills

6 Kandy Now it’s time for the Cultural Triangle in the north. The UNESCO World Heritage sites therein span some 2,500 years of history and encompass the sacred city of Anuradhapura and the rock fortress of Sigiriya. Head first to the royal city of Kandy to explore the magnificent temples and palaces, and admire the sacred lake.

Considered the epicentre of Sinhalese culture, Kandy was the last Royal Kingdom to resist British colonisation, finally losing its stronghold in 1815.

Picturesque Kandy Lake

7 Sigiriya Rock Sigiriya Rock, the eighth wonder of the world, draws all kinds of visitors to Sri Lanka – from geologists and history buffs to art lovers. There’s something simply magical about this monolith. Wander the extensive network of terraced gardens, then make your way up to what was once the palace (477 to 495 AD). A spiral staircase (with 1,000+ steps) leads through beautifully painted rock frescoes of celestial maidens. At the summit, you are rewarded with breath-taking panoramic views.

Sublime Sigiriya Rock

8 Anuradhapura Last stop: Anuradhapura. Give yourself a couple of days to explore one of the most evocative sights in Asia. From enormous stupas (known locally as dagobas), crumbling temples and wellpreserved ruins, Anuradhapura exhibits a rich collection of archaeological and architectural wonders. At the Mahavihara, the spiritual centre of Anuradhapura, you will find the Sri Maha Bodhi, which many believe is the fig tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment.

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March 2020 www.arounddb.com

Jetavanarama Dagoba, Anuradhapura

Who am I?

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

My thoughts

As the new coronavirus continues to spread, there is probably no better time than now to look into your health insurance policy and make sure you are receiving adequate coverage.

You may think you are covered, but depending on where you seek treatment you may find yourself spending thousands of dollars.

Health premiums vary tremendously. Here’s how to make sense of a four- tier medical system: 1. Government hospitals – you know how that works.

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

4 Top-tier insurance – high-end cover for just about any hospital, anywhere in the and free delivery for pregnant women. Top-tier insurance is popular with senior executives, independently wealthy people and women who want kids.

do a comparison shop for you free of charge, to ensure that you have made the right choice and check that you have the right product at the right price.

9811 1554 kailash_k3@hotmail.com / kishus@i-cable.com

RECIPES

More than mezze Soup, salad and a dip… exactly what you need for a luxuriant light lunch, fresh from the Lebanon.

Serve at home with flatbread

Sopa de Guisantes Serves 4 • 4tbsp olive oil • ½ medium onion, finely chopped • 1 medium carrot, finely chopped • 2 bay leaves • 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced • 150g cured ham, finely chopped • 1 small bunch fresh mint, roughly chopped • 1ltr chicken stock • 500g peas, fresh or frozen

Photos courtesy of unsplash.com

• 2tbsp butter In a large saucepan, heat the oil over a medium heat, add the onion and when it has turned golden add the carrot and bay leaves. Continue to fry for 5 minutes stirring occasionally, then add the garlic, two thirds of the ham and half the mint. Fry gently for 3 minutes, before adding the stock and then the peas. Stir in a knob of butter. Simmer gently until the peas are tender about 5 minutes. Blitz the peas and stock in a liquidiser until smooth. Return to the pan, season and garnish  with the remaining ham and mint.

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RECIPES

Fattoush Serves 4 • 2 pitta bread • 25g butter • 1 garlic clove • 1 lemon • 1tsp za’tar, ground • 5tbsp olive oil • ½ large cucumber, sliced • 12 ripe cherry tomatoes, halved • 1 small lettuce, chopped • 1 spring onion, finely chopped • 6 radishes, cut into quarters • 1 celery stick, chopped • 1 small bunch each fresh mint and parsley To make the crispbread, slice open the pittas and brush with melted butter on both sides.

Bake the pitta halves for about 15 minutes at 180ºC. Leave to cool.

To make the dressing, combine the garlic (crushed to a paste with ½tsp salt and the juice of 1 lemon), the ground za’tar (or thyme) and the olive oil. About 8 minutes before you are ready to serve the salad, combine the crispbread, vegetables and chopped herbs in a large salad bowl, breaking up the crispbread in your hands as you go. The crispbread pieces should be about the same size as the chopped vegetables. Now add the dressing and toss well.

Season and add more lemon juice to taste.

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March 2020 www.arounddb.com

Baba Ghanoush Serves 4 to 6 • 3 large aubergines (750g to 1kg) • 2 garlic cloves • 1 lemon • 3tbsp tahini paste • 4tbsp olive oil Pierce the skins of the aubergines and grill whole over a hot barbeque, directly on the naked flame of a gas hob or under the grill until the skin is charred and crispy all over and the flesh is very soft. Leave to cool. Discard the tops and peel off the skin. Place the flesh and any juices in a large mixing bowl and whisk until almost smooth. Next, crush the garlic to a paste with 1tsp salt and the juice of 1 lemon. Add the garlic paste, tahini and olive oil to the aubergines and season to taste.

Garnish with chopped parsley or pomegranate seeds.

Find more deliciously simple recipes @ www.arounddb.com www.arounddb.com March 2020

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Photos courtesy of Ankyra Home, Bookazine, Pan-handler & Zeitouna Olive Oil

HK$110

PREMIUM EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL, 750ML, ZEITOUNA OLIVE OIL,

HK$197

OLIVE WOOD NATURAL SHAPED BOARD, ZEITOUNA OLIVE OIL,

HK$450

TURKISH COFFEE CUP, ANKYRA HOME,

HK$90 FIND IT

LEBANESE BAKLAWA, 0.5KG, ZEITOUNA OLIVE OIL,

HK$230

• Ankyra Home, ankyrahome.com • Bookazine, www.bookazine.com.hk • Pan-handler, www.thepanhandler.biz • Zeitouna Olive Oil, www.zeitounaoliveoil.com www.arounddb.com March 2020

47

DB FACES

Snaps COMMUNITY

Photos by Baljit Gidwani www.evoqueportraits.com

Find more familiar DB faces @ www.arounddb.com

Win prizes from Uncle Russ Coffee and The Pier Bar!

Congratulations to last month’s winner: Richard Gordon (@richard_gordon_photography)

48

The best snap wins! Your mission this month is to share your favourite photo of DB on Instagram, hashtag #arounddb. You have until the 10th of the month to enter.

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

March 2020 www.arounddb.com

CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP PRACTICAL BIBLE TEACHING KIDS CHURCH & TEENS

Church Office: 2987 7061 www.dbicc.org

View local business directories @ www.arounddb.com EMPLOYMENT

HEALTH & WELLBEING

SPORTS

AKASH MOVING & HANDYMAN SERVICES

VR, HYPNOSIS: INDIVIDUAL &/ OR COUPLES THERAPY

PRIVATE MARTIAL ARTS COACHING

• Local packing, moving, storage & handyman service • All kinds of transport services • Inbound shipment clearance • Having stuff delivered from China?

They are not delivering to DB Or Lantau?

Have it sent to the Akash office in Kwai Chung & delivered to your home.

Contact 2421 8088, info@akash.hk, www.akash.hk

HEALTH & WELLBEING FACIAL REFLEX THERAPY IN DB

Try Facial Reflex Therapy for: • Stress management • Normalising menstruation • Sleeping disorders • Skin issues (due to hormonal imbalance, allergies etc) • Depression; ADHD; Bipolar disorder Facial Reflex Therapy is a natural face-lifting beauty regime. It also boosts confidence & learning ability.

Contact Tina at 9855 7086 (WhatsApp)

Virtual-reality programmes for PTSD, addictions, phobias (fear of flying/ public speaking/ bridges/ enclosed spaces/ storms) • Couples’ conflicts • Overeating • Career/relationship stress • Anger management • Nail biting • Exam jitters Divorce/ post-divorce/ career coaching • Quit smoking quickly.

Dr Melanie Bryan, Psy.D. Clinical Psychologist, Hypnotherapist.

Contact 2575 7707, www.mindmatters.hk

HOME SERVICES

TRIMCO HK LIMITED • Painting • Decorating • Renovation • Cladding • Tiling Contact Steve Donovan at 6149 0894 (call or WhatsApp), trimcohk@gmail.com

Well known in the Hong Kong MMA community, Marc Guyon guides you through your journey to become a martial artist. As a former whitecollar-turned-professional fighter, Marc’s understanding of looking for peak performance in all your occupations & activities is like nothing in Hong Kong.

Contact 9303 2996, marcguyonkungfu@gmail.com, www.marcguyon.com

FRENCH LANGUAGE PRIVATE TUITION WESTERN DRAWING LESSONS Experienced, Patient, Mature, Effective, master+ educational level.

Tuition of French language to individuals at about or more than 7 years old.

All levels. Beginners / adults.

French Literature for French students.

Homework tuition.

Offer private Drawing / Painting Art Lessons to individuals / small groups.

All mediums / techniques.

Personalised lessons according to levels & interests.

Home / office visits / venues to be specified.

Please contact gsn6sy@hotmail.com

EASTER AND MID-TERM CAMPS Ark Eden’s nature camps develop children's confidence and love of the natural world through exciing outdoor experiences. Designed for children aged 5 to 11 years, experiences include fun imaginaave story dramas, woodwork, forest art, campfire cooking, building dens, overnight camps and lots of play!

Also check out Ark Eden website for groovy new workshops such as Sunday Tea--me Trekking

環悅設計工程公司一心致力於您們快樂 及自由的頤年生活。 我們將提供專業家居護理評估來改裝您 們的家，使您們能享受家居安老。 聯絡我們 Contact Us

Tel / WhatsApp: 9710 5728 E-mail: joyceworldco@gmail .com joyceworld_creation joyceworldcreation @joyceworldcreation

Visit www.arkedenonlantau.org

Email : info@arkedenonlantau.org Tel : 2988 5355

At Joyce World Creation Ltd, we remodel homes so they are safe for the elderly.

We provide a medical assessment on which you can base your home’s reconstruction and we source suitable equipment for assisted living.

Scan QR code to see our video https://youtu.be/nuZ_sPeIrKw

DB PROPERTY FOR RENT

LUXURY APARTMENTS IN SIENA 2

Spacious 600 square-foot apartments – quiet with sea views over park, near Club Siena & DB Tunnel. Fully furnished with washer/ drier, bed linen, kitchenware, 55” TVs, wi-fi, NOW TV & sound bar. Contact the owner on 9317 0624, nialady2011@gmail.com

If you are looking to rent or sell a property and would like to see it listed on this page, email philip@baymedia.com.hk

Freelance or Part-time Fitting MODEL(S) A well-known USA Lingerie brand is currently looking for fitting models based in Hong Kong Office.The person should have a positive attitude and able to give feedback during fitting process.

Lingerie - US Size 38C — *Full Bust - 40 1/2" - 41" / *Underbust - 33" Lingerie - US Size 38D — *Full Bust - 42" / *Underbust - 33" Lingerie - US Size 38DD — *Full Bust - 43" / *Underbust - 33" Lingerie - US Size 38F — *Full Bust - 43 1/2" / *Underbust - 33" *** Other Sizes are also welcome ***

Interested parties, please call 2372 8428 & email personal's measurement to christina.ma@fotlinc.com Please provide an identity proof for legally working at HK for casting.

MPF Services QDAP Insurances VHIS Protection Wealth Management Candy Cheung Financial Planning Manager Bachelor of Business

(852) 9172 9152 Email: candy_y_cheung@manulife.com.hk | www.manulife.com.hk

Greenland Pest Control Tailored Pest Control Solutions for Rodent, Cockroaches, Fleas, Mosquitoes, Termites, Ants, Ticks etc‌ For info please call Thomas 9871 0771 or Baguio 6776 8400 Email: baguiowong@hotmail.com

GIVING LIFE SHOULDN’T BE SO DEADLY

www.arounddb.com

Ramatoulaye, who lives in Burkina Faso, was about to give birth to her fourth child, but the boatman was nowhere to be found.

Unable to get to the health centre across the river, she gave birth alone on the river banks.

Register with us and receive

Maternal health is a human right — join Amnesty International to defend human rights for women like Ramatoulaye.

our newsletters

Learn more at www.amnesty.org.hk.

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Join our 16,000+ (and growing) Facebook followers © Anna Kari

Like us for Lantau news and events!

CLOT HING & ACCESSORIES

FTC Apparel

2428 2566 FOOD, RES TAUR A N T S & BA RS

A Tavola Bar & Grill Airport Izakaya Andante Café Aficionado China Coast Bar & Grill Curry Lounge Dosirak House Essence Restaurant - Novotel Citygate Federal Palace Restaurant Kimos Mansarover Indian Cuisine McDonald’s Delivery Melody Thai Moccato Coffee Shop My Thai Olea Restaurant - Novotel Citygate PizzaExpress Pizza Hut Delivery Regala Café & Dessert Bar Resto Restaurant Rouge - Regal Airport Hotel Skycity Bistro Tung Chung Pizza Zentro Garden

2321 5500 2286 6668 3602 8828 2286 6238 2286 6898 2960 1977 3520 0848 3602 8808 2626 0181 2886 3646 2109 1927 2338 2338 2988 8129 3602 8838 2907 6918 3602 8818 2297 3588 2330 0000 2286 6618 2886 3156 2286 6868 3969 2500 2466 1010 2802 8000

HE A LT H & W EL L BEING

Bayside Dental Bon’s Mobile Pet Grooming Essential Health Family Clinic Human Health Medical Centre North Lantau Physiotherapy Tung Chung Animal Clinic Tung Chung Vet Centre Tung Chung Maternal & Child Health Centre Quality Health Dental Quality Health Medical Raffles Medical Rainbow Voice and Soundhealing

2185 6550 9099 9959 2109 9396 2109 2288 2194 0020 2988 1534 2328 7282 3575 8370 2403 6613 2403 6623 2261 2626 5178 5658

2421 8088 2109 2330 9343 3718 2988 1488

HOT EL S

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

3969 1888 3602 8888 2286 8888

L E A RNING CEN T RES

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

9021 1502 2987 8070 2162 5538 6273 7347 6674 6194 2611 9193 2164 7210 2420 1068 2109 3873 2121 0884 2988 8123

SOCI A L , SP OR T S & EQUIPMEN T

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

2385 9677 2109 9277 2179 6678 9264 8597 6688 2167 9662 1747 6443 6597 3473 8700 5400 4109 6051 8196 2403 6770

2984 0222 2504 4788 2984 0498 2470 1966 2984 9720 3484 3095 6429 3507 2984 8933 5465 5511 2997 9070 2320 2001 6422 5009 9193 2937 2980 2699 2983 8931 2980 2582 5991 6292 2109 3331 5236 7013

FI T NESS, SP OR T S & W EL L BEING

Pause by the Banyan South Lantau Paddle Club Thai Palin Massage Thai Sa Baai Treasure Island Group

9708 0187 9688 9112 9062 0148 5228 6552 2546 3543 HOME & REPA IRS

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

2984 8334 2984 8487 2984 1802 2984 9833 9783 5840

HOT EL S

Mui Wo Inn Silvermine Beach Resort Tai O Heritage Hotel

2984 7225 6810 0111 2985 8383

Ashville International Kindergarten & Nursery Lantau International Kindergarten Lantau International School Lao Shi Lantau Mandarin lessons Little Lantau Montessori Kindergarten Silvermine Bay School Mui Wo Language Cafe

2109 9886 2984 0302 2980 3676 5197 4647 3689 6709 2984 0006 5511 6107

PROPER T Y AGENCIES

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

2984 8334 3483 5003 2984 1666 RE TA IL

Friendly Bike Shop Greenstyle Organic & Healthcare INSIDE Island Wines Lantau Base Camp Lantau Grocer Quay House Red Hall Chinese Antiques Tony’s Salon Value Vigilantes VIBE Book & Music Shop ZenvarA

2984 2278 9802 0553 2890 8606 9521 8481 2983 8428 2702 0050 2882 8710 2988 1368 2984 0990 6132 9120 9088 2370 9586 3459

SERV ICES & OT HERS

Jumping Castles SPCA Miriam Safadi Photography Parteezi Phoenix Wills

9662 1747 2984 0060 5145 0227 6112 9842 6108 8471 T R A NSP OR TAT ION

U T IL I T Y, SERV ICES & E MERGENC Y HOT L INES

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

FOOD, RES TAUR A N T S & BA RS

Bahce - Turkish Restaurant Café Bar Bathers Caffe Paradiso (Tom’s Café) Cafe Isara China Bear Deer Horn Restaurant & Bar Kebab Korner La Pizzeria Lantana Italian Bistro Le Jardin de Sophie Long Island Mucho Gusto Robert’s Market Stoep @ High Tide Restaurant The China Beach Club The Gallery The Kitchen The Water Buffalo Treasure Island Restaurant

L E A RNING CEN T RES

HOME & REPA IRS

Akash Removals Mega Power Engineering/Locksmiths Mr. Chan 24-hours Handyman Shun Yu Engineering

SOUTH LANTAU

TUNG CHUNG

LANTAU NUMBERS

2988 8282 2988 1898 3661 1999

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

2984 2268 2984 8494 2984 8255 2984 9848

www.arounddb.com March 2020

53

DB NUMBERS COMMUNITY & HEALTH Bayside Dental Practice, North Plaza BMSE, North Plaza DB Alliance Church Community Centre DB Anglican Church DB International Community Church Discovery Bay Medical Centre Health & Care Dental Clinic Herbal Health Care Island Health Island Veterinary Services The Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council, North Plaza Trinity Chapel

2987 2259 2987 2987 2987 2987 2666 2834 2987 2987 2259 2987

0855 3422 8136 4210 7061 5633 6183 7276 7575 9003 3422 9909

DRS Company Good Luck Engineering Red Velvet Hoi Yu Transportation Hung Kee Co Japan Home Centre May’s furniture & curtain design Rapee-living Rich Point Hardware Materials Tai Fat Hardware Store Wing On Department Store Yours Electrical Centre

3102 2977 2987 8460

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 (15 years+ experience). Contact 2987 1201, enquiry@dms.edu.hk, www.dms.edu.hk

DAILY NECESSITIES 7-Eleven Convenience Store Fusion by PARKnSHOP Watson’s Pharmacy Wellcome, North Plaza Star Mart, North Plaza

2987 2987 2987 2947 2366

4401 7486 4089 9092 6534

FINANCIAL SERVICES Bank of China HSBC Parsons White Wealth Management The Stephen Putnam Practice

2160 8585 2233 3000 2433 6981 2914 0388

FOOD & BEVERAGE, HOTELS 22º North Auberge Discovery Bay (Hotel), North Plaza Café Bord de Mer & Lounge, North Plaza Caffe Pascucci Cali-Mex, North Plaza Coyote Mexican Cantina Ebeneezer’s Epic Foods, North Plaza Figos Seaside Café First Korean Restaurant Gilmore’s by the Golden Pig Healthy Chicken, North Plaza Hemingway’s il Bel Paese Island Café Koh Tomyums La Creation & Châteraisé McSorley’s Ale House Mirch Masala, North Plaza Moofish, North Plaza Pacific Coffee Paisano’s, North Plaza Peony Chinese Restaurant PizzaExpress Solera Starbucks DB North Plaza Subway The Pier Bar Three Sheet Marquee Bar TigerLily Uncle Russ, North Plaza Zak’s

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9156 0360 2987 1313 9010 5832 2987 4488 2987 5087 2987 1041 2987 0222 2987 7082 2987 0789 2987 0789 2987 9268 2987 4428

LEARNING CENTRES

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES Action X, North Plaza Nomadic

LEARNING CENTRES

HOME

2987 2298 2295 8288 2295 8299 2591 1426 2904 7698 2987 2848 2987 0036 2172 6111 2987 2915 2987 9123 2662 9168 6933 6990 2987 8855 2987 0202 2987 9311 2987 0767 2987 1829 2987 8280 2987 1337 2987 6318 2987 1662 2673 4445 2500 1950 2465 2426 2555 0772 2246 8372 2914 0005 2520 2166 2987 0966 2997 8688 2840 1188 2987 6232

Future Stars Dance Academy Dance classes based on the ISTD requirements conducted in a fun, disciplined & safe environment. Contact melissa@futurestarsdanceacademy.com, Futurestars Dance Academy Hong Kong Facebook page, Instagram: @futurestarsHk

Island Dance ISTD Freestyle, ISTD Hip Hop, RAD Ballet, tap & Bollywood classes at DBRC, Club Siena & DB Plaza. Five professional instructors, teaching six days a week.

Contact 2987 1571, 9159 0663, info@islanddance.com.hk, www.islanddance.com.hk

March 2020 www.arounddb.com

Little Explorers The longest running playgroup in DB, Little Explorers eases the transition between home play and kindergarten for children, aged 18 months and up. Contact 6331 7215, LittleExplorersDB@gmail.com

Tree of Joy A fun, engaging & supportive environment in which children play & learn. Programmes include drop-off nursery class, parent-toddler class, afternoon camp & a cooking class Contact 9787 2755, info@treeofjoydb.com, www.treeofjoydb.com

Woodentots Woodentots is a Montessori playgroup providing a caring & nurturing environment in DB Plaza. Run by a qualified Montessori teacher for children aged 18 months to 6 years. Contact 6108 9131, woodentotsdb@gmail.com

Bayview House of Children DB International School (Kindergarten) DB International School (Pri / Sec) Discovery College Discovery Mind International Play Centre Discovery Mind Kindergarten Discovery Mind Primary School, North Plaza Discovery Montessori Academy, North Plaza Discovery Montessori School, North Plaza DMR School of Ballet Dr. Bear Education Centre Early Adventures Playgroup Epic Adventurers Eye Level Education Learning Centre Funfit HK International Learning Academy, North Plaza Kumon, North Plaza La Petite Enfance Kindergarten L’Ecole Pierre et Marie Curie Education centre Links Parenting, North Plaza Little Explorers English For Kids Mandarin for Munchkins, North Plaza Mathemagic – home tutoring Mathnasium SKH Wei Lun Primary School Treasure House Zhi Zhi Chinese

6114 2914 2987 3969 2987 2987 2914 2812 2987 2987 6762 2987 2441 9366 6302 2416 2459 8191 8191 6114 6331 2480 9135 2628 2987 2987 9648

2436 2142 7331 1000 8088 8088 2202 9206 1201 4338 6264 9644 0098 0000 6327 3198 8808 0813 0813 2436 7215 3909 4724 3362 8608 4217 2966

MULTIMEDIA Bookazine Fotomax (F.E.) Ltd

2987 1373 2914 2378

OTHER SERVICES

Harvey Law Group International law firm offering a wide range of commercial & personal legal services. Meeting facilities available in DB. Contact 2416 8618, dboffice@harveylawcorporation.com, www.harveylawcorporation.com

Martina Stevens Photography Photographer based in Discovery Bay specialising in small and exclusive projects. Newborns, Maternity, Family and Lifestyle photography.Contact 9487 5242, martina@martinastevensphotography.com, www.martinastevensphotography.com Gillian florist, North Plaza Manulife P-Solution The Optical House Well Supreme Laundry Services

2529 9172 2987 2987 2987

8256 9152 1777 1368 5151

DB NUMBERS PETS Mypetshop, North Plaza Pets Gallery Ready, Pet, Go!

TOYS & KIDS’ PARTIES 2987 8873 2987 0428 5721 6181

Bo Bo House Toysland

2987 4230 2987 7859

TRANSPORT SERVICES

PROPERTY LISTINGS EPS Property Consultants Headland Homes Kingsland DB Land Master Property OKAY.COM

2987 2987 2987 2987 2102

2023 2088 2987 6238 0829

DB Golf Cart Services DB Transportation Services Limousine Rental Passenger Telephone Hotline Wiselink Golf Cart Services

2914 2987 5303 2987 2987

2727 7351 3489 0208 9368

UTILITIES, SERVICES & EMERGENCY HOTLINES

SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT 24-hour Customer Service Hotline China Light & Power Emergency China Light & Power Information Line Discovery Bay Commercial Services Discovery Bay Fire & Ambulance Discovery Bay Lost & Found Discovery Bay Management Discovery Bay Office Centre Discovery Bay Post Office Gas Leakage Emergency Hotline Lantau North Report Room North Lantau Hospital San Hing Gas Co Typhoon Signal Enquiries Water Fault Reports Water Supplies Department

HK Dragons Football Club Football for girls & boys aged 2.5 years to 14 years. Contact 2987 4274, dragons.hk

Tekkerz Football programmes for boys and girls for age groups U5 up to U14. Contact 9770 4548, train@tekkerzfootball.com, www.prosportsasia.com

Action X, North Plaza Club Siena, North Plaza DBees Ice Hockey DB Pirates Rugby, Netball, Hockey & Dragonboat Discovery Bay Marina Club Discovery Bay Golf Club Discovery Bay Recreation Club Embody EpicLand, North Plaza FIT 852 Greenwich Yoga School, North Plaza Kapuhala Train-in-Space, North Plaza MAS FIT MGK Fight Club Nutrition and Fitness with Emilie YogaBay, North Plaza YogaUp, North Plaza

To add your own directory listing box, call the Bay Media office on 2987 0577, or email info@baymedia.com.hk

2911 2987 6473 9255 2987 2987 2987 6624 2441 9680 9685 6101 9387 9303 6385 6704 8197

4833 7382 4277 6133 9591 7273 7381 8712 0098 7665 8366 8434 0735 2996 5425 9851 5591

2345 8333 2678 4242 7502 2345 3601 3388 6046 4511 1694 7000 6738 1473 0788 5000

@ www.arounddb.com

WELLBEING

The Beat Dance & Fitness Studio BODYPUMP, BODYBALANCE, GRIT, BODYSTEP & Zumba (fitness, toning & kids). Piloxing, yoga & Pilates, RPM (indoor cycling), plus Latin, belly & wedding dance. Classes for adults & children, & personal training. Contact 5194 9630, info@thebeat.com.hk, www.thebeat.com.hk

3651 2728 2678 2987 2987 3651 2238 2238 2987 2435 3661 3467 2987 2835 2811 2824

VIEW THE BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Bay Spa

ay Spa

Massage, facials & nail services in DB Plaza. Contact 9837 0969 (Tel/ WhatsApp)

Ingredients of Wellness Mindfulness training for children, teens and their parents and teachers. Offering Mindfulness Matters!, Mindfulness in Education (for adults), AMT Mindfulness Teacher Training. Contact 9048 5425, angie@ingredientsofwellness.com, www.ingredientsofwellness.com

Nail Spa: 2987 2266

Afflatus Hair Workshop, North Plaza DB Pure Spa Freedas Maximum Care Nest Care, North Plaza Salon De Coiffure

Massage: 2988 1188

2987 9794 2987 2987 2499 2987

0283 0918 4555 2060 8826 4112

www.arounddb.com

www.arounddb.com March 2020

55

OUT THERE

The contagion of flight Reflecting on airports he has known, Peter Sherwood concludes there’s a bright side to being grounded by COVID-19

A

n airport’s main function is to sell stuff. We are more easily manipulated than our kids’ Play-Doh at what is essentially a giant shopping mall; locked in the ultimate captiveaudience pen, we’re overcharged for everything. This is after they’ve examined our flipflops for high-powered pyrotechnics, stared at us like we’re infected with a coronavirus, checked that we’re not about to spontaneously combust – and tickled us till it hurts.

Security used to be a doddle. Before the Putin kleptocracy and his sole ownership of the 17, 075,400 square kilometres that is Russia, I passed through the capital on the way to the mountains. Moscow’s airport and the rest of the country was in a state of entropy that made Havana look like Manhattan. In a few weeks I was to experience more decay than a thousand Afghan dentists see in a lifetime, except for the airport’s new high-tech security gear. This magnificent imported stuff was so advanced it could tell which brand of vodka its operators – surly, haggard men and women who looked and behaved as grimly as you would expect from people who’d survived lives of tedious drudgery in a living hell – had for breakfast.

Illustration by Terry Chow

Back then, of course, I wasn’t packing surgical face masks

56

examined leaving the airport. (Or you can just bypass the machine with your luggage. The decision is arbitrary – and as irrelevant as the equipment.) One might have the temerity to ask why (some) bags might be examined on the way out, after being scrutinised at the point of departure – and by equipment that actually works.

or special alcohol-based hand sanitisers. I passed through customs and walked untroubled to the plane with a large pair of sharp-pointed crampons and an ice axe. Today, 50 grams of toothpaste looks suspiciously like a toxic nerve agent that could annihilate Los Angeles.

By the book Beyond rational thought is Kathmandu’s ‘Wish I Were Dead’ arrivals area where a wrecked old security machine has a sign saying all bags must be X-rayed and

But would you sacrifice your seat on a 12-hour flight home for a 250-gram packet of soft cheese?

Probably not, though I saw an irate man do exactly that when his curdled Philadelphia treasure – along with his soured dignity – was quickly and ceremoniously confiscated by an Amsterdam official with an airport rule book.

Fair enough. But the man was mad as hell and sufficiently righteous to stand his ground (or airport carpet) demanding his rights – and his cheese – when by law he had none of the former and would lose all of the latter, while missing his plane. On principle.

I watched almost as incensed as the cheese bloke while they unloaded his bags. Cheeseman failed to understand the intricacies of debating with uniformed customs officials. The secret is ‘don’t’. Like falling drunk into a vat of treacle, the more ludicrous the struggle the more inevitable the outcome.

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

Find more from Peter @ www.arounddb.com March 2020 www.arounddb.com

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