Around DB November 2023 by Around DB Magazine

C O M M U N I T Y

L O C A L

I N F L U E N C E R S

L I F E S T Y L E

D I S COV ERY B AY ' S O R I G I N A L CO M M U N I T Y M AGA Z I N E - P U B L I S H ED S I N C E 2 0 0 2

KIDS’ PARTY PLANNING Cheat your way to the best birthday bash

My kind

of bake!

TIM AND STANLEY CLARK: WINNERS OF THE DB BAKING COMPETITION 2023

PORTRAIT OF THE ART DEALER

Franco Savadori has some words of wisdom for would-be collectors

PA R E N T I N G

N Ov EM b Er 2 0 23 | A R O U N D D B.CO M

CHINESE ETIQUETTE

The polite way to behave and avoid a losing face situation

Season's Greetings We thank you for your continued support and look forward to serving you again this festive season!

Christmas Catering Menu Highlights Christmas Turkey Glazed Gammon Ham Rosemary Chicken Roast Ribeye of Beef Assorted Cold Cuts Assorted Cheese Platter f o l l ow u s

Savoury Bites

On popular demand our POWERED BY PLANTS vegan menu is now available

Sweet Treats

Please contact us at catering@ilbelpaese.com.hk or +852 9235 1771 for enquiries. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! From il Bel Paese Group

Christmas Party Takeaway Orders can be made with Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong between 15 November and 27 December 2023. Please complete this form and whatsapp to us at 6317 3526, or e-mail to cafe@aubergediscoverybay.com. For enquiries, please call 2295 8299.

Free Delivery within Discovery Bay for orders exceeding HK$2,000

Price

Quantity

Cold Cuts (1.5 kg) Parma Ham with Cantaloupe Melon

HKD$488

Slow Roasted Beef Sliced with Red Onions and Pickles

HKD$488

Norwegian Smoked Salmon Sliced with Onions, Capers and Lemon

HKD$588

Salad (2kg) Tuna and Shrimp Salad with Lime and Mint Dressing

HKD$388

Pomegranate and Pear Salad with Cranberry and Vinegar Dressing

HKD$388

Turkey, Chestnut and Orange Salad with Cranberry Dressing

HKD$398

Smoked Salmon and Strawberry Salad with Yuzu Dressing

HKD$398

Festival Dishes Baked Linguine Bolognese with Mushroom (1.5 kg)

HKD$298

Baked Penne Carbonara with Truffle (1.5 kg)

HKD$298

Christmas Platter Glazed Chestnuts | Braised Red Cabbage | Vichy Carrot | Braised Green Beans and Bacon | Truffle Mashed Potato

Christmas Special Dishes (2.5 kg) Crispy Pork Belly with Rosemary | Pork Sausages | Chicken Sausages | Sour Cabbage

HKD$388 HKD$688

Glazed Smoked Ham with Pineapple and Gravy (2-2.5 kg)

HKD$688

Christmas Roasted Turkey (16-20 lbs) Served with Gravy Sauce, Cranberry Sauce and Christmas Stuffing

HKD$1088

Dessert Christmas Stollen (300g)

HKD$208

Christmas Cup Cakes (Half Dozen)

HKD$398

Christmas Chocolate Pudding (Half Dozen)

HKD$398

Christmas Yule Log (2 lbs)

HKD$688

Guest Name

Contact Number

Date

E-mail

Self-Pickup Time Or Delivery Time

11am – 1pm 1pm – 3pm Other:

3pm – 6pm a.m. / p.m.

Delivery Address

Payment link will be sent after ordering. Order will be confirmed after full payment is completed. Terms & conditions The above Christmas order cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotions or discount offers. Order has to be placed at least 48 hours in advance. Full prepayment is required for order confirmation. No cancellation or refund will be accepted. Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong reserves the right of final decision in case of any dispute. In the event of supply difficulties, we reserve the right to substitute goods with equal quality and value.

Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong 88 Siena Avenue, Discovery Bay, Lantau Island, Hong Kong T: (852) 2295 8288 F: (852) 2295 8188 E: enquiry@aubergediscoverybay.com www.aubergediscoverybay.com

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$46M

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Peninsula Village - Jovial Court 蘅峯 - 旭暉閣 Peninsula Village - Jovial Court 2,296 SF (S) 蘅峯 - 旭暉閣 5 BEDS | 5 BATHS

2,296 SF (S) Ref: #366063

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Midvale Village - Clear View 畔峰 - 觀景樓 Midvale Village - Clear View 751 SF (S) 畔峰 - 觀景樓 1 BED | 1 BATH

751 SF (S) Ref: #302850

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OKAY Property Agency Limited (C-036846) | Flat E, 19/F, Elegance Court, Hillgrove Village, Discovery Bay

NOVEMBER 2023 W W W. A R O U N D D B .CO M

FEATURES 24 PROFILE Art historian and curator Franco Savadori has some advice for would-be collectors

28 COMMUNITY Meet the finalists of the DB Baking Competition 2023 and try their prize-winning recipes

34 PARENTING Throwing birthday parties for little kids is a competitive sport, find out how to excel at it

42 INSIDER

The lowdown on interacting with Chinese friends, and how to avoid a losing face situation AROUND DB / NOVEMBER 2023

REGULARS

AGENDA

20 QUESTIONS Aviation Quiz

08 DB NEWS

ESCAPES Your entrée to Namibia

RECIPES Moroccan mezze

C O M M U N I T Y

OUT THERE Peter Sherwood talks back

L O C A L

I N F L U E N C E R S

L I F E S T Y L E

D I S COV ERY B AY ' S O R I G I N A L CO M M U N I T Y M AGA Z I N E - P U B L I S H ED S I N C E 2 0 0 2

KIDS’ PARTY PLANNING Cheat your way to the best birthday bash

My kind

PA R E N T I N G

2 8 O N T H E C OVE R

PORTRAIT OF THE ART DEALER

Franco Savadori has some words of wisdom for would-be collectors

22 GIVEAWAYS 54 CLASSIFIEDS 57 LOCAL NUMBERS

WE AL S O P UB L IS H

N Ov EM b Er 2 0 23 | A R O U N D D B.CO M

CHINESE ETIQUETTE

The polite way to behave and avoid a losing face situation

Tim and Stanley Clark: winners of the DB Baking Competition 2023

of bake!

TIM AND STANLEY CLARK: WINNERS OF THE DB BAKING COMPETITION 2023

16 EVENT ROUND-UP

PHOTO BY Sarin Ale

ISL AND -WIDE NEWS

LOCAL INFLUENCERS

L ANTAU DESTINATIONS

COMMUNIT Y SNAPS

NEW THIS ISSUE: WIN PARK PUZZLE TICKETS TO HK DISNEYLAND PAGE

THE TRUSTED PROVIDER OF ISL AND -WIDE NEWS AND INFORMATION

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OC TOBE R / NOVEMBE R 2 0 2 3

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CENTRE OF THE WORLD LARRY FEIGN’S LATEST BOOK IS A LOVE LETTER TO LANTAU FOLLOW US

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MEET THE DB BAKING COMPETITION FINALISTS

The results are in! The finalists of the DB Baking Competition 2023 have been chosen through an online community vote on Facebook/ Instagram @Around DB running October 1 to 15. The three top teams have won cash coupons to spend at Peony: winning team Stanley and Tim Clark, HK$3,000; 1st runner-up Elaine and Joseph Huang, HK$2,000; and 2nd runner-up Liza Avelino and Daisy Eugenio, HK$1,000. You can turn to page 28 to try out their prizewinning recipes.

RAY AU, I M OG EN CLY DE,

STUFF TO KNOW

NICO LE I N N O CEN T I , ELIZA B E TH K ER R ,

PETER S HE R WO O D

P HOTOGRAPH E RS RICHA R D GO R D O N

INTER-ISLAND FESTIVAL

www.richardgordonphotography.com

C HA M PI O N DESI G N & PROD U CTI ON CO LT D Flat C & D, 9/F Sing Teck Factory Bldg, 44 Wong Chuk Hang Rd, Hong Kong

B AY M EDI A GRO UP

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

D I S CL AIME R The views expressed in Around DB are not necessarily those of the publisher, editor or contributors. The publisher and editor cannot be held responsible for differences of opinion or statements published in good faith. The publisher, contributors, their employees and partners are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors or omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication and expressly disclaim all and any liability for any such action of any person. The mention of specific companies or products in articles or advertisements does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by this magazine or its publisher in preference to others of a similar nature which are not mentioned or advertised. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without permission. © BAY MEDIA GROUP 2023

Head down to Seabird Lane on November 25 to watch the eighth edition of the hugely popular HLG Kart Race and support your favourite DB racers. Participants, aged 7 to 12, race down an 8-foot-high ramp to battle it out for first place in their age group category. While standard karts are provided, kids also have the opportunity to compete in their own kit-made karts. Register to race at www.hlgkartrace.com. [PHOTO COURTESY OF Harvey Law Group.]

s g in n e Happ

CO NTRI BU TORS

P RI NTI NG

ENROL FOR THE HLG KART RACE

Myriem Alnet, Chun-Kit Chan and Kai-Chun Yip are back, bringing the Inter-Island Festival to our shores over four weekends from November 4 to 26. Through the festival, the Peng Chau-based trio aims to celebrate and help preserve the unique character of the outlying islands, specifically Lantau, Cheung Chau and Peng Chau, by introducing festivalgoers to their vibrant art forms and traditions. “We want islanders (and visitors) to experience and appreciate island life from a different perspective. People jump on the Inter-Island Ferry and make their way between Cheung Chau, Mui Wo, Chi Ma Wan and Peng Chau to take part in the festival. We bring together local performers, experts and artists, with activities going on at the four locations concurrently, and scheduled to match ferry times,” Myriem explains. The first Inter-Island Festival took place in March 2021 with around 10,000 people attending over three days. The organisers worked with more than 50 collaborators, all islanders. Workshops included tofu-skin making, dried-leaf ink making and foraging. Festivalgoers were given the opportunity to take part in a Taiko performance and a workshop tour of Chi Ma Wan. “We tell people to expect a whole bunch of activities but not to expect anything big and loud. We are planning activities that will blend with the insular island life and hope festivalgoers will embrace their subtlety with us,” Myriem says. “This year, we are inviting scholars from different universities to collaborate with local artists, designers and musicians. A collective music installation and performance by students at the School of English at HKU promises to be a highlight.” To find out more, email interislandfestival@gmail.com or visit interislandfestival.live. [PHOTO COURTESY OF Chun-Kit Chan.]

8 8 AROUND DB / NOVEMBER 2023

DB NEWS

PROVERSE AUTUMN RECEPTION

Longtime DB residents Dr Gillian Bickley and Dr Verner Bickley, MBE are hosting the Proverse Autumn Reception on November 21 from 7pm at 35 Garden Road, Central. You are invited to join them for cocktail-style mixing and mingling, canapés buffet, cash bar, book-table, literary prize announcements and awards, and writers’ talks. Find full details and registration form at proversepublishing.com/2023proverse-autumn-reception.

! s t n e v E &

LAMMA FUN DAY BEACH MUSIC FESTIVAL

At the Lamma Fun Day Beach Music Festival on November 18, you can expect live music and performances on two stages from some of Hong Kong’s best bands. Child Welfare Scheme Hong Kong’s flagship fundraising event is held at Tai Wan To Beach, Lamma with market stalls, beach volleyball, kids’ games and activities, a live auction, licensed bar, food and free water. CWS HK invites festivalgoers to have fun, while raising funds for trusted NGOs working on anti-human-trafficking projects in Nepal. [PHOTO COURTESY OF CWS HK.]

IN NOVEMBER!

LANTAU YACHT CLUB BOAT SHOW Hop aboard the Lantau Yacht Club Boat Show, Festa Nautica, from November 3 to 5. At the DB club’s first premium boat show, you can expect to see some of the world’s most beautiful and cutting-edge yachts and superyachts, plus exhibits by leading luxury lifestyle brands like Mercedes-Benz, De Beers and No. 3 Gin. [PHOTO COURTESY OF HKRCL.]

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY NOVEMBER 4 | GATHER AT THE PLANT MARKET in DB Community

SCENT YOUR HOME WORKSHOP Scent Sense Candle Studio is hosting a workshop on November 11 where par ticipants can handcraf t beautiful bouquet candles and herbariums. The workshop runs from 10.30am to 12.30pm at DB Communit y Green Square, and the enrolment fee is just HK$420. To find out more and book your spot, call 2238 3601 or visit Facebook @DynamicDB.

Green Square from 2pm to 4pm. Visit Facebook @DynamicDB.

NOVEMBER 11 | JOIN A BEACH CLEAN-UP! Meet at the gate to DB/ Nim Shue Wan at 2.10pm. Email dana@plasticfreeseas.org to RSVP.

NOVEMBER 12 & 26 | SHOP THE HANDMADE HK MARKETS in DB Plaza from 11am to 6pm. Visit www.handmadehongkong.com.

THROUGHOUT NOVEMBER | DONATE PRELOVED FURNITURE to people in need through DB Mothers & Friends. To arrange for pick-up, visit Facebook @dbmf.collection. AROUND DB / NOVEMBER 2023

DB NEWS

One World Spirit Association has arranged for St Nicholas, the third-century Catholic saint who inspired the modern version of Santa Claus, to pay a visit to DB homes on December 3. Families with children aged two to six years can sign up for a visit, and then prepare a small gift for St Nicholas to deliver when he knocks on their door. Scan the QR code to enrol by November 23. [PHOTO COURTESY OF OWS.]

MUSIC SERIES AT CAFÉ 8

As par t of its 30th anniversar y celebrations, The Nesbit t Centre, a leading organisation dedicated to empowering young adults with disabilities, is presenting an autumn music series in association with What The Folk at Museum Café 8, Pier 8 in Central. Be sure to catch Rob & Chris and BenziNe on November 11 at 7pm. To find out more and book tickets, call Mark Rawson on 9873 3934 or email what thefolk@gmail.com.

ONE-STOP XMAS SHOPPING

Prestige Fairs is holding Christmas Gif t and Lifest yle Fairs on November 29 and December 12 at the Grand Ballroom, Conrad Hong Kong, Admiralt y. You can expec t over 120 vendors selling an exciting range of produc t s that you won’t f ind in depar tment stores or shopping malls. Take your pick from eclec tic clothing, jeweller y, homeware, beaut y produc t s, food and wine, pet produc t s and just about everything for kids. To learn more, visit www.prestigefairs.hk. [PHOTO COURTESY OF Prestige Fairs.] 10

AROUND DB / NOVEMBER 2023

IT’S ALL HAPPENING DOWN AT THE CHIPPY!

The Chippy, now open right on the waterfront in DB Plaza, is already establishing itself as the new village local. A traditional British fish and chip shop meets traditional British pub, it’s a comfortable and welcoming place to hang out with family and friends, whether over a meal or just for a few drinks. DB-based owners the Barnett family are truly grateful for the support shown by residents since The Chippy’s opening in July and, to show their appreciation, they have a series of special events planned in the lead-up to Christmas and New Year, including Quiz Nights, Ladies Nights, Movie Nights and Big Screen Sports Nights. You can start booking your Christmas parties now, and be sure to drop by for the Grand Opening of Santa’s Grotto and Post Office on December 1. The Barnetts hope the grotto will be very busy in the run-up to Christmas: ‘Tis the Season to be Merry! To find out more or book a table, call 2987 8688. [PHOTO COURTESY OF The Chippy.]

ENJOY A SOAP-MAKING WORKSHOP

Take part in a Save Our Planet Soap-Making Workshop and learn how to craft environmentally friendly soaps using coffee grounds. The workshop is taking place on November 25, from 4pm to 5pm, at Community Green Square. To find out more and enrol, WhatsApp 2238 3601 or visit the Dynamic DB Facebook page.

ACROSS HONG KONG

AROUND DB / NOVEMBER 2023

DB NEWS

TRANSLANTAU FINAL CHECKPOINT AT DBIS

The TransLantau trail race is back, and Discovery Bay International School (DBIS) is part of the action, hosting the final checkpoint for runners on November 11 and 12. The school’s very own ultra marathoner, Head of Year 9 Neil O'Maonaigh-Lennon, is taking on the ultimate challenge and tackling the 140km “beast”. He is aiming to pass through DBIS between 12 noon and 2pm on November 12 – head on down to the school to cheer him on! For more on the trail race, visit translantau.utmb.world; for more on DBIS, visit www.dbis.edu.hk.

DBRC TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS

Tennis aces are all set to battle it out at the DBRC Tennis Championships every Saturday and Sunday from November 4 to 26 at the DBRC tennis court. There are nine events for adults, including parent/ child doubles (U10 and U14), plus nine junior events (U8 through to U16). If you’re not a club member, you’re welcome to attend with a friend who is. To find out more, call 9779 0747 or visit www.dbrc.hk.

HONG KONG JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL

DICK WHITTINGTON: THE PANTO Hong Kong Players is celebrating it s 62nd consecutive year of annual Christmas shows with Dick Whit tington: THE PANTO, running December 1 to 10 at the Shouson Theatre, Hong Kong Ar t s Centre in Wanchai. Finding the street s of London overrun with rodent s (not paved with gold), Dick Whit tington set s out to f ight the evil Rat Queen with a lit tle help from his friends. Turn to page 22 for a chance to win ticket s to opening night, or book your seat s at w w w.hkplayers.com. [PHOTO COURTESY OF Hong Kong Players.]

The Hong Kong Jewish Film Festival is scheduled to run from November 11 to 19 at cinemas across Hong Kong. Opening night kicks off at MCL Cyberport with a screening of SHTL by French director Ady Walter. The film takes place in a Jewish village the night before the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union, and it was recorded in a single-shot on a set built in a forest outside Kiev. You can expect an in-person introduction and discussion with the director, plus a kosher dessert party. To book tickets, visit www.hkjff.org.

MADAGASCAR: THE MUSICAL Get ready to rumble in the jungle: ABA Productions is presenting Madagascar: The Musical from December 14 to 24 at the Lyric Theatre, Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Wanchai. Join your favourite crack-a-lackin’ animal friends on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar. Audiences of all ages are guaranteed to have a rockin’ good time! Turn to page 22 for a chance to win tickets to opening night, or book your seats at www.aba-productions.com. [PHOTO COURTESY OF ABA Productions.] 12

AROUND DB / NOVEMBER 2023

DB NEWS

SUSTAINABLE FASHION SHOW AT DC

Over the past few months, Year 12 and 13 students at Discovery College (DC) have been organising a sustainable fashion show to showcase the designs of students and local brands across the city, all whilst raising money to support the Justice Centre, a Hong Kong-based NGO, which provides pro bono legal services to refugees. Through the show, Verity, the students aim to increase awareness of sustainable fashion and, at the same time, promote the message of self-acceptance and authenticity. You can catch Verity at DC on December 9. For tickets, visit @verity.hongkong on Instagram or on the DC Explorer. [PHOTO BY Laura Paddison.]

MUSICA VIVA’S ANNA BOLENA

Brush up on your Tudor history at Musica Viva’s Anna Bolena showing at Hong Kong City Hall, December 8 to 10. Composed by Gaetano Donizetti, the two-act opera is performed in Italian with English and Chinese surtitles. Drawing almost entirely on local talent, Musica Viva aims to promote performing arts of creative originality: Anna Bolena, which culminates in the tragic beheading of King Henry V III ’s second wife, promises to be just that. To find out more and book tickets, visit www.musicavivahk.org. [PHOTO COURTESY OF Musica Viva.]

BAYVIEW HOUSE OF CHILDREN TURNS 10

Bayview House of Children is celebrating 10 years of activity in DB North Plaza, having sent its 10th cohort of children to primary school in June. With beautiful classrooms facing the bay, the kindergarten provides a rich, ageappropriate early learning experience for children aged three to six years. On top of the academic curriculum, children enjoy gardening activities, sports and a unique outdoor play area. To find out more and enrol your child, call 6114 2436 or visit www.bayview.hk. [PHOTO COURTESY OF Bayview House of Children.]

MORE FROM FARMER’S MARKET

YHKCC INTERNATIONAL FUN FAIR AND BAZAAR

Save the date for the YHKCC International Fun Fair and Bazaar on December 9. Taking place at the school’s Tung Chung campus, the day-long event is themed Beyond the Stars with the aim to transcend boundaries and create a legacy of unity and cultural appreciation. You can expect a dazzling array of activities, performances and workshops, plus artisan shopping and all the fun of the fair. To find out more, email samuel.castillo@yhkcc.edu.hk. [PHOTO COURTESY OF YHKCC.] 14

AROUND DB / NOVEMBER 2023

Boosted by new owners Mat thew Beldham and Kenly Soloren, Farmer’s Market is expanding it s of fering to DB with door-to - door deliveries Monday to Saturday. In addition to continuing the excellent meat-based produc t range Farmer’s Market is renowned for, Mat thew and Kenly, who also own Hooked Fish Galler y and Hooked Fish & Chips, are now providing Farmer’s Market shoppers with an exclusive fresh and frozen Hooked seafood selec tion. To f ind out more and make an order, visit w w w.farmersmarket.com.hk. [PHOTO COURTESY OF Farmers Market.]

! t u o b A & t u O

EVENT ROUND-UP

WHAT YOU'VE BEEN UP TO! MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL CELEBRATION

DB-based One World Spirit Association in collaboration with the Traditional Chinese Archery Alliance hosted a special Mid-Autumn Festival event from October 1 to 2 on Lamma. Participants enjoyed archery workshops, a Hanfu clothing experience, festival food and lantern riddling. [PHOTOS COURTESY OF OWS.]

AROUND DB / NOVEMBER 2023

EVENT ROUND-UP

AT THE TREASURE ISLAND SUNDAY MARKET

Lantauers spent a fun day at the Treasure Island Sunday Market on October 15. The food and handicraft stalls were provided by local artisans and there was live music from 1pm to 5pm. Dogs and babies were everywhere. [PHOTOS BY Sarin Ale.]

AROUND DB / NOVEMBER 2023

EVENT ROUND-UP

THE CBRE LANTAU 2 PEAKS IN T3

CBRE Lantau 2 Peaks, held on October 8, saw Australian national Vlad Ixel and Lantau resident Zein Williams taking male and female solo wins under T3 conditions. Over 550 participants ran from Tung Chung up to Ngong Ping, Nei Lek Shan, before heading back to Tung Chung over a 15.5 km course. [PHOTOS COURTESY OF Action Asia Events.]

AT THE MUI WO CHILL MARKET

The monthly Mui Wo Chill Market at Mui Wo Rural Committee Road and Chung Hau Street is proving hugely popular. Hosted by Mui Wo Imagine and Mui Wo Collective, there are immersive Mui Wo tours on offer, various types of workshops and even busking performances, with the handicraft vendors all local. [PHOTOS COURTESY OF Mui Wo Collective.]

AROUND DB / NOVEMBER 2023

TICKE

$295

1 - 10 December 2023

Shouson Theatre, Hong Kong Arts Centre 2 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Tickets at: www.popticket.hk

hkplayers

- $395

EVENT ROUND-UP

BEATING THE SUN

At Barclays MoonTrekker, October 13 to 14, participants were challenged to make it to the summit of Lantau Peak before dawn. There were three routes this year – 40km, 30km and 18km – all starting in Mui Wo and finishing in Cheung Sha. Running solo, as a pair or in teams of four, the competitors had an unforgettable experience, while raising funds for The Nature Conservancy. [PHOTOS COURTESY OF Barclays MoonTrekker.]

AROUND DB / NOVEMBER 2023

Unit 10, 1/F, North DB Plaza, Discovery Bay North, Lantau Island, Hong Kong

Christmas camp 27th (WED) & 28th (THURS) Mandarin Camp

The Merry Makers (1-3 years old) Time: 9:00am - 11:00am 27th and 28th of December 2023 $500 (1 day)/ $800 (2 days)

Tel: 5495 8810

Frosty Friends (3-6 years old) Time: 11:30am - 2:30pm 27th and 28th of December 2023 $750 (1 day)/ $1200 (2 days)

Explore Hong Kong’s largest...

Christmas

LIFESTYLE & GIFT FAIRS Conrad Hong Kong Grand Ballroom

Free entry. Open to the public. WEDNESDAY 29 NOVEMBER + TUESDAY 12 DECEMBER With 120+ exhibitors selling products and services from around the world, all in the one location, you can get all your Christmas shopping done at these exciting gift fairs.

SCAN ME

GIVEAWAYS

HONG KONG PLAYERS IS OFFERING TWO READERS TWO TICKETS (EACH WORTH HK$395) TO SEE DICK WHIT TINGTON: THE PANTO ON DECEMBER 1 AT 7.30PM Hong Kong Players is per forming Dick Whittington: THE PANTO! from December 1 to 10 at the Shouson Theatre, Hong Kong Ar ts Centre,

Wanchai. Join Dick and his friends as they seek their for tune on the streets of London, while bat tling the evil Rat Queen. Expec t festive fun for all the family with hilarious dialogue, an outrageous Dame, spec tacular stage combat, dancing and live music.

With origins dating back to 1844 as the then Hong Kong Amateur Dramatic Club, Hong Kong Players is one of Hong Kong’s oldest

community theatre companies. Providing regular performances,

workshops and play readings, the theatre group is on a constant quest to find talent of all ages and from all walks of life. For more on the

Hong Kong Players and to book panto tickets, visit www.hkplayers.com. [PHOTO COURTESY OF Hong Kong Players.]

ABA PRODUCTIONS IS OFFERING TWO READERS TWO TICKETS (EACH WORTH HK$795) TO SEE MADAGASCAR: THE MUSICAL ON DECEMBER 14 AT 7.30PM ABA Produc tions is presenting Madagascar: The Musical from

December 14 to 24 at the Lyric Theatre, Hong Kong Academy for Per forming Ar t s, Wanchai. Based on the smash-hit DreamWorks

animated series, the show provides fun for all the family, with upbeat music, awesome adventure and quirk y charac ters.

Accompany Alex the Lion, Mar t y the Zebra, Melman the Giraf fe,

Gloria the Hippo and the comical penguins on an escape mission

from New York ’s Central Park Zoo. Af ter a series of madcap

adventures, the Zoos ters end up in Madagascar where they are

welcomed by King Julien the Thir teenth (Welcome to Me!), who

get s the par t y s tar ted (I Like to Move It). To f ind out more and book ticket s, visit w w w.aba-produc tions.com. [PHOTO COURTESY

OF ABA Produc tions.]

CONGRATUL ATIONS TO L AST ISSUE’S WINNERS

Douglas Rumsam and Diana Chen each for a monthly EpicLand pass.

HOW TO WIN!

Around DB prizes are incredibly easy to get your hands on, and you have until the 15th of the month to apply. Simply scan the QR code or go to www.arounddb.com/giveaways, select the giveaway you want, and enter your details into the online form. (Terms and conditions apply.)

AROUND DB / NOVEMBER 2023

We would like to thank everyone in the community for their support since we opened in July, in return we have a series of special events planned in the run up to Christmas & New Year.

Christmas Party Reservations Now Being Taken ‘Ho Ho Ho’ Tis The Season To Be Merry

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PROFILE

! p i H e th From THE GAUDENTE

A multi-hyphenate well-versed in the finer things, Franco Savadori’s instincts led him to Discovery Bay and his next chapter as a dealer in fine art. Elizabeth Kerr reports PHOTOS BY Richard Gordon - www.richardgordonphotography.com

t’s late-morning in ifc Mall and Franco Savadori is lounging, as much as you can, in Starbucks. He’s easy to spot in the crowd, with his silver-white hair and funky graphic print shirt. It’s also easy to see how Franco came to dealing in art. He’s gregarious and literate, a story for every little comment; the picture of a life well-lived. Though a resident of Discovery Bay for two years, he’s been in Hong Kong for 11, first laying down roots in Peng Chau with a musician buddy Franco Valussi, the saxophonist who made a name for himself playing at Ned Kelly’s in TST. It was Valussi who told him to bypass Hong Kong Island. “It was like being 20 years old again,” Franco recalls with chuckle. “Then in 2015 both of us happened to get married, so of course we went our separate ways. He went back to Italy four years ago. After years at Ned Kelly’s it was time. That kind of musician’s life catches up.”

ZAO WOU-KI AND BEYOND Born in Trieste, in the northeastern corner of Italy, in 1961, Franco’s run the career gamut, from musician himself to, now, art dealer. A percussionist trained at the Conservatorio Musicale Giuseppe Tartini, he performed in Europe with leading orchestras before deciding he didn’t quite have the chops. After that, in no particular order, he called himself a writer, restaurateur (with bars and restaurants in Gorizia, about 35 kilometres from Trieste), sommelier – he swears by an inexpensive Valenician white from 759 – autodidact gallery owner (in Udine) and art dealer. Franco is founder and curator of Classic Fine Art (www.classicfinearthk.com). In 2006 he found a partner in Alberto Annesi, and together they started curating and dealing art. Franco 24

AROUND DB / NOVEMBER 2023

was in his hospitality phase at the time, and like many do now, he combined his fine dining establishments with gallery aesthetics and displayed art. Their first sale was to a German regular to the restaurant who asked about a purchase. “That was a signal,” Franco says. “I’ve always been driven by instinct and intuition and I’ve always listened to it. It’s worked out so far.” There was some good fortune to go with that instinct. Around 2007, Alberto stumbled upon a painting – which they authenticated – by Slovenia painter Zoran Mušič, famed for his drawings of life in Dachau. They picked it up for US$5,000 and struck an agreement with the seller, who had just been bequeathed a trove of 40 or 50 other artworks by a wealthy collector. It was just the kind of foundational material they needed, and the collection also included a few pieces by Chinese-French artist Zao Wou-ki. “When we started out, we were the only dealers of Zao in Italy,” Franco explains. “No one really knew who he was. But then we realised Hong Kong was turning into a strong art market so we started to make regular trips, in 2009, 2010, 2011. Every time we made a new connection, and eventually we decided this was a good place to work from.”

CURATOR FOR GEORGE WONG It was in 2012 that Franco made the leap to relocate permanently. He was having recurring dreams about selling art in China, he and Alberto agreed that Italy was changing in a way that didn’t suit them, and a relationship ended tragically. “For me that was a clear signal too; when you realise something is ending,” he says. “So we came here and we found George Wong.” Wong, the renowned private collectortycoon-philanthropist, who founded Parkview Art

PROFILE

AROUND DB / NOVEMBER 2023

PROFILE

and who the duo curated for starting in 2013. Their knowledge of European masters was unique and Franco recalls Hong Kong supporting that knowledge, which led to the founding of Classic Fine Art. The firm focuses on European art from the mid-19th century to 1930: a rich period that covers the Impressionists, the Expressionists, Cubism and Dada, and artists such as Monet, Degas, Matisse, Munch, Van Gogh and Picasso. Along with new professional horizons came new personal ones. A bachelor until 54, Franco met his eventual wife in 2014. “She’s from Beijing and we are very different in the way we think,” he laughs. “But it works. We do have a lot in common.” Like an appreciation for nature, which Franco was pleasantly surprised to find so much of when he first got to Hong Kong, and particularly now in DB. “We thought DB was beautiful. It’s quiet, it’s great for the dogs. My wife had a small flat in Tseung Kwan O, and we discovered the space we’d get for the price in DB was much better too. And she wanted to look at the sea. "I live a ver y quiet life now; we rarely go out at night. For many years I owned some nightclubs and bars, and at a cer tain point you just say ‘Enough.’ I love the pleasure of sleep, and the kids – the dogs – get us up by 6.30am, then I work through the day. There are times when DB is absolutely silent. It’s beautiful.”

FRANCO SURROUNDED BY ART IN HIS DB HOME

BLUE CHIP SELLER When Franco says he works that doesn’t mean he’s wheeling and dealing all day. Selling an ar twork like the ones he does is a long, complex process that sometimes, after years, doesn’t even happen. He describes a current client, who’s looking for a specific ar tist, in a specific style, in a specific size. It’s rare, and when you’re talking about work that’s no longer coming off the assembly line, the market is limited. Luckily, Franco has a solid circle of connections that usually get the job done and a patient clientele willing to wait for their dream piece; less investors than simply ar t lovers. “With a great deal of modern ar t, we’re no longer talking about the intrinsic value of the ar t; we’re talking about it as a phenomenon. There is a concer ted effor t to monetise and commercialise it. Few work like the old masters,” he theorises, before pointing out that contrar y to popular belief, an ar tist doesn’t need to be dead to be “wor th” anything. “People forget that Picasso was famous while he was alive because he changed his form five times. Dali and Magritte were famous because they connected dreams with surrealism and psychology. Bacon was famous for his strength in the face of psychopathy.” Monet and Picasso are high value because they’re so-called brand names (don’t get Franco star ted 26

AROUND DB / NOVEMBER 2023

EUROPEAN ART FROM THE MID-19TH CENTURY TO 1930 IS HIS SPECIALTY

on marketing). But plenty of “minor masterpieces” are out there, waiting to be found. And like wine, there is value at all price points, Franco explains. Not ever ything that’s wor thy is necessarily HK$100 million, and value is more often than not a personal metric, one that shifts and changes along with us. “Picasso said ar t is the best mirror of ourselves. Nowadays we study neuroscience and why we have emotional responses to things. But ar twork has that deep impact and we often don’t quite understand why. It’s emotional, and this is the core of ar t,” Franco finishes. “It’s a representation of life. We change and we grow, but it still tells us about ourselves. That’s what Picasso meant by a mirror.”

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D B B A K I N G CO M P E T I T I O N 2 02 3 BAKE TO BE KIND!

In this year’s DB Baking Competition, bakers were asked to share a favourite recipe and gift their bake to someone special. The idea was to involve everyone in the community, and show them just how much kindness can be found in every batch of homemade baked goods. Thanks go to all the bakers who took part! The three teams who gained the most votes, at an online public vote last month, have each won cash coupons to spend at Peony, Discovery Bay. You can try out their prize-winning bakes overleaf. Why not follow their lead and “Bake To Be Kind!” on November 13, World Kindness Day!

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

COMMUNITY

DAUGHTER & DADDY DUO: STANLEY CLARK & TIM CLARK

250g plain all-purpose flour 1tsp baking powder 1tsp baking soda 2tsp ground cinnamon 1tsp ground nutmeg 300g light brown sugar 260g carrot, grated 2tbsp finely ground flaxseed meal 120ml canola or vegetable oil 1tsp vanilla extract 1tbsp apple cider vinegar 100g chopped walnuts (optional) For the icing: 480g icing sugar 110g vegan butter 1tsp vanilla extract 1tsp apple cider vinegar 2-3tbsp fresh lemon juice 30

AROUND DB / N OO C TVOE BMEBRE R2 022032 3

Preheat your oven to 180°C fan. Sift the flour into a mixing bowl and add the baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and ½ tsp salt. Mix together. Add the sugar and carrot, and mix well. Next, prepare your “flax eggs” by adding 2 tbsp finely ground flaxseed meal to a bowl with 6tbsp hot water. Let it sit for a minute to become gloopy. Add the flax eggs, oil, vanilla extract, apple cider vinegar and walnuts to the mixing bowl. Mix everything together. Divide the batter evenly between 2 prepared 7-inch cake pans. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre of one of the cakes comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Meanwhile, prepare your lemon buttercream icing. Add the icing sugar, vegan butter, vanilla extract, apple cider vinegar and lemon juice to a bowl. Beat together thoroughly. Finally, ice the cake – use roughly one-third of the icing in the middle and two-thirds on top – and decorate the top and sides with additional chopped walnuts.

COMMUNITY

S I ST E R & B ROT H E R T E A M : E L A I N E H UA N G & J O S E P H H UA N G

200g plain flour 140g inverted sugar syrup 30g oil For the filling: 2 pineapples 100g dried fruits 100g nuts and seeds 1 egg yolk

Preheat your oven to 180˚C fan. Mix the plain flour, inverted sugar syrup and oil together. Knead the dough for 2 minutes and then keep it in wrapping film for 3 hours. For the mooncake filling, use 2 pineapples to make 300g pineapple jam: cook the pineapple flesh for around 1 hour until the flesh becomes jam. Fold the dried fruits (raisins, dried peach etc.) nuts and seeds (sunflower seeds and chestnut etc.) into the jam. Next mould the 10 mooncakes, each weighing 50g – 20g skin dough and 30g filling. Brush the top side of the mooncakes with egg yolk. Bake for 15 minutes.

B U D D I E S : L I Z A AV E L I N O & DA I SY E U G E N I O 250g plain flour 2tsp baking powder ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda 1tsp ground cinnamon 5 whole cloves, freshly ground ¼ tsp nutmeg, freshly grated 200g light brown sugar 200ml sunflower oil 3 large free-range eggs 250g carrot, beetroot, apple & ginger, grated 85g dried mixed fruits 100g mixed nuts, chopped 2-3tbsp fresh orange juice For the frosting: 110g butter, softened 100g icing sugar ½ tsp vanilla extract 300g cream cheese

Preheat your oven to 180˚C/ 160˚C fan. Mix the flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, spices and ½ tsp sea salt together in a medium sized bowl. Add the sugar and stir until combined, breaking up any lumps with your fingertips. Add the oil and eggs to the dry mixture and beat well. Fold in the carrot, beetroot, apple, ginger, dried fruits and nuts, adding enough fresh orange juice to make a soft batter consistency. Divide the mixture evenly between 2 prepared 8-inch cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before unmoulding. To prepare the frosting, cream together the butter, icing sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy. Gently fold in the cream cheese until combined. Using a palette knife, spread a third of the frosting over the top of 1 cooled cake, top with 1 the other cake and spread the remaining frosting over the top (and sides, if you want). Decorate the cake as desired. AROUND DB / NOVEMBER 2023

CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE

THE NEED FOR EXTRA -CURRICUL AR, WHAT SHOULD I DO? Danny Harrington, Founder and Managing Director of ITS Education Asia, has some advice There are so many questions around the extracurricular activities children should do – what? when? how much? level? and so on. The one thing we know for sure is that extra-curricular activities are inherently linked to student groups – you have to be “in” a curriculum in order to add to it. In this sense we can agree their key purpose is to broaden learning and experience beyond the academic. At primary level, extra-curricular is a great opportunity to expose children to a wide range of activities, some of which they may choose to focus on in later in life. We all know the very best musicians and sports people start very, very young and that that fact is one of the pillars on which their proficiency is built. So, at this age, we need to mandate activities for our children. That doesn’t mean they shouldn’t have choice. There is no “best instrument” to learn: only a choice of instruments that a young child might enjoy and be capable of learning. But it’s up to us, as parents, to get our children engaged and provide options, all without forgetting the importance of real leisure time and free play. Balance is key. In the middle years, parenting style will determine your approach. If you believe in continuing a strict schedule of mandated activity, you will probably also have clear ideas about how you define success and you will have a strong desire for your children to live in the same groove. If this is you, you can begin to ask the questions around how extra-curricular supports success and the focus will be on attaining measurable achievements which can go on a CV. Parents with a looser style, perhaps because they prioritise teaching their children to make decisions and learn from mistakes, may now back off. But you do have to be careful about backing off too much. Middle-school aged children are unable to conceive of their future in the wider world. As parents we know at least more than them, if not what’s best. Encouragement, nudging and the odd putting your foot down can all help keep children involved in extra-curricular. By the late teens, things are different. Young adults can and should be making their own decisions. With regard to extra-curricular, they know what they like and why they are undertaking their chosen activities. 32

AROUND DB / NOVEMBER 2023

Levels of engagement vary but, these days, many late teens go above and beyond applying i n c re d i b l e e n e rg y t o v e r y w o r t h y s o c i a l a n d environmental causes. R e g a rd l e s s o f y o u r p a re n t i n g s t y l e , w h e n i t comes to using extra-curricular activities to boost university entry, broad trends have appeared over the last few years. Students aiming for top-ranked universities around the world are expected to have a wide range of extra-curricular and/ or to have achieved at a high level. The days of leading a school team or club being impressive are over for top universities. Representation needs to be at regional, national, or even global level. Top universities want over achievers, specialists and students with plenty of academic potential. If students have the time to do extra-curricular to a high level, it proves that their grades have been achieved with a modicum of ease. Top universities want an indication that secondary school is easy for their applicants. At ITS Education Asia we implemented a social enterprise mentoring programme, called the Young Changemaker Incubator, three years ago. Participants get the chance to launch their own initiatives and these are registered with the UN thus achieving national and global status. Find out more by visiting the SDG Education section at www.itseducation.asia.

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PARENTING

! y a l P Child's KIDS’ PARTY PLANNING

Find out how to cheat your way to the perfect birthday bash without leaving DB PHOTOS COURTESY OF Freepik

AROUND DB / NOVEMBER 2023

PARENTING

The first thing you, or rather the bir thday boy or girl needs to decide on is the theme. Go with unicorns, pirates, princesses, or minions… whatever’s on their radar at the time. The theme is a big deal because it will dic tate the look of the par ty, of ever y thing from the invitations to the cake.

ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES For the sake of your time and sanity – not to mention the environment – avoid paper invitations. Choosing an electronic invitation ser vice, such as Paperless Post, keeps the process straightfor ward and makes your guest list easy to manage digitally. Get the invitations sent out at least a month in advance to avoid disappointment. If you follow this writer’s advice, you won’t be needing much in the way of par ty decorations but you will need basic supplies – balloons, tableware, wrapping paper and those all-impor tant take-home par ty bags. For all these, look no fur ther than the dedicated Par tytime shop-in-shop at Bookazine in DB Nor th Plaza (2987 1373). You’ll find a quality range in cool colours and of-the-minute themes. But back to the par ty bags. What do you put inside them? You can relate the contents to the par ty theme (as long as it’s unisex) or you can make up two sets of bags, one for the boys and one for the girls. But one-bag-fits-all is the best (easiest) way to go. Young par tygoers will thank you for fun treats like bubble wands, whoopee cushions and, of course, slime.

THE VENUE

lanning kids’ par ties get s easier as they get older. Once they hit their t weens, you don’t have to invite their whole clas s along, and you c an pret t y much get away with a movie (plus hot dogs and popcor n) for a couple of bes ties. But for younger kids, par ties need to be more elabor ate – and there’s more competition involved – so it ’s wor th thinking seriously about what you want to achieve and all the exciting alter natives on of fer. As any parent will tell you, the basic element s that need to come together are the supplies, the venue and the refreshment s (including the all-impor tant bir thday cake). Get these worked out well in advance and you should be able to cheat your way to a fun, relatively hassle-free bir thday bash.

Be war y about hosting a children’s par ty at home; it’s a big ask. Your living room will get wrecked, and you’ll find yourself running around organising games, breaking up fights and laying out food, while the other parents relax in the corner drinking your Prosecco. The best bet, unless the weather is truly dreadful, is to take the par ty outdoors. This way, the kids will be able to let of f steam without destroying your home and you’ll find you have a lot less to do – lay on sunscreen, bug spray and a bunch of water games, and you’re good to go. If you don’t have a garden, check in with your village management of fice to see if your local playground is available for hire, or simply hit up Tai Pak Wan. If you can af ford to add on a bouncy castle, do it! Kids never get tired of inflatables and they’ll play on them for hours. Talk to Ben White at Pui O-based Jumping Castles (9662 1747). Ben delivers free to DB and his castles all feature a jump area and a slide of some sor t and they come in small, medium AROUND DB / NOVEMBER 2023

PARENTING

and large sizes – the small ones suited for children as young as two and the largest good for kids up to 12. All you need for Ben to set up an inflatable is a reasonably level area – indoors or out. For added fun, he can also supply a helium-balloon kit that includes a recyclable helium tank and 50 balloons. Or how about an ice-skating par ty? At DB Ice Rink in DB Plaza (2234 0187), there’s fun to be had for kids of all ages, and skating aids to guide the less steady par tygoers across the ice. The staf f are happy to help you set up your own catering supplies at the rink – and, if you want to sit back while the staf f teach (and super vise) your par tygoers, you can book a group lesson. Equally close to home, EpicLand in DB Nor th (2441 0098) is a great one-stop par ty option catering for groups of 10 to 50 plus. A typical par ty package at the 14,000 -square-foot indoor enter tainment centre includes par ty invites and banners, two hours use of a private func tion room and access to the play zones. Slime, ner f, ar t, disco and laser-tag par ty packages are also on of fer.

THE MAIN EVENT Kid’s par ties today aren’t the jelly-and-ice-cream sit-down af fairs many of us remember, so don’t feel you need to provide a full-on spread. If you’re heading to the beach, or any venue where food is not provided, a good option is to present the food in individual par ty boxes. Keep things simple and cute, you only need a few items in each box – a cheese straw, a homemade sandwich, some crisps/ grapes, a small yoghur t and plastic spoon, a fair y cake, a pretty napkin and a paper hat. This is a fairly healthy option too, right? No doubt, small people love additive-packed, sugar y snacks but you’re well advised to jettison the junk, and avoid the dreaded sugar-crash tantrums too! For tunately, festive food is extremely easy to hack while keeping all the fun and flavour. Star t with the bubbly: add citrus slices to sparkling mineral water for a refreshing tipple, or tr y infusing whole jugs with mint, cucumber, apple chunks and strawberries for a carbonated cocktail. Meanwhile, swap salty crisps and pretzels in favour of crudités and veggie-based dips and, assuming no allergy restric tions, switch salted peanuts for almonds, walnuts and cashews gently toasted without oil in the oven. Taking it easy with the snacks frees you up to go big on the main event – the bir thday cake, ever yone’s favourite par t of a par ty. Whether you’re looking for a 2D Bob the Builder or a 3D mermaid on a rock, bakeries like Complete Deelite in Central (3167 7022) can whip up the requisite confection to match any par ty theme, as well as health-focused “naked” bir thday cakes and cupcakes – where the sides remain un-iced. 36

AROUND DB / NOVEMBER 2023

FOCUS ON PARTY SUPPLIES, THE VENUE AND THE REFRESHMENTS

If you’re looking to go a step fur ther, and brave enough to DIY, then it’s easy to find instruc tions for gluten-, nut- and refined-sugar-free bir thday cakes online. These “free-from” cakes are healthy and wholesome, and can look ever y bit as good as the regular ones. Simply search for diabetic-friendly bake recipes; you can add natural sweetness later with fruit toppings. So there you have it; throwing a successful kid’s par ty is doable… and can be a lot of fun. Just be sure to plan ahead and pull out all the stops, you don’t want to be known as the parent who threw the boring bir thday bash.

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CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE

CHOOSING THE RIGHT PRESCHOOL Ramesha Backelandt of Bayview House of Children discusses how best to nurture curious young minds As a parent, one of the most critical decisions you’ll make is choosing the right preschool for your child. Early education is not just about what children learn; it’s about how they learn. The methodology and environment in which your child starts their educational journey can have a profound and lasting impact. In each present moment, children learn about themselves, others and the world around them. Each child is unique, and not all children learn in the same way or at the same pace. Preschools that embrace multi-age classrooms allow children to work at their own level and pace, fostering a sense of individuality and self-paced growth. THE ROLE OF PLAY The phrase “learning through play” is a familiar one in early childhood education, but it’s not without controversies. Some parents wonder whether their children are really learning when they’re playing all day. The truth is that children learn best through the process of play. As one expert puts it, “Young children are naturally curious, and play builds on that curiosity, helping them explore the world around them, build their knowledge and develop their skills.” The Morden preschool programs, for example, take a “playful learning” approach, teaching early academic and social-emotional skills through play and exploration. Teachers play a pivotal role in cultivating a learner’s attitude before introducing a formal curriculum. There’s a significant difference between “surface learning,” which involves memorising key facts, and “deep learning,” which entails applying and understanding knowledge through real-world experiences. Spending ample time outdoors, rain or shine, is another key aspect of early childhood education. Research supports the numerous benefits, including improved physical fitness, a strong connection with nature and better mental health.

G a rd e n i n g w i t h c h i l d re n i s m u c h m o re t h a n nurturing plants; it’s a holistic and creative learning experience that encompasses a myriad of valuable life skills. This hands-on activity allows children to explore the natural world and connect with the earth in a tangible and immersive way. When gardening, children are faced with choices – from selecting what to plant to deciding when and how much to water – this cultivates decision-making skills, while encouraging critical thinking and a sense of responsibility. Gardening also serves as an engaging platform for foundational math and science skills, since it involves measurements, counting and observation. As young gardeners watch their plants grow from seeds, they learn the virtue of patience and the reward of delayed gratification, essential life skills that will serve them well. Moreover, gardening instils a profound connection to nature, nurturing a sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world, which can translate into a lifelong bond with the environment. A HOLISTIC PERSPECTIVE Early childhood education and care are foundational building blocks that equip children with the competencies they’ll need for the future. In a rapidly changing world dominated by concepts like “artificial intelligence,” “big data,” and “the Internet of things,” the competencies of the future must be holistic, encompassing knowledge, skills, attitudes and values. As you embark on the jour ney of choosing a preschool, consider these factors and find an institution that values play, social-emotional learning and customised education. Your child’s early experiences will shape their lifelong love for learning and set the stage for a bright and promising future.

Bayview House of Children has provided services in DB North for the past decade. To find out more and enrol your child, call 6114 2436 or visit www.bayview.hk. 38

AROUND DB / NOVEMBER 2023

We help people experiencing homelessness to transform their lives At non-profit ImpactHK we have a vision for an inclusive Hong Kong where everyone has a safe place to call home and cares for their neighbour. We work with people experiencing homelessness to help them settle in a safe home, restore their mental and physical wellbeing, build their self-esteem and discover their purpose.

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20 QUESTIONS

INFLIGHT QUIZ

It’s aviation history month. How much do you know about planes and pilots past and present? 1. Who invented the first aeroplane? A. The Wright Brothers B. Alberto Santos-Dumont C. Alexander Graham Bell 2. Who was the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean? A. Amy Adams B. Harriet Quimby C. Amelia Earhart 3. How many seats does the average commercial aeroplane have? A. 126 B. 138 C. 210 4. What is the largest passenger aircraft in the world? A. Boeing 767 B. Airbus A380 C. Bombardier Global 8000 5. Which airport is the world’s busiest based on passenger traffic? A. Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport B. London Heathrow Airport C. Dubai International Airport 40

AROUND DB / NOVEMBER 2023

20 QUESTIONS

6. How many engines does a Boeing 747 have? A. 2 B. 4 C. 6 7. Who was the first person to break the sound barrier? A. Margaret Chase Smith B. Charles Lindbergh C. Chuck Yeager 8. The first crossing of the English Channel by aeroplane took how long? A. 37 minutes B. 2 hours, 37 minutes C. 4 hours, 37 minutes

14. Which nonstop flight takes the longest from beginning to end? A. Perth to London B. Singapore to New York C. Doha to Aukland 15. In which year did flight attendants first appear on passenger flights? A. In 1923 B. In 1930 C. In 1954 16. What colour is an aeroplane’s black box? A. Orange B. Black C. Blue

9. When landing at Kai Tak Airport, what did pilots have to spot before starting the aeroplane’s descent?

17. Who was the first person to fly solo around the world?

A. A huge red flag on the side of a hill

A. Wiley Post

B. A huge green triangle on the side of a hill

B. Louis Blériot

C. A huge checkerboard on the side of a hill

C. Charles Lindbergh

10. Which airline made the last arrival before Kai Tak Airport closed?

18. Which American airline is named after a Greek letter?

A. Dragonair

A. Omega

B. Cathay Pacific

B. Delta

C. Hong Kong Airlines

C. Alpha

11. In which year did Hong Kong International Airport open?

19. How many different parts make up the Boeing 747?

A. 1925

A. 500,000

B. 1997

B. 1 million

C. 1998

C. 6 million

12. What is the purpose of the flaps on an aircraft’s wings?

20. Which famous artist created the first drafts for a rational aircraft?

A. To increase lift during take-off and landing

A. Michelangelo

B. To stabilise the aircraft in turbulence

B. Leonardo De Vinci

C. To control the aircraft’s pitch

C. Vincent van Gogh

13. What are the 4 C’s of aviation? A. Climb, Communicate, Confess and Comply with instructions B. Climb, Comply with Instructions, Cage and Check CDU

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

C. Neither AROUND DB / NOVEMBER 2023

INSIDER

! s p i T p To

CHINESE ETIQUETTE What’s the polite way to behave when you’re out and about with local friends? And how do you make sure no one loses face? PHOTOS COURTESY OF Adobe Stock

AROUND DB / NOVEMBER 2023

INSIDER

HOW TO MEET AND GREET

Above all, keep calm and don’t get upset, no matter what’s under discussion. Raising your voice or getting angr y is considered a loss of face in Asian culture, and China’s no exception. For this reason, you’ll seldom see a Chinese friend shouting or getting frustrated in public – to do so would create a “losing face situation” for ever yone involved, and draw unnecessar y attention.

You can’t be too polite when greeting a Chinese friend. Always nod or shake hands and say hello. But don’t bow... we Chinese only bow when we pay respec t to our ancestors. And don’t shake hands too firmly. If the handshake is too firm, it feels hostile and can be read as a sign of aggression, so don’t be surprised if Chinese women in par ticular shake hands ver y sof tly.

Surprisingly, when conversing with Chinese friends, it’s OK to get personal! It’s acceptable to ask questions about a friends’ marital status, family, age, job or income as this is seen as a way to find common ground and keep a conversation going. If this level of intimacy makes you feel uncomfor table, let your friend know – there’s no need to answer ever y question you are asked.

ave you ever felt uncouth or disrespec t ful when meeting a Chinese person for the first time, or even in the company of good Chinese friends? If you have, here are some quick takeaways for you.

We Chinese are taught to be par ticularly respec t ful towards older people, and so we never call them by their given name – that would be considered rude or weird. You address someone senior by their family name plus Mr or Ms, or by their honorific title (for instance, Teacher). If you are greeting a group of people, address the eldest person first to show respec t. Westerners like to hug and kiss when they meet but again this is considered inappropriate by the Chinese. Such over whelming friendliness can make us feel uncomfor table. It’s best to avoid any body contac t apar t from a simple (sof t) handshake, especially when meeting people for the first time. Once a relationship has been established, a Chinese friend may choose to kiss or hug you when you meet, then of course it’s OK to follow their lead. Lastly, if you’ve arranged to meet a Chinese friend at a cer tain time make an ef for t to be punc tual. Being on time is a sign of respec t and considered a vir tue in China, much as it is in the West. Just don’t show up too early! If your Chinese friend arrives later than you, she will be embarrassed about having kept you waiting. Equally, if you turn up for a lunch date ahead of time, you will seem uncouth because you’re giving the impression that you’re hungr y and desperate to eat.

RULES OF ENGAGEMENT As for conversation, par ticularly with new Chinese friends or acquaintances, there’s a lot of etiquette to adhere to – and subjec ts to be avoided. We Chinese are just as proud, if not prouder, of our countr y as Westerners are of theirs, so criticisms don’t go down well. Unless you have something positive to say, avoid talking about politics, state leaders, recent histor y and issues concerning the environment and population.

IN PRESENTING A GIFT IT’S YOUR INTENTION THAT MATTERS. AS THE SAYING GOES: “A GOOSE FEATHER SENT FROM THOUSANDS OF MILES AWAY IS A PRESENT LITTLE IN SIZE BUT RICH IN MEANING” AROUND DB / NOVEMBER 2023

INSIDER

Speaking of intimacy, it’s impor tant not to be too familiar when chatting with Chinese friends. Don’t compliment your friend’s wife by saying, “You look beautiful!” Instead, you can say, “Wow, I hear your job is really high powered,” or “I love your cooking; it’s absolutely delicious.” By the same token, if you are meeting Chinese friends together with your par tner or spouse, avoid public displays of af fec tion. Hugging and kis sing your par tner in public is s till a t aboo in Chinese culture.

GIFT GIVING There are lots of do’s and don’ts surrounding the giving of gif ts that you need to be aware of. The most common situations for gif t-giving are at festivals, weddings and bir thdays. It’s also appropriate to give a gif t to express gratitude or to return a favour, and when you are visiting friends at home or in hospital. Be sure to give your gif t with both hands – it would be impolite not to do so. And don’t be surprised if your Chinese friend refuses your gif t a number of times before accepting it; this is another norm born out of politeness. Gently press your gif t on your host but once she has accepted it, don’t ask her to unwrap it. It’s considered polite in Chinese culture to wait to open gif ts until your guests have lef t. The most impor tant thing to know in presenting a gif t is that it’s your intention that matters. As the saying goes: “A goose feather sent from thousands of miles away is a present little in size but rich in meaning.” With this in mind, you should choose and purchase a gif t that’s in line with your own financial situation – if you give a lavish gif t that the

recipient knows you can’t really af ford, he will feel embarrassed. Face will be lost on both sides. Small gif ts like a book, chocolates or per fume, will be well received. Flowers are always appreciated but take care with white flowers – they are only given at funerals. When congratulating an elderly person on his bir thday, Chinese evergreen is an appropriate gif t as it symbolises health and long life. Newly-weds will appreciate a gif t of 99 roses as it represents everlasting love. Always avoid gif ting sharp objec ts because they symbolise the severing of relationships, and don’t gif t any thing with the number four on it (like a clock), because we Chinese associate the number four with death. The word “four” and the word “death” sounds alike when spoken, so four is an unlucky number and giving a gif t related to four is quite a bad curse. As an aside, at a Chinese wedding or during Chinese New Year always give red lai-see packets. When you are deciding how much cash to put inside, go with multiples of six, eight or nine, never four. This is because six stands for ever y thing going well, eight for prosperity and nine longevity. When wrapping gif t s for Chinese friends, choose a brightly coloured wrap – ideally red. Avoid black or white wrapping paper because black and white are associated with death and funerals. And never write a thank you note in red ink. Chinese teachers write in red ink when they correc t student s’ homework – it ’s a symbol of criticism. It ’s also traditionally used to convey bad news, for instance in a breakup let ter. So just remember that red is good for just about ever y thing (lai-see packets, flowers, gif t wrap, thank you cards) but not ink!

GIVE A GIFT WITH BOTH HANDS – IT WOULD BE IMPOLITE NOT TO DO SO 44

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YOUR ENTRÉE TO NAMIBIA Experience the Erongo! REPORTING BY Kayli Liebenberg PHOTOS COURTESY OF Adobe Stock

ON THE REMOTE SOUTHWEST COAST of Africa, Namibia is home

to some of the world’s most diverse and distinctive landscapes: base yourself in the Erongo Region to explore endless expanses of deserts, mountains, canyons and savannas. The Erongo is an incredible (and incredibly underrated) wildlifewatching area, and it contains some of Southern Africa’s finest prehistoric rock art and engravings.

NAMIBIA GAINED INDEPENDENCE in 1990, and before that it was known as German South West Africa. The coastal town of Swakopmund, a fourhour drive from Windhoek, the capital of the Erongo, is a must-see, sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and Namib Desert. With its old-colonial German architecture and seaside promenades, it’s a slightly surreal colonial remnant with lashings of charm.

THE WORLD’S LARGEST QUARTZ CRYSTAL cluster was discovered in

1985 in the Erongo, at the Otjua Mine near Karibib. It weighs an impressive 14,100 kg and was found at the bottom of a 45-metre-deep cave. You can view it at the Kristall Galerie in Swakopmund, before shopping for your own tumbled semi-precious cr ystals to take home. 46

AROUND DB / NOVEMBER 2023

ERINDI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE, one hour’s drive

ESCAPES

from Swakopmund, boasts an impressive variety of wildlife, including the Big Five. The reserve features luxurious accommodation options, and its dedicated team works tirelessly to ensure the longterm sustainability of the local wildlife population.

AMAZING SEALIFE AWAITS YOU in Walvis Bay, just

30 minutes’ drive from Swakopmund. It’s a pleasant coastal town, Namibia’s largest, with a charming, modern waterfront. You can take a cruise for guaranteed sightings of dolphins, seals, sunfish and pelicans. Visit during June or November and you might just spot some whales.

THE TOWERING GRANITE PEAKS of the Spitzkoppe, that

stretch 1,728 metres above sea level, are one of the Erongo’s most visited tourist attractions. Popular activities here in the Namib Desert include camping, stargazing and rock climbing. The peaks were formed 130 million years ago, and are known as the Matterhorn of Namibia.

THE SKELETON COAST, which extends 500 kilometres between

Swakopmund and the Angolan border, has long been a graveyard for unwary sailors, and it’s littered with century-old shipwrecks. Venture to the so-called End of the Earth and you’ll likely find yourself alone save for the occasional surfer or dune-driving adrenaline junky. AROUND DB / NOVEMBER 2023

RECIPES

FEELING MOOR–ISH Richly flavoured with herbs and spices, these classic Moroccan dishes will tantalise your tastebuds and are best eaten together PHOTOS COURTESY OF Adobe Stock

ROAST RACK OF LAMB WITH MOROCCAN SPICES Serves 2 2tbsp olive oil 1tbsp harissa paste ¼ tsp cumin ¼ tsp turmeric ¼ tsp paprika ¼ tsp ground coriander 10g flatleaf parsley, chopped ½ small lemon, juice only 1 rack of lamb (6-8 cutlets)

AROUND DB / NOVEMBER 2023

Preheat the oven to 220˚C. Mix the olive oil with the harissa, then add the cumin, turmeric, paprika, coriander, parsley, lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Stir well. Next, sit the lamb in a roasting tray, season well, then spread the spice mix over the surface of the meat. Roast for 15-20 minutes for rare to medium, 25 minutes for well done. Put the lamb on a warmed plate and leave it to rest for 5 minutes. Slice it in half to give 3-4 cutlets each, then cut in half again. Serve with couscous salad (see overleaf) and a spoonful of Greek yogurt.

RECIPES

AROUND DB / NOVEMBER 2023

RECIPES

TANGY COUSCOUS SALAD Serves 2 100g couscous

1 satsuma, juice only

220g can chickpeas, rinsed and drained

¼ tsp ground allspice

100ml vegetable stock

10g fresh mint, chopped

3tbsp olive oil

½ red onion, finely chopped

10g flatleaf parsley, chopped

50g flaked almonds, toasted

Tip the couscous and chickpeas into a bowl and pour over the stock. Cover and leave for 5-10 minutes until the couscous has absorbed the stock. Break the couscous up with a fork and set aside to cool. Add the olive oil, parsley, satsuma juice, allspice, mint and onion to the couscous and stir well. Sprinkle with the flaked almonds to serve.

AROUND DB / NOVEMBER 2023

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LOCAL NUMBERS

TUNG CHUNG

EMERGENCY SERVICES 999 Tung Chung Ambulance Depot Tung Chung Fire Station Tung Chung Police Station HOME & REPAIRS Mega Power Engineering/Locksmiths Mr Chan 24-Hour Handyman Papabo Shun Yu Engineering HOTELS Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Novotel Citygate Hong Kong Regal Airport Hotel Sheraton Tung Chung The Silveri Hong Kong - MGallery LEARNING CENTRES Clement Art School Discovery Mind International Play Centre Discovery Mind Primary School Greenfield International Kindergarten Salala Kids’ House Sun Island Education Foundation Tung Chung Catholic School YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College MEDICAL Bayside Dental Essential Health Family Clinic Human Health Medical Centre North Lantau Hospital North Lantau Physiotherapy Quality Health Dental Quality Health Care Medical Raffles Medical Raffles Medical Emergency

REALTORS 2988 8282 HomeSolutions 3483 5003 2988 1898 3661 1999 REMOVALS & RELOCATION Akash Removals 2421 8088 FTC Relocations 2814 1658 2109 2330 ReloSmart 2561 3030 9343 3718 SwiftRelo 2363 4008 5541 1502 2988 1488 RESIDENTIAL SERVICES Caribbean Coast Clubhouse 2109 9277 Caribbean Coast Management Office 2109 9288 2179 6678 3969 1888 Coastal Skyline Clubhouse 2179 6621 3602 8888 Coastal Skyline Management Office 3473 8700 2286 8888 Seaview Crescent Clubhouse 3473 8833 2535 0000 Seaview Crescent Management Office 2403 6770 3602 8989 Tung Chung Crescent Clubhouse Tung Chung Crescent Management Office 2109 1222 RESTAURANTS & FOOD DELIVERY A Tavola Bar & Grill 2321 5500 Andante, Novotel Citygate 3602 8828 Cabana Breeze 2777 8982 Café Aficionado 2286 6238 Café Lantau, Sheraton Tung Chung 2535 0021 Funky Monkey 2427 1111 Jasmine Tung Chung 2162 8018 La Rosabelle Bar & Grill 2881 8788 La Vista 2368 6866 2535 0023 2185 6550 Lobby Lounge, Sheraton Tung Chung 2330 0131 2109 9396 Maison Du Mezze 3500 5885 2109 2288 Man Mano Italian Restaurant 2762 8077 3467 7000 Mint & Basil 2116 8149 2194 0020 Moon Lok Chiu Chow 2907 6918 2403 6613 My Thai 2234 9199 2403 6623 Nha Trang Vietnamese Cuisine 2297 3588 2261 2626 PizzaExpress 2261 0999 Regala Café & Dessert Bar, Regal Airport Hotel 2286 6618 9757 9157 2987 8070 2915 0666 2162 5538 2611 9193 2420 1068 2121 0884 2988 8123

Rouge, Regal Airport Hotel 2286 6868 Skycity Bistro, SkyCity Marriott 3969 2500 Sunset Grill, Sheraton Tung Chung 2535 0025 The New Chapter 2907 6988 The Tavern 2907 6822 Upper Deck 2757 8889 Yue, Sheraton Tung Chung 2535 0028 Velocity Bar & Grill, Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott 3969 1888 RETAIL FTC Apparel Lantau Balloons

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SPORT & RECREATION Asia Pacific Soccer Schools 2385 9677 Aqua Gym 2914 0658 B & S Art Gallery 2493 8895 Dance for Joy 9264 8597 Edge ’n Pointe Dance Centre 6688 2167 ESF Sports 2711 1280 Fitness in Motion 9744 4736 HK Dragons 2987 4274 Kinder Kicks Soccer 2385 9677 Perun Fitness 6443 6597 Rugbytots 5307 6677 Tung Chung Public Swimming Pool 2109 9107 Tung Chung Sports Centre 2109 2421 Tung Chung Rugby Club 6079 0825 VETERINARY SERVICES & PETS Royal Pets (Pet Sitting) Tung Chung Animal Clinic Tung Chung Vet Centre

6314 9887 2988 1534 2328 7282

WELLBEING & BEAUTY Max Beauty Spa OM Spa, Regal Airport Hotel Tung Chung Nail Ninjas Quan Spa, Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott

2162 5752 2286 6266 9551 6468 3692 1888

The Gallery The Kitchen Treasure Island Beach Club

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WELLBEING & BEAUTY Pause by the Banyan Spa Ambiance

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LOCAL NUMBERS

DISCOVERY BAY BUSINESS SERVICES Monx T8 Consulting Ltd

5286 0155 2517 8248

EMERGENCY SERVICES 999 China Light & Power Emergency DB Fire & Ambulance Gas Leakage Emergency Hotline Lantau North Police Report Room

2728 8333 2987 7502 2435 4511 3661 1694

FINANCIAL SERVICES Bank of China 2160 8585 HSBC 2233 3000 HOME & REPAIRS Chameleon Design & Interiors China Light & Power Information DRS Company Good Luck Engineering Island Cleaning Solutions May’s Furniture & Curtain Design Rich Point Hardware Materials Water Fault Reports Water Supplies Department Well Supreme Laundry

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HOTELS Auberge Discovery Bay

2295 8288

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

Manulife 9172 9152 LEARNING CENTRES & SCHOOLS Discovery Montessori School A reputable & well-known international school for authentic Montessori bilingual (English & Chinese) education for children aged 1 to 12 years. Beautiful campus & highly qualified teachers. Contact 2987 1201, enquiry@dms.edu.hk, www.dms.edu.hk

MEDICAL Bayside Dental Practice 2987 0855 DB Medical Centre 2987 5633 Health & Care Dental Clinic 2666 6183 Island Health 2987 7575 North Lantau Hospital 3467 7000 Quality Health Medical Centre 2987 5633 Quality Health Physiotherapy 2473 6200 Lok Kwan Home Care Service 2803 2103 Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Lok Kwan District Support Centre (Islands) 2548 0060/ 2546 3739 Yulana Stynder Physiotherapy 5514 1008 PLACES OF WORSHIP DB Alliance Church Community Centre DB Anglican Church DB International Community Church Trinity Chapel

2987 8136 2987 4210 2987 7061 3590 8017

REALTORS Headland Homes 2987 2088 Kingsland 2987 2987 Land Master Property 2987 6238 Okay.com 2102 0888 Savills 2987 1919 REMOVALS & RELOCATION Akash Removals FTC Relocations ReloSmart SwiftRelo

2421 8088 2814 1658 2561 3030 2363 4008

RESIDENTIAL SERVICES DB Office Centre DB Lost & Found DB Management The Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council Typhoon Signal Enquiries

2238 3388 3651 2345 2238 3601 2259 3422 2835 1473

RESTAURANTS & FOOD DELIVERY The Rink Italian Kitchen Located in DB Plaza Extension, the THE RINK Italian Kitchen offers guests a unique gastronomical experience of authentic Italian flavours. To reserve a table, call 3709 6451.

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

Bayview House of Children 6114 2436 DBIS 2987 7331 DBIS Kindergarten 2914 2142 Discovery College 3969 1000 Discovery Mind International Play Centre 2987 8088 Discovery Mind Kindergarten 2987 8088 Discovery Montessori Academy 2812 9206 Dr Bear Education Centre 9685 7856 EpicLand 2441 0098 Funfit 6302 6327 Guidepost Montessori (DB) 2185 6134 HKILA 2416 3198 La Petite Enfance Kindergarten 8191 0813 Mandarin for Munchkins 2480 3909 Mathemagic (home tutoring) 9135 4724 Rigolo comme la vie 5495 8810 SKH Wei Lun Primary School 2987 8608 Treasure House 2987 4217 Woodentots 6108 9131 Yifan Mandarin 9208 7611 Zhi Zhi Chinese 9648 2966 58

AROUND DB / NOVEMBER 2023

101 Tasty House 2658 9696 Bones & Blades 2383 0792 Café Bord de Mer & Lounge 2295 8299 Caffe Pascucci 2591 1426 Cali-Mex 2904 7698 Coffee Academics 2882 2280 Ebeneezer’s 2987 0036 Epic Foods 2172 6111 Figos Seaside Café 2987 2995 il Bel Paese 2987 0202 Island Café 2987 9311 JOO Korean Grill & Bar 6706 7520 Koh Tomyums 2987 0767 La Creation & Châteraisé 2987 1829 Levain Bakery 2726 4922 Lekker Laa 6857 1620 McDonald’s & McCafe 2987 1033 Moofish by Zak’s 2987 6318 Osmanbey Turkish Restaurant 5401 8350 Paisano’s 2673 4445 Peony 2215 0833 PizzaExpress 3164 1340 Raf & Sons/The Rink 3611 8369 Shanghai Breeze 2987 7808 Sushi No En 3705 9984 The Chippy 2987 8688 The Pier Bar 2520 2166

LOCAL NUMBERS

DISCOVERY BAY Three Sheets Marquee Bar 2987 0966 Uncle Russ 2840 1188 Viet Bu Tong Kitchen & Bar 2338 8970 Zak’s 2987 6232

Yoga Bay 6704 9851 Yogika 6749 7836 YogaUP 6805 4996 Yrock 6180 0817

RETAIL & DAILY NECESSITIES 7-Eleven 2299 1110 Bloom 6117 7653 Bones & Blades Butcher 2383 0683 Bookazine 2987 1373 Circle K 2991 6337 DB Post Office 2987 6046 european touch 2918 0868 felix and mina 2130 7013 Fusion by PARKnSHOP 2987 7486 Garden A rtemis 9137 4833 Gillian Florist 2529 8256 Greenmont Kids 5345 1451 Havana@ DBay 2918 0868 Island Wake 2636 0601 Japan Home Centre 2987 1041 Market Place and IKEA 2947 9092 Nomadic 2987 8460 Open Kitchen 2987 8720 P-Solution 2987 1777 Polishfood.hk 9546 0374 Tai Fat Hardware Store 2987 0789 The Optical House 2987 1368 Toysland 2987 7859 Watson’s Pharmacy 2987 4089 Watson’s Wine 2987 0268

TRANSPORTATION DB Golf Cart Services DB Transportation Services Limousine Rental Wiselink Golf Cart Services

2914 2727 2987 7351 5303 3489 2987 9368

VETERINARY SERVICES & PETS Island Veterinary Services My Pet Shop Pets Gallery Pet Space Club Ready, Pet, Go! The Dog's Garden

2987 9003 2987 8873 2987 0428 2788 1599 5721 6181 2987 2077

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

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

Afflatus Hair Workshop Bay Spa DB Pure Spa Head to Toe Spa By Nailed it Herbal Health Care Hypnotherapist Margaret Liu Nailed It! Salon De Coiffure Sophia Essentials Spa Botanica, Auberge Discovery Bay

2987 0283 9837 0969 9794 0918 2988 1188 2834 7276 5925 3469 2987 2266 2987 4112 2527 0118 2295 8129

Island Dance ISTD Freestyle, ISTD Hip Hop, RAD Ballet, Tap & AcroDance classes at DBRC, Club Siena & DB Plaza. Five professional instructors, teaching six days a week. Contact 2987 1571/ 9159 0663, info@islanddance.com.hk, www.islanddance.com.hk

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

BMSE Community Centre 2259 3422 Caissa Chess 6938 7603 Club Siena 2987 7382 Daruma Judo 6244 6093 DBees 9867 9240 DB Ice Rink 2234 0187 DB Pirates 9255 6133 DB Golf Club 2987 7273 DB Recreation Club 2987 7381 DMR 5210 7208 Dream Sports Academy 3462 2626 Embody 6624 8712 EpicLand 2441 0098 EMS Fitness Hong Kong 6200 2463 Future Stars Dance Academy 2987 6867 Gallery Jeeum 9819 7176 Harry Wright International 2575 6279 HK Yoga 6113 6770 Kaisei Ryu Ju Jitsu 5315 0227 Kapuhala Train-in-Space 6101 8434 Korea Taekwondo Cheung Do Kwan 9663 8077 Lantau Yacht Club 2987 9591 MGK Fight Club 9303 2996 Tinytots 3488 7724

VIEW THE BUSINESS DIRECTORY @ www.arounddb.com

To add your own directory listing box, call the Bay Media office on 2987 0167, or email info@baymedia.com.hk

AROUND DB / NOVEMBER 2023

OUT THERE

the neighbours to gossip about “that psycho nut muttering to God again,” but I feel bound to respond or risk a million volts rendering me a cinder in the pot plant. Lately, it’s all about the 21st century and so-called “progress”. He’s become a reactionary technophobe, whining about how it’s not like the good old days; electric cars replacing camels, people talking business on shiny screens instead of having a good old haggle in the bazaar. Too risky to interject, so I suck it up. I suggested He might refrain from the interminable expostulation and got a tongue-lashing for using pretentious language: “Keep it simple, Sherwood,” he said. “You’re not Shakespeare, but you do get published, so tell the world I’m not happy.” Gee God, you hang out in churches and temples, you tell them. “Don’t be insolent or I’ll…” OK, OK, I’m sorry. DIGITAL EUPHORIA: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ALGORITHM

HEY, STOP MESSING WITH MY GOOD WORK!

A frustrated God reaches down to Peter Sherwood for answers PHOTO COURTESY OF Adobe Stock

ou may be familiar with my unsolicited chats with God. When He’s on a rant I seem to cop it. I don’t badger Him for the winning numbers of the trifecta at Happy Valley, or a fat-free version of Sydney’s 1,048-calorie desser t “The Cannoli Bazooka,” so why me? It’s puzzling how an omnipotent being can get so neurotic. The latest tirade came on Sunday morning and reverberated off the balcony with a boom; loud enough for

“People are always pleading so I closed the answering service 3,000 years ago. Too much work when I’m trying to take it easy after creating the universe and all. Between you and me I could use a week or two at a Thai spa. So, listen up: someone is trying to take over.” Who? “Hang on, I’ve got it written on this clay tablet… his name is A… something. He’s trying to organise Earth with ice-cold ruthlessness and a lack of compassion.” Putin? “Don’t be silly, it starts with A.” Alphonse Capone? “That thug was ages ago and I got the tax people to nail him, you know, make law enforcement look good.” Someone more powerful than you, God?! “Well, not yet, but it’s a worry; if you lot stop believing I’m out of a job.” Albert, Alan? Give me a hint. “He makes everything happen automatically, with brutal efficiency, removing all the unpredictability I created for your dreary existence to be a bit more Disney. He’s making me look bad.” I don’t know, God. Down here once you’ve established a reputation it tends to stick. I mean, look at Trump. “Don’t blaspheme or I’ll…” OK God, whatever you say. “Maybe it’s on my Facebook page.” You’re on Facebook, God?! “Well, it’s for old people these days.” But I thought you were anti- technology. “Facebook’s not technology, ask the 20-somethings. It’s Stone-Age stuff.” OK, message me then. “I can’t do that, we’re not Friends.” Geez, God, we’re buddies enough for you to yell at me. No need to go off in high dudgeon. “There you go again. What did I tell you about fancy words? But hang on, I know, I know… sounds like Gomorrah, Gotham. No, don’t tell me. It’s, it’s… Al Gorithm!” Aiiiiiiiiiahhhh…

Peter Sherwood has lived in DB for 20+ years. The former head of an international public relations firm, he is the author of 15 books and has written around 400 satirical columns for the South China Morning Post. 60

AROUND DB / NOVEMBER 2023