Get ready to be captivated by electrifying performances from Helium 3, Iris, Samba Latina and many more of Hong Kong's finest bands. every weekend at DBrasserie.
Indulge in craft beers and comfort food as you immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of live music.
TRUE happy hour buy 1 get 1 free
MON-SAT except Public Holiday from 4-7pm
Indulge in Loaded Fries & Tortillas
Choose from our tantalizing toppings: Desi Tex Mex (veg)
Pulled Pork
Smoked Brisket
Tandoori Chicken
Served with smoked salsa picante and creamy guacamole.
Elevate your dining experience with this flavor explosion.
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WORLD WINE TOUR
7 SEPTEMBER 2024 SATURDAY 3:00-7:00 PM
I醇酒之旅
沉醉於香港綠洲，品嚐過百種 來自世界各地的美酒及佐酒美 食，讓您的味蕾環遊全球。 mmerse yourself in the island oasis, where unique delicacies meet exquisite wines. You can savour over 100 exquisite wines with food pairing dishes from around the world. Come expand your palate and discover the new flavours together.
Venue:
Entry Fee:
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Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong
$288 per person
Enquiry: 2295 8299
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Second Chapter of “World Wine Tour”, featuring two professional Sommeliers in Wine and Sake. Join us for an immersive tasting session on 28 Sep 2024 where you’ll know about the art of savouring fine wines and exquisite sakes. Stay tuned for details!
Ray Au, Imogen Clyde, Nicole Innocenti, Elizabeth Kerr, Peter Sherwood
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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.
Mid-Autumn Festival’s very own delicacy is the mooncake – an acquired taste, and an indulgent one. Made from an intricately decorated pastry case that is filled with either lotus seed or red-bean paste, mooncakes also traditionally contain salted duck egg yolk, resulting in a rich, unctuous texture. If that isn’t quite to your taste, there are plenty more contemporary fillings to choose from, including chocolate, durian, peanut butter and even ice cream.
MOONCAKE-MAKING WORKSHOP
You can make your own bunny snowskin mooncakes on September 13, at the Multi-Purpose Hall, DB Plaza from 7pm to 9pm. Participants of all ages, maximum four per group, learn how to make the dough wrapper, three fillings (matcha, custard and chocolate) and the bunny ears. Enrol now on a first-come-firstserved basis, at shorturl.at/z0UbT.
Happenings STUFF TO KNOW
MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL CELEBRATIONS
Also known as the Chinese Moon Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival takes place on the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month in the Chinese calendar (September 17, 2024) and coincides with the full harvest moon. Traditionally it was a time for people to give thanks for the harvest and ask for good luck in the year to come. These days, families and friends get together to eat well and enjoy some time-honoured customs.
We light lanterns and join lantern parades at MidAutumn Festival in honour of the moon: Chang’e (the goddess of the moon) is said to bless her worshippers with beauty, and the bright lanterns help her to see us clearly from the sky. It has become traditional for DB residents to gather on Tai Pak Wan and celebrate the festival as a community but there are lantern parades all over Hong Kong – the biggest is in Victoria Park, Causeway Bay.
While many cultures mark some sort of harvest festival, China has been celebrating this ancient seasonal rite for nearly three millennia, originally paying homage to a dragon that brought rain for the farmers’ crops. Fire dragon dances remain an important part of the festival in Hong Kong, notably at Tai Hang, Causeway Bay. In the 19th century, Tai Hang villagers performed a fire dragon dance for three days and three nights in order to fend off a plague – and the tradition continues. It’s a three-day celebration with hundreds of performers, thousands of incense sticks and a 67-metre dragon.
DB PIRATES NEW SEASON SIGN-UP
DB Pirates is on the lookout for new players of all ages and gender to join its hockey, netball, rugby and dragon boat teams. Founded in 2003 and known as DB’s “friendliest sporting club,” DB Pirates continues to go from strength to strength, with teams competing successfully across Hong Kong and beyond. To register for the new season, and learn about volunteering and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.dbpirates.com. [PHOTO COURTESY OF Hank Terrebrood.]
& Events! IN SEPTEMBER!
RECYCLING TUESDAYS
Government-funded Green@Community collection point is open on Tuesdays from 10am to 1pm and 2.30pm to 5.30pm at the Green Icon@DB. It’s the place to get hard-to-recycle items like plastic film and polyfoam recycled, along with liquid cartons (Tetra Paks), disposable coffee cups and fibre food containers, rechargeable batteries, energy-saving light bulbs and waste electronics. For more information, visit Facebook @Islands Recycling Station. [PHOTO BY Joanna Hewitt.]
PET-OWNER SEMINAR
If you’re considering homing a pet, be sure to attend the Responsible Pet-Owner seminar on September 7 at the Multi-Purpose Hall, DB Plaza from 11am to 12 noon. Find out if you’re ready to take care of a pet, which pet would suit you, and who to contact about pet fostering and adoption. To enrol, visit Facebook @Dynamic DB.
ALL-WOMEN'S RUNNING GROUP
Fondly known as the Running Cult, DB’s all-women running group hits the trails four to five times a week. Regardless of individual distances, pace, or health goals, the ladies set out to support and inspire each other, finding solace and camaraderie in their shared passion for running. New members are welcome!
To get involved, call Anita Schneider-de Vries on 5629 8123. [PHOTO COURTESY OF Anita Schneider-de Vries.]
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
SEPTEMBER 7 | JOIN A BEACH CLEAN-UP! Meet at the Nim Shue Wan gate at 2.10pm. Email dana@plasticfreeseas.org.
SEPTEMBER 7 | GATHER AT THE PLANT MARKET in Community Green Square from 2pm to 4pm. Visit Facebook @DynamicDB.
SEPTEMBER 8 | SHOP THE DISCOVERY BAY MARKET in DB Plaza from 11am to 6pm. Visit www.handmadehongkong.com.
ALL MONTH | DONATE PRELOVED FURNITURE to people in need through DB Mothers & Friends. To arrange for pick-up, visit Facebook @dbmf.collection.
TENNIS CHARITY CUP
The 17th Tennis Charity Cup at DBRC brings together nearly 200 tennis players along with their families and children on September 28. The charity event delivers a tennis tournament (eight players per team: four men, four women), carnival and prize presentation dinner with live auction. Proceeds will go to Hong Kong Down Syndrome Association and Watchdog. To get involved, email stella.chan@dbrc.hk.
OLYMPIC WIN FOR FORMER DB PIRATE
One-time DBer Florence “Flo” Symonds earned herself a silver medal at the Paris Olympics, playing for Team Canada’s Rugby 7’s team. The 22-year-old wing, who spent the first 18 years of her life in DB, started playing rugby at age eight with DB Pirates U10 girls’ team. She played for Hong Kong in her junior years and went on to join Team Canada age 18, after graduating from Discovery College. At the Paris Olympics, Team Canada faced defending champions New Zealand in the final.
HLG KART RACE
Register now for the HLG Kart Race, an annual community fundraising event taking place on November 23 from 9am to 5pm. Kids aged seven to 12 years old race down a 16-foot-long ramp set up on Seabird Lane. The event is made possible through the support of Harvey Law Group (HLG), who sponsor and build karts for the race, as well as participants who choose to construct their own karts. Enrol at kartrace@harveylawcorporation.com. [PHOTO COURTESY OF HLG.]
DISCOVERY COLLEGE JOINS TASS
Discovery College (DC) has joined The Alliance for Sustainable Schools (TASS), a non-profit organisation that addresses systemic sustainability issues within schools internationally. TASS’ network of specialists share their expertise to accelerate the transition to a sustainable future in educational institutions and amplify their impact through their commitment to the principles of the Sustainable Schools Charter. Joining TASS will enable DC students to become a bigger part of a sustainable future; they will have opportunities to learn more about sustainability and create programme-based changes to introduce sustainability as an inherent part of education for all ages.
As an agent of change, TASS harnesses collective influence through partnering with innovative organisations and schools to catalyse systems change in five key areas: school buses, school buildings, school food, school uniforms and education for sustainability. To approach these issues in a multifaceted way, TASS has four fundamental bases: to connect, to engage, to demonstrate and to scale. Together these concepts allow TASS to make maximal ripples in the communities it works with.
The Sustainable Schools Charter is a promise to operate according to a set of guiding principles related to sustainability, and a commitment to prioritise sustainability in all decisions and operations. The eight pledges of the charter cover the following:
1. Enable students to become sustainability stewards
2. Targets to reduce emissions and waste
3. Su stainable built environment
4. S chools as living laboratories for sustainability
5. O perational efficiency and resource use
6. Climate change and sustainability in the curriculum
7. S chool-community collaboration
8. S hare best practice
For more on DC, visit www.discovery.edu.hk. [PHOTO COURTESY OF DC.]
www.dbis.edu.hk @dbishongkong
TOP MARKS FOR DBIS’S (I)GCSE, A LEVEL AND BTEC STUDENTS!
Congratulations to Discovery Bay International School (DBIS) and its examination candidates, whose excellent results have once again given cause for celebration. The school is delighted to share that a superb 50% of (I)GCSEs were graded A (equivalent level 7) or above, with an impressive 29% graded A* (equivalent level 8 or 9). DBIS’s A Level students also excelled: 82% of grades ranged from A* to C and 38% from A* to A, while 31% of A Level students achieved at least one A* grade.
The school’s principal, Mr Marc Morris, expressed his admiration for the students’ achievements. “Everyone at DBIS is immensely proud of our students’ exceptional (I) GCSE results. Their achievements reflect their determination, the unwavering support of our dedicated teachers and the nurturing environment we provide. Each student’s success is a testament to their talent as well as their hard work.”
Speaking about the A Level cohort, Mr Morris added, “The Class of 2024 has made us incredibly proud. Their achievements reflect their dedication, resilience and passion for learning. The new DBIS alumni will now go on to prestigious universities across the globe, including Cambridge (St Catharine’s College) and Cornell. We have no doubt that they will continue to achieve great things in the years to come.” To find out more about learning at DBIS Secondary/DBIS Sixth Form, visit www.dbis.edu.hk. [PHOTO COURTESY OF DBIS.]
DB 10K RACE
The DB 10K on November 9 starts at the waterfront near the DB Plaza ferry pier. The race is open to runners aged 12 years and up, with multiple age categories (and prizes) on offer. Funds raised will go to RUN Hong Kong, a local non-profit that supports vulnerable refugees, particularly women. To register to run, visit www.db10k.com. [PHOTO COURTESY OF Kate Halstead.]
HK INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL
Takeout Comedy is back with the 15th HK International Comedy Festival running September 5 to 28 at 34 Elgin Street, SoHo and the Charterhouse Hotel, Wanchai. Catch Elena Gabrielle (40+ million YouTube views), Matt Davis (Netflix, Just for Laughs), Paul Ogata (opening act for Las Vegas Cirque Du Soleil, performing in Hong Kong for the 31st time) and Ben Quinlan (Comedy Central, TedX). To find out more and book tickets, visit www.takeoutcomedy.net.
JAZZ SIGNATURES: GRACE KELLY QUARTET
Young jazz star and internet sensation saxophonist Grace Kelly is set to dazzle local audiences with her signature blend of saxophone, vocals and infectious energy. She has teamed up with pianist Anastassiya Petrova, bassist James Dale and drummer Ross Pederson to make her Hong Kong debut at the Grand Theatre of Xiqu Centre, WestK on September 25. Expect an exciting repertoire of original work, Disney medleys and movie favourites, such as Pirates of the Caribbean . Book your tickets, starting at HK$380, at westk.hk/jazzsignatures_gracekelly. [PHOTO BY Mehdi Hassine.]
Out & About! WHAT YOU'VE BEEN UP TO!
AT DB OPEN WATER RACE CHALLENGE
Tai Pak Wan was the place to be on August 25 for the second edition of the DB Open Water Race Challenge. There were aquathon, duathlon and triathlon races (solo/ relay), three solo swim races (3.8km, 1.7km and 400m) and a 400m family swim/ relay. [PHOTOS COURTESY OF Open Water Swim Series HK.]
AT SING FOR LOVE’S ANNUAL SHOW
Sing for Love, supported by Love.Together@DB, holds weekly Cantonese Opera classes for DB kids and adults at DB North Community Centre. The group wowed the audience at their annual performance on August 10. [PHOTOS COURTESY OF Sing for Love.]
TEKKERTZ ANGELS IN TRAINING
The Tekkertz Angels train on Fridays at DB North Community Pitch, and on Sundays at Discovery Bay International School. The programme is committed to providing the same opportunities for girls-only football teams as boys. [PHOTOS BY Richard Gordonwww.richardgordonphotography.com.]
AT DB SUMMER SPLASHTOPIA
DB Summer Splashtopia delivered three months of fun at Tai Pak Wan through September 1. The event was co-organised by Kiztopia HK and billed as Hong Kong’s biggest inflatable beach carnival. [PHOTOS BY Sarin Ale.]
The New !30
Neil
HYROX CHAMPS
Jensen and Claire O’Neill are taking advantage of the one-two punch of DBDB and HYROX to be fabulous at 50+.
Elizabeth Kerr reports
PHOTOS BY Richard Gordon - www.richardgordonphotography.com
Neil Jensen and Claire O’Neill are easy to spot among those taking an afternoon caffeine shot at Uncle Russ at DB North Plaza. They’re obviously not the uniformed kids cutting class, and it’s unlikely they’re the solo sippers glued to a laptop screen, earbuds firmly in place. No, they’re the duo sitting on the patio kitted out in athletic gear. Not athleisure, mind, proper running shorts and shirts. They’ve been posing for photographs on DB North Pitch and they’re dressed for the part. Neil and Claire are 50+ HYROX champs, and they’re getting ready to defend their titles.
DB LIVING
“We actually got mucky on the photoshoot. We ended up getting a tire out and flipping it over. It was full of water. It wasn’t intentional, but there you go,” Neil opens with a cheeky grin. The two banter back and forth about training in Hong Kong’s blazing heat – “Seriously, the heat never bothers me. But in winter, it’s hard work and it reminds me why I’m here and not in the UK,” cracks Neil – and going back to work after a lengthy hiatus, which Claire is considering: “I’m not the start my own business type, so I’m in the process of reassessing my CV,” she says. “I’ve been helping out at schools, done a bit of supply teaching, and now I’m leading the parents’ committee so that helps. But it’s been 15 years. It’s a challenge.”
Neil and Claire took similar paths to DB: both had friends who lived here at the time they were
relocating, Neil just about 20 years ago from Dubai and Claire from Edinburgh in 2016. Neil arrived with a two-year-old and a four-year-old, stayed in DB during an orientation visit and has lived here ever since. Following a divorce and founding his own mortgage brokerage, he met the woman who would become his second wife in DB.
A lawyer by trade, Claire came to Hong Kong when her husband was transferred. “We thought we were coming for two to three years, and here we are. Still here. Different job,” she quips. “We started with five weeks in the Auberge, and then moved into the apartment we’re still in. I’m not a creature of change.” But she admits there’s no place she’d rather live.
“DB’s great socially. I’m three minutes from Tiger’s Head. I’m literally in the middle of mountains in about three minutes. It’s not for everybody, but it’s brilliant if you’ve got kids. I can see if you’re in your 20s not wanting to be so far from Central but from about 30 onwards, and particularly for young families and people like me, in their 50s, you get the best of both worlds.”
DBDB TRAINING
DB residents of over a decade, Claire and Neil are also elite HYROX athletes. For the uninitiated, the all-indoor running-and-workout-station combo got off the ground in 2017, and in some ways can be seen as a companion to the more high-profile Ironman, CrossFit or Spartan races. Already a hit in Europe
and North America, HYROX started with personal fitness tests in Asia as a way to gain traction.
To find out how Neil (and his partner in HYROX Trevor Smith) placed first among over-50s at the first HYROX race in Hong Kong in 2023 (clocking in at 1:21:35) and Claire came in almost 15 minutes ahead of second place (with a time of 1:28:49) in the women’s 50-54 category, you have to rewind to COVID. The pair met at Andrew Tasker’s DBDB – alias Discovery Bay Dad Bods, find them on Facebook – a lockdown inspired workout group where they both opted into the 7am session. For HYROX, the idea was to affiliate with gyms but the HYROX Hong Kong director, Richard Cowley, was friendly with Andrew, and so DBDB was dubbed a “social club” and went from there.
“I saw a friend’s husband, and I said, ‘Oh, you’re in good shape.’ And he said ‘I go to DB Dad Bods.’ That was the first time it was planted in my mind. I think it was one of those New Year’s resolutions,” recalls Neil. Remarried and father to a seven-yearold, Neil admits to thinking he was fairly fit – until he started going to regular DBDB workouts.
Neil made his way to HYROX at the prodding of 71-year-old DB HYROXer Jeff Booth, and once he did, he realised it would be a “real game-changer… I couldn’t wing it in terms of just turning up and doing it. Unlike football, you have to train.” He pauses. “My greatest fear wasn’t the race, it was actually getting to the start line.”
Originally a trail runner, Claire came to DBDB from Ladies Who Lift of DB (find them on Instagram) because she was looking for a more comprehensive fitness routine that she could work around her own children, now 11 and 15. She made the leap to HYROX with a personal fitness trainer after returning from Belfast post-COVID. Claire, like Neil, qualified for the HYROX Worlds in Nice this past May (“Who doesn’t want to go to the south of France?”) but she’s probably skipping the regional races in Singapore and Korea ahead of the HYROX Asian Open Championships in Hong Kong this November at AsiaWorld-Expo. She’s actually worried a bum leg is going to keep her out of the competition, but she hasn’t given it a hard ‘No’.
Whether they make their way to the Asian Open podium or not is almost irrelevant. Neil and Claire are both confident that without their DBDB training, they’d never have made it to HYROX, never mind winning their respective categories on home turf last year. “Andrew has a different session every day, so your body’s challenged every day. Then there’s the social gatherings and stuff, and people are really nice,” says Neil. “Andrew hasn’t paid us to say that. Has he?”
“FOR ME IT’S ABOUT HAVING THE KIDS WATCH, AND I DO THINK IT’S GREAT FOR THEM TO SEE. IT’S NICE TO HAVE, YOU KNOW, A BADASS FOR A MOM
- CLAIRE
“Not yet,” jokes Claire.
DBDB and HYROX training is part of everyday life now. “I have to show up,” Neil finishes. “I’ve got a seven-year-old. I’ve always been competitive, but I don’t want to be that dad, with the big belly and the drink in his hand. I need to live longer.” Claire is a little more magnanimous. “For me it’s more about having the kids watch, and I do think it’s great for them to see. It’s nice to have, you know, a badass for a mom.”
CLAIRE AND NEIL FABULOUS AT 50+
O’NEILL
Admissions Open
For Academic Years 2024-25 and 2025-26
MALVERN ALL-THROUGH SCHOOL
Malvern College Pre-School Hong Kong (MCPS), caters to children from PreNursery to K2, with all graduating pupils guaranteed a place in Prep 1 at Malvern College Hong Kong (MCHK), providing they meet the admissions requirements. We provide our pupils with a clear and progressive pathway from pre-school through primary and secondary education, leading to graduation.
Malvern College Hong Kong (MCHK) is an IB World School offering the PYP, MYP, and DP curriculum from Prep 1 (Y1) to Upper Sixth (Y13). MCHK provides a holistic education that nurtures pupils' ethics, global understanding, critical thinking, leadership, and teamwork, alongside academic success.
A Little Bit of Trivia! PIRATE DAY QUIZ
To celebrate International Talk Like a Pirate Day on September 19, find out how much you know about buccaneers both real and fictional
1. W hen a pirate says: “Sail ho!” what does he mean?
A. L et’s sail
B. A nother ship is in view
C. T ime to walk the plank
2. M ost pirates carry a cutlass. What is it?
A. A s word
B. A k nife
C. A g un
3. In Captain Philips , the container vessel is taken by pirates from which country?
A. M exico
B. Yemen
C. S omalia
4. In Treasure Island , what is the pirate’s name?
A. S ea Dog
B. L ong John Silver
C. O ld Salt
5. W hich period is considered to be the G olden Age of Piracy?
A. 1650 to 1720
B. 1730 to 1810
C. 1820 to 1920
6. W hat is the name given to a pirate flag d ecorated with a skull and crossbones?
A. C ockswain
B. J acob’s Ladder
C. J olly Roger
7. I n which area did the English pirate B lackbeard mainly operate?
A T he Caribbean
B. T he Mediterranean
C. T he Gulf of Mexico
8. In The Princess Bride , which Dread Pirate Roberts nominates Westley as his successor?
A. T he original Roberts
B. R yan
C. C ummerbund
9. W hich pirate is known for conquering the Spanish strongholds of Santiago C astle and Portobello?
A. H enry Morgan
B. H ector Barbossa
C. J oseph Baccardi
10. C heng I Sao is one of few female pirates i n recorded history. Where was she born?
A. H ainan
B. G uangdong
C. L antau
11. I n 75 BC, who was captured by Cilician pirates in the Aegean Sea?
A. A lexander the Great
B. P lato
C. J ulius Caesar
12. W hich of the following is not a type of p irate ship?
A. Bi lge
B. Bi lander
C. B rig
13. In Pirates of the Caribbean , what is C aptain Jack Sparrows’ ship called?
A. The Black Pearl
B. The Black Spot
C. Crow’s Nest
14. W hat did pirates call a ship that they h ad successfully sacked?
A. A l oot
B. A t ack
C. A p rize
15. T he term “Davy Jones’ Locker” is a m etaphor for what?
A. T he bow of a ship
B. T he bottom of the sea
C. B uried treasure
16. In Peter Pan , Captain Hook is missing w hich body part?
A. R ight hand
B. L eft hand
C. L eft leg
17. In A High Wind in Jamaica , what do the p irates accidentally capture?
A. A B ritish merchant ship
B. A C hinese lorcha
C. T he five Thornton children
18. W ho do the pirates marry in The Pirates o f Penzance?
A. The plantation owner’s daughters
B. The major-general’s daughters
C. One another
19. W hich English pirate was the first ship commander to circumnavigate the world?
A. H enry Morgan
B. Bla ck Bart
C. F rancis Drake
20. W hich of the following is not pirate s lang for being hanged?
A. Da nce with Jack Ketch
B. Da nce the hempen jig
C. Da nce with death
You can check your score at www.arounddb.com> 20-questions> pirateday-quiz.
Dive In! ENJOY THE RIDE
Lantau’s water-sport providers have plenty on offer for beachgoers keen for more than just a sedate wade. Let’s take a look
PHOTOS COURTESY OF Hong Kong Surfing Lesson, Kiteboarding Association of Hong Kong & Treasure Island
When you think Discovery Bay, it’s not often, if ever, you think water sports, with other parts of Lantau more renowned for their beaches. But there is more happening here than you think, with sailing, paddling and rowing all based out of Lantau Boat Club, and more and more kiteboarders seen in the bay.
The reality is, though, if you’re looking for a day at the beach with a kayak, stand-up paddle board (SUP), kiteboard or surfboard, you will be well served to look to Lantau’s southern beaches.
GENTLY DOES IT
Some of Hong Kong’s best beaches are in South Lantau and a mixture of locals, expats and tourists converge there to get out on the water. There is nothing like a day at the beach during the balmy autumn months and there’s plenty to do besides wallow in the shallows.
SUP has been one activity to increase in popularity on Lantau over the past couple of summers and one of the reasons it has garnered such a following is its simplicity and convenience: all you need is a long board and paddle. As far as relaxing water sports go, it is at the top of the list, and at this time of year, Lantau’s calm waters lend themselves to the occasion.
Lengthy with relatively few swimmers, Pui O Beach is the first port of call for water-sports enthusiasts of all types. You can go it alone by bringing your own equipment or head to Treasure Island (www.treasureislandhk.com) to hire surfboards, SUPs, bodyboards and kayaks. The staff will show you how to use them, or you can sign up for a couple of courses.
Lower Cheung Sha Beach is another water-sports hub, and the long-time home of Long Coast Seasports (www.longcoast.hk). While windsurfing is the forté, Long Coast also facilitates wakeboarding, SUP and kayaking.
Alternatively, you might consider hopping on a boat to Cheung Chau: the waters off Tung Wan and Kwun Yam Wan are popular among water-sports enthusiasts, paddlers in particular. A-Team Edventures (www.ateamedventures.com) offers a range of exciting kayaking and paddling experiences, including a Cheung Chau Night Paddle.
WET AND WILD
If the adrenalin rush of kiteboarding is what you’re after, there’s fun to be had for beginners and intermediates alike on Lantau, with Kiteboarding Association of Hong Kong (www.kiteboarding.org.hk) and Hong Kong Kiteboarding School
(www.facebook.com/HongkongKiteboardingSchool) offering all sorts of options out of Shui Hau Wan and Pui O Beach. A range of training courses are on offer including beginner-friendly classes, refresher courses and intensive two-day bootcamps for beginners.
Shui Hau Wan and Pui O Beach are both perfect places to learn to kiteboard, with Kiteboarding Association of Hong Kong even providing a jet ski to ensure beginners can access the right areas to get just the winds they need. Not many people use these beaches for swimming and there is no ferry to worry about; what’s more, the water is relatively shallow. Shui Hau Wan in particular is a learner’s paradise, while the choppier waters off Pui O Beach offer a little more action for those starting to find their feet.
SUP AT PUI O BEACH
SURFING AT LOWER CHEUNG SHA AND PUI O BEACHES
The sport is continually growing in Hong Kong and the waters of Discovery Bay are proving to be the perfect playground for expert-level kiteboarders. Beginners, though, should beware of the DB waters – and winds. You need east directional winds and the wind speeds must be high, around 13 knots constantly, and static, not dropping out. If the wind changes a little bit to the south, the mountain will block the wind, and you will need to swim back to the beach. For these reasons, only the experts kiteboard off DB and there is the notion that they would like it to stay that way, keen as they are to keep their space just for themselves.
SURF’S UP
While Lantau is a hub of water-based activities, one thing it does lack is consistent waves for the surfing community. That’s not to say that you can never catch a wave, but you do have to be patient and seize the moment when it comes. Local surfers stand by for a storm or a tropical depression inside the South China Sea: a typhoon that comes across from the Philippines will also generally push waves on to Lantau. During surf season (winter), you can hope for six to eight good surf sessions, where often the lifeguards pull the nets out and you can get some good waves.
One thing’s for sure, Lantau is neither Hawaii nor New South Wales, which is actually a plus for first-time surfers. If you are looking to improve your surfing skills, nothing beats the waters off Pui O and Cheung Sha beaches. The southeast swell gives waves some solid force and although not massive, their inconsistency makes them challenging enough to surf. Before heading out with a buddy (it’s inadvisable to surf alone even if you’ve got plenty of experience), be sure to check the weather and local surf report (www.surf-forecast.com).
Classes are available for beginner to intermediate surfers on Lower Cheung Sha Beach at Hong Kong Surfing Lesson (www.hongkongsurfinglesson.com), and also on Pui O Beach through Treasure Island. Parents should note that wannabe surfers aged five years and up can get a piece of the action.
Treasure Island’s ethos, all the camps give children the opportunity to learn about sustainability practices and why caring for the environment is crucial to their future.
At Treasure Island, the Surf Camps for kids are separated into two age groups, five to nine years (grommets) and nine to 12 years (intermediates). Each week-long camp runs from Monday to Friday, and includes three hours of surfing lessons daily, with an hour dedicated to beach safety and ocean education. There are also Surf and Adventure Camps, for youth aged five to nine years, nine to 13 years and 13 to 17 years, which include activities like kayaking, gorging and coastal exploration, in addition to surfing.
Over at Lower Cheung Sha Beach, Hong Kong Surfing Lesson provides daily classes (individual or group), as well as three-day Surf Camps for children, aged five years and up. Kids who are new to the game learn basic surf safety and rules, how to stand up on a board and how to ride a wave. Intermediates get to improve their skills –paddling technique, wave selection, positioning, how to generate speed, pumping and carving.
Ready to dive in?
KITEBOARDING AT SHUI HAU WAN
KAYAKING AT PUI O BEACH
Pros and Cons!
GROWING UP OUTSIDE THE
NEST
Boarding school can feel like boot camp – or the best thing since sliced bread. Would your child benefit from the experience? Ray Au takes a look
PHOTOS COURTESY OF Adobe Stock
Finding the right school for your child is as big a job now as it has ever been, with options aplenty and the standard of education at an all-time high. Hong Kong’s international schools are regarded among the world’s best, but many families are excited by the benefits a boarding school education can bring, whether that means basing their children overseas or right here in the territory.
Certainly, what the boarding school system can offer looks good on paper. It provides children with a structured approach to both academic studies and extracurricular activities, with 24/7 access to sports and recreation facilities. There’s also social interaction with friends and peers of all ages, the opportunity to learn personal and
social responsibility, zero travel time to school… safety and supervision. But what’s the reality? What are the pros and cons?
HOME OR AWAY?
For many parents, the idea of children boarding in Hong Kong appeals, as it guarantees everyone the best of both worlds – work-orientated weekdays, in which children are cared for 24/7 within the school campus, and family-focused weekends.
Indeed, one of the biggest criticisms that can be made of the boarding school system is that the influence family has on a young person’s life is compromised. Arguably, the best education happens when a student is benefiting from both a close-knit, supportive home environment and also an excellent school environment – and this is where weekly boarders benefit. They have teachers and “house parents” to look to – to help them succeed and to help them thrive – but they also have the constant hands-on support and influence of their own families.
There’s no doubt many families struggle to get quality time during the week. Parents work long hours and are often late home, meaning children are left either to fend for themselves, or in the hands of helpers. Equally, weekly boarding removes the daily commute to and from school many children have to make, meaning they have more time to relax – and do their homework –in the evenings. Living apart during the week, boarders – and their parents – can plan and look forward to dedicated family time at the weekends.
Full-time overseas boarders, meanwhile, get round-the-clock education and a built-in social life, and for expat kids being schooled in their “home country” can be a tremendously grounding experience. For parents who want their children to be totally immersed in an educational environment, and/ or have busy careers themselves, it’s clear that a full-time boarding school has much to offer. Parents who feel that Hong Kong is a “small pond” in which to grow up are interested in the options that open up to overseas boarders – it’s not just about classroom learning, it’s about resilience skills, leadership skills, and all that comes through the wider experience of sports, outdoor activities and a lot of dynamic social contact with many other schools. Whole person education is not the preserve of the boarding school system but it is a specialty.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Living and studying within the school community, whether weekly or full-time, boarders have access to top-notch sports, music and arts facilities, as
well as academic societies. Everything on campus is geared to their betterment and/ or enjoyment, and their needs are prioritised. They get to socialise, and learn to cope independently alongside their peers, without leaving the school premises – and all of this is happening under the watchful eye of teachers who are mentors, not helpers or baby-sitters.
Boarding schools tend to have not just great teachers but specialist facilities, meaning they are able to cater to children with abilities that are either above or below average. With small classes, study hall hours, and access to teachers that live on campus, most boarders feel the benefit and find they can excel inside the classroom and out.
Parents who are drawn to the boarding school system value the sheer volume of academics, athletics and extracurricular activities on offer, but there is a potential downside – overworked, overstretched kids. For some children, having such a packed timetable can be too much; the pressure to excel in all aspects of school life can be overwhelming.
SOCIAL ADVANTAGES
Many boarding schools used to be like barracks – complete with lumpy mattresses, cold showers and early-morning-runs – but nowadays, they’re much more luxurious. Boarders get all the fun of living with their friends, sharing a dorm, or a room as they get older. Every night feels like a slumber party, plus they get a built-in social life. Boarders, particularly those without siblings, benefit from the constant companionship; they never have to look far if they need a friend to hang out with or vent to about their stress.
With dozens of mates on tap from the moment they wake up till the second they fall asleep, the bonds of friendship that boarders develop are incredibly strong and often these relationships endure long into adult life. Boarders come to rely heavily on their friends, and they feel secure within such a tight-knit community.
But there’s an obvious disadvantage to all this – boarders have a hard time getting any privacy and, during term time, they seldom get a break from their friends. Living at such close quarters may be tremendous fun when everyone is getting along, but when they’re not, disputes, even serious issues can arise. Equally, many boarders find themselves friendless when they come home for the holidays. They may not know the children in their neighbourhood and they likely won’t have formed any strong ties with them. Boarders mature more quickly than their day-schooled peers, which also sets them apart and can increase their feelings of isolation when they’re away from school.
A TASTE OF FREEDOM
What of the freedom children gain from boarding? They’re on their own (or at least with their own kind), doing their own thing, without parents constantly on their backs telling them what to do. They decide whether they want to eat in the dining hall or order out, they schedule consultations with teachers, they plan out their revision time – they are in control.
There’s no doubt that boarders are carefully supervised but at the same time, they are encouraged to be independent and selfsupporting. They are treated like young adults, and most respond well, learning to cope on their own and to enjoy doing so. Living within a community, they find they have to learn to get along with other students and take responsibility for their own actions.
On the other hand, the blessing of being free of parents can also be a kind of curse. It’s unusual for boarders not to suffer from homesickness at least initially, and separation anxiety can resurface at stressful times. Being trusted to make their own decisions is one thing, but boarders may miss having mum and dad around to hold their hands at crucial stages in their school career, for instance when they are choosing which subjects to study at 16 or making college applications.
One thing’s for sure, some children find it easier to leave the nest than others; some are ready to make the transition age 13, while others struggle to do so even at 18. Now that you’ve weighed up the pros and cons, only you can make the decision. Would your child benefit from a boarding school education?
ROUND-THE-CLOCK EDUCATION AND A BUILT-IN SOCIAL LIFE
Tanner De Witt is an independent established Hong Kong law firm, consistently receiving top ratings and awards for a wide range of industries and clients both in Hong Kong and internationally. Our practice areas have each been highly ranked by international publications and peers alike. We aim to provide insightful, practical and commercial legal advice with discretion and sensitivity to our clients needs and preferences at competitive rates.
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Top Tips! THE ART OF SMALL TALK
How to socialise if you’re shy, socially awkward or an out-and-out introvert. Take it from Ray Robertson , she should know
PHOTOS COURTESY OF Adobe Stock
Like me you struggle with socialising, or you wouldn’t be reading this article. The idea of going to a party, particularly one where you will be required to meet new people, fills you with dread. Shy, or introverted people, like us, are depleted by social interaction: we are the wallflowers at a party, the walking wounded afterward. Self-protective measures must be deployed if we are to get through a get-together intact.
The first and most valuable of these is to turn down as many invitations as you can get away with. Use fake excuses or be honest, depending on who’s asking. But there are always events you can’t get out of, whether family-, friend- or office-related –for these you need to be armed with dependable opening gambits, unbeatable conversation strategies and expert verbal manoeuvres.
ENGAGE
Ask any Brit, the non-conversation of small talk is close to a ceremony or a traditional dance –and you have to play by the rules. If someone you have just met asks you how you are, the correct answer really is, “Very well thank you, and you?” Do not launch into a long and detailed story about your sick dog and his ailments, or even your leaking washing machine: a “real” answer is neither required nor sought. Keep it light, light, light. Small talk has to be “small”, or you’ll scare people.
It’s genuinely hard to make a connection with a stranger, and small talk is the grey, safe no man’s land of spending five minutes standing next to someone at a party before the person you actually know comes back from the kitchen. Any deviation from the form – “So… did you have to come far?” “How did you meet the host?” – is unacceptable.
That being said, the best way to make people feel at ease (and to stop them asking you questions, and to fill awkward pauses) is to ask them about themselves. “What brought you to Hong Kong” usually does the trick, unless, of course, you are talking to a fellow introvert. People don’t get asked direct questions about themselves very often and many seem to appreciate it – wind them up, like a wind-up doll, and they’ll talk for hours.
Another important tip is to let the person you’re talking to feel listened to. Everyone wants to feel affirmed: “It’s so nice to meet you, I understand that you’re a pilot/ teacher/ rock jock. How exciting!” No matter what follows, affirm the person, fix a look of interest on your face, and let them know you appreciate hearing what they have to say. (No need to let on that you’d much rather be rewatching One Day , on your own at home.)
ASK ANY BRIT, THE NON-CONVERSATION OF SMALL TALK IS CLOSE TO A CEREMONY OR A TRADITIONAL DANCE –
AND YOU HAVE TO PLAY BY THE RULES
QUESTION
A few years ago, I grew so tired of becoming sweaty and nervous when thrown into a room full of strangers that I started curating a list of icebreaking questions. I keep them in a big file on my phone, which I add to as inspiration strikes. For instance: “Excluding air travel, what’s the highest you’ve ever been above sea level?” “What was the best present you got as a child?” “What role did you have in your school play?” Ask if they have siblings, then ask what was the most amount of trouble they ever got into together growing up; if all else fails, everyone has a least favourite mug in their house, and is ready and willing to tell you about it at length. Get on to the mug chat, and you’re in for a glorious evening.
Open-ended questions (“If you had to come back as an animal, which one would it be, and why?”) are obviously better than closed ones (“Do you believe in reincarnation?”). Likewise, “What is your go-to order at McDonald’s?” is a more promising opening gambit than “Do you
like chicken nuggets?” Don’t try too hard, this is small talk remember, and don’t make the person you’re talking to have to try too hard either. Avoid niche questions about something they likely know nothing about and have no interest in. You might get lucky with “How does your pendulum answer yes,” – you might spark up a real conversation with a fellow Wiccan. But then again you might crash and burn – only a select few share your passion for modern paganism and the occult.
Importantly too, your pre-prepared questions shouldn’t be too probing; you are not seeking intimacy, nor are you looking to open a conversation that goes beyond polite chitchat. “What’s the biggest mistake you’ve ever made?” “What’s your attachment style?” “Which of your siblings do you like least?” This conversational style should foster connection, but it feels too high stakes. Like I said, keep it light.
RESPOND
There’s no getting round it, conversation is a twoway street. It’s about you receiving information, but it’s also about giving it, so you need to talk about yourself a bit too. If you’re an introvert, there’s nothing you dislike more. Questions like “What do you do?” or “Tell me about yourself” make you want to run for the door. But if you refuse to play the game, you make everyone you meet feel uncomfortable; and you came across as arrogant and boorish, rude rather than retiring.
So how do introverts, like us, make ourselves digestible to strangers? It’s simple: we brace ourselves to give direct answers to direct questions, we smile as much as possible and, in case “sharing about ourselves” is required, we come to the party with a pre-prepared spiel. Make time one Sunday afternoon, to write your “party speech,” one that amplifies your flattering traits, reveals your best thoughts, allows you to tell a joke or two, and includes some of your favourite stories. Your spiel doesn’t have to be long: think of it as a highlights reel, a precis of personal bests that doesn’t involve swearing, or references to sex.
Bottomline: you can get through a party without speaking your mind, or revealing that much about yourself. Don’t bring up war, religion, politics, or anything that’s likely to cause mass hysteria. Stick to topics that other people feel comfortable discussing and tailor your conversation to suit the situation you’re in. Stuck with a group of parents who you know you’ll never see again, feel free to talk about the children you don’t actually have; mingling with a golfer, feign interest in her handicap. Lie to please the crowd, you won’t be the first.
And when it comes to getting the hell out? A time-bound commitment is the appropriate way to politely extricate yourself. “I have to dash off to yoga class,” that’s time-bound. “I have to go because I need to catch a plane to Greenland, population density 0.14,” that’s time-bound too.
Good luck, and be careful out there.
ESTATE PLANNING WITH NOBLEWILLS.COM
Create your Hong Kong Will online: easy, affordable and legally binding
Estate planning is crucial for protecting assets and ensuring your wishes are carried out after death. As an expat living in Hong Kong, this process can be complex due to cross-border assets, digital wealth and the need to protect vulnerable beneficiaries. This guide offers essential information to help you navigate estate planning effectively.
Understanding the basics: Wills vs. Trusts: Wills are legal documents outlining asset distribution after death, while Trusts can manage assets during your lifetime and after. Wills are relatively straightforward and handle most of your assets, as well as the appointment of guardians for children. Trusts offer more privacy and can avoid probate but they can be costly: Trusts are generally suitable for those with a net worth of around HK$20 million or above.
Appointing guardians for children and pets: Designate permanent guardians in your Will to care for your children and pets if something happens to you. Also consider appointing temporary guardians for emergency situations, especially if permanent guardians live abroad.
Cross-border estate planning: With many Hong Kong residents owning assets in multiple countries, cross-border planning is crucial. Different jurisdictions have varying laws regarding inheritance, taxes and probate. Creating separate Wills for each country can ensure proper asset handling.
Digital assets: Document and include digital assets like cryptocurrencies and online accounts in your estate plan to ensure that they can be found.
Tax efficiency: While Hong Kong doesn’t have an estate tax, assets in other jurisdictions might be subject to significant taxes. A well-structured plan can help minimise these taxes.
Vulnerable beneficiaries: Use Trusts to protect those needing special care, such as minors or individuals with disabilities – Trusts allow you to set specific terms for asset distribution.
Updates and storage: Review and update your estate plan as life circumstances change. Proper storage of physical Wills is crucial, as most courts require original documents.
WHY CHOOSE NOBLEWILLS.COM?
NobleWills.com offers a range of estate planning services for expats, from affordable online Will options to comprehensive personal services for individuals with complex estate planning needs. We provide:
• Online and personal W ill services
• Country-specific W ills
• Per manent and temporary guardianship appointments
• Enduring Power of Attor ney and advanced directives
• W ill editing and storage memberships
• Cr oss-border estate planning and inheritance tax awar eness
Estate planning requires a strategic approach to protect your assets and fulfil your wishes. By addressing key areas such as Wills, Trusts, guardianship, cross-border complexities, digital assets and tax efficiency, you can create a robust estate plan that offers peace of mind for you and security for your loved ones. NobleWills.com is your trusted partner in navigating these complexities and ensuring your legacy is protected. Contact us today!
Vacation Time! NAIROBI
Green city in the sun
BY Kayli Liebenberg
STEP INTO THE PAGES OF HISTORY at the Karen Blixen Museum, which is located in the farmhouse where the renowned Danish author lived between 1914 and 1931. The museum offers a captivating glimpse into Blixen’s world, and is a mustsee for fans of her famous memoir, Out of Africa.
KNOWN AS THE “GREEN
CITY in the sun” and “place of cool waters,” the Kenyan capital sprawls some 700 square-kilometres along the banks of Nairobi River, at the foot of the Ngong Hills. A frenetic and bustling concrete jungle, it’s surprisingly temperate with dense treecover, and plenty of parks and open spaces to explore.
KENYA’S GLORIOUS COUNTRYSIDE
opens up on a visit to the Maasai Ostrich Farm located in savannah grasslands on the outskirts of town. Take a walking tour to learn about ostrich farming practices and feed the adult breeder stock. You may or may not want to end your trip by sampling some ostrich meat at the on-site restaurant.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF Adobe Stock
INDULGE YOUR TASTE BUDS
on the streets of Nairobi, sampling an array of mouthwatering dishes from local food vendors, including sizzling nyama choma (grilled meat), flavourful samosas and aromatic chai . Along the way, you’ll discover hidden gems and bustling markets, gaining insight into Kenya’s diverse culinary traditions and vibrant street culture.
ESCAPE THE HOT AFRICAN SUN
in Karua Forest, a 1,000-hectare urban-forest reserve dotted with caves, waterfalls and scenic picnic spots. Myriad activities are on offer from leisurely nature walks along well-shaded trails to adrenaline-pumping mountain biking adventures. There’s a café, children’s obstacle course, bike rental and yoga platform at the entrance.
HOME TO THE WORLD’S DENSEST CONCENTRATION of black rhinos, Nairobi National Park is uniquely positioned right on the city’s southern edge. Here you can view an array of wildlife – including The Big Five – roaming freely across a 117 square-kilometre wilderness with skyscrapers and planes coming into land in the distance.
DELVE INTO AFRICA’S RICH ARTISTIC
heritage at the Nairobi Gallery. This cultural gem showcases a diverse collection of contemporary and traditional African art, including paintings, sculptures and artefacts. Pieces curated by Joseph and Sheila Murumbi, two of Africa’s most famous private art collectors, are displayed in a dedicated room.
C'EST UN DELICE
This dessert is uniquely known for its light and airy texture. Here are two different takes on the French delight, mousse
BY Nicole Innocenti
MOUSSE Á LA LIMONE
Serves 6
300g lemon curd
1 lemon, zested
300ml double cream
25g lemon shortbread
Put two-thirds of the lemon curd into a large bowl with the zest and cream, then beat with an electric whisk until it just holds its shape. Dribble over the rest of the lemon curd and divide between 6 small glasses, marbling the curd through as you go. Cover and freeze for 30 to 40 minutes.
Put the shortbread in a strong plastic bag and bash with the end of a rolling pin to form crumbs. When you’re ready for pudding, remove the pots from the freezer (they should be ice cold but still soft and creamy) and garnish with the shortbread crumbs. Add a sprinkling of pistachios to serve.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF Adobe Stock
MOUSSE Á LA FRAISE
Serves 4
250g fresh strawberries, halved
25g caster sugar
140g mini marshmallows
200ml double cream
Put all but two strawberries into a pan along with 100ml water and the sugar. Over a medium heat, cook the strawberries until soft enough to mash, about 3 minutes. Take off the heat and squash the berries, using a fork, until pulpy. Add the marshmallows, stirring them into the hot strawberries until they dissolve. Leave to cool.
Whip the cream until it holds its shape. Fold the cream into the cooled strawberry mix, then divide between 4 small glasses and chill for about 2 hours, or until set. Garnish with the reserved strawberries.
DB SPORTS ENTHUSIASTS COMMUNITY SNAPS
PHOTOS BY Richard Gordon
Lantau Boat Club Tekkertz
Discovery Bay Anglican Church
Daughter Church of St John's Cathedral
SKH Wei Lun Primary School, Discovery Bay Road
Sung Eucharist (English) at 10:00am Sundays
Email: dean@stjohnscathedral.org.hk
Web: www.discoverybaychurch.org.hk
Priest in Charge: The Very Revd Kwok-keung Chan
Tel: +852 - 2523 4157
Packing, Moving & Storage Services. Fixed price quote upon onsite survey or choose from the rates below:
Hire a Truck: HK$220/hour. Minimum 3 hours. Short Trips: HK$200 & up.
Hire Movers: HK$120/hour per mover. Minimum 3 hours.
Plastic Boxes & Used Cartons can be provided free of charge. (Subject to availability.)
Serves Lantau, DB, Tung Chung and the rest of HK.
LOCAL NUMBERS TUNG CHUNG
EMERGENCY SERVICES 999
Tung Chung Ambulance Depot 2988 8282
Tung Chung Fire Station 2988 1898
Tung Chung Police Station 3661 1999
HOME & REPAIRS
Mega Power Engineering/Locksmiths 2109 2330
Mr Chan 24-Hour Handyman 9343 3718
Papabo 5541 1502
Shun Yu Engineering 2988 1488
So Nice Technologies 6206 3497
HOTELS
Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott 3969 1888
Novotel Citygate Hong Kong 3602 8888
Regal Airport Hotel 2286 8888
Sheraton Tung Chung 2535 0000
The Silveri Hong Kong - MGallery 3602 8989
LEARNING CENTRES
Discovery Mind International Play Centre 2987 8070
Discovery Mind Primary School 2915 0666
Greenfield International Kindergarten 2162 5538
Sun Island Education Foundation 2420 1068
Tung Chung Catholic School 2121 0884
YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College 2988 8123
MEDICAL
Bayside Dental 2185 6550
Essential Health Family Clinic 2109 9396
Human Health Medical Centre 2109 2288
North Lantau Hospital 3467 7000
Quality Health Dental 2403 6613
Quality Health Care Medical 2403 6623
REMOVALS & RELOCATION
Akash Moving 2421 8088
Crown Relocations 2636 8399
FTC Relocations 2814 1658
ReloSmart 2561 3030
Rocket Movers 5134 0044
SwiftRelo 2363 4008
RESIDENTIAL SERVICES
Caribbean Coast Clubhouse 2109 9277
Caribbean Coast Management Office 2109 9288
Coastal Skyline Clubhouse 2179 6678
Coastal Skyline Management Office 2179 6621
Seaview Crescent Clubhouse 3473 8700
Seaview Crescent Management Office 3473 8833
Tung Chung Crescent Clubhouse 2403 6770
Tung Chung Crescent Management Office 2109 1222
RESTAURANTS & FOOD DELIVERY
A Tavola Bar & Grill 2321 5500
Andante, Novotel Citygate 3602 8828
Basic Bistro 2305 5508
Cabana
SOUTH LANTAU
DISCOVERY BAY
Good
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,
Elevate
EpicLand
HKILA
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
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
La Petite Enfance Kindergarten
0813
Mandarin for Munchkins 2480 3909
Mathemagic (home tutoring) 9135 4724
Rigolo comme la vie 5495 8810
SKH Wei Lun Primary School 2987 8608
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.
The Rink Italian Kitchen
McDonald’s
Paisano’s
Pascucci
Pasha
Peony
Pho
DISCOVERY BAY
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
programmes for boys & girls for age groups U5 up to U14. Contact 9770 4548, train@tekkerzfootball.com, www.prosportsasia.com
FRANTICALLY FOSSILISED AT 55
Planning to live it up in your retirement? Act your age, says Peter Sherwood , it’s all downhill from here
Sinister moves are afoot. At age 50 we are inundated with boring geriatric jokes. Pathetic, half-baked comedic philosophy floods the internet, ensnaring us into believing that because we can’t spell Messi and the only Swift we know is Jonathan, we’re in early onset dementia. These so-called comics demand we feel like them; ancient, fossilized, incapable, incoherent, decrepit, timid, and resisting any pressure to get off the sofa.
In Australia it begins (like everything Down Under) with tedious real-estate conversations on the ins and outs of the social tragedy called “retirement villages,” those prized luxurious last resorts advertised for the over 55s; the antepenultimate step before the Big One. When the kids have left home, parents depart the cultural void of suburbia to be with other lost souls targeted by property companies endowed with antennae to detect couples with little purpose and lots of money. Getting in is not cheap, staying there ridiculously expensive, and the price of leaving, either voluntarily or horizontally, would make any realty reptile blush, were such an emotional response possible.
In a country where real estate rip-offs are an art form, the retirement village industry takes exploitation and the trick of contractual fine print to unchartered depths. The industry was described by Australia’s ABC Television as a “…national disgrace, with three juicy rackets: deferred fees, ongoing fees that keep going when you die, and bonds.” In other words, a developer’s dream.
Advertising features a slightly greying and deeply tanned couple prancing around on the beach and
waving happily from a tennis court to their greyingat-the-temples and wrinkle-free new friends. Nothing about this manicured paradise being so isolated you’d need a plane to go shopping. Halcyon days and no sign of a wheelchair, or grizzled folk in need of care in these Neverland establishments. Everyone is a budding Peter Pan. Meanwhile, a thousand times their number are shuffling around in shabby government care homes where death, or even Singapore, must seem preferable.
No one grows old in these wonderland ghettos. Over 55!? Hell, thousands of people start high altitude climbing and running marathons decades later than that. The oldest man to summit Everest was 80, the oldest woman 73. At 87 Picasso produced 347 engravings; Grandma Moses didn’t pick up a paint brush until she was 76.
Over 55s ads tell us getting old is fun, when in fact it stinks. Which segways [sort of] into anti-ageing creams sold to a mass of humanity desperate to believe in the efficacy of magical goo made with Mongolian mountain goat saliva, organically refined Peruvian herbs and poo of the Niger Delta Colobus monkey. The more exotic (and expensive) the better. Unprincipled purveyors flog this cosmic woo-woo stuff as cosmetics, and cosmetic, by definition, means superficial. Still, the industry worldwide is worth a trillion dollars, making the over 55s ads look sensible.
I don’t know who said, “Had I known I was going to live this long, I’d have taken better care of myself,” but it was Ogden Nash who remarked, “You are only young once, but you can stay immature forever.” I’ll drink to both.
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.
DON’T BE CONNED INTO THINKING YOU CAN GROW OLD GRACEFULLY
