Around DB August Issue 2017

Discovery Bay’s original community magazine

AUGUST 2017

BACK TO SCHOOL

Fast-tracking kids’ Cantonese

DB’s game-changing eco-innovators

Heat things up with frozen cocktails CIRCLE OF HEALING

How working with energy gets results

SUP AND AT ‘EM WHY EVERYBODY’S DOING IT STANDING UP ISLAND-WIDE EVENTS * PRIZES * COMMUNITY SNAPS * CLASSIFIEDS * THOUGHTS ON ISLAND LIFE

FREE

RENTALS/SALES

August 2017 T

EN

G EA

L

SO

海澄湖畔二段 SIENA TWO Gross: 845’ 2 1

Saleable: 604’

$22K

Bright and airy apartment with lots of natural light. Great location for access to the North Plaza and bus stops.

Gross: 1088’ Saleable: 947’

頤峰 GREENVALE 3 2

$28K

海澄湖畔一段 SIENA ONE 3

Spacious unit with a renovated open kitchen located on the main bus route.

Gross: 1235’ Saleable: 962’

$40K

Quiet location right on Siena Park. Easy access to Discovery College, bus stop and North Plaza.

2

NK BA N O W I LO AT BE ALU V

寶峰 PARKVALE 3 2

Gross: 1213’ Saleable: 1138’

$47K

Perfect apartment with quick access to the plaza and bus station. Large private rooftop great for entertaining.

NK BA N O W I LO AT BE ALU V

蘅峯 PENINSULA 2

尚堤 CHIANTI 3 2

Gross: 2375’ Saleable: 1846’

55K / 21.3M

Spacious living duplex, balcony with great views.

24hr concierge service.

NK BA N O W I LO AT BE ALU V

Gross: 724’ Saleable: 610’

4.9M

津堤 AMALFI 2

Cosy apartment and good value.

1

1

5 2

Gross: 1575’ Saleable: 1315’

11.8M

Gross: 876’ Saleable: 689’

8M

Beautifully jointed unit with balcony, open plan kitchen and located conveniently for schools. Vacant sale.

3 2

$75K

Lovely ground floor apartment with its own garden and beautiful views.

Fully remodeled inside with modern interior and a great kitchen.

2

Gross: 1155’ Saleable: 891’

尚堤 CHIANTI 3

Good condition apartment with balcony and, 24hr concierge service. Don’t miss.

海澄湖畔一段 SIENA ONE

3

Gross: 1145’ Saleable: 1074’

NK BA N O W I LO AT BE ALU V

9.68M

Nicely renovated apartment with 24hr concierge service. Balcony with nice view.

2

N IO AT LU NT A V E NK AG BA AD AT LE

頤峰 GREENVALE

寶峰 PARKVALE

T!

EN

AD

AG

LE

Gross: 1235’ Saleable: 962’

Nicely renovated lowrise apartment with spacious living. Close to schools.

12M

海蜂徑 SEABEE 4 3

www.headlandhomes.hk

Gross: 3100’ Saleable: 2403’

115K/36M

Company sale. Detached house, great views, spacious living and great for entertaining.

2987 2088

EAA LIC C-033418

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Covering: Discovery Bay | Gold Coast | Aberdeen | New Territories

DBIS

Join us for an all new dramatic Season!

New Term begins September 2017

Weekly Saturday Drama Groups at Discovery Bay International School With qualified, experienced leaders and unrivalled resources, we offer the best in drama and theatrical education for our members.

Saturday 10am - 12.30pm Ages 6 - 7 Ages 4 - 5 Group DB2 Group DB1

Saturday 2pm - 4.30pm Ages 12 - 16 Ages 8 - 11 Group DB4 Group DB3

Free Trial Workshops in Sheung Wan 26th August 2017 and 2nd September 2017 Book your session online!

www.FaustWorld.com

2547 9114

Info@FaustWorld.com

FaustHongKong

Top 10

Best After-School Activity

Winner 2014 to 2017

Hong Kong

Summer Activities for Kids

Best

After-School Activities for Tots to Teens

How BodyExpress® EMS (Electro Muscle Stimulation) does more for you in 20 minutes

STRENGHTHEN MUSCLE

Bodyexpress® uses electro stimulation to achieve stronger and more intense muscle contractions than voluntary exertion can achieve alone. 90% of muscles are activated simultaneously with each contraction.

DRAMATICALLY REDUCE FAT

Using EMS Training leads to better circulation and the reduction of superfluous fat cells, It boosts the removal of metabolic byproducts and toxins in the lymph glands, and helps stimulate your internal organs and peristalsis for optimising digestion and nutrition absorption.

RELIEVE BACK PAIN

Bodyexpress® EMS targets and strengthens the deeper layers of the torso muscle group which helps alleviate back pain as these deep muscles are difficult to activate with conventional methods.

TONE UP YOUR BODY

Our personal trainer can control each muscle group by adjusting the training intensity of the various muscle groups on the EMS device according to your individual goals.

WHY WORKOUT FOR HOURS WHEN

20 MINUTES A WEEK IS ALL YOU NEED

For more information, please visit our website at bodyexpress.hk, e-mail us at info@bodyexpress.hk or call our store hotlines.

Are you investing in your children’s future?

E

veryone wants the best for their children and none of us know what the future holds. We believe that with a little forward planning it is possible to give your children the best future and the best education. You might be looking at: • • •

A tax efficient way of building up savings for future school fees Spreading the cost of current school fees Protecting the school fees in the event of your death, illness or incapacity

Whatever your situation, We can help you plan for your children’s future by providing you with a range of financial solutions to help you invest on behalf of your loved ones.

The value of an investment with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds selected and may fall as well as rise. You may get back less than the amount invested.

With an office located in North Plaza – we are here to support you.

For further information, or to request your complimentary guide to school fees planning, please contact:

ST. JAMES’S PLACE WEALTH MANAGEMENT

JOHN PARSONS

JASON WHITE

Partner

Partner

Parsons White Wealth Management Partner Practice of St. James’s Place Wealth Management

Parsons White Wealth Management Partner Practice of St. James’s Place Wealth Management

The Stephen Putnam Practice Partner Practice of St. James’s Place Wealth Management

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

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

T: +852 2824 1083 E: stephen.putnam@sjpp.asia Web: www.sjpp.asia/tspp

STEPHEN PUTNAM Principal PARTNERS IN MANAGING YOUR WEALTH

The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the titles ‘Partner’ and ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives.

Members of the St. James’s Place Partnership in Hong Kong represent St. James’s Place (Hong Kong) Limited, which is an authorised insurance broker by being a member of The Hong Kong Confederation of Insurance Brokers CIB, a licensed corporation with the Securities and Futures Commission and registered as an MPF Intermediary.

St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc Registered Office: St. James’s Place House, 1 Tetbury Road, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 1FP, United Kingdom.

Registered in England Number 4113955.

CONTENTS August 2017

PROFILE

TALKING POINTS

Pervin and Stephen Clasper

Introducing stand-up paddle boarding

20

34 ESCAPES

Can eco-initiatives save the world?

Your entry to Iran

FAMILY MATTERS The pros and cons of local schooling

19

GIVEAWAYS Win big prizes

37

PARENTING Ages and stages

47

RECIPES Cooling summer cocktails

57

DB FACES Community snaps

68

OUT THERE Island life

AGENDA

IN FOCUS

24

REGULARS

42

10

DB EVENTS

53

HK HAPPENINGS

58

CLASSIFIEDS

63

PROPERTY

65

LOCAL NUMBERS

ON THE COVER

For the latest Around DB updates, find us on:

Stand-up paddle boarding has reached DB Discovery Bay’s original community magazine

To read the cover story, turn to page 34

AUGUST 2017

BACK TO SCHOOL

Fast-tracking kids’ Cantonese

DB’s game-changing eco-innovators

28

www.arounddb.com Publishers in Lantau since 2002

Heat things up with frozen cocktails CIRCLE OF HEALING

How working with energy gets results

SUP AND AT ‘EM WHY EVERYBODY’S DOING IT STANDING UP ISLAND-WIDE EVENTS * PRIZES * COMMUNITY SNAPS * CLASSIFIEDS * THOUGHTS ON ISLAND LIFE

FREE

We also publish…

Aug/ Sept 2017

WIN!

Win tickets to see Ariana Grande at AsiaWorld-Expo and kid’s entry passes to EpicLand

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

Join your community online

Photo by Baljit Gidwani www.evoqueportraits.com

SEA RANCH THE LOST RESORT’S CERTAIN FUTURE

BACK TO SCHOOL

LIFE LESSONS FOR ECO-AWARE KIDS

MAN ON A MISSION

MERRIN PEARSE SEEKING SUSTAINABILITY ISLAND-WIDE EVENTS * PRIZES * COMMUNITY SNAPS * CLASSIFIEDS * THOUGHTS ON ISLAND LIFE Join your community online at www.lifeonlantau.com

Publishers in in Lantau Lantau since since 2002 2002 Publishers

P A R T Y EVERY PARTY CONSISTS OF − A party leader − 10-inch pizza for each kid − Juice pack for each kid − Chef’s hat and apron − Helium balloons − Party invitations − Two hours of fun! *Minimum spend and availability varies between location and date.

Throughout August

PUBLISHER Corinne Jedwood corinne@baymedia.com.hk

SUPPORT CANCER RESEARCH

MANAGING EDITOR Rachel Ainsley rachel@baymedia.com.hk

YOUR GUIDE

TO UPCOMING

COMMUNIT Y E VENTS

ASSISTANT EDITOR Sam Agars sam@baymedia.com.hk SPECIAL PUBLICATIONS & ONLINE EDITOR Claire Severn claire@baymedia.com.hk SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Andrew Spires andrew@baymedia.com.hk

If you would like to see an event listed in this section, email sam@baymedia.com.hk

ADVERTISING & SALES MANAGER Connie Cottam connie@baymedia.com.hk SALES ACCOUNT MANAGER Monika Carruthers monika@baymedia.com.hk OFFICE MANAGER Maxine Parry accountant@baymedia.com.hk PHOTOGRAPHER Baljit Gidwani www.evoqueportraits.com CONTRIBUTORS James Allen (intern) Henry Benjamin Kate Farr Patricia Jover Elizabeth Kerr Katrina Mercado (intern) Peter Sherwood Cecilia Yee PRINTING Fantasy Printing Limited 7/F Tin Fung Industrial Mansion 63 Wong Chuk Hang Road Aberdeen, Hong Kong DISCLAIMER The views expressed in AroundDB are not necessarily those of the publisher, editor or contributors. The publisher and editor cannot be held responsible for differences of opinion or statements published in good faith. The publisher, contributors, their employees and partners are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors or omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication and expressly disclaim all and any liability for any such action of any person.

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 LTD

Photo courtesy of Gaylene Meeson

With Childhood Cancer Awareness Month coming up in September, Discovery Bay resident Gaylene Meeson is shaving her head for the fifth consecutive year in support of her daughter Hannah – a five-year cancer survivor – and to raise money for the Hannah’s Heroes St Baldrick’s Hero fund. To help fund more advanced cancer research, make a donation at www.stbaldricks.org/participants/gaylene2017.

August 5

STOCK UP AT THE PLANT MARKET

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

August 13

DB PIRATES WELCOME BACK DAY Discovery College

Ever wondered if August 20 rugby, netball, hockey or dragon boating are for you? Find out at the annual DB Pirates Welcome Back Day. You can expect games and a barbecue, 10am to 3pm, plus registration and kit collection. It’s a www.dbpirates.com great opportunity to have a trial run, ask questions, catch up with old friends after the summer and meet new ones. To find out more, visit www.dbpirates.com.

SHOP THE DISCOVERY BAY SUNDAY MARKET

in DB Plaza from 11am to 6pm.

Throughout August

TO ADOPT A PET

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

DB EVENTS

10TH ANNIVERSARY BEACH CLEAN-UP

FREE COMMUNITY RUNNING GROUP

Sam Pak Wan

Tai Pak Wan August 21

August 20

Photo courtesy of Olivier Baillet

Photo courtesy of Dana Winograd

Ten years on from DB Green’s first beach clean-up – which saw a whopping 1,500 kilogrammes of rubbish removed from Nim Shue Wan – DB Green and Plastic Free Seas are holding a community fun day. Kicking off with, of course, a beach cleanup at 1pm, the afternoon also features a sand castle building competition running from 1.45pm to 4.30pm, followed by a prize-giving ceremony and a sausage sizzle.

Well-known DB athletes Olivier Baillet, Thomas Kiprotich and Katia Kucher are offering DB residents a free guided run every Monday evening at 7.45pm, starting from the Tai Pak Wan playground. The trio’s aim is to promote healthy living and give everyone the chance to try running. To find out more, head to the DB Discovery Run Facebook page.

CONGRATULATIONS DB PIRATES HOCKEY

August 26

BACK TO SCHOOL FAIR

Discovery Bay International School

Photo by Around DB

At the seventh annual Back to School Fair, running from 9am to 1pm in Discovery Bay International School’s Globe Theatre, you can find everything you need to know about local clubs and businesses. Over 30 local sports, arts, learning, social, education and health organisations (plus the Around DB team) are on hand to answer questions.

For more information, contact Kimberly Whiley at kimwhiley@gmail.com.

www.dbpirates.com

The DB Pirates hockey team took out the Summer Hockey Series with an undefeated run to the final, followed by an 11-3 win over the Pheasant Pluckers in the decider. A combination of a rock-solid defence, a high-energy midfield and deadeye strikers provided the foundation for the Pirates’ success, with their ability to play well as a team also proving crucial. To find out what the club has to offer, head to www.dbpirates.com.

www.arounddb.com August 2017

11

DB EVENTS

NEW in LANTAU

SAVE the DATE BART’S BASH East Lantau waters

DBRC CHARITY TENNIS CUP

DI JERK SHED

Lower Cheung Sha Beach

Discovery Bay Recreation Club

September 16 & 17

September 23

Photo courtesy of Di Jerk Shed

www.bartsbash.com

The day the world goes sailing: Bart’s Bash is an international sail race taking place at hundreds of different venues and involving thousands of sailors.

Fund raised go to the Andrew Simpson Foundation, which facilitates a wider participation in sailing and promotes the benefits the sport can have on youth and society in general. To find out more, head to the Lantau Boat Club on Tai Pak Wan or visit www.lantauboatclub.com.

www.evoqueportraits.com

Now’s the time to hit the court and sharpen up your game and more importantly your costume for this year’s Charity Tennis Cup. The well-loved community event sees teams dress up and serve it out in the name of charity.

Registration opens soon and you can find out more by calling 2987 7381.

With authentic Caribbean food, a calypso vibe and unimpeded views of beautiful Lower Cheung Sha Beach, Di Jerk Shed is the place to be in South Lantau.

Inspired by the culinary delights of Trinidad and Jamaica, Di Jerk Shed offers weekly specials, Sunday brunch, discounts for airline crew and free transport to Mui Wo, Tung Chung and surrounding areas. Call 2234 5375 for more information and to make a booking.

Term 1

Important Dates 17/18

ESF Sports Programmes open to all!

21 Aug - 15 Dec

Autumn Camp 3-4 & 6-7 October

We translate our knowledge and passion for sports into a whole range of fun, exciting,challenging and structured sports programmes.

Winter Camp 18 Dec - 5 Jan

Term 2

8 Jan - 29 Mar

CNY Camp 20 - 23 Feb

Programmes at Discovery College Basketball Football (boys / girls) Gymnastics Swimming Sports Camps & Clinics Programmes at ESF Tung Chung Kindergarten Multi Sports (ages 2+)

Term 3

16 Apr - 29 Jun

Spring Camp 3 - 13 Apr

Summer Camp 3 Jun - 10 Aug

www.esf.org.hk

sports@esf.org.hk Tel: 2711 1280

ESF Language & Learning Quality English language programmes that nurture children’s natural curiosity as they build and develop their confidence in core communication skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing.

Programmes at ESF Tung Chung Kindergarten Playgroup (6-36 months) Kindergarten English (ages 3-5) K2 Drama (ages 4-5) Holiday Camps

www.esf.org.hk language@esf.org.hk Tel: 2711 1280

Important Dates17/18

Term 1 9 Sep - 17 Nov

Term 2 20 Nov - 4 Feb

Winter Camp 27 - 30 Dec

Term 3 5 Feb - 29 Apr

Spring Camp 9 - 13 April

Term 4 30 Apr - 30 Jun

Summer Camp 9 Jul - 24 Aug

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

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

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

Tel: 852 2636 8388 hongkong@crownrelo.com

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HSBC

List of vendors (A-Z)

To advertise your stall in the September issue, call 2987 0577 or email info@baymedia.com.hk

Fusion

Discovery Bay, 13 August 2017, 11am–6pm

Vendor Listings A-Z

51 26b 35B 55 24 73 25 7a 105a 92A 32B 36a 22 39A 98b 53 28B 86A 9 69b 15 92C 38A 35A 88C 32A 100C 8a 29B 31b 1 93a 17 69a 52 31a 28A 2 94C 36b 84 86B 98a 92B 89B 70 37a 89A 13 33C

Vendor Map

2nu Sunglasses / Bae Vino Amazing Delights Anatolia cultural centre Ankyra Home APHRODITE CHIC DECOR ART FUTURES GROUP ASHNI Asian Art & Accessories Aster Aroma AVRA Aydan Baby Hero Bling Bling Baby & Kids Blink Blink Blink Baby bluyonda / Picture Finders Book Wise Limited + MF by Miss Fleurs BuluTomo Burano Murano Butchers Cut Cha .handcraft Chak Kee Co Chewy Chilled Wine Chinelos Chinese Puppet Contact Design Limited Cozy Pet Food cyndi chong Dandelion Shop HK DB Health Beauty DB Party Time ditto ditto - letterpress & stationery Divenna Essential Draw2Live Dulce Jewellery Eco Gladiators Eldage 傳耆 Ermine & Grey EUREKA BAMBOO SOCKS Evelyn's tea & tuile house Eye Market Fairy Face HK Farm Workshop Farm2Tub Feliz Elefante Firefly Clothing FLOWERSONG FREEOCLOCK TEA HOUSE Frontier Jewelry Furry Good

GIVEAWAYS

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

Win four tickets to The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)

www.epiclandhk.com

www.propublicity.com

Win a pair of tickets to Priscilla Queen of the Desert Lunchbox Theatrical Productions is offering three readers a pair of A-reserve tickets (worth HK$795 each) to see Priscilla Queen of the Desert at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Wanchai on September 29 at 7.45pm.

Get ready for Priscilla Queen of the Desert – the partyfun favourite from the West End and Broadway. Dance to hit songs such as I Will Survive and Hot Stuff, and enjoy a glittering array of over 500 colourful costumes. At its heart, Priscilla is a show about love, friendship and family.

Live on stage from September 29 to October 22; visit www.hkticketing.com for tickets.

Win five tickets to the Asia Contemporary Art Show (Fall Edition 2017)

Asia Contemporary Art Show is offering five readers one UnionPay VIP Collectors Preview ticket (worth HK$580 each) to see the show at the Conrad Hong Kong, Admiralty on September 21 at 5pm.

(Each ticket entitles two people to multiple admission, plus four complimentary drinks.)

Browse and buy original paintings, limited editions, sculpture and photography www.asiacontemporaryart.com by some of the world’s most celebrated emerging, mid-career and established artists at the 11th edition of the Asia Contemporary Art Show. Running from September 21 to 24; for special advancepurchase two-for-one tickets, priced at HK$240, visit www.asiacontemporaryart.com/tickets.

www.aba-productions.com

ABA Productions is offering one reader four A-reserve tickets (worth HK$595 each) to see The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Wanchai on September 19 at 8pm.

All 37 plays, performed by just three actors! The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) is an irreverent, fast-paced romp that parodies the Bard’s plays, racing through all of them in just 97 minutes. Running from September 19 to 24, visit www.hkticketing.com for tickets.

Win a Hydrating Recovery Facial with Ultrasonic Peel Sense of Touch in DB Plaza is offering one reader a Hydrating Recovery Facial with Ultrasonic Peel (worth HK$1,200).

This moisture-boosting facial treatment relies on triple liposome technology to deliver exceptionally pure, active ingredients via a time release system.

The ultrasonic peel draws impurities to the surface resulting in an even more radiant look. To make a booking, call 2987 9198 or visit www.senseoftouch.com.hk.

www.senseoftouch.com.hk

Congratulations to last month’s winners Peter Udall and Francesca Kwee for tickets to see Father Christmas; Diana Wong for a personal training session with a Movement Improvement instructor; Pascal Laroumanie for a set of Shadow Projects casts; and Pamela Rustemeyer for a dog grooming session at Tung Chung Vet Centre. www.arounddb.com August 2017

19

PROFILE

Photo by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com

The Real Deal

20

Pervin and Stephen Clasper mark 10 years de-stressing Hong Kong’s most stressed out and guiding us to the energy within.

Elizabeth Kerr reports

P

ervin and Stephen Clasper are the picture of unflappable calm.

Not that it comes easily.

The owners and practitioners of Central’s Shakti Healing Circle have gone to great lengths to reach the even keel they’re currently on.

“It’s just so tiring, living with all these pretences. I want people to really live, be comfortable with who they really are,” begins Pervin, explaining the goals behind the centre the couple of 17 years operates. And though both are certified healers – more on that in a bit – they too have to work

August 2017 www.arounddb.com

at serenity: “It’s very difficult. It’s practice every day.”

On an even keel It’s a mild afternoon and Pervin and Stephen are relaxing on their 25-metre, three-level boat on DB Marina. They’ve lived in DB, on

not a pleasure boat. I work with energy; I get it from people all day long. So I need somewhere where I can come and let go,” chimes in Pervin.

It suits them. Pervin is perched on the edge of a deep, squeaky leather sofa, snacking on a combination of grapes (the good) and crisps (the naughty), dimples at full throttle. Stephen is stretched all the way back on the seat, far less interested in nibbling, other than to point out that grape seeds are an excellent source of resveratrol (a stilbenoid of disputed health benefits). They’re perfect complements.

Pervin is the University of Mumbai (Bombay to her) psychology grad who’s lived in Hong Kong since 1990. Stephen settled here 22 years ago after a Cambridge law degree led him to investment banking and an executive coaching business.

They share a keen interest in people – Pervin also spent 15 years with Cathay Pacific – and a genuine desire to help. He coaches, she heals. He’s a classically understated Brit. For all her internal peace, she’s a boisterous presence.

Pervin and Stephen Clasper, the 10-year owner-practitioners of Shakti Healing Circle in Central

land and sea, for years, but moved back to Hong Kong Island after opening Shakti in early 2007. “When we started the business… we felt we should be closer to Central. We were there early, we finished late; it was every day, back and forth, and it was a bit much. So we lived there for about four years. But it was Central,” shrugs Stephen.

When Central got to be too Central (noisy, crowded) the pair returned to DB, even without a place to live. Fate, and a quick Google search, led them to the marina.

The extra space was the kicker.

“This was meant to be a haven,

Recently celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Shakti Healing Circle was founded to be a place where they could both further passions they’d picked up along the way. Pervin has been practising reiki for 20 years, and the Circle was the natural extension of Stephen’s work as an executive coach. His past careers help him connect with professionals in high-stress positions who could use a moment to drop the external masks too.

Working with energy “I’ve always been interested in people, and why they do what they do. And growing up in India there’s spirituality everywhere. You can’t miss it,” explains Pervin of Shakti’s origins. On her mother’s recommendation, she learnt reiki in 1997 from a teacher in India, but didn’t think it was anything that would morph into a second

vocation. “But the teacher said: ‘That one. She’s going to be a teacher,’” Pervin explains. “I always had a socalled ‘gift’, an ability to pick up on energies. I guess it was a natural thing to do.”

But what exactly is Shakti? For starters, ‘shakti’ comes from the Sanskrit word for power, and it is the foundation for the Claspers’ work. “The underlying principle behind what we do is that the body has a natural inclination to heal itself,” Stephen begins. “Given that a lot of illness has an origin in stress and our inability to manage it, there are other ways – ways other than allopathic medicine – of helping the body heal itself.”

The centre offers reiki, ayurvedic therapies, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) and meditation among other treatments that use the energy around us to improve physical, mental, emotional and spiritual functioning. Sometimes it’s simply a matter of having a place to vent.

But why is it even here? What is it exactly that Pervin and Stephen are providing that a good vacation, shrink, Valium or glass of wine won’t fix? The body doesn’t need help detoxing, it’s got a liver. Throw those questions at them and the c ouple re mains unflappable.

Regardless of whether or not it hurts to be accused of peddling ‘snake oil’ or ‘new-age mumbo jumbo’ their response is considered, and never falls into the sales pitch trap.

“I would say that we provide a safe place where people can just relax. Secondly I think we’re good listeners, and that allows people to release a lot of stress that’s there,” says Stephen. “Having someone genuinely listen to you, and listen in a non-judgemental way, and help you manage yourself, so you feel better the next day and the next week is invaluable. I like to think people leave feeling they’re respected.“ Pervin goes a step further. “I’ve 

www.arounddb.com August 2017

21

PROFILE learnt arguing or trying to prove things is a waste of an hour. I’ll do just the reiki and then talk again at the end. That said, we just have to respect the scepticism… It makes a difference if you’re at least open to the idea. That helps me help you.”

Does everyone need Shakti?

In the decade it’s been open, Shakti Healing Circle has seen thousands of people come and go, most leaving with good experiences. That’s evidenced by the centre’s strong word of mouth and the fact that all its practitioners have found it.

It’s easy to lob stones at the Claspers, but they work from a place of authenticity, and their

dedication to their clientele is unimpeachable. Sundays are phone- and email-free, but when it’s necessary they’re available. Neither would recommend abandoning traditional medicine – in this case Western healthcare – and both happily suggest science-based readings for the more nonplussed.

One certainty is that expanding Shakti too far, spreading themselves too thin and risking the personalised care they currently supply to clients is not in the cards.

There’s a waiting list to see Pervin, but free Friday evening group healing and guided meditation sessions fill in the gaps.

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So the million dollar question remains: Can everyone benefit from holistic healing? Does everyone need Shakti? “Well, everybody needs to calm down,” says Pervin.

“If stress is building up – your back’s hurting, stomach’s not good – it’s always better to catch it before it gets physical, when it’s still emotional.”

And what about the penchant to convince ourselves that yes, it was reiki that did the job and not 50 mg of Zoloft? “Do we care if it was specifically reiki or something else? No,” finishes Stephen. “We care about the end result.” Unflappable.

• Shakti Healing Circle, www.shaktihealingcircle.com

Find more local heroes @ www.arounddb.com

Experience the Uncle Russ

Latte Art Workshop

For more information, contact the Uncle Russ Coffee Academy on:

2520 2816

IN FOCUS

altruistic

Photos by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com, and courtesy of Leon Adeoye and www.pexels.com

activism

24

Can a gift-giving app make the world a better, greener place? Is implementing eco-policies at a school cafeteria worth the effort?

Henry Benjamin investigates, and in so doing celebrates a few of the dedicated eco-heroes in our midst

T

hat DB is now a fully fledged green community, with the bulk of residents ready and willing to do their bit for the environment, is something we can all celebrate.

We use the recycling bins provided at each village as a matter of course, in much the same way as we now bring our own cloth bags to the supermarket. And in our bid to reduce plastic consumption, more and more of us are now unwrapping products at the supermarket and leaving the superfluous, environmentally damaging plastic wrap behind. Championing this new initiative may still turn some heads

at the checkout, but those on board know that pretty soon there’ll be a snowball effect, and everyone will be doing it.

We are also supported and enabled in our bid to recycle/ reuse/ redistribute by numerous online forums. Instead of sending unwanted items to landfill, we can sell them at DB Wardrobe (clothes/ accessories), Discovery Bay Toys, Books, Games Not Clothes/ Nursery Items (yes, it’s actually called that), Moving Sale..Discovery Bay Edition (household items) and Discovery Bay (HONG KONG) Buy Sell Swap (just about everything). Through social enterprise DB Mothers

August 2017 www.arounddb.com

& Friends, meanwhile, Nikki and Fred Boot provide a superb collection service (a collection fee applies), whereby the team comes to your home, picks up your unwanted household stuff and redistributes it to local charities.

That DB homes more than its fair share of bona fide eco-warriors has of course contributed greatly to its emergence as a flourishing green community. Three household names that have long inspired us are Tracey Read founder of Plastic Free Seas, Kate Wade of DB Green and Gary Stokes, the Asia Director for Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.

From facilitating local beach clean-

required to provide a justification for their need. The benefactor is then free to carefully review these justifications, along with the profile and gifting history of the potential beneficiaries before deciding who should be enriched – hopefully in favour of those individuals with the most generous gifting histories, or those who need this particular gift the most.

The brains behind enrich others Leon Adeoye with his family

ups and education programmes to driving eco-initiatives in which we can all take part (think boycotting plastic straws), this trio helps keep us at the forefront of the movement.

With so many in the community doing their bit, let’s focus on two eco-innovators you may not have heard of.

Enabling green giving Leon Adeoye’s truly innovative ecoapp, enrich others, launched in June.

Essentially it’s a gift-giving service, enabling users to give away once valued items they no longer want.

Free to download and use, the idea is that you connect with people in your immediate vicinity (thus reducing your carbon footprint). Users are asked to visualise themselves as selfless benefactors, as recycling super heroes, as enthusiastic social-media advocates against unnecessary waste, and as enrichers of others.

“The inspiration for the enrich others app came from living in DB,” Leon says. “Just before my daughter, Harper, was born, we did an apartment clear-out, and gave away lots of stuff for free to both friends and strangers. Some

decent stuff, I’m ashamed to say, even got thrown out with the trash.

I realised soon after that there was nothing out there specifically built for the purpose of giving away stuff for free.”

Leon has been working on the app, in his free-time, for a year now, and it’s jam-packed with innovative giftgiving features, making the dispersal of unwanted items both seamless and targeted.

Firstly, since items can only be given away for free, there’s no online clutter (items for sale) to wade through.

Secondly, app users maintain a category-based interest list of things they want, and when someone posts a gift they also have to select a category. The app’s algorithm then matches people up based on categories and GPS locations. So if you are interested in lamps within a 5-kilometre radius, and someone nearby has posted an Arco, it will feature on the landing page of your app.

Thirdly, enrich others can handle multiple requests by permitting up to five people to express interest in a gift. When potential beneficiaries make their requests, they are

By using the app, people are reducing waste, lowering their community’s carbon footprint and hopefully helping those in need in a socially acceptable and seamless way. So what’s Leon’s next step?

“I would like to increase the global footprint of the app – it already has multilingual support in French, German, Japanese, Spanish, Putonghua, Bahasa and Hindi, and we are working on more languages,” he says.

“I have lots of ideas on how this app could work for charities and NGOs during disaster relief and charity campaigns,” Leon adds. “I just need some introductions and some funding.”

The positive response enrich others is already enjoying affirms that everyone wants to recycle with minimum effort, everyone wants free stuff in relatively decent condition, everyone wants to be charitable.

The question is how far could Leon’s brainchild take us?

Here’s the bigger picture: “I hope to help create a circular economy of free stuff – a world where googling for free board games returns three neighbours who have recently posted Snakes and Ladders, a Chess set, and Cluedo as gifts,” Leon concludes. “With time, enrich others could change the world.”

Giving kids a way in Another DBer keeping an eye on the community’s eco-status is 

www.arounddb.com August 2017

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IN FOCUS

Discovery Bay International School cafeteria manager Connie Kwok Yu-ching. From reducing the use of plastic to saving food waste for compost, Connie has become an eco-hero to many who know her and her passion for the cause is palpable.

One of Connie’s initiatives involves teaming up with the school’s PTA to help reduce the use of plastic at school events, with Connie instead providing reusable plates and cutlery.

“Before for functions they would use the plastic forks and spoons and that sort of thing, but now everything has stopped,” she says. “The PTA came to me and they said, ‘Connie we can do something to help save the world’. We lend them the equipment and they wash it and bring it back.”

Food waste is segregated and collected to be used for composting, while Connie, who works for catering company Chartwells, is also phasing out unnecessary plastics used daily in the cafeteria. “We do our best not to use too much plastic,” she says. “We have hot cups and cold cups, we don’t use the lid for the hot cup anymore and we have stopped using the hot drink straws.”

Connie is also slowly changing the menu to make it healthier and kinder to the environment. While students are not often the easiest to please, Connie is confident her softly, softly approach is doing the trick. “We must do it little by little, not stop everything right now,” she says.

“Because we keep changing a little each week, the students are okay with it.”

Discovery Bay International School cafeteria manager Connie Kwok Yu-ching

her 61 years, is implementing once a week with the help of the school’s Green Club and the support of Chartwells. Every Monday, there is an emphasis on vegetarian food in a bid to reduce the carbon emissions and extreme water usage that go hand in hand with raising animals for food. “I like it and it is better for the environment, although some of the students don’t like it,” Connie jokes.

On top of that, DBIS works with Food Angel to ensure any of their leftover food is not wasted, with Food Angel using the food to prepare nutritious hot meals for Hong Kong’s underprivileged. “Two times a week on Tuesday and Thursday they come and take away what we haven’t used,” Connie says. “They cook some of it again and it’s very good to help in that way, it makes me feel so happy.”

FIND IT

A more recent initiative is Green Day, something Connie, who operates with a verve that belies

• DB Green, www.dbgreen.org • DB Mothers & Friends Facebook page • DB Wardrobe Facebook page • Discovery Bay (HONG KONG) Buy Sell Swap Facebook page • Discovery Bay Toys, Books, Games Not Clothes/ Nursery Items Facebook page • Enrich others, www.enrichothers.com • Moving Sale..Discovery Bay Edition Facebook page • Plastic Free Seas, www.plasticfreeseas.org • Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, www.seashepherdglobal.org

Find more topical local topics @ www.arounddb.com

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August 2017 www.arounddb.com

DISCOVERY BAY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

OUTDOOR HEATED POOL TO 30.5 DEGREES YEAR ROUND PROGRAMME OPEN TO THE COMMUNITY STRUCTURED AND PROGRESSIVE PROGRAMME ENROLL ONLINE

DISCOVERY BAY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL TERM 1 16 AUGUST - 16 DECEMBER 2017

FAMILY MATTERS

Illustration by Andrew Spires, photos by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com and courtesy of Discovery Mind Primary School

CHINESE WHISPERS

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的 好 最 是 誌 雜 B D d n Arou

There are options in Discovery Bay for expat parents keen to put their children through local schooling, and of course pros and cons in doing so. Sam Agars takes a look

August 2017 www.arounddb.com

F

or many expat parents, the prospect of sending their child to a Chinese primary school certainly comes into consideration, not least because it comes in far cheaper than the international school option. Of course there is the benefit of learning a second language, an increasingly useful tool in the modern world, not to mention the cultural experiences that come with spending a large chunk of one’s time with people from a different race.

Here in Discovery Bay, SKH Wei Lun Primary School operates purely in Cantonese and offers P1 to P6 classes to around 450 students, 25% of whom are non-Chinese speaking (NCS). Discovery Mind Kindergarten and Primary School, meanwhile, offers the option of bilingual learning (in Mandarin and English) from the age of two onwards.

Taking the plunge Starting school is a difficult enough time as it is for young children, let alone when they are entering an environment in which they often can’t understand what the teacher is saying. With this in mind, SKH Wei Lun Primary School has a dedicated programme to ensure NCS students are looked after, which includes summer bridging programmes before students start school and tailored tutelage before, during and after school hours.

“For the P1 and P2 students our main focus is to let them build self confidence in learning the Chinese language and empower them,” says principal Chung Shuk Ling.

“Because they are very young, we start from the daily life to help them to adapt to a new environment and a new language. We hope to

SKH Wei Lun Primary School operates purely in Cantonese

inspire them to love learning the Chinese language.”

Like every modern school, Wei Lun is dedicated to producing wellrounded individuals. “We want to nurture our students into quality people, which means honesty and responsibility,” Shuk Ling says.

“We try to motivate their learning curiosity and develop their problem solving skills, their critical thinking skills and their collaboration and communication skills.”

Every class, besides English, is taught in Cantonese and Shuk Ling says that by the end of P6, NCS students are able to speak and understand Cantonese, while they also benefit from exposure to Chinese culture and by learning basic Mandarin.

“By P6, even if both their parents are foreigners, they can speak fluent Cantonese,” Shuk Ling says.

“They learn more about the Chinese culture and their listening and speaking is good, but their reading and writing is maybe not as good as the local students.”

And it’s not only the NCS students who benefit from attending a Chinese school, since the majority of Wei Lun students reap the rewards of learning in the midst of native English speakers. “Some of the NCS speak in English during their free time, so it can benefit our local students,” Shuk Ling says. “We have two different cultures and they can benefit each other.”

This is not to say it is all plain sailing, with some NCS students finding it hard to integrate in the schoolyard and also struggling to learn Cantonese quickly enough to keep up with their peers.

Micah Sandt, a long-time DB resident currently studying in New York, is one person highly qualified to talk about being a NCS student at a Chinese school. Born in Taiwan to a French father and a Finnish mother, 27-year-old Micah spent a year studying at Wei Lun before completing his primary schooling at Shu Chun Public School, a small Chinese school near Nim Shue Wan, which is no longer in operation. 

www.arounddb.com August 2017

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FAMILY MATTERS FAMILY MATTERS

Discovery Mind Kindergarten and Primary School offers the option of bilingual learning (in Mandarin and English)

Micah experienced positives and negatives of attending Chinese primary schools, most of which revolved around language, but overall he enjoyed the experience and now speaks fluent Cantonese.

“I’m so glad my parents were cheap enough to put me in a local school,” he says with a smile, “because I don’t think it’s really possible to learn Cantonese casually. I do think that the only way to actually learn the language is to go to a local school because they teach everything in Cantonese. That was definitely an advantage,” he says.

Not only did Micah’s local school stint help with fluency in Cantonese and written and read Chinese, it exposed him to the less privileged side of the Hong Kong coin. Making the transition to an international school “wasn’t an easy leap”, he says. “In addition, English language learning is secondary at a local school, but if your parents are fluent you should be okay.”

Bilingual learning Discovery Mind takes a different approach to Wei Lun, offering a bilingual stream featuring Mandarin

at its kindergarten for those aged two to six. Then, Mandarin lessons continue once students move on to the primary school in DB North Plaza for P2 to P4, and P5 to P6 in Tung Chung.

“We have Mandarin lessons as a second language at the primary campus; for the little ones we offer three days a week and for the older students they have it every day,” says school manager May Kwok. “We have bilingual classes in the kindergarten and offer an international and bilingual stream, with 60% in English and 40% in Mandarin. Bilingual has more students than the international stream.”

May says Mandarin is very popular with the 80 primary school students, most of whom are expats, and she sees the positives of the children’s learning in that they are better able to integrate. “The students can converse with local children and we

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arrange activities so the students can make use of the Mandarin that they learn.”

For Discovery Bay resident Dane Williams, watching his daughters get their first taste of Mandarin at Discovery Mind has been an eye-opener. While four-year-old Luella studies at Discovery Mind Kindergarten, five-year-old Rose is starting at Discovery Mind Primary School in August and Dane has only seen positives. “They have been exposed to Chinese culture and traditions and they love going to school,” he says.

"It has been quite amazing to hear our girls singing Christmas carols, and counting and naming fruits and vegetables at the supermarket in Mandarin, considering we were still in Australia thinking about a move to Hong Kong 12 months ago,” Dane says. “It has encouraged me to try and learn some basic words with them.”

• Discovery Mind Kindergarten and Primary School, www.discoverymind.edu.hk • SKH Wei Lun Primary School, www.skhweilun.edu.hk

Find more child-centric stories @ www.arounddb.com

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August 2017 www.arounddb.com

OFFICE 3483 5003

www.homesolutions.hk

Sharon Riley Misako Takato Sharon Leong Kim Jomar

9664 4749 9757 0927 9222 9077 9748 2367

(S-415475) (S-287062) (S-238367) (E-352962)

NOW SERVING SOUTH LANTAU AND TUNG CHUNG

3.28M / $10K

MUI WO FLAT 334’ Net + 325’ Rooftop

Convenient location for commuters to Central.

Stunning sea and mountain views from this 2 Beds, 1 Bath flat in heart of Mui Wo Town.

Wood parquet flooring, stylish kitchen with ceramic stovetop and plenty of storage.

$42K GOLDEN COAST VILLA - CHEUNG SHA 1119’ Net + Rooftop + Garden

Gorgeous family home in desirable complex. 4 Beds, 3 Baths (inc 1 ensuite). Large open plan living/dining room with beautifully designed kitchen w/ breakfast island. Partly decked garden. Electric vehicle car port & solar panels for electricity. Complex w/ pool & 24 hr security.

$25K CARIBBEAN COAST - TUNG CHUNG 996’ Net

Modern flat in Tung Chung. 3 Beds, 1 Bath, fitted kitchen and living area. Management fees included. Clubhouse membership, 3 swimming pools, kids club, kids and more.

Convenient location for transport and shops.

$3.8M

G/F PUI O VILLAGE HOUSE 700’

Lovely ground floor flat. 3 Beds, 1 Bath and separate kitchen with all appliances South facing and very bright. Large outdoor space in front of the flat. Close to beach, schools and public transport.

$10.8M/$32K TONG FUK VILLAGE HOUSE 2100’ + Rooftop

Great family home w/ 4 Beds, 2.5 Baths. Open, modern kitchen w/breakfast bar. Walk in closets in all beds. Separate laundry room on the roof. Enclosed gated outdoor area on GF. Partially furnished. Close to beach and public transport

$10K 1/F MUI WO VILLAGE HOUSE 700’

Newly built village house has efficient layout. 3 Beds, 1 Bath, separate kitchen w/fridge, microwave and open living/dining area. Partially furnished. Short bike ride to wet market, swimming pool. Hiking trails and waterfalls nearby.

Call us any time at 3483 5003 or Email PROPERTY@HOMESOLUTIONS.HK

C-044849

o t Extracurricular k c Bachool fun for kids!

S Computing Languages CODINGKIDS

DR BEAR

CREATIVE CODING

6762 6264 (WhatsApp only), drbearschool@gmail.com, fb.me/drbearschool

6274 1167, twayburne@codingkidshk.com, www.codingkidshk.com

2973 0106, nora@creativecoding.hk, www.creativecoding.hk

CodingKids provides a comprehensive curriculum for children, aged five to 16, who want to learn the fundamentals of coding and more! It’s perfect for kids who want to learn how to make games, apps, websites and anything computer related. The autumn term starts in early September at Parkridge Village, above Discovery Bay International School’s primary school.

Creative Coding offers classes for three levels of coding at Discovery College and Sound Waves in Tung Chung. mBot encourages kids, aged six to 14, to develop a maker mindset by learning MIT, Scratch and Robotics programming. At the App Lab with JavaScript, kids, aged 10 and up, are encouraged to take a design-first approach to creating their own app.

Sports HARRY WRIGHT INTERNATIONAL

iGYM

Sports

2575 6279, enquiries@harrywright.com.hk, www.harrywright.com.hk

6077 2758, igymhk@icloud.com, www.igymhk.com

Harry Wright International, ‘The Premier Swim School’, is offering a year-round programme open to the community in heated pools at Club Siena and Discovery Bay International School, commencing August 16. Its unique infant aquatic programme begins with parent and infant lessons for children aged four months and up. The learn-to-swim and competitive programmes are suitable for kids aged three years and above.

iGym provides comprehensive gymnastics classes (including all-boy classes) for beginner to advanced students at Discovery Bay International School and EpicLand from Monday to Saturday. Highly specialised male and female coaches, from South Africa, the UK, China, Denmark and Canada, train with kids, giving them the opportunity to become confident and passionate gymnasts, while having fun.

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August 2017 www.arounddb.com

Located in DB North Plaza, Dr Bear offers Mandarin classes for kids aged 18 months and up on Mondays and Fridays, and a fun Mandarin playgroup for kids aged two to three-and-a-half years on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Mandarin Boost for kids aged three-and-a-half to five years runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays; there’s a Chinese course for kids aged five and up on Mondays through Fridays, and bilingual art classes on Fridays.

OVERTIME BASKETBALL 6355 7674, overtime.basketballhk@gmail.com, fb.me/overtimebasketball.hk Overtime Basketball offers basketball training in Tung Chung and Mui Wo for kids aged four and up. Suitable for beginner and elite players of all levels, the training sessions are aimed at developing solid fundamentals and enhancing skills. Season Two runs from September to December with the first class free.

Sports

The Arts

VIKINGS FOOTBALL CLUB

ACTING ANTICS

9533 2600, vikingshk@outlook.com, vikings.hk Vikings Football Club offers professional football coaching classes for Mini (two to five year olds), Pro (five to eight year olds), and Elite (eight to 11 year olds) Vikings.

Mini and Pro Vikings classes are held on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and Elite Vikings classes on Thursdays and Saturdays at the Discovery College gym and astro pitch.

8122 9475, deborah@actingantics.com, ctchk.actingantics.com

ACTING ANTICS SUMMER CAMP 8122 9475, deborah@actingantics.com, ctchk.actingantics.com Acting Antics is offering a Youth Theatre camp for kids aged five to 11 at Discovery College Black Box Theatre from August 7 to 11. During each camp, students audition, rehearse and perform fully costumed musical plays for family and friends. They get the chance to work with an internationally experienced vocal coach and director to improve their public speaking, acting, singing, presentation and performance skills, while gaining confidence and having fun!

Acting Antics’ after-school classes are ideal for kids who love to act, sing, dance and perform, and who wish to improve their skills, experience and confidence. In the twice yearly performances, each student gets a role with dialogue and great costumes. Performance Junior classes (ages four to five) and Musical Theatre & Dance classes (ages seven to 10) are held on Tuesdays. Performance Acting classes (ages six to eight and nine to 12) run on Wednesdays at the Discovery College Black Box Theatre.

Time Out!

The Arts ISLAND DANCE 2987 1512, dance@dbballetschool.com.hk, www.islanddance.com.hk Island Dance has been offering RAD (Royal Academy of Dance) Ballet for 10 years at Club Siena Dance Studio. Baby Ballet, Ballet Buds and Ballet Belles are offered to children aged between 18 months and five years. Pre-Primary, graded and intermediate levels are taught to older students, aged six to adult. Annual RAD exams, typically held in May, are available, as are free trials and sibling discounts.

THE STORY STUDIO

MOPSAMSTERDAM

6341 3989, thestorystudiohk@yahoo.com, www.thestorystudiohk.com

5910 1107, mopsamsterdam@gmail.com, www.mopsamsterdam.com

The Story Studio’s term-time writing courses are fun-packed and bursting at the seams with creativity. Workshops in DB and Tung Chung are enjoyed by imaginative children, aged seven to 13, who like reading, and writing stories.

Every week, children practice and improve their creative and technical writing skills – and have fun doing it!

Mopsamsterdam provides face-painting services and, unique in Hong Kong, Glitz & Glam make-up parties, where tweens can get VIP hair and make-up treatments. The MOPS team of professionals travels to your event or party, and uses EU- and FDA-approved paints and make-up.

www.arounddb.com August 2017

33

y l d r a w Up obile m

TALKING POINTS

Photo by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com

Imagine yourself gliding across the water, masterfully standing on a paddleboard, soaking up the sunshine and connecting with the moment. Henry Benjamin looks into the growing popularity of stand-up paddle boarding

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G

etting out on the water off DB should be easy enough, but the truth is you’re a bit limited without a boat or boat club membership. Surfing off Tai Pak Wan isn’t an option, and even kiteboarders have to head far from shore to catch their waves... which is where stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) could come in.

The fastest growing pastime and/ or endurance sport across the globe, it’s fun, (virtually) free and

a great way to keep fit.

Good for the soul (all that gentle, meditative gliding), SUP is also surprisingly good for your health.

First off, even as a DB beginner, you won’t have to spend much time actually in the polluted water.

Paddle boards are constructed differently from surfboards, meaning they are easier to manoeuvre. Within an hour, you can feel comfortable and balanced, rarely having to get your feet wet after your first session.

August 2017 www.arounddb.com

On top of that, SUP is a low-impact exercise that provides a great total body workout – almost all the body’s muscles are exercised, and it does wonders for posture and backache.

Standing to attention For Sue Potts, founder of Discovery Bay Ladies Stand Up Paddle Boarding Group, it’s not surprising that people of all ages and physical conditions are getting into the sport.

While the club already boasts seven

not be put off by the size of the board or its weight. “The developments and improvements of inflatable boards mean they are easy to use, carry and store,” says Sue. “You can inflate them manually, and even take your friends out with you on the larger ones.”

Sue started the Discovery Bay Ladies Stand Up Paddle Boarding Group in March of this year, after purchasing her first board, with the aim of teaming up with other keen paddlers. “As a beginner I was nervous to go out on the bay by myself,” she says. “From my balcony, I could see that there were a couple of other solo lady paddlers enjoying themselves out on the water. They were far more adventurous than me but I thought about how fabulous it would be to join them and become more skilled and confident – just as they were. With the group, I really want to develop the concept of a buddy system whereby ladies can message each other whenever they want to paddle.”

Sue Potts founder of Discovery Bay Ladies Stand Up Paddle Boarding Group, with Natacha Holbourn, Amy Caine and Ahnna Partridge

members, Sue says she now sees many paddlers off Tai Pak Wan. The affordability of SUP is obviously a real draw, meaning DBers don’t have to head to the likes of Lower Cheung Sha Beach (Long Coast Seasports) and Pui O (Treasure Island) to hire their boards. “A beginner’s 10-foot inflatable board, with paddle, pump and bag, plus safety gear including a life jacket and leg leash costs less than HK$7,000,” Sue says. “The larger, better quality boards cost

HK$10,000 without the extras. But after the initial purchase price the ongoing costs can be zero.”

As interest in SUP has grown, the way boards are constructed has improved, meaning wannabes need

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As with most watersports, it’s safer to enjoy SUP with a friend and also more fun. You can choose to stay in the shallow water near the shore – technically, you don’t have to be able to swim, as your board and life jacket act as flotation devices – but awareness of your surroundings (swimmers, other paddlers and currents) is paramount. As Sue quips: “SUP in DB develops brains as well as brawn, particularly when you’re overcoming the wake waves from the ferry arrivals and departures.”

• Discovery Bay Ladies Stand Up Paddle Boarding Group, DBHKSUP Facebook page • Long Coast Seasports, www.longcoast.hk • Treasure Island, www.treasureislandhk.com

Find more clubs and activities @ www.arounddb.com www.arounddb.com August 2017

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PARENTING

AGES and STAGES Kate Farr explores three common parental headaches, and offers some creative solutions to provide relief

Photos courtesy of www.pexels.com

I

n the early years, some of the most common family stressors centre around sleep – parents want more of it, their adorable offspring resist it.

After just a few weeks of snatching micro-naps in between feeds and nappies, parents of newborns can find themselves completely exhausted, running on adrenaline and at the end of their tethers.

Although it can feel almost impossible to be apart from your baby in those intense first few months, it’s crucial that new parents take the time to rest – as the saying goes, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Hand your bub over to your partner, helper, or

friend while you take the opportunity to have a long shower undisturbed, and grab some shut-eye. The smallest amounts of sleep can do wonders for your mood, help you to feel less overwhelmed and give you the energy you need to get on with your day.

may still need a daytime sleep up until the age of four or even older.

Common wisdom suggests that sleep begets sleep, and so if your little ones are still bouncing off the walls hours after lights-out, it may be that, rather than not being tired, they are actually overtired.

Sadly, sleep deprivation doesn’t just affect parents of babies.

Toddler and pre-schooler sleep habits are often the hardest to alter, with any attempt at change resulting in spirited protests. The average two-year-old requires between 11 and 12 hours of sleep per night, plus a 90-minute to twohour daytime nap, and some kids

Although it sounds counterintuitive, sleep experts agree that sending young children to bed earlier can actually result in a longer overall sleep time. If sleep issues persist, then it’s always wise to consult a professional for guidance, as sufficient rest is critical for young children’s healthy development and your sanity. 

www.arounddb.com August 2017

37

PARENTING

Increasing independence The jump from pre-school to primary can often be a turbulent time for families. A new school, taking the bus and meeting new people can feel overwhelming to young children.

Even outwardly confident kids can take a while to adjust to the change, and this may manifest in a number of ways. Your child may become reluctant to go to school, start throwing tantrums, or become quiet and withdrawn.

It can help for parents to become involved in school activities; joining the PTA, or supervising outings can be a good way of reassuring kids that you are still close to hand.

Praising good behaviour, rather than focusing on less desirable traits will help your child feel secure, and ensuring that he has sufficient afterschool downtime will enable him to recharge and process his thoughts and feelings.

If your child remains reluctant to attend school after the initial ‘bedding-in’ process, scheduling a meeting with his class teacher can be helpful to rule out any more significant issues, for example bullying.

Towards the end of primary school, you are likely to hear plenty of tales of other parents and how much cooler, less strict and all-round better they are than you. While this may sting, it’s best to take these laments with a pinch of salt, as there is a strong chance that their child is at home making the exact same claims about you. Consider allowing a little more freedom within carefully established boundaries – for example, allowing kids to stay up late during a weekend sleepover,

Sit down with your teen and discuss what is and isn’t acceptable

if they finish their chores in advance.

This can help to reinforce trust and encourage mutual respect.

Peer pressure Teens often get a bad rap for being difficult, however the teenage years can be rewarding – if you choose your battles wisely, and maintain clear lines of communication. Your child is now desperate to be treated as an adult, which can be tough for parents, who remember the touslehaired toddler days, to accept. This is the age during which kids may begin to experiment with cigarettes, alcohol and/ or drugs, leading to major conflict with their understandably concerned parents.

The first step is to be very clear with boundaries and what behaviours are – and are not – acceptable to you. Some parents will not tolerate drinking under any circumstances, while others may allow moderate consumption at home, or under adult supervision. Sit down with your teen and calmly discuss his opinions

about what is, and isn’t acceptable when it comes to drink and drug use, and ask him to help you set the house rules. Despite often being perceived as reckless, many teens are surprisingly conservative in their attitudes, and so you may be surprised by their response.

Teens are often vulnerable to peer pressure. One strategy to combat this is to give them an ‘out’ – a welldisguised ‘SOS’ that they can drop into a text or phone conversation, resulting in you having to immediately collect them due to a ‘family emergency’. This enables them to save face amongst their peer group, while giving them the confidence they need to escape situations that might otherwise escalate beyond their comfort zone.

An ‘out’ gives teens the privacy that they need, while reassuring them that you’re there and ready to step in if needed. It allows them to develop their social skills, independence and resilience in a safe and supported way.

Find more child-centric stories @ www.arounddb.com

38

August 2017 www.arounddb.com

Exclusive $100 Gift Voucher For AroundDB Readers Come to IMI’s clinic in DB North Plaza and use this voucher for your favourite supplements, health products and superfoods.

Our products are carefully selected by our practitioners. Many of these have been independently-tested for quality and purity, and are made to a higher standard compared to most other retail brands.

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Come check it out at our Re-opening party August 10, from 2-4 pm.

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by August 8th, 2017.

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Writing your Will

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Setting up a Family Trust - Trusts can be used for Tax Mitigation, Asset Protection and/or Succession Planning and are not just suitable for the wealthy.

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plans, savings plans linked to life insurance or are a member of a company pension or death in service benefit, you can have beneficiaries nominated to speed the process of distribution.

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ESCAPES

o t y r t n e our

Y

IRAN

Pink Mosque, Shiraz

Intent on exploring ancient Persia, Cecilia Yee falls in love with one of the most misunderstood countries in the world

Photos courtesy of Flight Centre Hong Kong

S

42

ituated on the Persian Gulf, with historical sites dating back to the mighty Persian Empire, Iran has plenty to offer the adventurous tourist but very few of us put it on our personal map of destinations to visit. For me, having grown up on an endless diet of images depicting Iran as a dark, dangerous place, discovering the real Iran was the most wonderful surprise. During my visit I was able to dispel a lot of misconceptions about the modernday republic, while realising a lot of my dreams of its ancient Persian past.

A wholly exotic destination, where I felt surprisingly comfortable, here are some quick facts about the Islamic Republic of Iran. The majority of Iranians associate themselves with the Shi’a branch of Islam but minority religions

Centre of Zoroastrianism

Zoroastrian Fire Temple, Yazd

(Zoroastrians, Jews and Christians) are officially recognised, and have one seat each in parliament.

Women are not required to wear a chador, though they are expected to dress conservatively and wear headscarves in public. Iran is not at war, and it is populated by some of the most welcoming people you could hope to encounter.

August 2017 www.arounddb.com

While Tehran is your entry into Iran’s buzzing present, there’s no better place to start a historical tour than the desert city of Yazd in the central plateau. Built on an oasis and surrounded by a mountain range, Yazd has a history of over 5,000 years and it really is the city that time forgot. The houses are still built with mud bricks and straw, keeping the interiors cool.

The rooftops are dotted with badgirs, or wind towers – ancient air-conditioning systems designed to catch even the lightest breeze and direct it to the rooms below.

Yazd is also the centre of Zoroastrianism, considered the oldest monotheistic religion in the world. Pilgrims flock to the Zoroastrian Fire Temple to see the sacred eternal flame, which is said to have been burning for over Fine dining at The Lake House

1,500 years. In the eerie, echoing 9th century Zoroastrian Towers of Silence, to the south, the bodies of believers were once left to the vultures after death.

Zein-o-din, situated on the Silk Road, which was until 1500 the main trade route between Europe and Asia, lies just 60 kilometres from Yazd. To get a glimpse of the life of travelling tradesmen back then, stay the night in this beautiful and romantic caravanserai. It’s the perfect spot for star-gazing.

The Great Porch of Xerxes, Persepolis

Poetic capital of Persia There’s an undertone of romance in the ancient Persian city of Shiraz – home to stunning rose gardens and a pink mosque, it’s the birthplace of both Hafez (13241391) and Sa’di (1209-1291), the big names of Persian lyrical poetry.

There’s a saying that all Iranians have a copy of Hafez’s poems, as well as the Koran, in their homes. To fully understand the importance of poetry and Hafez in the lives of Iranians, visit his 1935-completed tomb, which positively hums with devotees – and young lovers. Shiraz’s shrine of Syed Amir Ahmed (850780 BC) is another must see. It boasts a dazzling interior of mirror tiles, plus displays of fine china and glassware and exquisitely inscribed Korans.

Mosques are another highlight of Shiraz, notably Vakil Mosque (1773) and Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque (1888), known as the Pink Mosque. Visit the latter early in the morning when the sun shines through its stained glass, enriches its delicate pink tiles and showcases its intricately carved pillars.

Imam Square, Isfahan

Summer capital of Darius 1 Situated on a vast platform above the plains just outside Shiraz, Persepolis is an imposing monument built by Darius 1 (522-486 BC), then ruler of the largest empire the world had ever seen. Originally built as a summer capital, subsequent kings, including Xerxes I, added their own palaces over the next 150 years.

Take advantage of the guided tour, which brings to life the history of this magnificent ruin. The Great Porch of Xerxes, flanked by winged

bulls of stone, is a highpoint as is the Apadana (audience hall).

Check out the detailed basreliefs, which depict envoys from as far away as Ethiopia, India and Turkey, bearing gifts to their esteemed ruler.

A short drive away, the hauntingly beautiful Naqsh-e Rostam features four rock-cut burial tombs, the final resting places of Darius 1 and his successors.

Capital of Abbas 1 The tree-lined boulevards, bridges crossing Zayandeh River, 

www.arounddb.com August 2017

43

ESCAPES

expansive gardens and proliferation of teahouses are just some of the major draws of the city of Isfahan.

You could easily spend over a week drinking in the beauty of this pastoral city.

Isfahan was the capital of Persia during the rule of Abbas 1 (1571 to 1629), the greatest of the Safavid kings. His legacies include the majestic Imam (Naqsh-e Jahan) Square, still the centrepiece of the city. Encircling a lake and framed by two mosques, a palace and the entrance to the bazaar, it’s one of the biggest and most delightful squares in the world.

Great Persian Palace music room, Isfahan

Construction of Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, on the eastern side of the square, began in 1603. A small, private mosque, featuring exquisite tile work, it was built for the ladies of Abbas 1’s harem. The design is comparatively simple and there are no minarets but the detailing is out of this world. If you stand at the entrance gate of the inner hall and look up at the centre of the dome, you’ll see a peacock, whose tail is defined by sunrays coming in from a hole in the ceiling.

Just across the square, Shah Mosque, known as Imam Mosque since 1979, is an equally impressive testimony to the imagination of Abbas I. Opened in 1629, it is depicted on the reverse of the Iranian 20,000 rials banknote. The foundation stones are of white marble and the 30-metre entrance is decorated with magnificent mosaics, featuring geometric designs, floral motifs and calligraphy. You will revel in the beauty of its sevencolour mosaic tiles and complex honeycomb mouldings.

Ali Qapu, The Great Persian Palace, is the final highpoint of Imam Square. Designed as a vast portal

Rose gardens, Shiraz

to the palace complex of Shah Abbas 1, it is an imposing, sevenfloor citadel, some 48-metres high. While the balcony on the third floor affords an unparalleled view of the entire square, the top floor music room is a destination in itself. Many consider the distinctive craftsmanship, in which the ceiling and walls are cut with ornamental niches to enhance the acoustics, to be one of the

finest existing examples of secular Persian art.

It’s clear that Iran’s ancient past is a delight to discover. What I wasn’t prepared for was the friendliness of the people. But as I was soon to discover for myself, Iranian hospitality is in fact legendary – you’ll find the locals you chat with end up inviting you to their homes, a lot.

Flight Centre Hong Kong specialises in tailor-made travel experiences, the widest choice of airfares and unique products, and 24-hour emergency assistance. To book your getaway, call 2830 2776, visit www.flightcentre.com.hk, or drop by the retail stores in Central, Happy Valley or Wanchai. For a local consultation, call Flight Centre’s DB-based rep Natalie Flyazhenkova on 2829 2006.

Find more exciting travel destinations @ www.arounddb.com

44

August 2017 www.arounddb.com

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• 2 pints vanilla ice cream • 2 cups orange juice, freshly squeezed • 2 cups club soda • 1 cup vodka or tequila

Chill eight glasses in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Scoop the ice cream and divide evenly among the chilled glasses. Top with the orange juice and club soda. Serve immediately. (Adult guests may enjoy these floats a whole lot more, if you top their glass with a splash of vodka or tequila.)

Photos courtesy of www.wikimedia.org



www.arounddb.com August 2017

47

RECIPES

Berry White Pops Makes 7

• 0.75 cup sugar • 1 cup hot water • 1 cup white wine • 1 tbsp orange-flavoured liqueur • 4 tsp fresh lemon juice • 1 cup fresh berries

Stir the sugar in hot water until dissolved. Mix in the wine, orange liqueur and lemon juice. Divide fruit (such as blueberries and thinly sliced strawberries) among seven 5 oz paper cups. Pour the wine mixture into the cups. Cover the cups with foil, and then insert a craft stick into the centre of each pop. Freeze for at least eight hours or overnight.

(For kid-friendly frozen pops, simply replace the wine and liqueur with berry-flavoured yoghurt.) 

48

August 2017 www.arounddb.com

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RECIPES

Green Smoothie Serves 2

• 2 cups spinach, chopped • 2 cups coconut water • 1 cup mango, chopped • 1 cup pineapple, chopped • 2 bananas, chopped

Freeze all the ingredients, apart from the coconut water, for at least two hours to ensure you end up with a deliciously cold smoothie.

(Alternatively, blend your ingredients the night before and store in the fridge, for up to two days. Use an airtight lid to limit oxidation and keep the mixture as fresh as possible.

Shake well before use.) Tightly pack the leafy greens in a measuring cup and then toss into a blender.

Add the coconut water and blend together until all the leafy chunks are gone. Add the mango, pineapple and bananas and blend again until smooth. Boost with hemp or flax seeds; go easy on the gin.

Find more classic recipes @ www.arounddb.com

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August 2017 www.arounddb.com

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HK HAPPENINGS Throughout August

10 FUN THINGS TO DO IN HK THIS MONTH! www.wikimedia.org

BETHANIE MUSEUM TOUR

Bethanie Landmark Heritage Campus, Pokfulam

Restored as the home of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts School of Film and Television, Bethanie Landmark Heritage Campus was built in 1875 as a French Mission Sanatorium.

The BNP Paribas Museum of Bethanie is open to all – make your bookings in advance. For details, visit www.hkapa.edu; for tickets, starting at HK$25, visit www.hkticketing.com.

SLAVA’S SNOWSHOW

Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Wanchai August 1-6

CUT-PRICE COFFIN BAY OYSTERS Epicurean Group, Central and The Peak August 1-8

www.wikimedia.org

Created and staged by Russian performance artist Slava Poluni, Slava’s Snowshow is a timeless and poetic theatrical spectacle, which has enchanted and empowered audiences and critics since 1993. For tickets, starting at HK$480, visit www.hkticketing.com.

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Coffin Bay in South Australia is known for its fabulous gourmet oysters. Enjoy these world-class ocean gems at three Epicurean Group restaurants – Osteria Felice and Jimmy’s Kitchen in Central, and The Peak Lookout on The Peak – where lunch and dinner specials are on offer, starting at HK$148. For more details, visit www.epicurean.com.hk.

OH WONDER, LIVE! Kitec, Kowloon Bay

UK alternative pop sensations, Josephine Vander Gucht and Anthony West have built their global reputation by releasing one song per month online since 2014.

The London-based duo’s summer tour coincides with the release of their latest album ULTRALIFE. For concert tickets, starting at www.nativeentertainment.net HK$420, visit www.ticketflap.com.

August 4

Like the Around DB Facebook page for event reminders

NEW AT RUMMIN’ TINGS Central

Rummin’ Tings has some fresh new rum concoctions to get everyone through the long hot summer.

The popular bar is also hosting a brand-new ladies night, Queen of the Pack Wednesdays. Expect halfprice cocktails and house pours for the gals and buy one get one free on Red Stripe for the guys.

To find out more, visit  www.creativebartender.com www.rummintings.hk.

Throughout August

www.arounddb.com August 2017

53

HK HAPPENINGS

THE WEEKEND West Kowloon Cultural District, West Kowloon

Get your events listed @ www.arounddb.com

August 11-13

ASIAN GRAND PRIX WINNERS’ GALA

www.wcity.com

This three-day festival features music, art installations, local food, a craft market and family activities. Bands from around Hong Kong are set to perform on four different stages. For tickets, starting at HK$450, visit www.ticketflap.com.

Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Wanchai August 12

August 25-27

www.hkballet.com

www.hkcec.com

INTERNATIONAL DESIGN FURNITURE FAIR Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wanchai Championing design appreciation and business networking opportunities, the International Design Furniture Fair (IDFF) features three exciting elements – lectures, gallery showcases and exhibitions. For tickets, starting at HK$150, visit www.hkticketing.com.

Stars from the Hong Kong Ballet, Kremlin Ballet Russia and Ballet Manila Philippines are performing alongside this year’s Asian Grand Prix International Ballet Competition award winners. The Asian Grand Prix attracted over 300 candidates from 15 countries. For tickets, starting at HK$280, visit www.hkticketing.com.

Just open!

SUNDAY COFFEE SHARING Cafe Sausalito, Kowloon Sunday Coffee August 27 Sharing: Brewing Methods sees top baristas reveal how different ways of making coffee affect the flavour www.archive.jsonline.com and texture of each cup. And you can find out which brew – and brewing method – you like best. For registration, starting at HK$111, visit www.eventbrite.hk.

54

August 2017 www.arounddb.com

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ROCK CLIMBING GYM Verm City Climbing Club, Quarry Bay Verm City Climbing Club is the largest indoor rock climbing gym in Hong Kong with walls for both climbing and bouldering. There is something for everyone, from beginners to accomplished climbers. The club’s theme park, Clip N’ Climb, delivers tonnes of fun for kids aged four and up. For more information, visit www.vermcity.com.

English Bespoke Tailors Club of Sartorial Elegance Get yourself pampered with custom luxury in the comfort of your home, office or hotel.

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

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Win prizes from Uncle Russ Coffee and The Pier Bar! Congratulations to last month’s winner: Tracey Murray (@traceyinhk).

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

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

www.arounddb.com January 2017

View local business directories @ www.arounddb.com

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Need to lodge your Australian tax return?

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PET FOOD & ACCESSORIES SUPPLIES CAT SITTING SERVICE FREE DAILY DELIVERY Ground floor 11B, Discovery Bay Plaza, Discovery Bay (next to Island Vet) Tel: 2987 0428 / Fax : 2914 1313 / E-mail : petsgallerydb@yahoo.com.hk Open from 9:00 am till 7:30 pm (Mon - Sun)

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GIVING LIFE SHOULDN’T BE SO DEADLY Ramatoulaye, who lives in Burkina Faso, was about to give birth to her fourth child, but the boatman was nowhere to be found.

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

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

Learn more at www.amnesty.org.hk.

© Anna Kari

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Close to pier & DB Plaza. Available fully furnished.

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SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS COTTAGE FOR SALE

Charming 3 double-bedroom cottage in the historic spa village of Strathpeffer, Ross-shire for sale. Ideal for walks, golf, fishing & skiing. Airport nearby, reasonable drive to Inverness. Contact evanjones@netvigator.com

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BUSINESSES SERVING LANTAU

Mohnani & Associates offers insightful and practical legal advice – 24 hours. It provides a wide range of legal services including celebration of marriages, criminal & civil litigation, commercial, deed polls, divorce, employment, immigration, powers of attorneys, property, regulatory & disciplinary matters, probate & wills. Contact Dheeraj Mohnani on 6200 6069

Flight Centre has its flagship stores in Central, Wanchai & Happy Valley. Natalie Flyazhenkova is acting as a mobile consultant in DB, providing residents with face-to-face consultations. For an appointment with Natalie, contact 2829 2006 or natalie.f@flightcentre.com.hk

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LANTAU NUMBERS

TUNG CHUNG

SOUTH LANTAU FOOD, RESTAURANTS & BARS

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

FTC Apparel

2428 2566 FOOD, RESTAURANTS & BARS

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

2286 6668 3602 8828 2109 4187 2286 6238 6504 4208 2286 6898 2960 1977 3520 0848 3602 8808 2626 0181 2886 3646 2109 1927 2988 8129 2338 2338 3602 8818 2297 3588 2330 0000 2286 6618 2886 3156 2286 6868 3969 2500 2109 1297 2802 8000 HEALTH & WELLBEING

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

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

HOME & REPAIRS

Akash Removals Mega Power Engineering/Locksmiths Shun Yu Engineering

2421 8088 2109 2330 2988 1488 HOTELS

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

3969 1888 3602 8888 2286 8888

Bahce - Turkish Restaurant Café Bar Caffe Paradiso (Tom’s Café) Cafe Isara China Bear Como Lake Deer Horn Restaurant & Bar Di Jerk Shed Kebab Korner La Pizzeria Lantana Italian Bistro Long Island Mavericks Restaurant Stoep @ High Tide Restaurant The Beach House The China Beach Club The Gallery The Kitchen The Water Buffalo HEALTH & WELLBEING

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

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

SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT

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

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

UTILITY, SERVICES & EMERGENCY HOTLINES

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

2988 8282 2988 1898 3661 1999

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

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

2984 8334 2984 8487 2984 1802 2984 9833 9783 5840 HOTELS

Mui Wo Inn Silvermine Beach Resort Tai O Heritage Hotel

2984 7225 6810 0111 2985 8383 LEARNING CENTRES

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

LEARNING CENTRES

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

2984 0222 2984 0498 2470 1966 2984 9720 2984 0009 3484 3095 2234 5375 6429 3507 2984 8933 5465 5511 2320 2001 5662 8552 2980 2699 2504 4788 2983 8931 2980 2582 5991 6292 2109 3331

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

PROPERTY AGENCIES

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

2984 8334 3483 5003 2984 1666 RETAIL

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

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

Jumping Castles SPCA Miriam Safadi Photography Parteezi Phoenix Wills

9662 1747 2984 0060 5145 0227 6112 9842 6108 8471 TRANSPORTATION

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

2984 2268 2984 8494 2984 8255 2984 9848

DB NUMBERS

Add your business for FREE @ www.arounddb.com COMMUNITY & HEALTH Bayside Dental Practice, North Plaza BMSE, North Plaza Catholic Church (Trinity Chapel) DB Alliance Church Community Centre DB International Community Church Discovery Bay Medical Centre Health & Care Dental Clinic Herbal Health Cares IMI (Natural Medicine Clinic), North Plaza Island Health Island Veterinary Services OT&P Healthcare The Development Practice The Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council, North Plaza

2987 2259 2987 2987 2987 2987 2666 2834 2537 2987 2987 2468 2914 2259

0855 3422 9909 8136 7061 5633 6183 7276 1087 7575 9003 3577 2223 3422

Pen’n Paper P-Solution

Creative Coding

Creative Coding offers high-quality coding and robotics classes for kids aged six to 14 at Discovery College and around Hong Kong. 9469 8225/ 2973 0106 nora@creativecoding.hk www.creativecoding.hk

Future Stars Dance Academy

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

2987 6867 melissa@futurestarsdanceacademy.com

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

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

2987 1571 www.islanddance.com.hk

DAILY NECESSITIES

The Beat

2987 4401 2792 0530 2987 7486 2448 1180 2987 4089 2947 9092

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

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

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Tree of Joy

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

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

Parsons White Wealth Management

The Stephen Putnam Practice

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

6108 9131 woodentotsdb@gmail.com

Private Client Wealth Management Tel: 2914 0388 www.sjpp.asia/tspp

LEARNING CENTRES 2160 6556 2233 3000 2987 1851

HOME

To add your own directory listing box, call the Bay Media office on: 2987 0577 or email info@baymedia.com.hk DRS Company d-clutter Good Luck Engineering Hoi Yu Transportation Hung Kee Co Interior 18 Japan Home Centre May’s furniture & curtain design Next Furniture Rapee-living Rich Point Hardware Materials Tactful Design & Build Tai Fat Hardware Store Wing On Department Store Yours Electrical Centre

66

OTHER SERVICES

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

9156 0360 6323 1417 2987 1313 2987 4488 2987 5087 2987 7803 2987 1041 2987 0222 2987 0222 2987 7082 2987 0789 2886 8555 2987 0789 2987 9268 2987 4428

Quality dry cleaning at affordable prices.

Pick-up and delivery from DB every Wednesday and Friday.

2812 2400 drycleaning@goodwinsoflondon.com

Harvey Law Group An International Law Firm in DB North Plaza providing a wide range of commercial and personal legal services.

2416 8618 dboffice@harveylawcorporation.com www.harveylawcorporation.com

DB Party Time Gillian florist, North Plaza Mypetshop, North Plaza Pets Gallery The Optical House Well Supreme Laundry Services

9502 2381 2529 8256 2987 8873 2987 0428 2987 1368 2987 5151

PROPERTY LISTINGS & BOATS

Partner Practice of St. James’s Place Wealth Management An expert financial service of distinct quality, integrity and excellence located at DB North Plaza.

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

Bank of China HSBC Luen Fat Securities Co. Ltd

2987 8898 2987 1777

GOODWINS OF LONDON 3102 2977 2320 1238 3480 1348 2987 8460

7-Eleven Convenience Store DCH Food Mart Deluxe Fusion by PARKnSHOP Just Green Watson’s Pharmacy Wellcome, North Plaza

MULTIMEDIA

LEARNING CENTRES

7+1 Creative Club Bayview House of Children DB International School (Kindergarten) DB International School (Pri / Sec) Discovery College Discovery Mind International Play Centre Discovery Mind Kindergarten Discovery Mind Primary School, North Plaza Discovery Montessori School, North Plaza DMR School of Ballet Early Adventures Playgroup Eye Level Centre Funfit HK International Learning Academy, North Plaza Kumon, North Plaza L’Ecole Française de Discovery, North Plaza Links Parenting, North Plaza Little Explorers English For Kids Mandarin for Munchkins, North Plaza SKH Wei Lun Primary School Sunshine House Int’l Pre-School Sunshine House Kindergarten, North Plaza The Story Studio Treasure House

3709 8466 6114 2436 2914 2142 2987 7331 3969 1000 2987 8028 2987 8088 2914 2202 2987 1201 2987 4338 2987 9644 9366 0000 6302 6327 2416 3088 2459 8808 8191 0813 6114 2436 9327 0507 2480 3909 2987 8608 2987 8143 2987 8143 6341 3989 2987 4217

MULTIMEDIA Bookazine Fotomax (F.E.) Ltd

August 2017 www.arounddb.com

2987 1373 2914 2378

AQUABLU

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

Lifestyle Homes & Boats 2914 0888 info@lifestylehomes.com.hk www.lifestylehomes.com.hk

Centaline Property Agency EPS Property Consultants Headland Homes Kingsland DB Land Master Property Savills Hong Kong

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

FOOD & BEVERAGE, HOTELS

Nura Rolls Over 60 varieties of rolls. Outside catering and home delivery available.

G13A, North Plaza, (Next to Wellcome) Tel: 2652 6613 www.nurarolls.com

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

2987 2298 2295 8288 2295 8299 2987 0966 2591 1426 2904 7698 2987 2848 2172 6111 2987 0036 2987 2915 2987 9123 2987 4768 2987 8855 2987 0202 2987 9311 2997 8688 2987 2886

Koh Tomyums

2987 0767

La Création Bakery

2987 1829

McSorley’s Ale House

2987 8280

Mirch Masala, North Plaza

2987 1337

Moofish, North Plaza

2987 6318

Nevale Kitchen, North Plaza

2172 7099

Pacific Coffee

2987 1662

Paisano’s, North Plaza

2673 4445

Peony Chinese Restaurant

2500 1950

Pizza Express

2465 2426

Salt & Pepper

2336 8001

Solera

2555 0772

Subway

2914 0005

Super Super

2914 1308

The Venue

2777 8411

Uncle Russ, DB Plaza

2682 0068

Uncle Russ, North Plaza

2682 8110

Zak’s

2987 6232

SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT

DB NUMBERS

Add your business for FREE @ www.arounddb.com

SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT

WELLBEING

Discovery Bay Recreation Club Embody EpicLand GigaSports Yoga Up

2987 7381 6624 8712 2441 0098 2320 1238 8197 5591

Ingredients of Wellness – Mindfulness Training Teaching young people skills to direct attention, to be calmer and concentrate better. angie@ingredientsofwellness.com 9048 5425 www.ingredientsofwellness.com

TOYS & KIDS’ PARTIES Bo Bo House Little Whale, North Plaza Toysland

2987 4230 3480 1348 2987 7859

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

2987 0614

TRANSPORT SERVICES DB Golf Cart Services DB Transit Services DB Transportation Services Hire Car Bookings Limousine Rental Passenger Telephone Hotline Wiselink Golf Cart Services

2914 2727 2914 0186 2987 7351 2987 6348 5303 3489 2987 0208 2987 9368

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

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

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

Nailed It Professional artificial nail services in DB 2987 2266

Yoga with Anna YOGA with Anna

DB resident Anna Coventry is a Yoga Alliance certified teacher offering Hatha, Vinyasa & Yin Yoga Classes, Private Yoga, Meditation, Workshops and Retreats. hello@annacoventry.com 9130 8527 www.annacoventry.com

WELLBEING Afflatus Hair Workshop, North Plaza Maximum Care Nest Care, North Plaza OT&P Healthcare Salon De Coiffure Sense of Touch

2987 0283 2987 2060 2499 8826 2468 3577 2987 4112 2987 9198

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

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

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

View the business directory

Vikings Football Club Professional Soccer Coaching From ages 18 months to 12 years Tel: 9533 2600 vikingshk@hotmail.com www.vikings.hk Kyama Swim School Training programs for Adults; Private lessons; Learn to Swim courses for our Helper community and development squads for DC students.

Tel: 9487 5049 kyamaswimschool@gmail.com, www.kyamaswimschool.com Action X, North Plaza Club Siena DBees Ice Hockey DB Pirates Rugby Football Club Discovery Bay Marina Club Discovery Bay Golf Club

@ www.arounddb.com

2911 4833 2987 7382 6473 4277 2517 8248 2987 9591 2987 7273

www.arounddb.com August 2017

67

OUT THERE

VERSUS

QUIXOTIC QUEST

Braving the heat, humidity and Hong Kong’s tackiest tourist traps, Peter Sherwood goes out in search of Buddha and Bruce

A

part from the yellow umbrella and golden bauhinia, there are very few Hong Kong icons to inspire our tourist swarms, so I imagined the Big Buddha and Bruce Lee would appear on every other souvenir t-shirt in town. When I promised both to a couple of kids in France over the summer, it was in the knowledge that finding them would require the minimum of effort I allot to most tasks.

What I hadn’t anticipated was a sweaty and depressing journey around the city where I discovered piles of ‘I love HK’ t-shirts. I bought two – a sympathetic gesture towards an impoverished stall owner – as bed covers for my dogs. They refused to sleep on them.

Illustration courtesy of www.wikimedia.org

On the tourist trail

68

Buddha stuff is sold by the kilo at the phony ancient Chinese village near the statue on Lantau, but even thinking about Ngong Ping is damaging to the soul. I headed first to Avenue of the Stars along Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, unaware that it

was in the process of demolition – part of that local tradition of building massive concrete structures and destroying them a century before their use by date. There followed a trudge around Chungking Mansions revealing cockroaches the size of my flip flops, but no trace of Buddha or Bruce.

Drenched in sweat and retreating through the boiling haze, I regrouped, and headed for the Peak, where tastelessness takes on a whole new meaning. I watched tourists follow the escalator stack to the top of the building only to find themselves trapped (as it narrows to a turnstile) by a demand for HK$45 – for a view they could get for free down below.

Every tourist goes to the Peak, but clearly none of them seek Buddha (or Bruce). Here the t-shirt selection makes Marks & Spencer’s summer sale look like fashion week in Milan.

Optimistic that the purveyors of pointless arts and crafts out at superannuated Stanley must have hundreds, I made my way to the steamy south.

A futile campaign It should have been clear that my clammy quest was at least quixotic, with the adventurous prospect of hospitalisation through dehydration thrown in. Maybe it was the heat and humidity that saw me dazed and delirious, forcing an onward push with the futile campaign, while getting beat up for failing to take no for an answer. Quietly I had to admit that the world’s cemeteries are littered with idealistic souls for whom the motivational axiom of ‘never give up’ proved a bridge too far.

Did the sheer doggedness of my expedition lead to hypernatremia – and a couple of lousy Bruce Lee and Big Buddha t-shirts? The short answer is no. Stanley, like the other tourist traps around town, failed to deliver. These late legends have gifted local bright sparks an opportunity to make some serious coin with powerful Kung Fu and Lotus Flower prints. But I saw no sign of such entrepreneurial zeal, just tired ‘I love HK’ drivel; a throwback to the New York slogan of 30 years ago. And my dogs still hate them.

Peter Sherwood has lived in DB for 18 years. The former head of an international public relations firm, Peter is the author of 15 books and he has written around 400 satirical columns for the South China Morning Post.

Find more from Peter @ www.arounddb.com August 2017 www.arounddb.com

Enjoy a fun-filled summer staycation at Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong with spectacular room and dining offers!

For Details and Reservations

2295 8288

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