Around DB November Issue 2016

Discovery Bay’s original community magazine

WHERE TO HOLIDAY

TO GET FIT

Play Mahjong TO IMPROVE YOUR MATHS

Are local bookstores A LIFE ESSENTIAL?

SURVIVAL TIPS FOR MANIC MORNINGS

HELLO

FESTIVALGOERS! INSIDE THE BIG PICNIC 2016 + YOUR BUMPER PULL-OUT GUIDE

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

Join your community online

Publishers in DB since 2002 NOVEMBER 2016

RENTALS/SALES 康慧台 HILLGROVE

$12.5K

NOVEMBER 2016

明翠台 PARKRIDGE

$20K

頤峰 GREENVALE

$25K/$8M

N

W IO LO AT BE ALU V NK

BA

Gross: 472’ Saleable: 398’ 0

Gross: 713’ Saleable: 588’

Well maintained apartment in a good condition.

Walking distance to DB plaza and pier.

1

寶峰 PARKVALE

$27K

2 1

蘅峯 PENINSULA

$34K

Good layout apartment, great views, easy access to all transport. Vacant sale.

2

悅堤 POSITANO

$4.5M

3 2

Renovated lowrise, effective layout, stunning sea views and in a quiet location.

寶安閣 BLOSSOM

$6.3M

3

Brand new duplex with swimming pool and garden.

24hr concierge service. Privileged life.

2

旭暉閣 JOVIAL

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W IO LO AT BE ALU V NK

Gross: 814’ Saleable: 708’

Renovated apartment, fully equipped kitchen and in a tranquil location.

觀灣樓 BAY VIEW

$13M

3 2

Nicely decorated, effective layout and in a quiet location. For sale with tenancy.

海燕徑 SEABIRD

$17.8M

Gross: 1446’ Saleable: 1220’ 5

Beautifully combined unit, spacious layout, open kitchen and perfect for families.

2

海蜂徑 SEABEE

T AD

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1

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LE

Gross: 1368’ Saleable: 1295’

Gross: 1323’ Saleable: 1085’ 2

$36M

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LE

Gross: 724’ Saleable: 610’ 1

$9.8M

T!

EN

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BA

2

$90K

Gross: 1470’ Saleable: 1470’

Gross: 1298’ Saleable: 1107’

Nicely renovated apartment, balcony with sea views, bright and airy.

1

Nice deco, close to schools and easy access to all transport.

倚濤軒 CRESTMONT

Gross: 895’ Saleable: 769’ 2

Gross: 1088’ Saleable: 947’ 3

Rarely available penthouse duplex! Sweeping sea views from every room. Open kitchen, large private terrace. Vacant Sale! Priced to sell.

3 2

Lovely renovation lowrise apartment, garden with great views, modern open kitchen and in a tranquil location.

Gross: 3100’ Saleable: 2403’ 4 3

Company sale. Detached house, stunning sea views, spacious living and great for entertaining. Vacant sale!

www.headlandhomes.hk

2987 2088

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Info@FaustWorld.com FaustHongKong (852) 2547 9114 www.FaustWorld.com FaustHK (852) 2547 9799 Faust International Ltd. 5th Floor, Nan Dao Commercial Building 359 & 361 Queen’s Road Central, Sheung Wan

8 - 11 Agesup DB3 Gro

Top 10

Best After-School Activity

Winner

2014, 2015, 2016

Hong Kong

Summer Activities for Kids

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Best

After-School Activities for Tots to Teens

Santa shops shops at at Santa

Magic Melody Keyboard Shanghai Warrior

$599

Sunflower Cottage Speaking Keyboard & Wooden Guitar

$1,399

from

Raleigh Bikes 3-8yrs Powertools Work Bench

from

$475

Italtrike Classic Red Bus Sorter red, pink, blue Passenger

$750

Mini Micro Deluxe

$1,399

Isabella with Rocking Cash Register Car Seat with Accessories

$125

pink or green from

$339.90

Applewood Kitchen Princess Palace

$350 Wheely Bug

$799 - $899

$150

Raleigh Bikes & Trikes 18mths - 10yrs

$899

$220

$499

$1,299

Jewellery Craft & Ice Cream Cart LeapBand™ Explosive Experiments Dolls

$499

from

$120

Remote Control Mercedes

Balance Bike Micro G AMG GT3

$950

aqua, pink, purple, blue

from

$650

$550

$999

Wooden Alphabet Truck Creatix Rescue Station Avalanche Fruit Salad Junior Trampoline

$189

$299.90

NEW Central Location

$599

$599.90

$1,499 Flower Activity Walker Hairstyling Head & Hairdressing Case

$750

from

$1,290 $225

Entertainment Building Store, Central T 2522 7112

Pedder Building Store 5/F Pedder Building,12 Pedder Street, Central T: 2522 7112 Horizon Lei Chau T 2552 5000 Stanley Plaza Stanley T 2555 6318 HorizonPlaza PlazaStore, StoreAp21/F Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, ApStore, Lei Chau T: 2552 5000 Stanley Plaza Store 2/F Stanley Plaza, 23 Carmel Road, Stanley T: 2555 6318 Sai Kung Store, Sai Kung T 2976 0223 D Park Store, Tsuen Wan T 2799 2923

www.bumpstobabes.com www.bumpstobabes.com

www.facebook.com/bumpstobabeshk www.facebook.com/bumpstobabeshk

OFFICE 3483 5003

www.homesolutions.hk

Sharon Riley 9664 4749 (S-415475) Misako Takato 9757 0927 (S-287062) Kim Jomar 9748 2367 (E-352962)

NOW SERVING SOUTH LANTAU AND TUNG CHUNG

Meet the HomeSolutions Team

8

Sharon Christine Riley is originally from Australia and has lived in Asia since 1987. She moved to Hong Kong in 1996 and, after discovering the beauty of South Lantau in early 1999, has been living here ever since! Sharon joined the HomeSolutions team in 2012 and has been helping newcomers, long term expats, and the local Hong Kong community with her valuable knowledge and expertise. With her cheerful disposition and fantastic knowledge, she will make your property experience a very pleasant one. +852 9664 4749, sharon@homesolutions.hk

Kim Jomar moved to Hong Kong from the UK in 2008. She knew she wanted to live somewhere where her cats could roam freely, so South Lantau was her natural choice. With a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Hospitality and past management roles, she is a natural when it comes to Real Estate. As the Manager of HomeSolutions, Kim provides valuable advice about moving to Hong Kong and is happy to help in any way she can to make the transition as smooth as possible. +852 9748 2367, kim@homesolutions.hk

Misako Takato moved to Hong Kong in 2001 and to South Lantau in 2010. She joined the HomeSolutions team in 2014 and has been happily assisting families in their move to South Lantau and Tung Chung ever since. She identifies the desires of each person and helps to find them the right place to call home. Misako speaks English, Japanese, and Spanish. Misako will be happy to assist you in your search for a great home in Lantau. +852 9757 0927, misako@homesolutions.hk

Kelly Merrick feels lucky to have discovered South Lantau from the very start of her relocation to Hong Kong. Kelly can help ease your transition to Hong Kong with the many tips she has picked up over the years. She has received commendations in Hong Kong Estate Agents Salesperson examinations. She holds both undergraduate and masters degrees and has a wide range of experience in Real Estate and finance. Kelly really enjoys helping others find a great home in Lantau. +852 9331 8141, property@homesolutions.hk

Call us any time at 3483 5003 or Email PROPERTY@HOMESOLUTIONS.HK November 2016 www.arounddb.com

C-044849

WE HAVE

MOVED!

After many years at Horizon Plaza we have decided to freshen up our business, “Experience the lifestyle”.

We are starting off with a retail outlet, soon to come a coffee shop OPENING NOVEMBER, a BBQ supermarket, specializing in anything you need for a great BBQ. We will also start running some private cooking nights, we will demo our BBQs and your meals will be cooked utilizing our products. The menu will be very exciting and we guarantee there will be something you will like.

JERVISBAY BARBECUES LIMITED HAS MOVED TO A NEW LOCATION GREAT OPENING MONTH SPECIALS Grab a coffee, grab a bargain, soon you can grab a BBQ lesson and dinner

Jervisbay Barbecues Limited 63 Wong Chuk Hang Road Aberdeen Flat B 9 Fl Tin Fung Industrial Mansions Tel: 0900-1830 www.jervisbaybarbecues.com Parking at the rear Tong Bin

NOVEMBER 2016 FEATURES

36

26

PROFILE DB’s osteopath to Olympians Aaron Anderson

30

PARENTING SMARTS How to de-stress manic mornings

36

IN FOCUS Behind the scenes at The BIG Picnic, plus this year’s bumper pull-out festival guide

48

FAMILY MATTERS Is the familyfriendly bookstore on borrowed time?

55

LIFESTYLE Classic snacks for crowdpleasing home entertaining

63

ESCAPES Five wonderful destinations for wellness travel

REGULARS

26

24

COMPETITION Win big prizes at www.arounddb.com

35

MOMENTS Christina Lai, formerly of the Hong Kong Ballet, talks teaching at DMR School of Ballet

59

TALKING POINTS What it takes to master Mahjong and Chinese chess

73

DB FACES Candid community snaps

84

OUT THERE Thoughts on island life

AGENDA 35

59

84 We also publish…

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2016

If you have a story idea, email rachel@baymedia.com.hk To publicise a local event, email sam@baymedia.com.hk For general enquiries, email info@baymedia.com.hk To advertise, email connie@baymedia.com.hk Call 2987 0577/ 2787 0886 Fax 2987 0533

12

IN&AROUND DB Catch up with the latest community news

69

HK HAPPENINGS Find fun things to do across the harbour

75

CLASSIFIEDS Great deals, employment, businesses and more

78

PROPERTY Choice local and overseas homes to buy or rent

81

LOCAL NUMBERS Your ultimate guide in DB and Lantau

Discovery Bay’s original community magazine

ON THE COVER WHERE TO HOLIDAY

TO GET FIT Are local bookstores A LIFE ESSENTIAL?

HELLO

Play Mahjong TO IMPROVE YOUR MATHS SURVIVAL TIPS FOR MANIC MORNINGS

FESTIVALGOERS! INSIDE THE BIG PICNIC 2016 + YOUR BUMPER PULL-OUT GUIDE ALSO: ISLAND-WIDE EVENTS * PRIZES * COMMUNITY SNAPS * CLASSIFIEDS * THOUGHTS ON ISLAND LIFE

Join your community online

Publishers in DB since 2002

The BIG Picnic organisers: Ricky Cumes, Belinda Howard, Steve Garrett, Nick Flavell and Mona Gadalla-Carter

Photo by Baljit Gidwani www.evoqueportraits.com

NOVEMBER 2016

BIKING THE TRAILS

ARE THE UPGRADES NECESSARY?

THE BEAUTIFUL SOUTH

LUXURY PROPERTY UPDATE

Win a pen Smallp rint fitn dan at AJ ess clat and Pau Fitnesssses se Stu and dio

BUFFALO WHISPERER

MEET THE LEGENDARY JEAN LEUNG

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

Join your community online

Publishers in Lantau since 2002

For the latest Around DB updates, find us on

and www.arounddb.com

Publisher Corinne Jedwood corinne@baymedia.com.hk Managing editor Rachel Ainsley rachel@baymedia.com.hk Assistant editor Sam Agars sam@baymedia.com.hk

Harper Burke, Discovery Bay International School

Felicia Tam, Discovery College

Lia Dauphant, Discovery Mind Primary School

Digital strategist & coordinator Claire Severn claire@baymedia.com.hk

SOCK DESIGN COMPETITION WINNERS

Advertising & sales manager Connie Cottam connie@baymedia.com.hk

Thank you to everyone who voted in the Around DB Sock Design Competition 2016 with Eureka Socks and well done to our five finalists who all entered fantastic designs! The DB community has voted on their favourite designs and congratulations go to our three winners – Felicia Tam, 7, from Discovery College, Harper Burke, 6, from Discovery Bay International School and Lia Dauphant, 6, from Discovery Mind Primary School. Felicia, Harper and Lia’s designs will now be made into real socks by DB-based garment company Eureka Socks. Look out for these wonderful, bamboo socks in the school shops in December!

Sales account manager Monika Carruthers monika@baymedia.com.hk Senior graphic designer Andrew Spires andrew@baymedia.com.hk Photography Baljit Gidwani, www.evoqueportraits.com Contributors this month Jennifer Atepolikhine Emily Dowd (intern) Kate Farr Trisha Hughes Patricia Jover Elizabeth Kerr Peter Sherwood

Throughout DB

Eureka Socks started up after concerned parents read about cancer-causing substances found in school uniforms and branded clothing. Natural, healthy and extra soft, the range includes both school and funky socks. Find out more at the Eureka Socks Facebook page.

CHOIR REHEARSALS Discovery Bay International School

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Printing Fantasy Printing Limited 7/F Tin Fung Industrial Mansion, 63 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, Hong Kong

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.

Photo courtesy of Inventum Women’s Choir

Inventum Women’s Choir, directed by DB resident and established choral conductor Bethan Clark, is starting its second round of rehearsals. Sessions run every Wednesday from 4.15pm to 5.15pm through December 7, with the first performance on December 8. All are welcome and participants will be singing old and new Christmas music. Contact inventumwomenschoir@gmail.com or visit the Inventum Women’s Choir Facebook page.

FREE JAPANESE ACUPUNCTURE DB North Plaza

Integrated Medicine Institute is offering free Japanese acupuncture and reflexology assessments with its resident expert Galit Cohen Nagar.

Each 20-minute assessment includes diagnosis by pulse, body palpation (to find any structural imbalances) and abdominal palpation (to assess the inner organs). Based on the diagnosis, individualised treatment recommendations will be provided, but there are no obligations. Call 2537 1087 to make your booking. t ghou Throu mber Nove

www.wikimedia.org

IN&AROUND DB

YOUR GUIDE TO UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS

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DB ENTREPRENEURS NETWORKING BREAKFAST

at Zak’s, DB, kicks off at 8am. For information head to the DB Entrepreneurs Networking Breakfast Facebook page or visit www.t8events.com.

LANTAU BUFFALOS DUATHLON

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Siena Park

Find more information and events @ www.arounddb.com

This year’s Lantau Buffalos Duathlon sees children aged six to 14 tackle a 1.7-kilometre run, a 2.5-kilometre bike ride and a second 1.7-kilometre run. There is also a half distance challenge on offer for six- and seven-year-olds. Proceeds from the event will be donated to Plastic Free Seas. To register for the event, head to www.lantaubuffalos.org.

www.lantaubuffalos.org

THE BIG PICNIC DB Plaza and Tai Pak Wan DB’s celebrated live music and dance festival promises to be bigger and better than ever before this year. And it’s not just the name that’s changed – the party is now taking place at Tai Pak Wan and DB Plaza. For information on the acts on offer and everything else happening on the day, head to The BIG Picnic Facebook page, or turn to page 39 for your bumper pull-out programme.

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www.evoqueportraits.com

DBIS GETS MUSICAL Discovery Bay International School

JOIN A BEACH CLEAN-UP, organised

by Plastic Free Seas and DB Green, at Nim Shue Wan from 9am to 11am. r6 embe v o N Visit www.dbgreen.org.

HARVEY LAW GROUP KART RACE Seabird Lane cycle track The third Harvey Law Group Kart Race is getting into gear with three categories, including one brandnew one. The first category sees those aged seven to 12 race in new-and-improved karts provided by Harvey Law. The second category is freestyle (open to adults as well as kids) and the third sees Discovery College and Discovery Bay International School students build karts and race against each other. For details on kart specification and to register, head to www.hlgkartrace.com.

November is a big month for music at Discovery Bay International School, with the Whole School Music Soirée on November 7 and the Year 5 production on November 23 and 24. The once-a-term music soirée series enables students from Years 1 to 11 to gain invaluable experience through a friendly but formal performance platform. In the Year 5 production, students perform The Trial of Shakespeare. Both shows are open to the whole community and free of charge. For more information, email clambert@dbis.edu.hk.

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Photo by Andrew Ellis

ber 7, Novem

www.arounddb.com November 2016

4

23 & 2

Photo courtesy of DBIS

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IN&AROUND DB IN&AROUND DB

Like us on www.facebook.com/ AroundDB for event reminders

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STOCK UP AT THE PLANT MARKET across

from Haven Court, 2pm to 4.45pm. For more information, call 2238 3617.

DB WATER & WINE EXPO Discovery Bay Marina Club

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The team that brings the Entrepreneurs Networking Breakfast to DB is working with the Discovery Bay Marina Club to deliver a unique wine tasting experience.

With various vendors covering wine, champagne, whisky, cheese and cured meats, high tables for congregating at and a children’s area, the aim is to create a quality tasting and buying environment that reflects the quality of wine on sale. For tickets, visit www.t8events.com.

SHOP THE DISCOVERY BAY SUNDAY MARKET

DINNER WITH PAUL PARKER Hong Kong Football Club

www.wikimedia.org

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St James’s Place Wealth Management, a company which has offices in Discovery Bay, is hosting a night with former England footballer Paul Parker. Paul also played for English powerhouse Manchester United and will reminisce about the highs and lows of his storied career. Head to www.sjp.asia or contact hongkong.info@sjp.asia to find out more.

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in DB Plaza from 11am to 6pm.

DB 10KM RUN FOR CHARITY Start and finish: Siena One

With an exciting new race route due to impending renovations in DB Plaza, this year’s DB 10km Run for Charity provides participants with an allnew challenge. All money raised from the twelfth edition of this annual event will be donated to The Hub HK, a youth centre in Sham Shui Po helping disadvantaged children. To register for the event – which is sponsored by Around DB – head to www.dbrunforcharity.org. Volunteer marshals are also required, so if you’re interested, head to the website and contact the organisers.

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BOOKAZINE FAMILY SLEEPOVER www.dbrunforcharity.org

FUNDRAISER FOR MIGRANT WOMEN ber 18 ovem The Wanch, Wanchai

N

Joy Carbonell, a soloist from the Unsung Heroes, a choir of domestic workers founded by DB resident Jane Engelmann, is performing at a migrant-womenin-crisis fundraiser. Running from 5pm to 8pm, entry is HK$100. For more information, contact rachelrendall@hotmail.co.uk.

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November 2016 www.arounddb.com

www.tmspeakersuk.com

DB Plaza

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www.evoqueportraits.com

Photo courtesy of Rachel Rendall

Bookazine is celebrating its mid-November relocation from DB North Plaza to DB Plaza with a family sleepover. Attendees can expect storytelling, plus cookies and milk. Turn to page 48 to find out more about the bigger and better store.

IN&AROUND DB

WALK FOR OPERATION SANTA CLAUS

SOAP CYCLING AWARENESS RIDE

Discovery Mind Kindergarten

Discovery College Pitch

19 mber

Nove Dress up in your festive best and join in the eleventh annual Discovery Mind Operation Santa Claus Sponsored Walk.

Proceedings kick off Photo courtesy of at 9am, with walkers Discovery Mind Kindergarten starting at Discovery Mind Kindergarten (DMK) and finishing at Siena Park, where children are greeted by the Around DB-sponsored clown. Last year’s event raised a massive HK$135,000. You can pick up a sponsor form at DMK, or find out more by contacting jane@discoverymind.edu.hk.

TEAM FEAR Throughout DB

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Kids aged eight to 18 are training vigorously for the Team FEAR Junior Challenge in support of Hong Kong charity Youth Outreach.

Registration is now www.evoqueportraits.com full, but teams can join the waiting list at www.team-fear.com, with places often becoming available in the lead-up to the race.

BOX OF HOPE All DB schools

gh Throu ber m Dece

Box of Hope is aiming to gift 25,000 underprivileged children in Hong Kong and Asia over the festive season.

The cut-off date for collection of shoeboxes, filled with new and interesting educational gifts, is November 4. To get your child involved, email dana.winograd@gmail.com or visit www.boxofhope.org.

www.soapcycling.org

Soap Cycling, a non-profit operation that works with the hospitality industry to collect, sanitise and recycle slightly used soaps and other sanitation amenities, is holding an awarenessraising family fun day. Expect a scavenger hunt ride, soap games, soap art and parent-child activities. For more information, visit www.soapcycling.org or email info@soapcycling.org.

CONGRATULATIONS CINDY REID A big shout out goes to Cindy Reid of DB’s The Hit Room on her vertical marathon efforts in recent weeks.

Cindy won two vertical marathon champion trophies after climbing two buildings in Hong Kong and Macau in less than 24 hours, with a combined elevation of 712 metres.

Cindy, who has also been busy winning prizes in another of her pursuits, bikini bodybuilding, is taking part in Hong Kong’s inaugural Spartan Sprint obstacle race this month.

Photo courtesy of Cindy Reid

TO ADOPT A PET through

www.boxofhope.org

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November 2016 www.arounddb.com

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Protection of Animals Lantau South (PALS), call Jacqui Green on 9197 4371, for Hong Kong Paws Foundation (PAWS), call Kat Cheung on 9485 5188.

IN&AROUND DB

NEW IN DB BODY EXPRESS

THE BEAT

DB North Plaza

DB Plaza

The Beat, DB’s new dance and fitness studio, is offering residents of all ages the chance to keep fit and have fun at the same time. The Beat introduces a unique concept to keeping fit, with classes ranging from pure Latin American dancing to dance/ cardio fusion and complimentary practices such as yoga.

To find out more, turn to page 22, or visit www.thebeat.com.hk.

2016 PRESTIGE CHRISTMAS GIFT FAIRS Grand Ballroom Conrad Hong Kong

 MON 21 NOVEMBER - The Gift & Lifestyle Fair  TUES 29 NOVEMBER - The Pre-Christmas Gift Parade

A Ballroom of One-Stop Shopping

Free Admission, Open to Public, 10am-8pm Sponsored by:

Online from DB

www.thebeat.com.hk

www.bodyexpress.hk

The Body Express Discovery Bay centre has just launched, using Electro Muscle Stimulation – a low frequency stimulation current – to stimulate muscle contractions via simple fitness poses. With Body Express’ personal training technique, only 20 minutes of training is required each week and results are evident after only six weeks. For more information, head to www.bodyexpress.hk. To win four trial sessions, turn to page 24.

LITTLE BUG PRINTS

www.

.hk

www.littlebugprints.com

With professional photography and a little retouching, Little Bug Prints transforms a selection of your child’s artwork into a wall-hung keepsake that the whole family can be proud of. Each collage is presented in an elegant and modern frame. To win a print, turn to page 24; to find out more, visit www.littlebugprints.com.

Your go to place for Christmas Trees, Decorations and Gifts

Discovery Bay Plaza Tel: 3704 7402 www.expert-shoppers.com

SPONSOREDCONTENT CONTENT SPONSORED

express train to fitness

D

B residents now have access to Electro Muscle Stimulation (EMS) – a revolutionary new personal training technique that is unique to Body Express. Imported from Germany, EMS is a method unlike those used in conventional fitness centres and it is considered one of the most efficient full-body workouts. What’s more, it takes up just 20 minutes of your week!

Photos courtesy of Body Express

Not only does EMS focus on specific training goals, like reducing belly fat, it is also highly effective in terms of cellulite reduction. Through deeply stimulating your muscles, it increases muscle mass, tightens connective tissue and improves circulation and skin tone.

According to medical research, 88.7% of clients also experience a decrease in back pain.

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Body Express, which also has studios in Central and Wanchai, launched in DB North Plaza in September.

Edward Kankam, the head of Body Express Academy, says: “Our team is looking forward to providing DB and Lantau residents with this high-end, effective, 20-minute training solution, in order to achieve their fitness goals.”

Edward, a BodyStreet® master trainer, who has been based in Germany for the past three years, adds: “Along with our body analysis machines, Body Express trainers can help members monitor their progress and results on a consistent basis.”

Only 20 minutes a week EMS is used extensively throughout Europe and has a growing presence in Asia, Australia and Canada. Booming in Germany (where more than 230 stores are currently operating), EMS is hugely popular with top international athletes, as well as celebrities. Scientific research shows that 20 minutes of EMS training is the equivalent of spending five hours 33 minutes in a regular gym.

After roughly six to eight weeks, you will see and feel a visible difference, in the form of increased muscle formation and a reduction in body fat (depending on your diet).

This being said, the team at Body Express is keen to make it clear that this method is by no means a gimmick and should not be viewed as a quick fix. Despite requiring only 20 minutes a week, EMS is in fact tougher than hitting a regular gym, with workouts based around sustained high intensity.

The beauty of EMS is that is doesn’t just target one specific muscle group – up to 90% of muscles are activated simultaneously throughout a workout.

The muscle contractions brought on

by EMS are of a higher intensity than voluntary exertion can achieve on its own. When compared to conventional weight training, EMS training activates deeper muscle groups leading to better balance amongst the muscles in the body and increased core stability. 20 minutes of EMS is equal to over 300 sets in a gym!

Body Express offers both short- and long-term membership packages and flexible conditions that allow members to make up mixed sessions.

Membership fees range from just HK$388 to HK$588 per week. Another plus – Body Express provides all the necessary training gear, so you can leave your gym bag at home.

So what’s the difference to a standard gym session? Simply put, Body Express uses an FDA-approved device that has the capacity to contract muscles via an electrical impulse passing through the muscles.

Contact Body Express Body Express is located at Unit 16, 1/F, Block 2, Office Building, DB North Plaza. Free trials sessions are on offer this month! You can reach the team at 2805 6993, or by visiting www.bodyexpress.hk.

November 2016 www.arounddb.com

d of ou rs ark Pr orte e P h pp t Su ic in cn Pi

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T: +852 2433 6981 E: john.parsons@sjpp.asia Web: www.sjpp.asia/pwwm

T: +852 2433 6980 E: jason.white@sjpp.asia Web: www.sjpp.asia/pwwm

T: +852 2915 0388 E: stephen.putnam@sjpp.asia Web: www.sjpp.asia/tspp

STEPHEN PUTNAM Principal WINNER

The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the titles ‘Partner’ and ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives. Members of the St. James’s Place Partnership in Hong Kong represent St. James’s Place (Hong Kong) Limited, which is an authorised insurance broker by being a member of The Hong Kong Confederation of Insurance Brokers CIB, a licensed corporation with the Securities and Futures Commission and registered as an MPF Intermediary with Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority. St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc Registered Office: St. James’s Place House, 1 Tetbury Road, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 1FP, United Kingdom.

Registered in England Number 4113955.

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step to the beat!

T

Photos courtesy of The Beat

he Beat, DB’s new premier dance and fitness studio, is offering something new and different – the chance to keep fit and have fun at the same time! Located in DB Plaza, the studio opened its doors in September, offering classes for everyone from mummies and babies to toddlers, children, adults and even couples.

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Founded by seven-year DB residents Alyona Zarnitsyna and Ivailo Tonchev, The Beat introduces a unique concept to keeping fit, with classes ranging from pure Latin American dancing to dance/ cardio fusion and complementary practices such as yoga.

Both ex-professional ballroom dancers, Alyona and Ivailo first met on the international circuit. After many successful years competing at the highest level, the Latin American

specialists have now retired from competitive dancing, and are using their wealth of experience and expertise to bring the beauty of dance and the benefits of exercise to the DB community.

“When we came to DB, we saw how healthy people are here, how fitness orientated they are,” says Ivailo, “and we wanted to create something different for them, something that combined dance with different types of workout, like cardio and stretching. A dancer has to be flexible, so including yoga was very important to us, as was the cardio-fitness element.”

Classes for everyone There’s an extensive range of classes on offer at The Beat, all specifically devised with DB residents in mind.

Starting with new mums, there are two

November 2016 www.arounddb.com

specially designed classes (one dancebased, the other yoga-based) where you can bring your babies along and include them in the workout. “These classes allow mums to have a very nice, guilt-free workout,” says Ivailo. “It’s great for bonding.”

The Beat also provides a number of lessons for children aged three to 12, all planned to fit around school schedules. Pre-schoolers are catered for too with the studio’s Happy Feet sessions – interactive classes involving parents/ aunties that help to develop gross motor and listening skills.

Ladies’ classes include the superpopular Ladies Latin Fusion, which mixes traditional Latin dances, such as samba, with social dances, such as bachata. Then there’s Beat Cardio, a high-intensity training workout that burns up to 600 calories in one session.

SPONSORED SPONSOREDCONTENT CONTENT

“This class combines dancing with fitness,” Alyona explains. “So we may be dancing a salsa or samba and I will ask students to go into a plank for 16 counts or do push-ups before going back to the dancing. It’s a lot of fun!”

Other highlights on offer include couples classes, wedding dance preparation and special Cuban nights.

Keeping customers satisifed One-on-one sessions for kids and adults are available, so if you need to train at a certain time, or just want to progress faster, private lessons can be arranged… all in the impressive surroundings of The Beat’s first-class dance studio.

And how impressive it is. Stylish and welcoming, the studio features a specially imported, sprung dance floor, which reduces impact on joints by up to 60%, as well as atmospheric lighting and tonnes of storage space for clients to use. There’s also a stylish lounge area, with free coffee and water,

where clients are encouraged to hang out and chat before and after class.

A real plus for The Beat is the flexibility offered to clients. Both drop-in classes and full programmes are available, with make-up classes offered to clients paying upfront for a full course. So, if you miss your Ladies Latin Fusion

class, you can switch it for a Latin for Adults or salsa class on another day, or even share your package with another family member.

Booking is easy too, through The Beat’s website or its specially designed mobile app, and payments can be made by card, cheque or cash.

Upcoming events • Look out for Alyona, Ivailo and their clients on stage at The BIG Picnic on November 5 • Help raise funds and awareness for men living with prostate cancer at The Beat’s donationbased Daddies and Babies class this month • Join The Beat’s in-house health expert and coach at a free talk on health and nutrition

Contact The Beat You can reach Alyona and Ivailovia via The Beat Facebook page, or at www.thebeat.com.hk.

www.arounddb.com November 2016

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Here’s your chance to win great prizes!

COMPETITION

Win four Electro Muscle Stimulation sessions at Body Express YOUR PRIZE: Body Express is offering one reader four Electro Muscle Stimulation (EMS) sessions, valued at over HK$3,000. The first session lasts an hour and the next three last 30 minutes.

Around DB competitions are incredibly easy to enter (you’ll even find the answers to our questions right here). You have until the 10th of this month to submit your answers.

To enter, email info@baymedia.com.hk, click on the competitions link at www.arounddb.com, or scan the QR Code below. Don’t forget to give us your name When was and telephone number!

Faust formed? www.faustworld.com.hk

Win a Faust holiday workshop YOUR PRIZE: Faust International Youth Theatre is offering one child a place at one of its holiday workshops. The workshops (valued at HK$2,280) are held at the Faust Studio in Sheung Wan – Holiday Theatre (for kids aged four to 12) from December 20 to 23, and Creative Writing (for kids aged six to 13) from December 28 to 30.

Where is Body Express located? www.bodyexpress.hk

FIND THE ANSWER: Whether you want to get rid of that baby weight, or tone up to look and feel your best, Body Express, in DB North Plaza, can help you focus your efforts on the area of concern. EMS training ensures you see a visible difference, with increased muscle formation and a significant reduction in body fat, within six to eight weeks. To book a free trial session or ask about package discounts, call 2805 6993, or visit www.bodyexpress.hk.

Win a print of your child’s artwork from Little Bug Prints YOUR PRIZE: Little Bug Prints is offering one reader a medium-sized print of their child’s artwork (worth HK$910).

FIND THE ANSWER: Set up by DB resident Louise Sunter, Little Bug Prints uses children’s original artwork to create bespoke, framed, collage-style prints. Professional photography and digital retouching are used to create a modern and elegant keepsake. To place an order, call 6050 1326, or visit www.littlebugprints.com.

Who founded Little Bug Prints?

FIND THE ANSWER: Aiming to nurture creative talent through the performing arts since 1999, Faust combines years of experience with a passion for drama and expert teaching. Faust’s workshops provide a funfilled learning environment for children aged three to 18, allowing them to develop greater self-confidence and teamwork skills. Visit www.faustworld.com.hk.

Win tickets to see Roald Dahl’s The Twits YOUR PRIZE: ABA Productions is offering one reader four tickets (worth HK$495 each) to see Roald Dahl’s The Twits at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Wanchai on November 25 at 5pm.

FIND THE ANSWER: In this mischievous stage adaptation of Roald Dahl’s well-loved book, brave children and their families are invited to bear witness to the most horrid couple of all time – Mr and Mrs Twit – as they take to the stage from November 25 to 27. For tickets, starting at HK$295, visit www.hkticketing.com.

Who are The Twits?

www.littlebugprints.com

www.aba-productions.com

Congratulations to last month’s winners Justin Choo for an osteopathic treatment at the Integrated

Medicine Institute; Tina Li and Rosine De Leacy for classes at The Beat dance and fitness studio; and Tabby Peters for tickets to see Horrible Histories – The Best of Barmy Britain.

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November 2016 www.arounddb.com

PROFILE

LYMPIAN Photo by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com

Osteopath and Australian Olympic team consultant Aaron Anderson discusses DB’s alpha types, Rio and holistic medicine with Elizabeth Kerr

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T

here are oodles of doctors in Hong Kong, and a good number in Discovery Bay – a specialist for every creaky back and knee, every tense shoulder, forehead wrinkle and throat tickle imaginable. But how many of them can say they’ve treated elite international athletes that won silver medals as recently as the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio? Integrated Medicine Institute (IMI) osteopath

Dr Aaron Anderson can.

“I’m not the team doctor. The French word is soigneur, which means helper,” Aaron, a Melbourne native, is quick to point out of his work with Cycling Australia. That may be the case, but Aaron was indeed among the crew working with the Men’s Track Endurance (Men’s Teams Pursuit) Olympians, who won the Gold medal last August. And Aaron is pretty chuffed

November 2016 www.arounddb.com

about it on a realistic level: “I’m happy to be involved but at the end of the day they’re the guys on the track.”

Specialist in his field It’s throwing it down the morning Aaron waltzes into a Central coffee shop for our chat. He’s remarkably dry, though the soft-spoken Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology graduate and double degree holder (in

PROFILE

of minor jobs around the resort that teach kids responsibility. “Our kids can’t mow someone’s lawn or babysit or wash cars,” he says. “How do you employ someone when they’ve never had a job and they’re 25?”

As a licensed osteopath, Aaron planned on working here, but he was initially apprehensive about his prospects. “Osteopathy is mainstream in Australia, but only about 20 osteopaths currently work in Hong Kong,” he reveals. “Moving here, I was literally door-knocking to find a space to base myself but then I got lucky as IMI opened in DB just a few months later. It’s been such a good fit as it’s a multi-disciplinary practice – Asia’s largest natural therapy clinic – with many different specialists.”

feats FEATS

Osteopath to Olympians Aaron Anderson in DB with his eldest daughter Tara

sports science and osteopathy) does hint that it’s quieter away from the window. You want to do as he says: he vaguely recalls Outlander’s Tobias Menzies’ long lost cousin – and that guy is scary.

But Aaron is really not. Clearly grounded, he goes from reticent and cautious to relaxed and familiar in minutes, and has an understated sense of how notable his Cycling Australia work is, particularly in a city defined by its border-hopping professionals.

“I guess I had the right skill set that

they needed for me to go away on these Olympic camps,” he says.

See? Understatement.

Interestingly, it’s Aaron’s wife Shan’s skill set that sees him living in Discovery Bay. He followed her speech pathologist career to Discovery College four years ago, with their (now) eight- and 11-year-old daughters, Amber and Tara, in tow.

DB has proven to be a natural fit, and though they have no solid long-term plans, the immediate future is set. The one thing Aaron laments is the lack

Of his work at IMI, Aaron is quick to point out that osteopathy shouldn’t be confused with homeopathy or other alternative medicines. “People lump them into one big ball,” he begins, “but I don’t prescribe medication. So they’re very different. Osteopathy is an alignment-based medicine. It’s a musculoskeletal medicine, looking at the way the body moves, and it’s a manual medicine, so we use our hands.

What an osteopath does is treat the cause, not the symptom. A sore knee can be the result of a hip injury; a painful lower back can be the result of collapsed feet.”

Sounds like a perfect fit for sedentary, not-enoughcarpal-tunnel-heavy, sleep Hong Kong, but awareness of the practice is low. “The issue with osteopathy in Hong Kong is that it’s so niche,” Aaron says. “It’s just not on people’s radar and if you don’t know what it is, you won’t try it.

Hongkongers are more likely to go to a physiotherapist.”

Admittedly, Aaron’s primary physician status did exempt him from extra certification, so there are advantages to Hong Kong’s notorious efficiency.

Aaron calls it more disappointing because the potential is right there on the surface. “I think one of the 

www.arounddb.com November 2016

27

PROFILE problems is that Hong Kong is so transient you get good people coming here but not staying long enough to make a change,” he says. “They don’t stay for 40 years. They move on and you’re constantly starting again.”

Elite relief Regardless of how it happened, DB now has its own therapist whose ‘clients’ include Olympic medalwinning athletes. In the 12 months leading up to Rio 2016, Aaron was busy at Olympic selection camps treating cyclists, making sure he was at crashes, and preparing them for the Games. “If you like sports it’s one thing to watch, but it’s better to be involved,” he says.

“So, yeah, you are a part of that and you’ve always got those memories.”

Cool as the whole experience was,

Aaron didn’t do it for the glamour.

“There’s no money in elite sport,” he scoffs. “You don’t go into it for cash; you go into it for experience. It’s certainly not a way to generate wealth.”

It’s no shock white-collar Hong Kong has a wealth of lower back and neck issues, but working at IMI (in both DB and Central) Aaron gets to treat everything from digestive and respiratory problems to migraines and insomnia. He’s not looking for ways to connect with Hong Kong’s uberelite athletes, sure that they have their own go-to therapists, but he enjoys treating the city’s type-A professionals, who play (sport) as hard as they work.

“Make that triple-A,” he cracks of DB clients who frequently participate in Iron Man races, see him and then immediately hop on a bone-crushing long-haul flight for business.

Find more local heroes

Gratified by the interest DBers have shown in osteopathy, Aaron’s one complaint is that too many patients see him after suffering for many years.

“Patients come in and say they saw their doctor, surgeon, a physiotherapist, a Pilates instructor and now they’re seeing me. By then I really have my work cut out for me – the injury has become ingrained.”

But Aaron is pleased at what he sees as a swing towards permanent solutions rather than surface fixes for mechanical problems, a fairly new idea to Hong Kong. “You go to a doctor here and you get a show bag of medicines,” he finishes. “I’m certainly not anti-medicine, but are you treating the symptom or are you treating the cause? The solution might be getting to bed earlier and dropping the iPad.” Tell that to a triple-A type.

@ www.arounddb.com

Exhibition of

WATER & WINE *

Discovery

Bay

Marina

Club

*

T8 Consulting in conjunction with the DB Marina Club is delighted to announce the inaugural Discovery Bay Wine Expo at the Discovery Bay Marina, Marina Drive, DB Over a dozen wine & spirit merchants, offering a diverse tasting accompanied by fine meats & cheese in the perfect setting A great opportunity to order for Christmas Saturday12th November from 1pm till 7pm Tickets HK$150 includes your wine glass Early bird discount HK$100 till 5 November

Register Online: www.t8events.com

MARINA CLUB

DISCOVRY BAY

PARENTING SMARTS

Does keeping all those balls in the air make you wish for octopus arms?

DE-STRESS

THE MORNING ROUTINE Do you battle five days out of seven to get your kids dressed, fed and ready for school? Kate Farr’s sneaky survival tips will help you transform those manic mornings

Photos courtesy of www.wikimedia.org

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sk any busy parent to list their number-one family headache, and they’re liable to tell you that keeping tabs on the morning schedule is up there with mastering astrophysics, i.e. nearimpossible. If keeping all those balls in the air is making you wish for octopus arms, then it’s time to cheat your way to organisational bliss with these savvy shortcuts.

Dress for success The first step is to ensure that the majority of your prep is done the night

before. Get your kids to help you lay out their uniform and any accessories – such as hair clips – before bed, bag up the smaller items in a drawstring pouch and hang everything on the back of the door.

If space is at a premium, gather up all the items needed, lay them on a flat surface, such as a bed, and then roll them all up into one neat package before stashing it in a drawer. Rolling, rather than folding, ensures that clothes remain crease free (always un-ball socks first), and leaves you with a neat, grab-and-go package that eliminates the frantic morning

November 2016 www.arounddb.com

search. Note – this also works well for Mum and Dad’s outfits and saves valuable time.

Swerve the inevitable shoes-on-thewrong-feet panic by putting two halves of a sticker in your kids’ shoes. They just need to match the halves to ensure that the shoes are on correctly!

Best face forward While the kids are getting dressed, you’ve got approximately three-anda-half minutes to tackle your hair and make-up for the day.

’’ PARENTING SMARTS

If you like to wash your hair in the morning, invest in a microfibre towel to wrap around your hair as you leave the shower. This will soak up any excess water quickly, significantly speeding up your blow-dry. No time for a washand-blow dry? Dry shampoo, or, in a pinch, baby powder to the rescue!

Apply sparingly to oily roots, rub through, then brush out with a natural bristle brush for fresh(ish) hair that will see you through the day.

Finally, to avoid lipstick on your teeth, after application always put your finger in your mouth, close your lips around it then pop it out. Any excess colour will cling to your finger, rather than your teeth.

Eat smart In an ideal world we’d all love to linger over long family breakfasts of pancakes, eggs and hot coffee… but back to reality, where everyone is halfway out of the door as soon as the alarm rings.

How to ensure that everyone is fuelled up and ready to face the day?

Batch-cook crêpes in advance, then load up with chopped fruit, nut butters, cottage cheese… the options are endless. Substitute regular flour for quinoa, coconut or chia flour for a high-protein hack that will keep hunger at bay until lunchtime.

Alternatively, smoothies are always a popular choice, with near-endless varieties to explore. Simply throw in your choice of fruit (bags of frozen fruit work well here), veggies, perhaps some seeds and some protein (tofu gives a lovely creamy texture if dairy’s off the menu), press go, then run.

Another perpetual headache is the packed lunch, but again, massproduction is the name of the game to save time. Batch-make sandwiches then freeze (defrost overnight in the fridge). You can also freeze juice boxes and water bottles for refreshing break-time drinks that double as cool packs, and portion off several small pots of raisins, carrot sticks and grapes to throw in at the last minute.

Finally, ensuring that each child has

The first step is to ensure that the majority of your prep is done the night before

two lunchboxes – one in use and one ready to go – enables you to pack for the next day at leisure and also saves stress if your kiddo forgets his box at school.

On your bike…

… Your scooter, or even your feet! If you struggle to find time for a morning workout, then incorporating the school run into your exercise regime can save you time and money too! Of course, here in DB, there are always certain times of year when it’s either lashing it down with rain or sweltering hot, however this time of year is ideal for walking, biking or scooting with the kids to school. Throw on your workout gear and head straight out of the door – that way you won’t get sidetracked with other items on the to-do list.

Walking to school is also a sneaky way to encourage kids to get moving without even realising they’re exercising, which is ideal for wouldbe couch potatoes. If they still need encouragement, then an active game, be it racing to the next fire hydrant, measuring who can jump the highest – or even Pokémon Go – makes the journey a little more fun.

Batch-cook crêpes in advance, then load up with nutritious toppings

Find more child-centric stories

Now you’ve reclaimed your morning routine with these easy hacks, hitting the snooze button may once again become a realistic option. Enjoy!

@ www.arounddb.com

www.arounddb.com November 2016

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Experience Japanese Acupuncture & Reflexology FREE Assessments Available During the month of November, book in for a FREE 20-minute assessment with IMI’s Japanese Acupuncturist and Reflexologist Galit Cohen Nagar.

Japanese Acupuncture is especially helpful for all types of pain, fertility issues, menstrual problems, irritable bowel and insomnia, while Reflexology offers the beneficial effect on the organs and person’s general health by improving blood supply and activating nerves.

Assessment includes diagnosis by pulse, body palpation to find structural imbalance and abdominal palpation to learn more about in inner organ. Based on the diagnosis, individualized treatment recommendations will be provided. No obligations.

Please call 2537 1087 to make a booking today!

MOMENTS

MASTER CLASS DMR School of Ballet’s new dance teacher Christina Lai opens up to Jennifer Atepolikhine about her dazzling career with the Hong Kong Ballet and her latest teaching role

W

e all can remember that special teacher who inspired us to keep going when faced with difficulties and taught us not to give up, and for DMR School of Ballet’s new dance teacher Christina Lai, that was Jean Wong.

Photo by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com

“When I was in primary school, we had dance teachers who would come to watch and spot talent; they would look for flexibility, ability to follow instructions and posture. I was lucky enough to win the Tsinforn C. Wong Memorial Scholarship to train at the Jean M. Wong School of Ballet,” Christina says. “I went three times a week, travelling from my home on Kowloon side to the Happy Valley studio. The journey time was often over twice the lesson time but I loved ballet so much it was worth it.”

That Christina’s early dedication paid off will not be news to ballet fans, since she danced professionally with the Hong Kong Ballet from 1988 to 2000. Moving up through the ranks from the corps de ballet to senior soloist artist, she recalls this time in her life as “simply fabulous”. Her many leading roles included Lise in La

fille mal gardée, the Snow Queen in The Nutcracker and the Girl in Blue in Les Patineurs.

A grand passion Christina teamed up with DMR in August, though she has been teaching ballet across Hong Kong since her son Tim, 15, was born.

“I was drawn to work at DMR because the school offers a wide range of teaching styles, plus the demanding and exacting curriculum of the RAD [Royal Academy of Dance] courses,” she says.

“With high-level students, particularly, this helps them focus on a goal and keeps them motivated to achieve higher and higher standards.”

Interestingly, Christina finds her DB students quite different from those she teaches elsewhere in Hong Kong. The DB kids are always asking questions and the reasons behind her instructions, while her other students accept what she says more easily.

Christina also admits that at times discipline is challenging, especially with the younger DB dancers.

Christina Lai inspiring students at DMR School of Ballet

Find more local heroes

“Ballet technique with the correct posture is the most important thing to learn, followed by artistry – they need to learn how to dance gracefully – and self-discipline,” Christina explains.

It’s clear that Christina teaches ballet in order to share her life’s passion, and her own ‘Cinderella’ story is truly inspirational. After training with Jean Wong, she was awarded the Heinz Bosl Scholarship in 1985 to study with Madame Marika Besabrasova at the Ecole de Danse Classique Princesse Grace in Monte Carlo. In 1988, Christina won the South China Morning Post Student Dancer of the Year Award and joined the Hong Kong Ballet.

Christina’s glittering career has allowed her to travel the world, perform before thousands and find true love (she met her husband Danny Wong when he was working backstage for the Hong Kong Ballet) but she is cautious about encouraging young ballerinas to follow in her footsteps. “As a teenager, I missed out on a lot of the social life my friends enjoyed and I also had to be very careful about what I ate,” she says. “There’s no denying it’s a tough profession but wholly worth it if you have the passion!”

Find it • DMR School of Ballet, www.dmr-hk.com

@ www.arounddb.com

www.arounddb.com November 2016

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IN FOCUS

Photos www.huffingtonpost.com, www.pixabay.com and www.bustle.com Photos courtesy from PiPof2016

by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com and Vincent Ypersiel

PiPsters will love The (all-new) BIG Picnic

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GREAT DAY FOR A

PICNI

Having taken the reins of The BIG Picnic, launching on November 5, rock star, flyboy‌ and event organiser Nick Flavell is making big plans for the future.

Elizabeth Kerr reports November 2016 www.arounddb.com

IN FOCUS

Bands play across three stages DB dance troupes, clubs and schools are in on the act

N

ick Flavell is wholly unperturbed.

The freshly minted director – and organiser, and programmer, and marketing guru, and headliner – is days away from kicking off the revamped Picnic in the Park (PiP), now The BIG Picnic (TBP), on November 5. While it’s been a lot of work (he says he doesn’t know if he’s going to have a wife much longer), he is decidedly unaffected by pre-launch jitters.

“They left me a sinking ship and I have to make it float again,” jokes Nick, before tipping his hat to Jim AlbaDuignan’s original crew for making PiP what it was.

Nick, who moonlights as both a pilot and the frontman for DB band Helium3, was one of the minds behind the original PiP back in 2005, but had never really been involved in the nuts and bolts of organising it. “It was literally a stage set up in the park. I think it started with four or five bands, and it got bigger each year,” he recalls. “Then they got the community involved – the local dance groups would come and do a show, the schools wanted to come in – and it snowballed into the twostage event.”

So long Siena Park The ship wasn’t sinking but it had sprung a serious leak – last year, PiP lost both its main sponsor and primary venue. But any cloud can have a silver lining. Newly dubbed The BIG Picnic (TBP), the popular

and wholly voluntary, resident-run event is throwing down the gauntlet and proving there’s more to live music than (the younger) Clockenflap.

Unintended it may be, but TBP is setting itself up as the more local, less aggressively alternative cousin to that high-profile festival weekend.

“The venue change – and hence the name change – was because it used to be in Siena Park. It was a park,” explains Nick with a smile. “It was near Discovery College and they had some playing fields, and we used the grass there as the second stage. It was really well set up. Then Discovery College went and turfed their pitches.”

Nick understands full well Discovery College did nothing wrong – it’s a school, not a concert hall. But seeing as very little is less welcoming and fun to hang out on than Astroturf, the hunt was on for a new venue. Even if a solution had been found, the festival would have been on the hook for any damage to the field. “We would have to pay over a million dollars to fix it,” Nick says. That was simply too much stress for a free event, trying to keep costs down, stick to one day – and maintain its charitable nature.

TBP landed in really the only location that makes sense – in DB Plaza and on the adjacent beach, Tai Pak Wan. After Jim officially passed the baton early in 2016, Nick and his right hand, Steve Garrett, installed a new team, which included an impartial programming committee, and got to work creating Hong Kong’s answer to Austin City Limits.  www.arounddb.com November 2016

Local legends rock out

Time to chill and grab a beer

YRock stars are on the bill



37

IN FOCUS

Helium3 is set to play the main stage

“We’re changing the atmosphere a bit.

Before it was like a dog chasing its tail.

Once the music was on at 10.30am it never stopped until 9.30pm,” begins Nick. “Based on the feedback we’ve got, people don’t want that all the time.

They want to watch an act, like it, chill out, grab a beer and wander around.”

Bayside bonnaroo So what’s in store? The first, smaller stage in DB Plaza will be the busiest, with community events and local schools showcasing their bands and troupes, and the music will have a country-folktechno vibe. The beach stage, facing the water, will feature more established bands and will be complemented by an unofficial third stage for laidback acoustic sets between main stage acts, perched not far from the beer tents.

Lining the plaza, behind the stage, will be a Handmade Hong Kong-organised marketplace for local artisans and food vendors. It’s an ambitious plan.

“Absolutely,” states Nick. “And I wouldn’t use the term ‘community event’ anymore. We are looking for support from Hong Kong and it’s starting to come anyway. The location change will really help.” True.

Admission is just the cost of a ferry ticket that drops you right at the venue door. “If Discovery Bay and Hong Kong want this event to keep going it was the

only option,” argues Nick, knowing full well there are likely to be complaints (RIP Victoria Park’s Rockit Hong Kong), but he’s confident that after all is said and done, residents will be thrilled – and sponsors will return.

“I think last year PiP was voted Discovery Bay’s favourite event with Hong Kongers,” Nick says. “It’s a proper festival now. Or it will be after November.”

And therein lies the biggest challenge.

Nick is thankful that sponsors Hong Kong Resort, Headland Homes, AM Capital, RMD Kwikform and Hemingway’s By The Bay have come to the rescue this year. And he hopes a new wristband policy will help cover costs and leave enough left over for TBP’s supported charities (KELY Support Group, Plastic Free Seas and Hong Kong Student Aid Society).

For a HK$100 wristband in advance or at the door, attendees will be entitled to perks like discounts on beer, food, some market goods and merchandise. If half the expected 10,000 buy a wristband, TBP should come out in the black.

The only question left is who’s on the bill. Nick and Co. are still tweaking the line-up but it will include Nick’s Helium3 and The Red Stripes. Nick is looking for gigging bands with flair,

Bumper pull-out festival guide 2016

38

November 2016 www.arounddb.com

Festival fun for all the family

poise and, frankly, stage presence. Liam Gallagher types need not apply. “This is not what we want,” he says. “We want bands to engage the audience.”

Be prepared for some surprises; gone are the days when friends of friends picked up spots. “It did seem a bit incestuous in the past. We’re trying to remove that,” says the man who runs the show and whose band is playing the de facto main stage. “I’ve been trying to get us the headliner slot for four years!”

Nick cracks, adding, “If it’s not us, that’s fine by me. We can try again next year.”

Find it • The Big Picnic, www.thebigpicnichk.com

WELCOME TO THE BIG PICNIC 2016!

It’s that time of year again; first Saturday in November – PICNIC TIME! A new location and a slightly different approach, but all the same great ingredients that went into making Picnic in the Park such a success for the last ten years continue with this our eleventh show – The BIG Picnic – once again showcasing fantastic local Discovery Bay talent and raising money to support the work of our nominated charities.

It’s with great pride and excitement that we bring The BIG Picnic back to November, where it will stay.

This annual event showcases Discovery Bay’s community spirit at its best as DB residents come together to enjoy a dazzling variety of music, dance and local talent, helping raise awareness and funds for local charities Plastic Free Seas, Kely Support Group, and Hong Kong Student Aid Society.

The BIG Picnic nearly didn’t happen again this time due to needing to find a new location. We have been lucky to receive the support and help of Hong Kong Resorts, Discovery Bay City Owners, RMD Kwikform, Pegasus, Headland Homes and a host of other sponsors listed here and around the venue.

Without them today would not have been possible. We’re very grateful and would like to use this opportunity to thank them, especially Key Lam from DBSML. Our new location has not been without controversy though and has required some compromises. For size, transportation, and convenience it offered the best alternative for this wonderful annual event to continue. With this in mind, we ask for your assistance in treating the beach, the beach village and its residents with respect, and most importantly keeping the whole area clean.

We invite everyone down to Tai Pak Beach to join us for a day of great music and fun! Bring your family and friends, bring a picnic, or enjoy the great food and beverages available at the beach and in the plaza. Sit back and relax while enjoying the acts on our three stages, or wandering around the market stalls in the plaza. The Beach Stage will be hosting the main bands, and we have a smaller Acoustic Stage next to our very own BIG Picnic Beach Bar. The Plaza Stage is hosting an array of dance acts and music, then from 5pm both Beach and Plaza Stages become live music venues.

This event continues to be organised on a non-profit basis by a team of local DB volunteers who give up months of their time for this one day, so a BIG BIG Picnic THANK YOU to all who have contributed to making it happen – and to everyone in the DB community for their ongoing support. We hope The BIG Picnic will continue for many years to come!

Photo: Baljit Gidwani – www.evoqueportraits.com

Have a rocking day!

Nick Flavell Steve Garrett Ricky Cumes Mona Gadalla-Carter Belinda Howard The BIG Picnic Organising Team L to R: Nick, Ricky, Belinda, Mona, Steve

OFFICIAL MERCHANDISE

LIMITED EDITION 2016 BIG PICNIC T-SHIRT! Available in XS, S, M, L, XL and XXL, plus Kids’ sizes 2, 4 and 6 – HK$150. Quantities are limited so come early!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FIRST AID & LOST PROPERTY If you need First Aid assistance or have any lost or found property, please visit the First Aid station next to the Beach Stage.

LOST CHILDREN AND GENERAL ENQUIRIES Event Information Desk is located in the backstage area to the right of the Beach Stage.

Please direct enquiries and emergencies here.

KIDS’ ZONE Bouncy castles and a playground to help keep kids entertained all day! All the fun is at the northern end of the beach.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Show your support and pick up your HK$100 event Wristband!

Get special prices on beer, wine and soft drinks at The BIG Picnic Beach and Plaza Bars as well as Hemingway’s and McSorley’s.

Discounts at selected market stalls, event T-Shirts, and the chance to win fantastic prizes in our lucky draw.

Your purchase supports the festival and this year’s charities.

50% of proceeds go directly to Plastic Free Seas, Kely Support Group and Hong Kong Student Aid Society.

Pre-order yours from ticketflap.com/thebigpicnic or purchase on the day at our BIG Picnic Plaza and Beach Bars and The BIG Picnic merchandise stall. Hurry – limited numbers available!

ARTS & CRAFTS MARKET Check out the Market all around the Plaza for great hand-made Hong Kong arts and crafts.

PARTY IN THE PLAZA The fun continues at Hemingway’s with more live music starting at 10pm.

Support Plastic Free Seas!

Get your reusable cup: HK$100 Available from the Charity Central cabana on the beach.

8:45pm Beach Stage

7:00pm Beach Stage

11:15am Plaza Stage

7:45pm Beach Stage

4:30pm Plaza Stage

8:15pm Plaza Stage

JADED 11:00am Beach Stage

MKD2

6:45pm Plaza Stage

2:30pm Beach Stage

BEER GARDEN

5:15pm Plaza Stage

JAYWALKERS

4:45pm Beach Stage

10:15am Beach Stage

3:15pm Beach Stage

1:45pm Plaza Stage

CAN

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LED

ASYNDETON

PHOEBE

THE FOLK UPS TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES

Métier 1:45pm Beach Stage

12:00pm Plaza Stage

DC BANDS

10:15am Plaza Stage

DBIS BANDS

JAMES’ SECRET

6:00pm Plaza Stage

Rainbow Chow

OTHER THEORIES

11:45am Beach Stage

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ROLLING STONED

4:00pm Beach Stage

5:30pm Beach Stage

7:30pm Plaza Stage

DON’T PANIC

JACK RABBIT SLIM

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:

Venue sponsor

Stage builders

AM CAPITAL

PROUDLY SUPPORTING:

Eye Level Math learning centre celebrates its 10th Year Anniversary in DB!

LEARNING MATH IS FUN! Eye Level math is operated in more than 25 countries with a total of over 2.5 million students. The programme has been awarded Parent’s Choice for Educational Brand for multiple years.

Hermann Chu, Director of Eye Level Health and Intelligence Education Centre says “We started our centre in the south plaza 10 years ago as E.NOPI MATH and after worldwide rebranding to EYE LEVEL MATH moved to North Plaza. We are happy that we have helped students to improve and enjoy math throughout the years and we are happy that their parents also entrust their brothers and sisters to our caring.”

WHAT IS YOUR SECRET OF SUCCESS? ”We have a great curriculum. The 32-level programme helps students with interrelated pathways to master concepts progressively and structurally. Most importantly, one-third of our curriculum is the unique CRITICAL THINKING MATH (the FUN book) consisting of multi-dimensional activities which greatly enhance the understanding of more advanced mathematical concepts and their applications in a fun way. Moreover we emphasize learning math is not to just learn numbers, we learn the logic to solve problems” EFFECTIVE TEACHING APPROACH Our experienced tutors are very interactive with students and we have personal coaching with

students while at the same time encourage Self Directed Learning.

We have a proven track record in helping students to either advance in their math group level or simply gain confidence in the subject.”

FUTURE PLANS “We understand the learning needs of the kids in this community thus we will enhance the learning experience of students with Eye Level Math Online, which is a great revision tool. We will continue to strengthen the communication with parents, and are also considering to launch Eye Level Chinese and Eye Level English to provide a one-stop solution to students. All our tutors are very happy that we have been and will be part of our students’ successful and happy life journeys.” www.myeyelevel.com

10th Anniversary Offer for New and Re-joined Students valued up to $800 • FREE DIAGNOSTIC TEST • Two FREE LESSONS *

Existing students can refer new students to enjoy offers valued up to $588 (book coupons, tuition discount, Now Player Junior App) ***

• Up to $300 discount in tuition ** • One month FREE Pass to enjoy Now Player Junior App with 1,000+ hours of edutainment TV Programs

OFFERS VALID TILL JAN 31, 2017

Centre address: G/F, Unit One, Commercial Tower Two, DB North Plaza.

Call 93660000 or email to hi@hicentre.biz for enquiry and enrolment *For 2 or 3 month enrolment only. **$100 discount for 1 month upfront enrolment, $200 discount for 2 month upfront enrolment, $300 for 3 month upfront enrolment. Classes must be attended continuously for the discount period ***Book coupon available while stock lasts. All offers subject to final decisions by Eye Level DB. Other conditions apply.

FAMILY MATTERS

Why are bookstores across the globe facing closure?

Illustration by Fred Boot; photos courtesy of www.wikimedia.org

THE REAL THING!

48

In a world where books are just a click away, the digital onslaught of e-books and Amazon-style retailers has put bookstores in a difficult predicament. Is the bricks-and-mortar family bookstore on borrowed time? Trisha Hughes finds out

I

’ve always imagined that Heaven will be a kind of library.

I’m the sort of person who gets drunk off that old book smell and I believe that something magical happens when you physically open a book. Buying a book is not about purchasing a possession. It’s about securing a portal to the unknown because books aren’t made up of only words and pages. They’re made up of

hopes, dreams and possibilities. They let us travel anywhere we want without even moving our feet.

most constant of friends, the wisest of counsellors and the most patient of teachers.

We can lose ourselves in books but we can also find ourselves there too.

What a miracle it is that out of these small, flat, rigid squares of paper, world after world after world unfolds and if you listen, they sing to you. They really do. Books are the quietest and

So why are bookstores across the globe facing closure? Have digital books led us astray? Have we been lured away by the siren song of Amazon’s underpricing? Have we been careless, failing to support the very places that have hosted our children’s story hours and

November 2016 www.arounddb.com

FAMILY MATTERS

Books are made up of hopes, dreams and possibilities

brought in touring authors at summerreading tables for them? Is there even a future for the bookstore?

Living on borrowed time The older I get, the more I realise I just need the simple things in life to make me happy: a comfy home surrounded by the people I love, a good book to read and a local meeting place to catch up with friends. Having said that, I know I’m not the only one who was devastated last month to hear that Dymocks had shut its doors in DB Plaza.

To most DBers, Dymocks wasn’t just a bookstore. It was a social venue for

readers who loved to browse and chat.

I’ve spent many happy hours there with a book in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other. Looking up, I’ve realised that everyone was carrying on with their lives as usual, as though I hadn’t just experienced an emotional trauma at the hands of a paperback.

Dymocks was somewhere we spent time with our kids and grandkids, sharing our love of books over a juice and a coffee. Very little beats saying to a child, ‘Pull up a chair, I have a story to tell you’. By introducing children to our favourite authors, we teach them that while there are some books you read, and some you enjoy, there are others that just swallow you

up heart and soul. They are the proof that some books work magic. As Plato said, “Books give a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.”

Family-dedicated Dymocks and its welcoming owners, Susan and Carlos Leung, will be sadly missed. Of the closure, Susan explains: “It has been an impossible battle but we’ve run this race the best way we can. We lost quite a lot of money but have gained so much life experience, knowing so well this trade is not for standalone owners.

We are glad to know Bookazine will come in, for them it should be easier with financial backup and a wholesale distributor.”

And there, of course, is the silver lining: Bookazine is relocating this month from DB North Plaza to a much larger premises in DB Plaza.

Upholding a tradition

The best bookstores have intimate spaces set aside for reading

In my humble opinion, to be successful, bookstores must have small, quiet spaces cocooned with books, larger spaces to browse, and intimate spaces set aside for reading. Service should be knowledgeable, the inventory expertly selected, spaces well designed and the events enticing. Bookstores must also buzz with activity – authors must be allowed to have launches and read 

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49

FAMILY MATTERS

’’

Bookazine is relocating from DB North Plaza to a larger premises in DB Plaza

excerpts from their books. Bookstores must improve the experience of buying books and go one step further.

Talking to Bookazine’s marketing manager Clemence Robine, I am assured that the family-run chain, established 31 years ago in Hong Kong, is about to come into its own in its new DB location. For starters, readers will be delighted to note that the store’s opening event on November 19 is a family sleepover. Clemence says we can “expect storytelling, cookies and milk and lots of fun”.

For the team at Bookazine, headed up by the Mirchandani sisters, it seems every consideration has been pondered.

“We want to make our customers’ lives easy,” says Clemence. “If we don’t have a book you want in DB, we can bring it over from one of our other branches, or order it especially for you. We also have an in-store Partytime shop selling [imported] balloons and piñatas, partyware, party decorations, party bags and more. We always welcome suggestions on the products we carry in our shops.”

Assured that children in the community are going to be well looked after, I have one more question for Clemence, one

Very little beats saying to a child, ‘Pull up a chair, I have a story to tell you’

There are only three choices in life: Give up, give in or give it your all.

In Bookazine, books are no more threatened by Kindle than stairs are by elevators. The Mirchandanis have accepted the challenge and they are giving it their all. It is now up to us to support our local bookstore.

Resources for local booklovers • Sign your little bookworms up for creative writing classes. The Story Studio runs 90-minute workshops in DB for kids who love reading and writing stories. Email thestorystudiohk@yahoo.com • Start a book club. Meeting with friends, who share your love of books, can be a lot of fun. The best book clubs are hosted at members’ homes with a different author discussed each month • Stay abreast of the local writing scene. Proverse, co-founded by DB residents Gillian and Verner Bickley, publishes in and from Hong Kong and hosts regular Meet the Author events. The Proverse Prize is an annual, international competition for an unpublished, publishable, book-length work of fiction, non-fiction, or poetry. To find out more, email proverse@netvigator.com • Watch out for family-focused events and book signings at Bookazine in DB Plaza. Email clemence@bookazine.com.hk

Find more child-centric stories

50

that is dear to my heart. What about local authors? “We champion local authors and often do book launches and signings and we often organise family-focused events,” she says.

November 2016 www.arounddb.com

@ www.arounddb.com

Chef Pour Toi

DB-based private catering service Catering

Corporate or Private Parties

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

Contact Chef Pour Toi to get a quote for your tailor-made party.

Email chef@chefpourtoi.com

BOOKAZINE

SPONSORED CONTENT

programme offers China Classroom trips for students from Year 5 upwards.

international perspective

Y

ew Chung International School (YCIS) has been providing quality education, with a bilingual focus, for over 80 years. Recognised as one of the top international schools in Hong Kong, YCIS provides throughtrain education to expatriate and local children, aged six months to 18 years old.

Photos courtesy of Yew Chung International School

Worldwide recognition

52

YCIS – Secondary is authorised by the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) as an IB World School. It is also an authorised Cambridge International Examination (CIE) Centre. YCIS has received accreditation from the Council of International Schools (CIS) and New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).

The YCIS International Curriculum, through kindergarten, primary and secondary, prepares students to become bilingually competent in English and Chinese and internationally minded for our globalised world. Based

on the framework of the National Curriculum for England, it delivers a broad, research-based curriculum that promotes the best within each individual and can provide an easy transition between countries.

A global education YCIS offers the unique richness and diversity of both Eastern and Western cultures that equip children to be bilingual, competitive, appreciative and caring global citizens. Students are nurtured in a multicultural environment through a fully rounded and balanced education which transforms them into global thinking individuals.

YCIS combines the best of Eastern and Western cultures by promoting fluency in two major world languages, creating a truly bilingual learning environment, and providing appreciation of Eastern and Western philosophy. Excursions reach far and beyond Hong Kong, with the World Classroom programme offering trips to other continents for culture immersion. The Chinese

November 2016 www.arounddb.com

The integration of Eastern and Western cultures is also achieved through the Co-Principals and CoTeaching models. Two Co-Principals, one Western and one Chinese, serve as partners in the operations and administration of the school. In addition, two fully-qualified teachers, one Western and one Chinese, together plan lessons and conduct classes in the Early Childhood Education and Primary School – they are excellent role models who respect and value one another’s culture.

Primary and secondary sections The YCIS International Curriculum in Primary Years provides a strong academic education, with an emphasis on all-round education.

This is evident in the integrated approach and use of flexible learning areas, culminating in increased collaborative spaces and varying work styles. Embedded within the curriculum are Character Education and Global Issues; both are cotaught in English and Chinese, which expands bilingual vocabulary and widens awareness. The ratio of English/ Chinese across the timetable is 70-75% / 30-25%.

The YCIS Secondary Programme continues and develops skills such as critical thinking, research ability, creativity and collaborative work. English is the key medium of instruction but all students must maintain Mandarin, either as a first or second language. Chinese (culture) Studies continues to Year 9.

The strong YCIS music programme enhances children’s reasoning skills, develops patience, concentration, coordination and self-discipline.

Character education programmes focus on developing positive qualities and good morals.

SPONSORED CONTENT

Secondary students advance to undertake the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. YCIS maintains 100% university placement with students admitted to top universities in Hong Kong and overseas.

By recognising the importance of multiple intelligence and individual learning styles, YCIS nurtures all aspects of students’ growth including their intellectual, artistic, social, spiritual and physical development.

Apply for a YCIS scholarship or bursary The secondary section offers many channels through which deserving students can access a quality international education.

These benefits can give full or partial tuition fee exemption and the payment of debenture can be discussed. For further information, call 3975 6820 or email scholarshipsec@hk.ycef.com.

• Scholarships: Arts/ Music/ Sports/ Overall Achievement • Bursaries: Means-based (handled in complete confidence) • International Student Award: For international students who have lived outside Hong Kong/ China for four years and show commitment to their schooling

Meet the academic leaders YCIS offers frequent Information Sessions whereby parents can meet the Co-Principals and other members of the teaching faculty.

To reserve your seats, visit www.ycis-hk.com/en/admissions/ visit-our-school.

• November 10, from 6pm to 8pm: A focus on Years 7 to 9 • November 17, from 6pm to 8pm: A focus on Years 10 to 13

Contact YCIS YCIS has eight campuses, all within the residential Kowloon district with easy bus and MTR transportation options.

You can reach the school at 2338 7106, admissions@ycef.com, or by visiting www.ycis-hk.com.

www.arounddb.com November 2016

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12-10-2016 AroundDB Turkey Basket Ad(2nd revised).pdf 1 14/10/2016 18:27:53

Thanksgiving Day Turkey Basket | Takeaway Order Form $818 (around 5.5-6kg each) Including Classic Stuffing, Cranberry Sauce & Red Wine Gravy Please order at least 4 days in advance | Collection Point : D’Cafe at Discovery Bay Recreation Club Collection date from 11 Nov to 24 Nov 2016 only | Collection time from 12noon to 9pm

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Photo is for reference only.

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LIFESTYLE

SCINTILLATING

SNACKS

Which recipes are guaranteed to be a hit at your next get together?

Take a trip down memory lane with these nostalgic culinary classics

Cheese straws Makes 36 straws • 375g plain flour • 225g butter, diced • 150g mature cheddar cheese, grated • 50g parmesan cheese, grated • Pinch English mustard powder • Small pinch cayenne pepper

Photos courtesy of www.wikimedia.org

• 2 free-range eggs, yolks only

Sift the flour and a pinch of salt into a bowl. Using your fingertips, rub in the butter until the texture is like fine breadcrumbs. Stir in the cheese, mustard powder, cayenne pepper and egg yolks. Add 4 to 5 tablespoons of cold water and mix to form a firm dough. Wrap in cling film and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 190°C. Line a baking sheet with baking parchment. Roll out the dough to form a square, roughly the thickness of a HK$10 coin. Cut the square in half; then cut each half into 1-centimetre strips and twist. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until crisp, then leave to cool on the tray. 

www.arounddb.com November 2016

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LIFESTYLE

Shrimp cocktail Serves 6

• 1tbsp garlic, crushed

• ½ cup red onion, finely chopped • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped • 1½ cups tomato juice or V8 • ¼ cup ketchup • ¼ cup fresh lime juice • 1tsp hot pepper sauce • ¼ cup horseradish salt • 1 ripe avocado, chopped • 2 pounds cooked shrimp

Combine the garlic, red onion and cilantro in a large bowl, and stir well.

Mix in the tomato juice, ketchup, lime juice, hot pepper sauce and horseradish salt. Season to taste.

Gently stir in the avocado. Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours. Ladle into individual bowls or glasses. Garnish with a sprig of cilantro. Peel and devein the shrimp and divide between the 6 serving dishes.

Find more classic recipes

56

November 2016 www.arounddb.com

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TALKING TALKINGPOINTS POINTS

Mahjong is played by four people with 136 tiles

Photo by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com, and courtesy of www.wikimedia.org

ALL ABOARD Chinese chess and Mahjong are two classic games that never get old.

Sam Agars talks strategy with DB’s Islands District Council Member Amy Yung and finds out why both games are easy to learn but extremely difficult to master

A

Chinese chess contest organised by Discovery Bay’s Islands District Council member Amy Yung in July generated significant interest, predominantly among elderly local residents eager to test their skill against new opponents and create bonds within the community. Lovers of Chinese chess tend also to be fans of Mahjong, and it seems both games are enjoying a bit of a revival locally.

We take a look at the ins and outs of

each of these games, explore their following in DB and find out just what it is about them that has seen them stand the test of (a very long) time.

Piece by piece

opposing armies aiming to take down one another’s king. While some pieces are the same in each game, others differ, notably the cannon, which moves like a rook but captures by jumping an opponent’s pieces.

Chinese chess is a strategic board game that has similarities to international chess in the way that pieces must start in specific positions and different pieces can move certain directions and distances. Like international chess, it’s played on a board of 64 squares with

Amy enjoys the strategic side of Chinese chess and the fact that there is always something new to learn.

“You have to put the pieces in their pre-determined positions and walk the steps one by one, but normally we plan them in advance to evaluate 

www.arounddb.com November 2016

59

TALKING TALKING POINTS POINTS

Amy Yung is encouraging residents to get together and play Chinese chess

what next step the opposition party will do, so that is why you need a lot of thinking,” she says. “It is not physical training but you need a lot of practice and you must play with different players to see different strategic games.

It is an educational exercise – you train the brain.”

Accounts differ as to the history of the game and the exact date it was invented is hard to pinpoint. Some suggest Chinese chess is a variant of international chess, which was invented in India in the sixth century, while others believe it evolved out of a game called Liubo, which was big in China some 3,500 years ago.

Amy admits the number of people playing Chinese chess in DB is not huge, but is confident her recent Chinese chess contest has aroused interest in the game. “We had some people come who are extremely quiet in the community that engaged in the activity,” she adds.

“A lot of them said how much they enjoyed meeting new friends with a shared interest, and they plan to carry on.”

On the tiles Mahjong is immensely popular throughout China and Hong Kong, and it too enjoys a strong following with

DB’s older generation. “Young people are so keen on the IT games, they are not interested in Mahjong anymore,” Amy laments.

Played by four people with 136 tiles, the aim is to get a complete set – four sets of three and a pair. There are 16 rounds in a game, with a winner after each round. The game – which can be played with an additional eight ‘flower’ tiles – was formalised in China in the 1800s, although variations of it have been played for centuries. Mahjong often involves a gambling aspect, with players gaining points for their hand, and points given a monetary value agreed on in advance.

Similar to the Western card game Rummy, Mahjong is a game of skill,

“In Mahjong, you have to consider the other three parties and you have to determine which party you want to join as allies,” Amy adds. “Sometimes you have to work with others but it all depends on the situation. If somebody has very good assets, they are surely going to win so sometimes, to reduce the damage, you have to help them win the pot. We learn that by sacrificing something, we gain something – that is the best part of the game.”

Having a punt While gambling in any form is illegal in China, you can legally play Mahjong for money in Hong Kong, if you do it correctly. For the casual player, who enjoys a game with friends, putting a few dollars on the line is legal as long as you’re not playing in the course of a trade or business.

You can also bet legally at Mahjong parlours, as long as they are licensed by the government. These can include restaurants, function rooms and clubhouses, licensed by the Home Affairs Bureau. There are still many illegal Mahjong parlours operating in Hong Kong and police are often shutting them down.

Find more topical local topics

60

strategy and calculation and it involves a degree of chance. Like Chinese chess, you get better at it the more you play.

Amy sees Mahjong as a perfect way to keep the mind and wits sharp. “I was trained at a very young age by my mother, that is why my mathematics is very good,” she jokes.

November 2016 www.arounddb.com

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www.arounddb.com November 2016

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ESCAPES

FIT ‘N’

Fasting and meditation at The Farm at San Benito

FABULOUS

Kate Farr takes a look at five of the best destinations for wellness travel, all within easy reach of DB. Be it detox, diving or cycling, these breaks will keep you fighting fit as you see the world

Photos courtesy of Kate Farr

W

hether it’s the proximity to the airport, our pilotheavy population or simply the fact that we’re a pretty adventurous bunch, us DBers really do travel often! Combine this wanderlust with our love of fitness and you’ve got the perfect ingredients for a holiday with a difference.

surrounds of a 120-acre Philippine coconut farm.

and meditation to support the cleansing process.

Situated just 90 minutes outside of Manila, this tranquil space is a total retreat from the outside world. You can expect plush and spacious villas complete with private pools and expansive terraces, a serene on-site spa and fully tricked-out jungle gym.

If going completely food-free sounds 

Detox in the Philippines

For those who feel the need for a serious health overhaul, The Farm’s medically supervised detox programmes include colon hydrotherapy and nutritional microscopy, with juice fasts, yoga

An oldie, but a goodie, The Farm at San Benito offers a total immersion detox experience within the lush

Infinity pool at The Farm

www.arounddb.com November 2016

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ESCAPES a smart, architect-designed hotel right in the centre of bustling Beijing. The sister hotel to our very own Upper House, The Opposite House blends modern western design with ancient Chinese heritage pieces throughout the property. The spacious rooms are cool and contemporary and the rain showers and large oak tubs in every bathroom are ideal for soaking away the last of your post-race aches and pains.

Yoga in the Himalayas

Running the Great Wall Marathon

a little drastic, The Farm’s fitness programme includes daily boot camp sessions, circuit training and plyometrics, followed by delicious vegan cuisine at the award-winning Alive! restaurant.

Run (then relax!) in China Effectively killing two birds with one stone, the Great Wall Marathon is an extremely challenging run in one of the world’s most memorable settings. Attracting seasoned runners

from around the globe, the next race takes place in May 2017, with more than 2,500 entrants expected on the day.

Choose from either full- or halfmarathon courses or an 8.5-kilometre fun run and make the most of the incredible atmosphere (and photo opportunities) that this unique race offers.

Extend your stay with a recovery retreat at The Opposite House,

Yoga at Ananda In The Himalayas

64

November 2016 www.arounddb.com

Serious and aspiring Yogis be warned – after completing a retreat at Ananda In The Himalayas, your studio-based stretches may never feel quite the same again. Situated in the verdant Himalayan foothills (transfer via Delhi), this stunningly beautiful property was once a maharaja’s estate, and the Viceregal Palace was painstakingly restored to form part of the current building.

Ananda’s guest rooms, suites and villas are every bit as luxurious, with plush bedding and large balconies offering sweeping views across the valley to the imposing mountains beyond. But it’s the yoga, meditation and Ayurveda that’s the real selling point here. 

Penthouse terrace at The Opposite House

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Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort

Expect regular guest workshops from renowned wellness gurus, and personalised fitness consultations and lifestyle guidance from Ananda’s in-house experts. Add in a packed schedule of daily Hatha, Raja and Kriya yoga practice, and you’ll be sure to leave calm, centred and rejuvenated.

Dive in Borneo The Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort is a dream stay for anyone for whom the phrase ‘slip into something more comfortable’ means a tank and fins.

Widely considered to be one of the five best places to dive in the world, this spectacular resort sits on stilts above a reef teeming with abundant marine life.

leaving your chalet’s private balcony.

The area is famed for its colonies of hammerhead sharks and turtles, along with a wealth of vibrantly coloured fish in the extensive coral gardens. Non-divers can join one of the many PADI dive training courses, or enjoy the spectacle from above by snorkelling.

Cycle in Taiwan Dedicated cyclists can eat some serious tarmac over the course of five days on a Mad Dogs cycle tour of Taiwan. Kicking off in the

While many of the dive sites are easily reached in just a few minutes by speedboat, plenty more are accessed simply by swimming from the resort’s pier, meaning that you’ll be in the thick of the action just moments after

• Great Wall Marathon, www.great-wall-marathon.com • Mad Dogs, www.gomaddogs.com • Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort, www.sipadan-kapalai.com • The Farm at San Benito, www.thefarmatsanbenito.com • The Opposite House, www.theoppositehouse.com

@ www.arounddb.com

Come See Us In Mui Wo, Silvermine Bay! Variety of nutrition

Bag drop

Top brand apparel

Professional service

Top brand shoes

Expert advice

Lantau Base Camp

www.facebook.com/LantauBaseCamp

Taking in locations firmly off the tourist trail, this holiday gives you the ultimate insider’s view of Taiwan, while offering plenty of camaraderie and challenges along the way. Whether you bring your own bike or hire the kit you need from Mad Dogs, if you’ve ever felt that the journey is half the destination, this one’s for you.

• Ananda In The Himalayas, www. anandaspa.com

Find more exciting travel destinations

Mon & Tues Closed | Wed-Fri 1pm-6pm | Sat & Sun 8am-6:30pm

capital of Taipei, you’ll soon leave the skyscrapers behind as you ride through mountainous areas, terraced tea plantations and rice paddies before hitting the rugged east coast. The journey ends some 550 kilometres later in the southern city of Kenting.

Trail running events Shop with us online now!

www.lantaubasecamp.com

+852 5463 6060

Shop J, Sea View Building, Mui Wo, Lantau Island

Find it

November 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th

FINANCIAL PLANNING ASK THE EXPERT WHO AM I? As long-term DB residents will already know, I am KayeKaye Khemlani (PIBA No. 0032-009006), a native-English speaking insurance advisor, with a strong presence in Discovery Bay and Hong Kong.

But aren’t you getting tired of my boring adverts?

It’s time for some growth and knowledge.

MY THOUGHTS ON TERM LIFE Let’s look at your home mortgage or income property mortgage protection policy. Also known as TERM LIFE, this is a sometimes mandatory product imposed on you by your bank.

If your loan amount is US$1 million, you will be asked to get a life insurance policy for that amount. What the banks do here is called DEGRADING TERM – as the loan balance diminishes so does the death pay out. This means that after 10 years, you only get US$500k back or whatever is the balance of your loan – and your premiums never decrease. With my company you get the full US$1 million back!

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

CONTACT ME

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Tel: 9811 1554, email: kailash_k3@hotmail. com, kishus@i-cable.com 25/03/2013 4:13 PM

HK HAPPENINGS

1 November

10 FUN THINGS TO DO IN HK THIS MONTH!

Photo courtesy of Farmer’s Kitchen

MELBOURNE CUP LUNCHEON

Get your events listed @ www.arounddb.com

Hong Kong Football Club, Happy Valley

Catch all five races live on the big screen at Hong Kong Football Club on Melbourne Cup Day. Expect free-flowing drinks, great Australian food from Farmer’s Kitchen and a post-race after party. Funds raised go to local charity Angels for Orphans. For tickets, priced at HK$1,060, visit www.eventbrite.com.

HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL LITERARY FESTIVAL Across Hong Kong

4-13 November

www.pexels.com

The 16th Hong Kong International Literary Festival brings over 35 celebrated writers together for a series of events designed to have the city reading, talking and debating. Highlights include an evening with Orange Prize for Fiction winner Lionel Shriver, and a series of events exploring North Korea with activist, defector and bestselling author, Lee Hyeon-seo. For tickets, visit www.ticketflap.com.

November 4-6, 11-13

LADY OF THE CAMELLIAS Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui Adapted from Alexandre Dumas’ novel of the same name, Val Caniparoli’s Lady of the Camellias is making its Asian premiere. One of the greatest love stories of all time, the novel also inspired Verdi’s opera, La Traviata and films such as Baz Lurhmann’s Moulin Rouge.

Leading dancers from the Hong Kong Ballet are accompanied by the Hong Kong Sinfonietta, with the show featuring soulful vocal performances, plus music by Chopin. For tickets, starting at HK$140, visit www.urbtix.hk.

SPARTAN SPRINT

Kam Tin Country Club, Yuen Long

6 November

www.meetup.com

Push your limits, test your strength and challenge your endurance as the world’s leading obstacle course race series makes its Hong Kong debut. The 5-kilometre+ Spartan Sprint, the shortest distance in the series, includes more than 20 signature obstacles in its elite/ competitive and open categories. For registration, starting at HK$790, visit www.spartan.com.

5November 3 January 2

THE WORLD OF TIM BURTON ArtisTree, Quarry Bay

minaem1.deviantart.com

Originated by New York’s Museum of Modern Art, The World of Tim Burton provides a glimpse into the visionary director’s surreal imagination. The touring exhibition is divided into nine sections, featuring paintings, models, costumes and puppets.

Burton’s napkin sketches – demonstrating the spontaneity of his creative process – are a highlight for fans. Admission is free for children under six; for tickets, starting at HK$180, visit www.cityline.com.

www.arounddb.com November 2016

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HK HAPPENINGS

Like us on Facebook for event reminders: www.facebook.com/ AroundDB Photo courtesy of Child Welfare Scheme

LAMMA FUN DAY

MOVEMBER

12 November

Tai Wan To Beach, Lamma Island

Lamma Fun Day Beach Music Festival is an annual treat for the whole family, with food and market stalls, kids’ activities and, of course, top live music from local bands. Proceeds go to the Child Welfare Scheme to improve educational resources and infrastructure for school children in Nepal. For more information, visit the Lamma Fun Day Facebook page.

21 & November

BEERTOPIA

29

Central Harbourfront, Central Over 500 craft beers from more than 100 breweries across the world are in the lineup for this year’s Beertopia. The festival, now in its fifth year and bigger than ever, is set to feature a shisha garden, giant beer pong, live bands and great food.

For tickets starting at HK$285, visit www.beertopiahk.com.

www.prestigefairs.hk

PRESTIGE FAIRS

November 18-19

www.beertopiahk.com

Conrad Hong Kong, Admiralty As the festive season rolls in, get a head start on your Xmas shopping at the Gift and Lifestyle Fair on November 21, and the Pre-Christmas Gift Parade on November 29. The amazing gift ideas from around the world encompass everything from jewellery and fashion, to gourmet food, homeware and children’s products.

Admission is free. For more information, visit www.prestigefairs.hk.

CLOCKENFLAP Central Harbourfront, Central Clockenflap, Hong Kong’s biggest arts and music festival, is back for its ninth year with a world-class line-up.

Headliners include The Chemical Brothers, Sigur Rós and Foals. Festivalgoers can expect international, regional and local music, film and art. For tickets, which start at HK$850 but increase in price as the weekend approaches, visit www.clockenflap.com.

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November 2016 www.arounddb.com

The Movember Foundation is a leading global organisation committed to changing the face of men’s health. It addresses some of the biggest health issues faced by men: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health and suicide prevention. Independent of government funding, it has financed more than 1,200 men’s health projects around the world over the past 13 years.

During Movember (the month formerly known as November), the Movember Foundation challenges men to grow moustaches in order to become walking, talking billboards for men’s health. Now in its fifth official year in Hong Kong, the local Movember campaign focuses on raising funds and awareness for those living with prostate cancer and testicular cancer.

Funds raised go to The Hong Kong Cancer Fund.

Growing a moustache is not the only way to do your bit during Movember.

Mo Bros (and Sisters) are encouraged to take part in one of the many fundraisers being put on in Hong Kong this month. To get involved, visit hk.movember.com or email hongkong@movember.com.

ut Througho November

25-27 November

www.clockenflap.com

www.flickr.com

Extra care comes standard The support you need to make relocating more successful for the whole family.

In fifty years we’ve learned a lot about what makes relocations more successful for everyone.

With experienced and knowledgable people on the ground in more than 60 countries we equip you well for your relocation: • We’ll help you get to know the destination well before you go • Show you how to make it easier and more exciting for children, and less stressful for pets • We’ll look after your belongings with expert packing and transport • And when you arrive, we can help you get settled quicker and enjoy the thrill of a new place or a different culture

Tel: 852 2636 8388 hongkong@crownrelo.com

Go knowing

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ATS

specialist mortgage

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ATS

CASTING! PERFORMER'S STUDIO awaiting approval Audition for roles in our full production start in January Want the chance to star in our production in a professional theatre in June & receive training from industry experts?

Then enrol for one of our challenging courses:

Friday in The North Plaza 3.30-5.30pm 7-11 years 5.30-7.30pm 11 + years (must have received performance training before) Occasional weekend rehearsals will be required.

For more information & the chance to be part of this amazing show email the Director emma.performersstudio@yahoo.com or drop a short text to 6894 7243

COMMUNITY SNAPS!

DB FACES

Email your photos for DB Faces to info@baymedia.com.hk. Around DB accepts no liability for the photos sent

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

www.evoqueportraits.com

Win prizes from Uncle Russ Coffee and The Pier Bar! Congratulations to last month’s winner: Ernie Basilio (@sectorlord)

T

he best snap wins! Your mission this month is to share a photo taken in DB or Lantau on our @around_db Instagram page and hashtag it #arounddb. You have until the 10th of this month to enter – so get tagging.

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! www.arounddb.com November 2016

73

View DB property listings @ www.arounddb.com

WORSHIP SERVICE Discovery College Sundays @ 10 am

CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP PRACTICAL BIBLE TEACHING KIDS CHURCH & TEENS

Natural, Eco-Friendly, Replacement-Free Water Solution from Austria.

GRADE UR Free Consultation Hotline: (+852) 2314-2608 enquiry@grandertechnology.com www.GranderTechnology.com

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

View local business directories @ www.arounddb.com EMPLOYMENT

FINANCE & INSURANCE

HOME SERVICES

AKASH MOVING

DELIVERY PERSON/ MESSENGER

Michael, a HK resident, is available to deliver documents & small parcels around HK. Available full- or part-time.

Call 9145 6731 to leave a message

AUSTRALIAN TAX RETURNS Need to lodge your Australian tax return?

If you are an expat or collect rental from Australian property, you must lodge an annual return.

Let us do it for you here in HK. Contact Helen Wong, Australasian Taxation Services on 3571 8700, helen.wong@smats.net, or visit www.smats.net

NURSE WANTED

New anti-aging clinic in DB North Plaza is looking for an enrolled/ registered nurse. Experienced, & ideally a Korean/ Chinese DB resident. Email your CV to info@biostarasia.com

HEALTH & WELLBEING

HYPNOSIS &/ OR SHORT-TERM THERAPY

EMPLOYER LOOKING FOR A HELPER?

Place your free classifieds ad here.

Email info@baymedia.com.hk

Quit smoking quickly.

Divorce/ Post-Divorce Coaching.

Resolve: • Fear of Flying/ Public Speaking • Overeating • Couples’ Conflicts • Career & Command-Training Stress • Anger Management • Phobias • Nail Biting • Insomnia • Exam Jitters Call Dr Melanie Bryan, Psy.D. Clinical Psychologist & Hypnotherapist on 2575 7707, or visit www.mindmatters.hk

Local packing & moving service.

Best move – best rate.

Akash offers a packing/ unpacking service, provides boxes & packing materials & makes small deliveries.

Call 2421 8088, www.akash.hk

RETAIL

ABBELIO WINES

Great value! High scoring!

Wines from around the world!

Free delivery & special offers for Discovery Bay residents.

For details, visit http://abw.hk/db, or call 3170 8458

FTC RELOCATIONS

The experts in local & international moving.

World-class service – competitive rates. FTC also provides short-term storage & handyman services.

Operating throughout DB & Lantau. Call 2814 1658, or visit www.ftc.hk

EXPAT PAINTER & DECORATOR

Colourwash, wall papering, artwork, plastering, plumbing, electrical works, picture hanging, shelving & more.

For a quality, fast, clean service, contact 9074 5232, goldingdec@netvigator.com

Alcoholics Anonymous If you want to drink, that’s your business.

If you want to stop, we can help.

No dues or fees.

24 hour hotline: 9073 6922 Lantau hotline: 5668 2667 www.aa-hk.org

KIDS

BEAUTIFUL MIND THERAPY & FAMILY SERVICES

Bilingual clinical psychologist offering counselling services to children, adults & couples. Relationships; marital; family issues; ADHD; parenting support; mood difficulties; substance abuse. Located in Central.

Contact 9147 4234, drbertiewai@gmail.com, www.beautifulmindhk.com

EARLY ADVENTURES PLAYGROUP

A dedicated playgroup with the emphasis on learning through play.

Activities to stimulate all areas of development.

Come & look at our facilities.

Classes for kids from 20 months to 4 years.

Morning & afternoon sessions.

Call 9511 2107, or visit www.earlyadventures.net

Deadline for November issue CLASSIFIEDS

November 15

View local business directories @ www.arounddb.com

Meet our pets of the Month Haku & Kosuke

Mypetshop in the North Plaza.

Shop G09-92 Siena Ave. DB North Plaza

Tel: 2987 8873

Open Daily 10am – 7:30pm

View local business directories @ www.arounddb.com TUITION & COURSES

CHINESE (MANDARIN & CANTONESE), MATHEMATICS & ENGLISH Personal Professional Tutoring Service.

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

(MA in Education, specialising in Early Childhood Stage) Contact 9107 5655, graciasx@hotmail.com

TUITION & COURSES

Millions of people around the world have lost weight and kept it off with the one-to-one support from their Cambridge Consultant. Why not join them!

MANDARIN CHINESE CLASSROOM Lessons for adults & children, individually & in small groups.

Any level/ time/ purpose.

In the Greens.

Call 6071 9643, or visit www.dbmandarin.com

info@cambridgeweightplan.hk or call 25257165

MATHS TUITION Sai Kung Tutors, now in DB, wants kids to enjoy maths, not just pass exams.

All lessons are conducted at kids’ homes for ultimate ease and comfort.

Call 5321 4400

LEARN SPANISH • Native speaker • DELE examiner & experienced teacher • IB, IGCSE, A Level & HKDSE Business Spanish • Courses for adults • Flexible schedule & locations • Special offers for DB & Tung Chung students Contact Erik at 9666 9511, rerikm@hotmail.com

•Counselling for individuals, couples, families & adolescents

SINGING LESSONS • For children and adults • With opera singer (ex Phantom of the Opera cast) and former teacher of the University of West London Musical Theatre degree course • In DB - close to pier

• Sliding fee scale; affordable options for all clients • English, Putonghua, Cantonese, Russian, Hindi, Marathi and Marwadi speaking counsellors

Contact 5699 5979, or visit www.bernadettenagy.com

SPANISH MA in Applied Linguistics – University lecturer

www.resourcecounselling.org Serving the community over 40 years A Member Agency of the Community Chest

Greenland Pest Control

20 years of experience teaching: • Spanish for children as a first and second language • Adults (Beginners to Advanced levels, Spanish for business, conversation) • Preparation for GCSE & IB exams • Spanish for specific purposes • Undergraduates (minor and major degrees)

Lessons in Discovery Bay on: TUE, THU & SAT Contact: Tel: 9104 3770 carinapicomartinez@gmail.com

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

For info please call Thomas 9871 0771 or May 9774 3554 Email: greenlandpest@outlook.com BEEF JERKY, BEEF BILTONG & PORK CRACKLING

HIGH PROTEIN SNACKS WITH NO ADDED MSG

Perfect for sharing & enjoying together T: +852 6647 2292 E: gillian@gmtfoodshk.com W: gmtfoodshk.com

/gmtfoods

@gillian_GMT

Find short-term rentals @ www.arounddb.com DB & LANTAU PROPERTY

DB & LANTAU PROPERTY

APARTMENTS IN TUNG CHUNG

2-BED IN CHERISH COURT, DB

Fully furnished, 2- & 3-bed apartments available for long- or short-term lease. Minimum rental period 1 month. In excellent condition.

Contact Miss Man on 9806 9175/ 9872 7395, tanford787@gmail.com. Visit tanford.webs.com

Fully furnished, 2-bedroom flat with wi-fi & Now TV. Full sea view & Disneyland-firework view. Photos available.

Contact Jacqueline 9811 0718, jacquelinedb@gmail.com

DELUXE DB SERVICED APARMENTS

NICELY DECORATED DB APARTMENTS

Fully furnished 1-2-bed apartments with beautiful decor, wi-fi & broadband. Well-equipped kitchen, luxurious bedding, weekly cleaning service.

Contact Annie on 2987 2626, annie@appletravel.com

Nicely decorated, 1-, 2- & 3-bedroom flats available for short-term let. Fully furnished with wi-fi & NOW TV. Weekly cleaning service.

Photos available. Contact Serena 9236 1806, cow9146@yahoo.com.hk

OVERSEAS PROPERTY LUXURY APARTMENTS IN SIENA 2, DB Spacious 600’ apartments for short- or long-term rental. Quiet with sea views over park, near Club Siena & DB Tunnel. Fully furnished with washer/ drier, bed linen, kitchenware, 55” TVs, wi-fi, blu-ray home theatre. Contact the owner on 9317 0624, nialady2011@gmail.com

STUNNINGLY FURNISHED DB FLAT Designer 2-bed apartment, 1-minute from DB Plaza. Renovated to the highest standard.

Weekly cleaning available. Contact Maeve on 6408 4227, maeveororke@hotmail.com

HAWKS NEST THAILAND FOR RENT

Fully equipped 2-bedroom villa for rent, including rooftop patio with outdoor kitchen, Jacuzzi, pool & internet. Situated just south of Hua Hin, with optional Bangkok pick-up. Contact villa@hawksnestthailand.com, or visit www.hawksnestthailand.com

VILLA IN TABANAN, BALI FOR SALE Quiet, furnished 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom villa with private dipping pool. Perfect vacation home after minimal renovation. Surrounded by rice paddies & 5 minutes to the beach. Contact onethingadaythatscaresyou@gmail.com, or visit www.sahajasawahresort.com

PERTHSHIRE COTTAGE FOR SALE FULLY FURNISHED DB 1-BED Smart apartment on a high floor with sea view.

Close to pier & DB Plaza. Available fully furnished.

Call Tiareti on 9732 8985

LUXURY DB 2-BED Newly renovated, 2-bed flat with balcony.

Luxuriously furnished, with TV, cable & broadband. Panoramic harbour views & short walk to pier. Contact Charles on 6140 7971, charles@headlandhomes.hk. Contact Katie on 9150 7319, katie@headlandhomes.hk

Beautiful 150-year-old, 3-bed cottage in Perthshire, with oak-beamed lounge & dining room, modern kitchen, bathroom & shower. Ideal summer cottage/ holiday or retirement home, with lovely gardens. Offers over £375,000 (HK$4.3M) considered. Contact (+44) 17964 82527 or bobbiemcgraw@outlook.com

AUSTRALIAN PROPERTY Everything you need to know about buying a property in Australia. Information on property markets, taxation, finance, migration & legal.

Free online at www.aussieproperty.com

View Discovery Bay short-term rentals www.arounddb.com

Stay up-to-date with all the latest news and events at:

arounddb.com

AroundDB

GIVING LIFE SHOULDN’T BE SO DEADLY 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.

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

Learn more at www.amnesty.org.hk.

aroundDB

around_db

© Anna Kari

Add your business for FREE @ www.arounddb.com TUNG CHUNG

SOUTH LANTAU

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

FTC Apparel

FOOD, RESTAURANTS & BARS

2428 2566 FOOD, RESTAURANTS & BARS

Airport Izakaya Andante Bistro Delifrance Café Aficionado Chef’s Choice China Coast Bar & Grill Dosirak House Essence Federal Palace Restaurant Kimos Mansarover Indian Cuisine Melody Thai McDonald’s Delivery Moccato Olea Pizza Express Pizza Hut Delivery Regala Café & Dessert Bar Resto Rouge Skycity Bistro Spaghetti House Zentro Garden

2286 6668 3602 8828 2109 4187 2286 6238 6504 4208 2286 6898 3520 0848 3602 8808 2626 0181 2886 3646 2109 1927 2988 8129 2338 2338 3602 8838 3602 8818 2297 3588 2330 0000 2286 6618 2886 3156 2286 6868 3969 2500 2109 1297 2802 8000

Bahce - Turkish Restaurant Café Bar Caffe Paradiso (Tom’s Café) China Bear Como Lake Deer Horn Restaurant & Bar La Pizzeria Lantana Italian Bistro Long Island Mavericks Restaurant Tak Chai Kee Seafood The Beach House The China Beach Club The Gallery The Kitchen The Water Buffalo

Dalcroze Jill Marshall Pilates South Lantau Paddle Club Thai Palin Massage Tony’s Salon Treasure Island

6627 4806 9708 0187 9688 9112 3114 0030 2984 0990 2546 3543 HOME & REPAIRS

2185 6550 2109 9396 2109 2288 2162 5752 2194 0020 2988 1534 2328 7282 3575 8370 2403 6613 2403 6623 2261 2626

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

Mui Wo Inn Silvermine Beach Resort Tai O Heritage Hotel

HOTELS

3969 1888 3602 8888 2286 8888

Kind Hing Trinity International Kindergarten & Nursery Lantau International Kindergarten Lantau International School Lao Shi Lantau Mandarin lessons Little Lantau Montessori Kindergarten Mui Wo Owls School & Kindergarten The Story Studio

9021 1502 2987 8070 2162 5538 6273 7347 6674 6194 2611 9193 2164 7210 2420 1068 2109 3873 6341 3989 2121 0884 2988 8123

SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT

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

2385 9677 2109 9277 2179 6678 9264 8597 6688 2167 2786 9699 9662 1747 6443 6597 3473 8700 5400 4109 2403 6770

UTILITY, SERVICES & EMERGENCY HOTLINES

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

2109 9886 2984 0302 2980 3676 5197 4647 3689 6709 2984 0006 6341 3989

PROPERTY AGENCIES

LEARNING CENTRES

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 The Story Studio Tung Chung Catholic School (Yat Tung) YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College

2984 7225 6810 0111 2985 8383 LEARNING CENTRES

2421 8088 2109 2330 2988 1488

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

2984 8334 2984 8487 2984 1802 2984 9833 9783 5840 HOTELS

HOME & REPAIRS

Akash Removals Mega Power Engineering/Locksmiths Shun Yu Engineering

2984 0222 2984 0498 2984 9720 2984 0009 3484 3095 2984 8933 5465 5511 2320 2001 5662 8552 2984 1265 2504 4788 2983 8931 2980 2582 5991 6292 2109 3331

HEALTH & WELLBEING

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Bayside Dental Essential Health Family Clinic Human Health Medical Centre Maximum Care 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

LANTAU NUMBERS

2988 8282 2988 1898 3661 1999

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

2984 8334 3483 5003 2984 1666 RETAIL

Friendly Bike Shop Island Wines Lantau Base Camp Quay House Red Hall Chinese Antiques The Red Lantern ZenvarA

2984 2278 9521 8481 5463 6060 2882 8710 2988 1368 2984 0099 9586 3459 SERVICES & OTHERS

Jumping Castles SPCA Phoenix Wills Suzanne Goodwin Photography Twig (Design Studio)

9662 1747 2984 0060 6108 8471 9025 3949 6351 8923 TRANSPORTATION

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

2984 2268 2984 8494 2984 8255 2984 9848

DB NUMBERS

Add your business for FREE @ www.arounddb.com

COMMUNITY & HEALTH Bayside Dental Practice, North Plaza BMSE, North Plaza Catholic Church (Trinity Chapel) DB Alliance Church Community Centre DB International Community Church Discovery Bay Medical Centre Health & Care Dental Clinic Herbal Health Cares IMI (Natural Medicine Clinic), North Plaza Island Health Island Veterinary Services The Development Practice The Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council, North Plaza

2987 0855 2259 3422 2987 9909 2987 8136 2987 7061 2987 5633 2666 6183 2834 7276 2537 1087 2987 7575 2987 9003 2914 2223 2259 3422

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES Action X GigaSports Little Whale, North Plaza Nomadic

3102 2977 2320 1238 3480 1348 2987 8460

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

MULTIMEDIA

LEARNING CENTRES

2987 4401 2987 7486 2448 1180 2987 4089 2947 9092

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Future Stars Dance Academy

Dance classes based on the ISTD requirements conducted in a fun, disciplined and safe environment.

2987 6867 melissa@futurestarsdanceacademy.com

A dance school offering ISTD Freestyle, Hip Hop & Tap & RAD Ballet classes from Monday to Saturday at DBRC & Club Siena. All ages welcome.

2987 1571 www.islanddance.com.hk

Little Explorers A drop-off playgroup for ages 18 months upward. Your child will have heaps of fun and make lots of new friends.

9327 0507

Playtime Kids DB

Parsons White Wealth Management

The Stephen Putnam Practice

OTHER SERVICES

The Best Travel Agency in DB 2987 2626 cas@appletravel.com

Harvey Law Group International Canadian Law Firm in DB North Plaza offering you customised legal services on the many aspects of your personal and professional life 2416 8618 www.harveylawcorporation.com Gillian florist, North Plaza Flight Centre, North Plaza Mypetshop, North Plaza Pets Gallery The Optical House Well Supreme Laundry Services

2529 8256 2829 2010 2987 8873 2987 0428 2987 1368 2987 5151

PROPERTY LISTINGS & BOATS

The Beat

Latin & Ballroom dance classes for adults and children. Wedding dance, Salsa, Beat Cardio, Mommies & Babies, Yoga and many more.

5194 9630 info@thebeat.com.hk www.thebeat.com.hk

AQUABLU

Boat/ Yacht Sales & Brokerage - Berths/ Debentures - Marine Insurance - Marine Problems/ Resolution 6017 7802 Oceanblu@netvigator.com

Tree of Joy

Private Client Wealth Management Tel: 2914 0388 www.sjpp.asia/tspp Bank of China HSBC Luen Fat Securities Co. Ltd

2987 1373 2914 2378 2987 8898 2987 1777

Apple Travel

Island Dance

Playgroup run by Montessori-trained teacher. From 6 months to 4 years. 2623 4099; 9054 0565 playtimekidsdb@yahoo.com, www.playtimekidsdb.com Partner Practice of St. James’s Place Wealth Management An expert financial service of distinct quality, integrity and excellence located at DB North Plaza.

2433 6981, 5664 7614 www.sjpp.asia/pwwm

Bookazine, North Plaza Fotomax (F.E.) Ltd Pen’n Paper P-Solution

2160 6556 2233 3000 2987 1851

Tree of Joy provides children with a fun, engaging and supportive environment to play and learn. Programs include: Dropoff Nursery Class, Parent-Toddler Class, Afternoon Camp and a Cooking Class.

Tel: 9787 2755, info@treeofjoydb.com, www.treeofjoydb.com

Please explore the website, or call Michèle to see any of the listings. +852 60550146 www.HKBoatsandHomes.com

HOME Expert Shoppers Good Luck Engineering Hoi Yu Transportation Hung Kee Co Interior 18 Japan Home Centre May’s furniture & curtain design Next Furniture Rapee-living Rich Point Hardware Materials Tactful Design & Build Tai Fat Hardware Store Wing On Department Store Yours Electrical Centre

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LEARNING CENTRES

7+1 Creative Club

A LEGO after-school programme for children aged 3 and over, including robotics. A fun, interactive learning system through creative building. Tel: 3709 8466 Facebook: www.facebook.com/7plus1

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

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

6108 9131 woodentotsdb@gmail.com 7+1 Creative Club 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 School, North Plaza DMR School of Ballet Early Adventures Playgroup Eye Level Centre Funfit HK International Learning Academy, North Plaza Kumon, North Plaza L’Ecole Française de Discovery, North Plaza Links Parenting, North Plaza Little Explorers English For Kids Mandarin for Munchkins, North Plaza SKH Wei Lun Primary School Sunshine House Int’l Pre-School Sunshine House Kindergarten, North Plaza Treasure House

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

2987 8484 2987 2023 2987 2088 2987 2987 2987 6238 2987 1919

FOOD & BEVERAGE, HOTELS 22º North Auberge Discovery Bay (Hotel), North Plaza Café Bord de Mer & Lounge Café Duvet Caffe Pascucci Coyote Mexican Cantina Chef’s Choice, North Plaza Ebeneezer’s Figos Seaside Café First Korean Restaurant Fresh Fruit Juice Paradise Hemingway’s by the Bay il Bel Paese Island Café Jaspa’s, North Plaza

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DB NUMBERS

Add your business for FREE @ www.arounddb.com FOOD & BEVERAGE, HOTELS Kiraku Tei

2987 2886

Koh Tomyums

2987 0767

La Création Bakery

2987 1829

McSorley’s Ale House

2987 8280

Mirch Masala, North Plaza

2987 1337

Moofish, North Plaza

2987 6318

Nevale Kitchen, North Plaza

2172 7099

Pacific Coffee

2987 1662

Paisano’s, North Plaza

2673 4445

Peony Chinese Restaurant

2500 1950

Salt & Pepper

2336 8001

Solera

2555 0772

Subway

2914 0005

Super Super

2914 1308

The Venue Brazil Churrascaria & Bar

2777 8411

Uncle Russ, DB Plaza

2682 0068

Uncle Russ, North Plaza

2682 8110

Zak’s

2987 6232

SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT Discovery Bay Cricket Club An internationally acclaimed club which provides a structure under which players, regardless of age or ability, can thrive.

2987 0132 www.dbcricketclub.com

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

Embody Classical Pilates, Yoga and more!

6624 8712 susan@embody.hk www.embody.hk Junior Cricket Academy Cricket for 3.5 to 15 year old girls and boys 9011 1319 www.dbcricketclub.com

Movement Improvement Specialized training in Pilates, Yoga, TRX, Spinning, Circuits and Personal training. The complete solution on your doorstep at DB North Plaza 2987 5852 www.movementimprovement.com.hk

SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT Vikings Football Club Professional Soccer Coaching From ages 18 months to 12 years Tel: 9533 2600 vikingshk@hotmail.com www.vikings.hk Action X, North Plaza Club Siena DBees Ice Hockey DB Pirates Rugby Football Club Discovery Bay Marina Club Discovery Bay Golf Club Discovery Bay Recreation Club GigaSports

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Discovery Bay Commercial Services Discovery Bay Fire & Ambulance 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

WELLBEING

2997 8080 2987 4230 2441 0098 2987 7859

TRANSPORT SERVICES

Teaching young people skills to direct attention, to be calmer and concentrate better. angie@ingredientsofwellness.com 9048 5425 www.ingredientsofwellness.com

M Spa

Limousine Rental

Limo service in HK & China • pick up from / to DB Tunnel • direct transfer to SZ / GZ Airport 5303 3489 / 9654 0899 limo9689@gmail.com DB Golf Cart Services DB Transit Services DB Transportation Services Hire Car Bookings Passenger Telephone Hotline Wiselink Golf Cart Services

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

UTILITIES, SERVICES & EMERGENCY HOTLINES 24-hour Customer Service Hotline China Light & Power Emergency

3651 2345 2728 8333

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

2987 0614

Nailed It Professional artificial nail services in DB 2987 2266

Afflatus Hair Workshop, North Plaza Maximum Care Nest Care, North Plaza Salon De Coiffure Sense of Touch

View the business directory

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

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

Kyama Swim School Training programs for Adults; Private lessons; Learn to Swim courses for our Helper community and development squads for DC students.

Tel: 9487 5049 kyamaswimschool@gmail.com, www.kyamaswimschool.com

2987 4242 2987 7502 2238 3601 2238 3388 2987 6046 2435 4511 3661 1694 3467 7000 2987 6738 2835 1473 2811 0788 2824 5000

Ingredients of Wellness – Mindfulness Training

TOYS & KIDS’ PARTIES Babyland Bo Bo House EpicLand Toysland

China Light & Power Information&Line 2678 2678 UTILITIES, SERVICES EMERGENCY HOTLINES

@ www.arounddb.com

2987 0283 2987 2060 2499 8826 2987 4112 2987 9198

OUT THERE

T

hirty-five years struggling in the Himalayas and up other high and remote hills, and I created my own FEAR acronym: Forget ‘Eroics And Retreat. From time to time, it seemed to work: When in doubt, get the hell out.

As far as I can tell adventure racing at some point involves a tussle with gravity, an aspect of the physical with which I am sadly familiar. By way of an example, I’ll take you back to a balcony-based incident that befell me in 2015.

Returning home with an injured leg after a hike in Europe, I had the offending limb scanned and found the problem resolved. Overjoyed, I hurried home, removed my shoes, poured myself a glass of Chilean red and ventured to the balcony to celebrate. But the slippery wet tiles had other plans. Feet flew skyward and I landed like a sack of ripe mangoes with broken glass, blood, vino and smashed ankle sloshing around on the rainy deck. The irony was not lost – nearly 20 treks in Nepal and not so much as a blistered toe.

Photo courtesy of Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com

Thrills ‘n’ spills

84

Racing for eight-year-olds is new to me. My own nefarious background at that age was limited to hurling rocks through someone’s window, and being chased up the street. Asked to comment on DB’s Team FEAR event, which sees some 700 kids adventure racing across the resort every November, I decided to examine each challenge separately.

Mountain biking: Having staggered up (and luckily also down) a few

THE FEAR

FACTOR

Scary fun for 700 DB adventurers

Peter Sherwood looks into Discovery Bay’s Team FEAR event – for kids from eight to 18 – and takes it personally

mountains, I am unable to recall a time when a bicycle would have been an asset.

Swimming: My son is a super swimmer and swim coach, while I suffer mightily from a top half that sort of floats and a bottom 50% that refuses to. My son in the water is often compared to a dolphin. He likens me to a giraffe.

That’s enough on that subject.

Pier jumping: A precursor to swimming, I assume, and not a sport in which I have recently participated.

More than a few exasperated editors have suggested I ‘take a long walk off a short pier’, clearly a kind and generous invitation to take up this pastime.

Canoeing: Here, I boast genuine experience gained from a month in the

jungle with Outward Bound at age 18.

Our final test was canoeing up river for hours and then hiking back to camp over some days. I was responsible for the food, which, on landing, we discovered I had left behind. If my companions found that amusing, they did a superb job of hiding it. A hungry day found us in an abandoned carrot farm where we loaded up. Two days later we emerged from the forest looking like Donald Trump.

Each year, spaces for Team FEAR sell out within a couple of hours, which says a lot about the youth of today. All these disciplines in one day bring to mind the words of P.Z. Pearce: “If God invented marathons to keep people from doing anything more stupid, the triathlon must have taken Him completely by surprise.”

Peter Sherwood has lived in DB for 17 years. The former head of an international public relations firm, Peter is the author of 15 books and he has written around 400 satirical columns for the South China Morning Post.

Find more from Peter November 2016 www.arounddb.com

@ www.arounddb.com

F LAMI NG

BBQ FEA ST Weekends & Public Holidays 6PM – 9PM Café bord de Mer Terrace (Near White Chapel)

海玥台

(鄰近海濱白教堂)

燒烤拼盤 BBQ Platter

HK$308* For Two Persons 二位用

*另收加一服務費 *Subject to 10% service charge