Around DB January Issue 2017

Discovery Bay’s original community magazine

JANUARY 2017

THE FUTURE OF DB

Residents have their say Is your kids’ clothing stitching you up?

Heart-warming winter soups HAVING FUN WITH DRONES

(but not in the plaza)

Happy 2017

KUNG HEI FAT CHOI! ISLAND-WIDE EVENTS * PRIZES * COMMUNITY SNAPS * CLASSIFIEDS * THOUGHTS ON ISLAND LIFE

FREE

Year Of Rooster Celebration FESTIVE GOURMET Now till 26 January 2017

COCONUT PUDDING & TURNIP CAKE $188 per pudding / cake

Early bird (till 13 January 2017):

$158 per pudding / cake

FESTIVE DINING

Lion Dance will be held at the Hotel Lobby on 28 January 2017 at 11am

1 Sky City Road East, Hong Kong International Airport, Lantau, Hong Kong 3969 1888

skycity.ays@marriott.com skycitymarriotthongkong

skycitymarriott.com 香港天際萬豪酒店

Prices are stated in Hong Kong dollars and subject to 10% service charge.

Promotional terms and conditions apply.

RENTALS/SALES

JANUARY 2017

!

NT

E

E OL

AG

S

Gross: 699’ Saleable: 591’

康慧臺 HILLGROVE 2 1

Beautifully renovated apartment with balcony and open kitchen. Walking distance to DB Plaza and pier.

碧濤 BEACH VILLAGE 3 2

$25K

Gross: 1037’ Saleable: 962’

$38K

Lovely renovated lowrise, open kitchen, high ceilings, bright and airy.

海澄湖畔 SIENA TWO 3

Gross:1136’ Saleable: 822’

$28K

寶峰 PARKVALE 3

Family size unit with 3 bedrooms. Convenient location for all bus routes.

2

蘅欣徑 CAPERIDGE 3

Gross: 1600’ Saleable: 1359’

$43K

Spacious duplex, roof terrace with stunning sea view.

Great for entertaining.

2

海蜂徑 SEABEE 4

AD

2 1

Gross: 856’ Saleable: 693’

$5.6M

Fully renovated apartment. Convenient location for all bus routes and near schools.

B

旭暉閣 JOVIAL 5 2

$140K

W ION LO UAT E B AL V K N A

LE

頤峰 GREENVALE

Gross:2900’ Saleable: 2413’

Detached house with garden and terrace. Situated close to schools and all transport. Quiet location.

3

T!

$35K

In good condition with sea view. Spacious living and in a tranquil location.

2

EN

AG

Gross:1213’ Saleable: 1138’

Gross: 1446’ Saleable: 1220’

$9.8M

Nicely combined unit, open kitchen and in a quiet location. For sale with tenancy.

倚濤軒 CRESTMONT Gross:1282’ Saleable: 1108’ $13.5M 3

Fully renovated throughout, well appointed modern kitchen and south facing with beautiful views. Garden with large outdoor entertaining area.

2

!

NT

AD

E AG

LE

碧濤 BEACH 5 2

Gross:1133’ Saleable: 1119’

$15.5M

Spacious lowrise apartment, terrace with full green view.

Walking distance to DB plaza and pier. Vacant Sale!

海馬徑 SEAHORSE 3 2

Gross: 1357’ Saleable: 1282’

$16.5M

Lovely spacious family home with garden. Bright and airy.

In great condition.

海蜂徑 SEABEE 4 3

Gross: 3100’ Saleable: 2403’

$36M

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

www.headlandhomes.hk

2987 2088

EAA LIC C-033418

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Sale Starts Friday 6 January th

Entertainment Building Store, Central T 2522 7112 Horizon Plaza Store, Ap Lei Chau T 2552 5000

Stanley Plaza Store, Stanley T 2555 6318

Sai Kung Store, Sai Kung T 2976 0223

D Park Store, Tsuen Wan T 2799 2923

www.bumpstobabes.com

www.facebook.com/bumpstobabeshk

Happy Holidays from

JBL

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

Come and enjoy a coffee in our newly opened coffee shop, then find your perfect BBQ in our BBQ supermarket, specializing in anything you need for a great cook-out.

JERVISBAY BARBECUES LIMITED HAS MOVED TO A NEW LOCATION

We will also start running some private cooking nights, we will demo our BBQs and your meals will be cooked utilizing our products. The menu will be very exciting and we guarantee there will be something you will like.

Grab a coffee, grab a bargain, soon you can grab a BBQ lesson and dinner

Jervisbay Barbecues Limited 63 Wong Chuk Hang Road Aberdeen Flat B 9 Fl Tin Fung Industrial Mansions Tel: 2792 7268 www.jervisbaybarbecues.com Parking at the rear Tong Bin

CONTENTS January 2017

PROFILE

TALKING POINTS

Aquathlon world champion John Campbell

Filming with drones

28

AGENDA

44

IN FOCUS

ESCAPES

Residents discuss the future of DB

Five resort getaways for dedicated foodies

32

52

FAMILY MATTERS How healthy is your children’s clothing?

ON THE COVER

10

DB EVENTS

57

HK HAPPENINGS

62

CLASSIFIEDS

66

PROPERTY

69

LOCAL NUMBERS

REGULARS 26

GIVEAWAYS Win big prizes

37

PARENTING Hacking CNY

47

RECIPES Hearty winter soups

60

DB FACES Community snaps

72

OUT THERE Island life

We also publish…

Happy Rooster Year 2017!

December 2016/ January 2017

Photo pixabay.com Turn to page 37 Discovery Bay’s original community magazine

HIKE FOR THE HOLIDAYS

FAN LAU FORT AND STONE CIRCLE

Wi Gre n tic ke at a Pa Europ ts to shop rteezi ean the AIA ticke pin Ch Carni ts to g vou ristm val, ch as in co see Me er an ncert tal d lica

IS TECH STEALING CHILDHOOD?

JANUARY 2017

HOW TO RE-ENGAGE AS A FAMILY

TREASURE TROVE AMAZING WILDLIFE ON OUR DOORSTEP

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

Join your community online

THE FUTURE OF DB

Residents have their say Is your kids’ clothing stitching you up?

40 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

Publishers in Lantau since 2002

Heart-warming winter soups HAVING FUN WITH DRONES

(but not in the plaza)

Happy 2017

For the latest Around DB updates, find us on

KUNG HEI FAT CHOI! ISLAND-WIDE EVENTS * PRIZES * COMMUNITY SNAPS * CLASSIFIEDS * THOUGHTS ON ISLAND LIFE

FREE

www.arounddb.com Join your community online

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PUBLISHER Corinne Jedwood corinne@baymedia.com.hk MANAGING EDITOR Rachel Ainsley rachel@baymedia.com.hk ASSISTANT EDITOR Sam Agars sam@baymedia.com.hk DIGITAL STRATEGIST & COORDINATOR Claire Severn claire@baymedia.com.hk SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Andrew Spires andrew@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 Kate Farr Patricia Jover Elizabeth Kerr Katrina Mercado (intern) Peter Sherwood 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

www.evoqueportraits.com

DBRC TENNIS COMPETITION The Discovery Bay Recreation Club’s (DBRC) annual tennis championships came to a close with a host of DBers having had great seasons. Maeve O’Rorke and Ashley Hegland won the mixed doubles, Sean and Warren Blight the parentchild doubles, and Markus Enders and Thomas Wadle the men’s doubles, while the women’s doubles went to Ann Whittle and Alison Whalley. Richard Beck was crowned the men’s singles champion, Emma Loeffler saluted in the women’s singles and Rogelio Dela Torre won the men’s legends singles.

DB EVENTS

DC DECEMBER DELIGHT YOUR ROUNDUP

OF RECENT COMMUNIT Y E VENTS

Discovery College (DC) was abuzz during December, with a great crowd turning out for the annual Family Fun Day on December 3. Also in December, DC students took part in workshops and master classes and there were shows, exhibitions and performances during the Discovery Culture Festival.

Photos courtesy of DC

YHKCC INTERNATIONAL FUN FAIR A good time was had by all at the YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College (YHKCC) International Fun Fair on December 10. In addition to the seasonal bazaar, game booths and food stalls, families enjoyed talent shows and hot-air ballooning.

Photos courtesy of YHKCC

www.arounddb.com January 2017

11

DBIS CAROLS ON THE PITCH The annual Discovery Bay International School Carols on the Pitch was as successful as ever on December 8, with a healthy crowd taking in a range of orchestral and choral performances.

www.evoqueportraits.com

NATIVITY IN THE PLAZA Organised by Discovery Bay International Community Church, Discovery Bay Church and Church of the Incarnation, Nativity in the Plaza on December 18 treated DBers to Christmas carols and a narration of the nativity.

www.evoqueportraits.com www.evoqueportraits.com

12

January 2017 www.arounddb.com

BASKETBALL COMPETITION The DB Basketball Tournament Community Health Cup, organised by City Management and Love.Together@DB, was a huge success on November 27. The tournament was held with the aim of promoting a healthy lifestyle and community cohesion. With eight teams taking part, G-Six won the final 30-20 against DB Ballers.

Photos by Miriam Safadi

LANTAU ROTARY PRISON VISIT Photos courtesy of the Rotary E-Club of Lantau

The Rotary E-Club of Lantau visited Sha Tsui Correctional Institution at Shek Pik recently, seeing detainees undergoing education classes, vocational training, foot drills and physical training lessons. The Rotarians met a young detainee in order to allow them to understand more about the centre’s rehabilitation programme.

CHILDREN’S CHARITY CONCERT Uganda-based Watoto Children’s Choir was a hit at an event presented by Watoto Hong Kong and the Discovery Mind Educational Organisation on December 3. While raising awareness about the plight of Africa’s orphaned children, HK$50,000 was collected.

Photos courtesy of Watoto and Discovery Mind Educational Organisation

14

January 2017 www.arounddb.com

DMR

J

School of Ballet Est 1984

All Roosters start out as baby chicks

30

years

JHAVERI Diamantaire de Prestige

Bespoke Jewellery • Restoration • Valuations

Discovery Bay’s trusted jewellers since 1987 Email: jhaveri1987@outlook.com Tel: 9011 1319

At DMR, we’re crowing over each of your child’s achievements as we enter the Year of the Rooster

Shop 112 DB Plaza, Discovery Bay HK

2987 4338

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

TENNIS FOR HELPERS The recent Tennis for Helpers coaching classes run by Ajit Gidwani came to a close for 2016 with a tournament and a Christmas barbecue lunch on December 4. The classes restart this month, so for information on how to get involved contact Ajit on ajit_gidwani@hotmail.com.

Photos by Miriam Safadi

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DB EVENTS

INTERNATIONALISM WEEK AT DBIS

YOUR GUIDE TO UPCOMING

Discovery Bay International School

COMMUNIT Y EV ENTS

ZINC TESTING AT IMI Integrated Medicine Institute, DB North Plaza Head along to the Integrated Medicine Institute (IMI) during January and find out if you are one of the many people with a zinc deficiency. Those with a zinc deficiency can be susceptible to weak immunity, thinning hair, weak nails and food allergies, among other things.

No appointment is necessary and more information is available by contacting 2537 1087 or visiting www.imi.com.hk/dbclinic.html.

Throughout January

Students celebrate and learn January 3-6 about the diverse Discovery Bay International School (DBIS) community across all three phases of the school during Internationalism Week.

While leading their own learning, students are presented with a series of stimuli to enable them to think critically Photo courtesy of DBIS about themselves and their community. The aim is to develop an understanding of internationalism at DBIS and what it means to students, parents, carers and staff.

Throughout January

TO ADOPT A PET through www.wikimedia.org

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

January 7

STOCK UP AT THE PLANT MARKET across from Haven Court,

January 10

DB ENTREPRENEURS NETWORKING BREAKFAST

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

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

January 8

SHOP THE DISCOVERY BAY SUNDAY MARKET

in DB Plaza from 11am to 6pm.

FILMS 4 CHANGE MOVIE NIGHT

KICK SUGAR WITH THE BEAT The Beat Studio, DB Plaza

The Beat and Tatyana Kuvardina are here to help you kick your sugar cravings at a free health talk. Issues covered include the impact of sugar on our bodies and emotions, the cause of cravings, how lifestyle affects cravings and why sugar is so addictive. Get ready to learn how you can regain control and transform your relationship with sugar. Admission is free, so contact info@thebeat.com.hk or 5194 9630 before January 5 to register.

20

January 9

Photo courtesy of The Beat

January 2017 www.arounddb.com

Zak’s, DB Change the way you think about sugar and healthy food by watching That Sugar Film.

Damon Gameau documents the effects of a high-sugar diet on a healthy body. Showing at 7.30pm, HK$40 donations are welcome at the door. Films 4 Change Movie Nights in DB is a monthly event showcasing documentaries that focus on the environment, sustainability and health. Find out more on the Films 4 Change in DB Facebook page.

January 10

www.wikimedia.org

January 15

JOIN A BEACH CLEAN-UP,

organised by Plastic Free Seas and DB Green, at Sam Pak Wan from 3pm to 5pm. Visit www.dbgreen.org.

ENRICH’S MONEYWISE WORKSHOP Enrich Centre, Queen’s Road Central

ISTA FESTIVAL AT DBIS

Discovery Bay International School Discovery Bay International January 20-22 School (DBIS) welcomes students from six schools based in Hong Kong, Jakarta, Singapore and Russia during the ISTA Middle School Festival, with the festival culminating in a performance at 4pm on January 22. The festival’s theme is Illumination and Hope Photo courtesy of DBIS and it aims to promote students’ understanding of Hong Kong’s community of Filipino helpers.

January 22 January 21 & 22

BE SURE TO CATCH the DB

Pirates International All-Girls Beach Festival at Tai Pak Wan. To get involved, visit www.dbpirates.com.

January 22

BUY AND SELL all your lightly used goods at the DB Flea Market in DB Plaza, from 12pm to 5pm.

BUY

Photo courtesy of Enrich

Running from 2pm to 6pm, Enrich Hong Kong’s MoneyWise Newcomers Workshop aims to help domestic workers adjust to working in Hong Kong. It specifically targets those who have been here for two years or less, instilling in them healthy money-management habits. The workshop is free, so email participant@enrichhk.org or call 2386 5811 to sign up.

January 29

CELEBRATE LUNAR NEW YEAR Discovery Bay Recreation Club

January 28

HAPPY 2017!

KUNG HEI FAT CHOY! Wishing all our loyal readers and advertisers a very happy and prosperous Year of the Rooster!

www.evoqueportraits.com

Ring in Chinese New Year (CNY) at the Discovery Bay Recreation Club (DBRC). To enjoy the CNY fireworks (and dinner) from a boat on the harbour, make your booking now at dbrc-enquiries@dbrc.hk. You can also catch traditional lion dancing at both the DBRC and Club Siena. Call 3156 7425 for more information. www.arounddb.com January 2017

21

DB EVENTS

SAVE the DATE DBIS INTERNATIONAL FOOD FAIR

TENNIS NATIONS CUP

NEW in DB FARMER'S MARKET

www.farmersmarket.com.hk

Discovery Bay Recreation Club

Discovery Bay International School

March 4 & 5

February 25 Photo courtesy of Farmer's Market

Photo courtesy of DBIS

The annual Discovery Bay International School (DBIS) International Food Fair is one of the largest community events in DB, offering a range of culinary delights from all corners of the globe. You can also look forward to music and singing, plus a host of commercial and charity stalls.

www.evoqueportraits.com

The 24th edition of DB’s biggest and best tennis event is on the horizon, so start sharpening your skills and working on your fitness, not to mention a whacky national costume. To register, visit Discovery Bay Recreation Club at www.dbrc.hk

Brought to you by Emma Pike, formerly of Farmer's Kitchen, Farmer's Market is a premium online butcher offering a door-to-door delivery service throughout Hong Kong – including DB and Tung Chung. It specialises in 100% grass-fed beef, lamb, pork, salmon, chicken and more. Farmer’s Market aims to take customer service to a new level and prides itself on honesty and traceability. Head to www.farmersmarket.com.hk.

DB’s Premier Mover ...

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New Miracle Suits for C.N.Y. Holidays www.ozziecozzieco.com 503 Tak Woo House, 1-3 Wo On Lane, L.K.F., Central

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New Term starts THIS MONTH! Celebrating 18 Dramatic Years

Holiday Theatre & Creative Writing Programmes CHINESE NEW YEAR 1st to 3rd February EASTER 3 to 6th April and/or th 10 to 13th April rd

Weekly Term-Time Drama Workshops With qualified, experienced leaders and unrivalled resources, we offer the best in drama and theatrical education for our members.

Join us for weekly drama workshops for ages 3 to 18 that takes place in venues across Hong Kong and Kowloon including: Sheung Wan

Discovery Bay

Mid Levels

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Brain benefits for bilingual bubs

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ituated in easy to reach Kowloon Tong, Yew Chung International School (YCIS) offers the best of bilingual education for children aged six months to 18 years. Research has shown that educating a child in a dual-language environment has incredible benefits. It improves attention span and provides a form of ‘brain training,’ which profoundly affects the way the brain responds to sound. Bilingualism also increases brain growth and the ability to handle multiple tasks at once, leading to an individual with highly developed executive functioning.

A better brain is certainly not the only benefit of a bilingual education.

Students who speak two languages are predisposed to speaking a third or even fourth language in the future. In later life, those who speak a second language have also been shown to have greater protection against Alzheimer’s, with the older bilingual brain working more efficiently and functioning more like that of a much younger adult.

Photos courtesy of YCIS

With over a quarter of the world’s population speaking Chinese and a quarter speaking English, it is clear that bilingualism in these two world languages has enormous benefits. The career prospects of a well-rounded bilingual individual, one who is able to bridge the gap between East and West, look very promising.

For many parents around the world, the desire to have their child speak Chinese fluently is already present; it is the means of achieving this, which is in question. Dr Troy Liu, head of Chinese Curriculum and Research Division (CCRD) at YCIS, has more than two decades of experience in the field. He leads a highly motivated team in pursuit of maximising students’ Chinese language acquisition and cultural understanding.

CCRD works together with the CoPrincipals of each section of the school (Early Childhood Education, Primary and Secondary) to implement a strong and accessible Chinese Programme. It offers a bespoke solution with different pathways for students with Chinese as a First Language or Additional Language. Courses lead students towards attaining the IGCSE or IB Diploma qualifications.

Some may argue that learning Chinese is too difficult for expatriate children, but this is simply not the case. Chinese has no tenses, no cases and, no gender; it has simple grammar. Knowledge of 3,000 characters will give a reasonable degree of fluency, and writing those characters is not too hard to grasp, especially for younger children.

to Huang Shan; Year 8 students to Shanxi; and Year 9 students to Beijing and Taiwan.

Each year YCIS invests a great amount of resources in continuous research and development of its Chinese curriculum. The ultimate aim is that students attain their optimum level of fluency as well as crosscultural appreciation, setting them up with a solid foundation for 21st century success.

The ability to move between two cultures, and two languages, is an invaluable skill. YCIS’ China Classroom Programme enables students to interact with Mandarin speakers and to explore the millenniaold civilisation. The China Classroom Programme provides learning on a cultural level, through immersion in Chinese life. Year 7 students travel

YCIS is currently accepting applications for 2017-18. For further information or to book a private tour, please contact Admissions on 2338 7106 or visit www.ycis-hk.com. www.arounddb.com January 2017

25

GIVEAWAYS

HERE’S YOUR CHANCE TO WIN GREAT PRIZES! Around DB competitions are incredibly easy to enter (you’ll even find the answers to our questions right here). You have until the 10th of this month to submit your answers.

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

Win tickets to see The Way Back Home YOUR PRIZE: ABA Productions is offering one reader four tickets (worth HK$435 each) to see The Way Back Home at Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Wanchai, on January 6 at 5pm. (Readers entering this competition need to do so by January 4).

What does the boy find in the cupboard?

Photo courtesy of ABA Productions

FIND THE ANSWER: ABA Productions is kicking off Kidsfest 2017 with The Way Back Home, January 6 to 8. Based on the beautiful children’s book by Oliver Jeffers, a boy finds a little plane in a cupboard and flies it to the moon, where he meets a Martian. Will the two become friends? And how will they find their way back home? For tickets, starting at HK$195, visit www.hkticketing.com.

Win a magnum of Perrier Jouet Brut NV

What does My Wine Man specialise in?

YOUR PRIZE: My Wine Man is offering one reader a magnum of Perrier Jouet Brut NV. FIND THE ANSWER: Now delivering to Discovery Bay and South Lantau, My Wine Man specialises in attractively priced Champagne, and Australian and New Zealand wines. It is currently offering Perrier Jouet Brut NV at HK$249 per bottle and Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2016 at HK$169 per bottle. To place an order, email order@mywineman.com.

Photo courtesy of My Wine Man

Win a Faust holiday workshop When was YOUR PRIZE: Faust International Youth Theatre is offering one child Faust formed? a place at one of its Chinese New Year or Easter holiday workshops in Sheung Wan. The former are worth HK$1,790, the latter HK$2,280.

FIND THE ANSWER: Aiming to nurture creative talent through the performing arts since 1999, Faust’s workshops provide a fun-filled learning environment for children aged three to 18. Holiday Theatre (for kids aged four to 12) Photo courtesy of Faust International and Creative Writing (for kids aged six to 13) run from February 1 to 3, April 3 to 6 and April 10 to 13. Visit www.faustworld.com.hk.

Congratulations to last month’s winners Kelly Crawford and Alana Byrne for a PEEKair air-quality monitor from Peek Concepts; Erika Cianfarani for tickets to see Why the Whales Came; Olga Anikina and Sue Wong for tickets to see The Snow Queen; and Jennifer Hu for a holiday workshop with Faust International.

26

January 2017 www.arounddb.com

PROFILE

Photo by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com

GREAT SCOT

28

DB resident John Campbell proves you’re never too old to become a world-class athlete. Elizabeth Kerr reports

John Campbell is coming off a win at the ITU Aquathlon World Championships in Mexico

January 2017 www.arounddb.com

D

o not, under any circumstances, ask John Campbell to ride a bicycle. The part-time athlete and architectural consultant who’s coming off a win at the ITU Aquathlon World Championships in Cozumel, Mexico is willing to risk offending cycling aficionados when explaining his preferred two-sport competitions.

three times a week for five or six weeks. If I trained with others more regularly I know both my running and swimming could get a lot faster again.”

The day job An architect by trade, John landed in Hong Kong in 2010 after travelling back and forth from London six times a year since 1992. While with

“That keeps me quite busy,” he notes as an understatement.

Perched on the verge of permanent residency, John recalls his first impressions of Hong Kong as crowded, polluted and noisy, and he found the peculiarities that make the city what it is confounding.

“I couldn’t quite work out the behaviour of the people. I never understood not holding a door open or sitting at opposite ends of a bus and shouting at each other,” he remembers with a sardonic laugh.

’’

“I don’t do triathlons because I don’t like bikes. I bought an expensive bike last year and I’ve used it three times. I’m not built for bikes. It’s not much of an exercise. I know I’m going to insult a lot of cyclists but when I run I’m constantly under stress,” John says with an absolutely straight face, adding a comment about post-cycling soreness. “My bum’s just not built for it.”

I bought an expensive bike last year and I’ve used it three times. My bum’s just not built for it

Bone dry in a way that only Scots can be, the UK native and six-year Hong Kong resident is also, arguably, the city’s most low-profile, world-class athlete. John can name-drop with the best of them – he once trained with Montréal Olympics gold medalwinning, British swimmer David Wilkie and controversial South African runner Zola Budd – but he never makes it seem like he’s showing off.

At 61, the ITU and World Masters Athletics Championships regular is quick to admit he has his limits too. “It’s frustrating when I train on Tuesday evenings in Aberdeen with the younger ones, and they start sprinting. My brain says ‘Yes, you can do it,’ and my body says ‘No, no, no you can’t,’” he comments with a laugh. “For the aquathlon in Mexico, last September, I got the help of a friend and fellow competitor Scott Burton and we did both swimming and running training

architecture and engineering giant TFP Farrells, he was technical d i r e c t o r o n t h e P e a k To w e r, Kowloon Station and the British Consulate. When the work in London failed to stimulate him, he relocated to the SAR full time. “I just enjoyed coming out here. It’s a great place. China was beginning to buzz and there was lots of work I was involved with, so I wanted to be near it,” he recalls.

John set up his own consultancy in 2012, and currently sits on six committees, including as chair of the Royal Institute of British Architects’ Hong Kong chapter and the Society of Façade Engineering.

On top of that, Discovery Bay was low on the list of places to settle. “DB was about the last place on earth I was ever going to move to. It’s just not Hong Kong,” John says. But as it turned out a “fantastic” property agent showed John two or three DB homes and one ticked all the boxes. The Campbells moved into Siena One in 2010 and the rest is history.

Going the distance

W h e n h e ’s n o t w o r k i n g , John is either running or swimming. No stranger to combined events, he started competing in biathlons in 1985 and signed up for his first aquathlon in 2010. “The aquathlon is running and swimming consecutively, while the biathlons, that I originally did, involved swimming then a break of several hours before the run or vice versa,” John explains. Aquathlons combine a (roughly) 5-kilometre run and a 1-kilometre swim, and John now competes in the 60 to 64 age group.

“Those Ironmen and Ironwomen out there, who think that distance is all-important, should try these shorter, sharper events and see how tired you get working at a much harder rate but for a shorter period of time,” John says.

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PROFILE

At the 2011 ITU in Beijing, John had hoped to place in the top 10, and much to his surprise, he won in his age category. London in 2013 followed but the swimming course let him down. “Because the water was down to 17°C I just didn’t run well.

I was frozen, and couldn’t feel my legs. It didn’t help I couldn’t get my wetsuit off,” he admits. “So I did it again in 2016 because it was Mexico, and it was warm. I wasn’t really fit enough but I decided to take it on.”

Wrong, as John placed first for Hong Kong in his category.

“The next ITU aquathlon is set for Rotterdam, in September, which means it’s going to be absolutely freezing again, so I’ll give it a miss,” says John. In the meantime,

he has races planned in Hong Kong over rougher ground, for which training will continue – possibly in his Speedo, a habit that’s garnered John a bit of notoriety in DB. Though he’s occasionally told to get dressed by wife Sharmin, he resists. “Given the right temperatures, there’s no point in running with a pair of shorts on. And I don’t want a suntan with the line across the thighs.”

Professional retirement may be coming up – he and Sharmin have flirted with renting an Airstream and touring Europe – but how soon this transpires is anyone’s guess. Something that might tempt him to do so is photography – he recently had a landscape photograph

published in Digital Camera. “I’d like to do more commissions for travel or sports photography but need to get invitations to training sessions or competition events,” says John (https://500px.com/jcampbell_edin).

As for the aquathlons, John can’t see himself stopping any time soon.

“It will be an injury or something that stops me from doing it,” he reckons, taking an aside for a story about a 95-year-old he saw shuffling around in Singapore at a race. If it’s not embarrassing, John can see himself in the 80-plus category. “I enjoy competition. Though at the end of each one I think, ‘Never again,’ because it’s just so hard,” he says.

“I ask myself why I’m doing it.”

Because he can.

Find more local heroes @ www.arounddb.com

IN FOCUS

Photo by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com, and courtesy of Hong Kong Resorts

LOOK TO THE

32

FUTURE

For years the development of DB has polarised opinion and today is no different with residents quick to share their thoughts. Sam Agars reports

H

igh-rise apartments, lowrise living, a new bus terminus and footbridge are all developments in the pipeline for Discovery Bay, with the latest improvement works following a long line of projects undertaken since the resort opened in the 1980s.

We chat to a group of long-time and

prominent DBers to get their take on the plans for the future, while also getting an insight into how DB has changed in their time here.

The making of DB While it may seem that the predominant attitude towards DB’s expansion is a negative, most residents have at least something

January 2017 www.arounddb.com

positive to say, whether looking to the past or future.

City Owners’ Committee (COC) member Dr Francis Chiu, who has lived in DB since 2009, highlights the trade off of tranquillity for convenience. “In terms of change, in the last few years I have witnessed more convenience, that is the positive side,” he says. “The negative side in

everybody now loves and uses and can’t imagine life without. They were protesting for nothing. In the end, change is necessary.”

The great unknown For many, it is the lack of clarity moving forward that is most worrisome, with the initial cap of 25,000 residents seemingly set to be ignored by developers. Sixteenyear DB resident Colin Bosher, COC member and chairman of La Vista Village Owners Committee (VOC), feels that homeowners in DB are getting a “raw deal” because they bought into a “low-density, pleasant development”.

“The government is not transparent, the developer is not transparent,” Colin says. “It appears that there is no limit on the amount of development.

You look at the OZP (Outline Zoning Plan) and it says 25,000 people, but it turns out that figure is actually meaningless because 25,000 is just how much water the Water Supplies Department said it could provide.

So then the developer turns around and simply opts to build a new water treatment plant and a new sewage treatment plant.”

Colin believes the planned N1 North development near Chianti will be enough to tip the DB population – which currently stands at around 18,000 – over 25,000, even before the housing developments at Nim Shue Wan and behind Parkvale Village are taken into account.

Baljit Gidwani, Dr Francis Chiu, Colin Bosher, Paula Lepore Burrough and Amy Yung

comparing today to seven years ago, we can see a lot of visitors coming to DB, which is making the tropical paradise less of a paradise.”

Photographer Baljit Gidwani moved to DB in 1985 and he is equally nostalgic about the good old days.

But he is realistic about the progress he has seen and is confident DB would not be the place it is today

without the work done by Hong Kong Resorts (HKR).

“It’s all the progress and all the infrastructure that HKR has done that makes DB liveable, that makes it the place it is,” Baljit says. “People moaned like mad when the tunnel was built and there was uproar when they said they were going to let taxis in. But every step HKR has taken,

Amy Yung, DB’s representative on the Islands District Council, is also concerned about DB’s population count, as well as the endeavours of HKR to attract tourists. “We want tranquillity, a quality of life, that is why we move to Discovery Bay,” she says. “But during the holidays and weekends, I can see there are special activities that attract a lot of people from outside, and some of the residents complain they have to

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33

IN FOCUS wait in long queues in order to come home or get out of Discovery Bay.” Paula Lepore Burrough has been in DB since 1999, is on the VOC for Parkvale Village and runs popular Facebook group DB Matters. She can see both positives and negatives about what lies ahead, but wishes HKR gave residents more chance to have a say about the future of their home.

“People would be so much more engaged and excited if they were part of the process, but they [HKR] are not making things transparent and they are not addressing the concerns from the residents,” she says. “People actually want to work with them.

The reality is that we can’t stop them building, so how can we make it so that it is a great place for all?”

In the pipeline HKR is confident that its 10-year development programme for DB will improve residents’ living standards and maintain the resort’s sustainability. “Over the past 30-plus years, every decade we introduce some new elements to the community,” a spokesperson told Around DB back in April last year. “We are trying to uplift and add more energy to the overall DB community.”

In the second part of its development programme, which is still at the

HKR is looking to redevelop Nim Shue Wan waterfront

Bus terminus works are scheduled to begin in early 2017

government submission stage, HKR is looking to redevelop Nim Shue Wan waterfront and build a residential development on a small parcel of land behind Parkvale Village. Actual works on these projects, if approved, could be as far as eight years away.

“For the area behind Parkvale Village, I really cannot see how anyone would think that it is a good idea,” Francis comments. “First of all, it is too close to the existing development and road access is going to be a big problem.

“For the area near Nim Shue Wan, I think there are upsides and downsides,” Francis adds. “The upside is the fact that right now if you go to one of those high-rise buildings in Peninsula Village and look down on Kai To Pier, it is a really grotty area. The development, if it is going to be done according to what has been said, will make it look a lot nicer for those high-rise residents whose views will not be blocked by the buildings.

Of course, if your apartment will be completely blocked by the new building, I’m sure you will not like it.”

Opinion is split on the bus terminus works, scheduled to begin in early

2017, with some feeling its planned expansion and repositioning is a good thing and others questioning its necessity. The prospect of more shops, beneath the new terminus, also sees residents divided.

Again there is the trade off of tranquillity (a reduced community feel) for convenience (more shopping opportunities).

“I really don’t know why they are building more shops,” Francis says.

“Right now, you can see there are already empty shops. We assume that HKR wants to get as much rental income as possible from the commercial developments, but I don’t think they will actually get more in the future. When there are more shops, and probably more empty shops, they will probably have to lower the rent instead of raising it.”

Backing HKR, Baljit is much more optimistic about all that lies ahead.

“They almost went bust building this place, so surely they have a right to continue its growth,” he says. “And they have continued the growth in a very organised manner. Every village, except for the Greens, has many green spaces. So DB grows but in a civilised, liveable manner.”

Find more topical local topics @ www.arounddb.com

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January 2017 www.arounddb.com

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O

T E S R I O

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R

PARENTING SMARTS

WITH INTENT

Photo by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com

Ready to usher in Chinese New Year, the Year of the Rooster, Kate Farr introduces some exciting ways to enjoy the celebration with kids

W

inter in Hong Kong is all about celebration, and hot on the heels of Christmas comes Chinese New Year (CNY). Here’s a look at this most family-friendly of festivals, and a few top tips for getting the best out of Hong Kong’s biggest party.

calendar, CNY begins on the first day of the new moon, which falls any time between January 21 and February 20 each year. Also known as Spring Festival, this celebration dates back thousands of years and is a major three-day holiday here in Hong Kong. This year, January 28 is the first day of the Lunar New Year.

Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Dog and Pig. Babies born throughout each year are thought to display certain characteristics unique to their zodiac animal, for example Tigers are thought to be great leaders, Goats are creative, while 2017’s flock of Roosters are said to be practical and honest.

The basics

2017 ushers in the Year of the Rooster, one of 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, the others being the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit,

An ancient folk story explains how these creatures made the final cut to be immortalised in the zodiac – the Jade Emperor called a race,

First up, a few facts. Based on the lunar rather than the Gregorian

www.arounddb.com January 2017

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PARENTING SMARTS decreeing that the first 12 animals to swim across a fast-flowing river would each have a year named in their honour. Thirteen animals lined up on the riverbank; however, the poor cat was pushed into the water by the rat, and was excluded from the final line-up.

TOP TIP Kids can discover more about CNY in a fun and humorous way by picking up Hong Kong author Sarah Brennan’s Chinese zodiac series of children’s books.

With a new animal tale released annually just in time for CNY – this year we say hello to Rickshaw Rooster – this fast-paced and funny series is the perfect CNY primer.

The Tale of Pinyin Panda is a hilarious take on The Great Race and explains exactly why the Panda never made the Chinese zodiac!

DB kids enjoying the CNY celebrations in 2016

Enjoy the parade

Wish upon a tree

While Discovery Recreation Club and Club Siena both hold vibrant celebrations, the annual International Chinese New Year Night Parade is Hong Kong’s main event. You can expect dancers and floats from across the globe, not to mention what feels like the city’s entire population, congregating along the streets of Tsim Sha Tsui.

This colourful carnival takes place on the evening of January 28, beginning at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, before snaking its way along Canton, Haiphong and Nathan roads to its finishing point at the Sheraton Hotel.

Another popular Spring Festival ritual, and one that kids will love, is an excursion to Lam Tsuen and its famous Wishing Tree. This Tai Po village is home to two ancient trees that were traditionally visited during festival times, when people would throw joss paper into the branches and make their wishes for the upcoming year. It was thought that the higher the branch your paper landed on, the more likely it was that your wish would materialise.

These days, the papers are attached to nearby racks in order to protect the trees, but the wishes remain just as strong!

TOP TIP There’s no real way of avoiding the crowds, which can number over 150,000 people, but purchasing tickets to one of the viewing stands allows for entry from 7pm and at least guarantees you a seat. Check www.discoverhongkong.com for ticketing details. Failing that, find your spot at street level on Canton Road (just outside the Chanel store) for a good view, coupled with easy access to Ocean Terminal’s many public toilets and food outlets.

TOP TIP Still an extremely popular spot to visit over CNY, Lam Tsuen also plays temporary host to many of the night parade’s floats, so if the main event is a little too crowded for you, head here for a flavour of the evening. Be sure to visit www.discoverhongkong.com for 2017’s event dates and times.

Flower power CNY festivities are always marked with floral decoration, with a variety of auspicious plants on sale to usher in prosperity for the new lunar year. Miniature kumquat trees are a popular home decoration – the fruit’s orange/ golden colour is a symbol of money, while pomelos, often seen in pairs, are said to signify family unity. You’ll also see orchids galore – these delicate blooms are symbolic of both fertility and luxury, so are always popular during the Spring Festival.

Pick up your plants at one of the festive flower markets, the largest (and busiest) of which are located within Causeway Bay’s Victoria Park, and Prince Edward’s Fa Hui Park, although there are smaller fairs dotted all over the city.

TOP TIP If you don’t fancy braving the crowds, the football stadium on Tung Chung Road usually hosts a small Chinese New Year flower market, while Prince Edward’s permanent stalls on Flower Market Road often yield better bargains than the seasonal flower fairs.

Whatever you decide to do this CNY, Kung Hei Fat Choi! And here’s wishing you a very happy Year of the Rooster!

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

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January 2017 www.arounddb.com

Illustration by Fred Boot, photos by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com

FAMILY MATTERS

40

BEWARE WHAT

YOU WEAR

Without knowing it, parents are exposing their children to toxic chemicals in clothing that could have serious consequences for their health. Sam Agars reports

January 2017 www.arounddb.com

Eureka socks are made of 80% bamboo

O

ur skin is our largest and fastest-growing organ and it is crucial in eliminating toxins, as well as absorbing substances both good and bad. Because of this, what we wear can have a massive impact on our health. Regulations around the clothing industry, especially in Asia, are often quite loose and sometimes non-existent, meaning it is hard for us to know exactly what is in what we and our families are wearing.

There is also the misconception that all synthetics are safe, where in fact some, particularly when used to make up a large portion of a garment, can be very harmful. In Hong Kong, there are no specific regulations and it is often very difficult to get a gauge on what a particular garment is made of due to poor labelling.

Studies have shown that chemicals in clothing have the potential to cause any number of skin diseases, respiratory issues and even cancer.

If at all possible, it’s best to stay away from the following chemical-laden fabrics in lieu of more all-natural fabric options: acrylic, polyester, rayon, acetate, triacetate and anything labelled static-resistant, wrinkle-resistant, permanent-press, no-iron, stain-proof or moth-repellent.

clothing is regulated in the country of its manufacture and, while not everything is unsafe, it can be very difficult to find clear labelling that outlines what a garment contains.

“In Hong Kong you can buy goods where the label is very unclear and people can sell goods with labels that are not in English. They do not specify what is in the garment and you don’t know if the factory it came from is socially responsible,” says Around DB publisher Corinne Jedwood, director of newly formed DB-based company Eureka Socks.

“People buy clothing and have no clue what is in it. Take school uniform socks in Hong Kong, for example – the label says cotton and spandex, but you don’t know if it’s 99% cotton or 1% cotton and you don’t know what else they put in.”

According to a spokesperson from the Hong Kong Accreditation Service, there are “no regulatory requirements for selling garments in Hong Kong” and the responsibility for ensuring that what comes into the city is safe falls on customs officers.

“It’s not only that sometimes it is not safe, but that you don’t know what you are buying. Because of the lack of regulations around manufacturing in China, the Confidence in Textiles label was put in place,” says Corinne.

Labels and certification Clothing standards in Hong Kong are heavily reliant on the fact that

The Confidence in Textiles label is something that is displayed on garments that have been tested under

the OEKO-TEX Standard 100.

According to OEKO-TEX, this is “a worldwide consistent, independent testing and certification system for raw, semi-finished and finished textile products at all processing levels, as well as accessory materials used”. The OEKO-TEX Standard 100 has been in use since 1992 but has become more prevalent in China in the past two to three years.

When looking for a Eureka Socks’ manufacturer on the mainland, Corinne found that you still need to do due diligence. “I went to two factories that professed to follow the OEKO-TEX Standard 100,” she explains, “but I sent samples to an independent lab to be checked and I found that one of the factories was not telling me the truth. This means you can’t even trust the top brands.

If they haven’t visited the factories, they will have no clear idea about their manufacturing partners. Their labelling may be misleading – it could say made of lyocell when actually, only 15% lyocell is included in the mix.”

The motivation behind Eureka Socks was firstly to raise awareness about the importance of wearing safe clothing, and also to ensure parents had a clearly labelled option when purchasing clothes for their children.

Produced in a certified factory in Hunan, Eureka has decided to focus its attention on socks initially, with its products made of 80% bamboo,

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FAMILY MATTERS

Home-grown Eureka socks Showcased recently through the Around DB Sock Design Competition 2016, Eureka Socks’ products are available online and at local school shops. “We are a community-based business,” says Corinne. “The products are brought to you from the community (our team is DB-based) and sold within the community. The socks are also directly relevant to the community, as they have inspiring, locally significant messages like Save the Dolphins and I love Lantau.”

Promoting the well being of DB kids (and their parents’ peace of mind), Eureka Socks also provides a way for the community to give back. “We take our social responsibility seriously,” says Corinne, “so for every purchase of socks, we will donate a pair of socks to someone who needs it. We are trying to get school kids involved in that process, so they will write messages to go with the socks being sent to children in need and homeless people.”

Eureka Socks have inspiring, locally significant messages

15% polyamide and 5% spandex and meeting the requirements of the OEKO-TEX Standard 100.

“Since your children’s feet are in their socks all day, they are the one clothing item that should be produced to exacting standards,” Corinne says.

Earth-friendly credentials Eureka’s choice of bamboo as the base material for its socks reflects a worldwide trend to manufacture clothing that is safe to wear, naturally sourced and sustainable.

Bamboo receives a lot of attention because it’s easy to grow without pesticides (or water) and is quick to replenish itself, but it’s not the only option for the eco-savvy shopper.

Natural and eco-friendly (premiumpriced) fabrics, from organic cotton to alpaca, are now cropping up everywhere from Zara to Gap. Hemp has been touted as the ultimate eco-friendly fabric because it requires no chemicals to grow. It’s also extremely versatile, and can be used

to create both strong, sturdy fabrics and soft, comfortable delicates. Look out too for items made of lyocell, the generic name for the Tencel brand.

It’s made from wood pulp, so it’s both biodegradable and recyclable.

Silky soft soy fabric, made from the by-products of soy-oil processing, is another good option, as is true linen since it’s made from flax, a crop that requires very little pest-controlling chemicals.

At the luxury end, long-lasting cashmere, alpaca and silk are sound, all-natural fabric options requiring no chemical-based synthetic processing. While cashmere fibre comes from Kashmir goats and alpaca from Alpaca sheep, silk is made by silk worms.

When shopping for child- and earthfriendly garments, you need to be sure that you are buying something that is certified organic, sustainable

and eco-friendly. Also check you aren’t getting a less-eco ‘blend’ that includes a high percentage of other fibres, like polyester, in the mix. To keep prices down, clothes are often treated with harmful chemicals, like formaldehyde, and dyed with carcinogenic dyes, so look for garments that are coloured using natural or vegetable-based dyes.

To control your carbon footprint, choose garments that are made as close to home as possible.

The bottom line when buying clothing that’s supportive of the environment and your family’s health is to do your homework.

Read the labels carefully and shop at a reputable, socially responsible supplier who will weigh the facts for you. Make sure you know where the clothing comes from, who makes it and what it’s processed with – this way you will know that every item you buy is as desirable as it looks.

FIND IT • Eureka Socks Facebook page and www.eurekasocks.com • Hong Kong Accreditation Service, www.itc.gov.hk

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

42

January 2017 www.arounddb.com

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TALKING POINTS

' BIRD S EY E VIEW

Over the last two or three years, the popularity of mainstream consumer drones has skyrocketed and they are literally changing the way we view the world.

Sam Agars reports Photos by Baljit Gidwani – www.evoqueportraits.com

Jack Shirley with his DJI Phantom 3

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M

any commercial uses have been touted for drones as they become more advanced, with mail delivery and the like heading the list. But drones are also working their way into our everyday lives, with a growing number of enthusiasts now using them just for fun. While some have taken up droning simply as a weekend pastime, the more creative among us are using them to capture footage and take photos that are unlike anything seen before.

January 2017 www.arounddb.com

A video of DB made by HongKonger Jack Shirley, and shared on the Around DB Facebook page in September last year, captured the imagination of the community and offered a glimpse into just what these machines are capable of.

Expanding perspectives According to Jack, drones have added another dimension to film-making, and opened up endless possibilities for amateurs and professionals alike.

TALKING POINTS TALKING POINTS For now, the most popular use for the off-the-shelf drone is to film from viewpoints once very difficult, if not impossible, to access.

“You can get almost anywhere now, and quicker,” Jack says. “Instead of climbing up the highest building you can stand at the bottom and fly up, but, if you did want to climb up, you could then get external footage of yourself. You can now film far out at sea without a boat. You can get smooth, beautiful shots, flying/ moving in a multitude of directions, without the use of extra equipment.

And all this can be achieved by just one person, without a crew.”

And there is plenty more ground to be made, with affordable – what Jack calls ‘entry level’ – drones evolving all the time. He recommends the DJI Phantom 3 standard drone – the one he used to make the DB film – which can film at 2.7k resolution (better quality than HD), has a 1-kilometre range and costs just HK$3,800.

“Drones will continue to get smaller (able to film through slim gaps where you couldn’t get a cameraman), and have better cameras (including 360-degree cameras),” Jack adds.

“Drones will also become very smart. Until recently, they only had obstacle avoidance sensors at the front, so the obvious next step, to avoid all obstacles, was to have the sensors all around the drone, as they are with the new Phantom 4 Pro.” The perfect angle While Jack enthuses that anyone interested should give droning a go, he stresses that it is not as simple as just launching your drone and pressing record. There are plenty of challenges when capturing the footage – such as battery life and the risks involved when exposing expensive equipment to the elements.

“I find the filming part can be stressful, I guess I worry too much,”

Jack’s drone video brings the pattern on the floor of DB Plaza into focus

Jack says. “Have I got every shot I need, was the lighting okay? I much prefer the editing part. Chill out, choose the shots I like, choose a song, edit to the beat.”

It’s clear that Jack’s training in video editing and post-production pays off.

“Many drone users just upload their videos unedited and this is usually very boring to watch, as it takes time to take off and fly to your desired position,” he says.

Jack’s video is a perfect example of just what drones can offer, with the viewpoints utilised revealing a DB that most of us have never seen.“Many DB residents have been surprised to discover the pattern on the floor of DB Plaza; they had never noticed it until this video showed it from a bird’s-eye view,” Jack says. “Drones have the ability to show things from a completely new angle, allowing you to discover things you may have never noticed otherwise, even if you walk past them everyday.

“The thing I like most [about the video] is the transitioning from one

FIND IT

shot to another, this was the first time I used these zoom-and slidestyle transitions in a drone film,” Jack adds.“They are very smooth and effective and I think they make this film stand out from most other drone videos.”

There are, of course, certain issues involved with flying drones, due in the main to the current grey area of personal privacy, but Hong Kong’s user guidelines are, for now, more relaxed than in many places.While you can no longer fly drones in and around either plaza, you can fly them everywhere else in DB. “The problem I see arising soon is that almost everyone will have one and inevitably some irresponsible flying will lead to stricter laws being required,” Jack says.

But the positive with drones becoming more readily available, more affordable and close to idiotproof is that anyone can enjoy flying them – and produce some interesting footage. “Film-making can be a difficult profession but with a drone, anyone can capture outstanding shots,” Jack says.

View Jack Shirley’s Discovery Bay drone video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=abFcy_yy-pg.

Find more topical local topics @ www.arounddb.com

www.arounddb.com January 2017

45

2017

HAPPY NEW YEAR To all our customers in Discovery Bay and across Hong Kong, old and new!

Greetings From Uncle Russ And The Pier Bar Family

RECIPES

Winter Warmers Deliciously easy to make, the best soup recipes are passed down through families and picked up from friends. It’s no surprise that here in DB our go-to favourites bring home an international flavour

New Year sweet and sour soup Serves 6

• 2 garlic cloves, chopped • 2 fresh red chillies, chopped • 1 thumb-sized piece ginger, chopped • 250g shiitake mushrooms, sliced • 225g bamboo shoots, finely sliced • 3tbsp soy sauce • 4tbsp rice wine vinegar • 1tsp runny honey • 1,500ml vegetable stock • 1 large egg, beaten • 150g firm tofu, cubed • 2 spring onions, finely sliced

Photos courtesy of www.wikimedia.org

• 2tbsp chives, chopped

Bash the garlic, chillies and ginger in a pestle and mortar to form a rough paste. Fry the mushrooms in a large wok or heavy-based saucepan over a medium-high heat for four minutes.

Stir in the chilli paste and bamboo shoots and fry for a further minute.

Combine the soy, vinegar and honey.

Stir the mixture into the pan and cook for a minute. Pour in the hot stock and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, or until slightly reduced. Remove the soup from the heat. Slowly add the egg, stirring continuously to form thin ribbons.

Stir in the tofu. Warm through before serving with spring onions and chives scattered on top. www.arounddb.com January 2017

47

RECIPES

Old English leek and potato soup Serves 6

• 4 large leeks • 50g butter • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced • 1 medium onion, chopped small • 850ml chicken stock • 275ml milk • 1½tbsp chives, chopped • 4tbsp chicken, pre-cooked and diced • 2tbsp sour cream

Trim off the tops and roots of the leeks, discarding the tough outer layer.

Split them in half lengthwise and slice them finely. In a large, thick-based saucepan, gently melt the butter; then add the leeks, potatoes and onion.

Stir the vegetables well to coat them in the butter. Season and cover. Sweat the vegetables on a low heat for 15 minutes. Add the stock and milk. Put the lid back on and simmer gently for 20 minutes until the vegetables are soft. Leave the soup to cool and then purée in a blender. Refrigerate this soup before serving and it becomes a delicious vichyssoise. Garnish (hot or cold) with chives and either precooked chicken chunks or a dollop of sour cream.

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January 2017 www.arounddb.com

Happy New Year to all our customers in Discovery Bay Caffe Bar and Italian Fine Food

www.facebook.com/Caffe-Pascucci-Hong-Kong | 2851 2857 | www.pascucci.it/

CAFFE PASCUCCI

RECIPES

Classic Russian Borscht Serves 6

• 500g raw beetroot, peeled and grated • 500g red cabbage, finely shredded • 3tbsp tomato purée • 2tbsp red wine vinegar • 125g butter • 1,200ml beef stock • 1 medium onion, grated • 1 carrot, grated • 1tbsp brown sugar • 275ml sour cream

Put the beetroot and red cabbage into a large saucepan. Stir in the tomato purée, vinegar, half the butter and the beef stock. Cover, bring to the boil and simmer gently for one hour. Melt the remaining butter and sauté the onions and carrots until golden. Add to the beetroot and red cabbage mixture.

Cover and simmer gently for 15 minutes. Season to taste and add the brown sugar. Garnish with sour cream to serve.

Find more classic recipes @ www.arounddb.com

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January 2017 www.arounddb.com

the

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Tasteof

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NORDER W

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op n sh

The sou

afri th ca

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ht Delivered Straig

To Your Door!

You name it and we’ll import it!

Ouma Rusks, Mrs Balls Chutney, Peppermint Crisp, Rooibos Tea, Pronutro, Nik Naks and More!

9457 0639

@

info@thesouthafricanshop.com

THESOUTHAFRICANSHOP.COM

Chef Pour Toi

DB-based private catering service Catering

Corporate or Private Parties

Cocktail Receptions

Lavish Buffets & Barbeques

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

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

Email chef@chefpourtoi.com

ESCAPES

TASTY TRAVEL

Photos courtesy of Kate Farr

Whether you’re into sushi, street food, cinnamon or chocolate, you don’t have to travel far to find a dedicated designer resort. Kate Farr reports

52

W

hile most of us are keen to explore the local cuisine when we’re on holiday, for some, the food is the holiday.

Whether you’re a keen amateur chef or a fully-fledged gourmand, there’s a culinary adventure out there to tickle your taste buds.

Nihiwatu, Sumba Island, Indonesia Voted the World’s Best Hotel 2016 by Travel and Leisure Magazine, operating ethically and sustainably to benefit its local environment and community, and with a jaw-droppingly beautiful island location, there are plenty

January 2017 www.arounddb.com

of great reasons to visit Nihiwatu.

Another reason is the resort’s recently launched Chris and Charly’s Chocolate Factory, which takes all your kids’ wildest Willy Wonka fantasies, relocates them to a stunning paradise island, and encourages them to get hands-on with everyone’s favourite treat.

Fine dining at The Lake House

Chris and Charly’s Chocolate Factory at Nihiwatu

The Lake House cooking school

Every day between 12pm and 3pm, guests can join in with chocolatemaking classes at the onsite factory, crafting delicious goodies from locally grown Sumbanese cacao and coconut palm sugar. If you’re looking for ethical souvenirs, the factory has three bar varieties available for sale at its gift shop – 65% Milk Chocolate Almond & Raisin, 70% Dark Chocolate and 85% Dark Chocolate – with all profits channelled back into The Sumba Foundation, Nihiwatu’s philanthropic arm.

The adjacent kids’ club offers supervised activities, including traditional dancing, yoga, scavenger hunts and crafts, leaving parents with the time to enjoy their chocolate in blissful tranquillity.

The Lake House, Australia Situated in the pretty spa town of Daylesford, Victoria, The Lake House is home to one of Australia’s most respected residential cooking schools. Set in the sprawling rural

A taste of Japan at Beniya Mukayu

grounds of a stunning luxury hotel, the award-winning Lake House culinary team hosts cooking master classes that are regularly facilitated by some of the Aussie dining scene’s leading lights, including producers, growers, winemakers and chefs.

Previous classes have focused on specialist topics such as fermenting, Italian cooking and even food photography, and the atmosphere here is relaxed and inclusive, allowing participants at every level to get involved and learn from the experts.

After a hard day in the kitchen, the hotel’s multi-award-winning restaurant is the perfect place to debrief. The menu is seasonally led, using produce locally sourced from the surrounding area, and, as you might expect, it features an impressive Australian wine list. There’s also plenty here for foodies on restricted diets, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available.

Beniya Mukayu, Kaga, Japan If Japanese food makes you jump for joy, then add Beniya Mukayu to your foodie bucket list. This design hotel in the beautiful Ishikawa prefecture is both luxurious and understated, with a focus on subtle Japanese elegance, such as tatami mats, screened rooms and private onsen baths.

The real draw for committed foodies is the hotel’s famed kaiseki (multi-course) breakfasts and dinners, included in your room rate. Consisting of up to 10 intricately prepared courses, served on delicate local pottery over the course of several hours, each dish is artfully arranged to look every bit as exquisite as it tastes. The focus on locally caught fish makes this a must for seafood lovers.

Those wishing to deepen their understanding of the country and its cuisine can enrol on the two-anda-half hour Taste of Japan cooking course, where, guided by Beniya

www.arounddb.com January 2017

53

ESCAPES

Mukayu’s expert chefs, students prepare classic Japanese dishes to enjoy over lunch in the hotel’s tranquil garden.

Tri, Galle, Sri Lanka Sri Lanka has long been a gourmet paradise – this lush and fertile island nation produces a staggering amount of fresh produce, from ripe tropical fruits to a colourful array of marketfresh vegetables that you’ll find harvested and dished up in delicious recipes wherever you travel. But, as any chef will tell you, bringing out the best in your ingredients is all about the right seasoning, and that’s where this jewel of the Indian Ocean really comes into its own.

Tri, an eco-friendly boutique property perched on the edge of Lake Koggala, is not only a wonderfully luxurious, yet environmentally conscious destination in which to relax, it’s also perfectly placed for an excursion to nearby Cinnamon Island. Learn more about this ubiquitous spice and its journey from bark to bowl, before buying a few fragrant mementoes of your trip.

Tri in Galle, Sri Lanka

bustling Central Business District, SO Sofitel Singapore is a great option for gourmet globetrotters, based just moments away from Chinatown’s many restaurants and hawker centres, as well as classy bar district Club Street. The hotel’s onsite dining is as good as you’d expect in this food-centric city, with diners invited to design their own meals, based around the themes crunchy, juicy, smoky, creamy, silky, spicy or zesty, at the hotel’s flagship restaurant, Xperience.

Venturing out onto the streets brings its own delicious rewards,

FIND IT

SO Sofitel, Singapore

SO Sofitel Singapore

and Singabites is a food tour with a difference. Staffed by eight culinary experts, many of whom are ex-chefs, your tour guides help you get under the skin of Singapore’s street food culture, giving you the lowdown on what to eat and where to eat it, along with a little local history thrown into the mix.

Although the company launched in 2015, the Singabites tours have proven so popular that they won the Luxury Travel Award 2016 for Best Singaporean Cultural Experience, so do book well in advance to guarantee your spot.

• Beniya Mukayu, www.mukayu.com • Nihiwatu, www.nihiwatu.com • SO Sofitel Singapore, www.sofitel-so-singapore.com • The Lake House, www.lakehouse.com.au • Tri, www.trilanka.com

Based right in the midst of Singapore’s

Find more exciting travel destinations @ www.arounddb.com

BEAT THE COLD WITH ACTIONX

+ +

Underwear

Socks

Base Layer / First Layer / Mid Layer / Jacket

Happy New Year Great TIDEings we bring!

Check-out our website to see the all new and existing boats listed - we’re sure there is a boat for everyone.

Give me, or St. John a call to see how we can help you find the perfect boat for your 2017 adventures!

We’d be more than happy to show you around our stunning fleet.

Early Bird Flight Deals

Michele (852) 6055 0146 michelejcameron@msn.com

St.John (852) 6055 5711 stjohncameron@msn.com

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.

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

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

It’s time for some growth and knowledge.

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

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

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

© Anna Kari

CONTACT ME Tel: 9811 1554, email: kailash_k3@hotmail. com, kishus@i-cable.com

HK HAPPENINGS Through February 12

10 FUN THINGS TO DO IN HK THIS MONTH! www.tgec.asia

THE GREAT EUROPEAN CARNIVAL Central Harbourfront, Central

The Great European Carnival returns for its third consecutive year and features a wide range of entertainment, including DJs, choirs, dance shows, magicians and fabulous fairground rides. You can purchase tickets, starting at HK$90, either at the venue or online at www.tgec.asia.

PASSENGER LIVE IN HONG KONG MacPherson Stadium, Mongkok January 11

DRAGON AND LION DANCE EXTRAVAGANZA Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui January 1-2 www.lyreka.com

Topping charts in over 20 countries with his worldwide hit Let Her Go, Passenger (aka Michael David Rosenberg) is now one of the biggest names in modern folk rock. In 2014, Let Her Go was nominated for the Brit Award for British Single of the Year. For concert tickets, starting at HK$597.13, visit www.eventbrite.hk.

commons.wikimedia.org

Ring in the New Year with the annual Dragon and Lion Dance Extravaganza, the popular dance parade that runs through the streets of Tsim Sha Tsui. Top-notch dance teams display exciting kung-fu techniques in the lion dance championship.

For more information, visit www.dragonlion.hk.

BRYAN ADAMS: GET UP TOUR

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

PUNCHLINE COMEDY CLUB Tamarind, Wanchai

AsiaWorld-Expo, Chek Lap Kok January 14

www.parade.com

Now touring his 13th studio album Get Up, multi-platinum selling artist Bryan Adams has spent the last three decades rocking the world and selling over 65 million records. Concert tickets, starting at HK$480, are available at www.hkticketing.com.

January 12-14

www.comedy.com.au

Popular stand-up comedian Dave Hughes is known for his larrikin personality, drawling Aussie accent and deadpan delivery. The radio and TV presenter is a regular performer at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

Tickets, starting at HK$390, are available at www.ticketflap.com.

www.arounddb.com January 2017

57

HK HAPPENINGS

CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL

Get your events listed @ www.arounddb.com

Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui January 19-25

KIDSFEST! 2017 Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Wanchai January 19-25

www.electricearthconcerts.org

The eighth annual Hong Kong International Chamber Music Festival features some of the world’s best musicians and up-and-coming stars. The festival kicks off with the works of Moszkowski, Mozart and Schumann. For information and tickets, visit www.pphk.org.

January 20

www.societyofrock.com

METALLICA: WORLDWIRED TOUR AsiaWorld-Expo, Chek Lap Kok Metallica is playing Hong Kong for the first time, following the release of its 11th studio album, Hardwired... To Self-Destruct. The band made history in 2013 when it performed a rare concert in Antarctica, becoming the first act to play all seven continents in one year. For tickets, starting at HK$580, visit www.hkticketing.com.

Photo courtesy of ABA Productions

KidsFest! 2017 is back for the sixth consecutive year. An internationally celebrated festival of world-class theatre, it showcases 10 live productions focused on education and allround fun for the whole family.

1. The Way Back Home (January 6-8) 2. Grufflos, Ladybirds and Other Beasts (January 11-15) 3. Shark in the Park (January 11-15) 4. The First Hippo on the Moon (January 12-15) 5. Stick Man (January 18-22) 6. Awful Egyptians (January 19-21) 7. The Best of Barmy Britain (January 20-22) Visit www.kidsfest.com.hk for more information, and www.hkticketing.com for tickets.

January 28

LBC LANTAU LADIES RUN/ HIKE January 21

Photo courtesy of LBC

58

In an effort to see more women competing in local trail running competitions, Lantau Base Camp has come up with the LBC Lantau Ladies Run/ Hike. To register for the 20-kilometre or 11-kilometre race, both of which start at the China Bear in Mui Wo, visit www.racematix.com.

January 2017 www.arounddb.com

partnernet.hktb.com

CHINESE NEW YEAR NIGHT PARADE Tsim Sha Tsui

Mark the Year of the Rooster at the Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade. The colourful celebration showcases spectacular floats and international performances in the streets of Tsim Sha Tsui.

OFFICE 3483 5003

www.homesolutions.hk

Sharon Riley Misako Takato Kim Jomar

9664 4749 9757 0927 9748 2367

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

NOW SERVING SOUTH LANTAU AND TUNG CHUNG

$13M

$8.8M

TUNG CHUNG FLAT - CARIBBEAN COAST 1112’ Net + 44.4’ Bay Window

VILLA IN CHEUNG SHA 787’ Net + Rooftop + Terrace

Lovely large flat in great development. 3 Beds, 2 Baths inc 1 ensuite. Large Beautifully designed villa in desirable Cheung Fu Street. 2 Beds, 1 open plan living area leading out to balcony with mountain views. Well designed Bath, 1 Office. Open plan ground floor with all modern appliances and kitchen with all appliances. Extra office room plus helper room and storage. built in entertainment system. Rooftop with sea views. Rare on market.

$4M MUI WO FLAT 400’ Net + 191’ Net Rooftop

Desirable flat in sought after building. 2 Beds, 1 Bath. Separate modern kitchen. Wooden flooring throughout. Stunning views from living area and rooftop.

$38K MUI WO FLAT 1080’ Net + Rooftop

Unique flat in heart of Mui Wo. 4 Beds all with sea views, 2 Baths (inc 1 ensuite).

Open plan kitchen with all appliances. Double glazed windows and split type air cons throughout. Rooftop perfect for entertaining and with sea views. Available now!

$30K SHAP LONG VILLAGE HOUSE 1800’ + Large Garden

Making you feel at home is our business

Recently renovated 2 storey home. 3 Beds, 2 Baths. Large open plan ground floor leads out to enormous garden with grass. Green and sea views from rooftop. Parking at doorstep.

Call us any time at 3483 5003 or Email PROPERTY@HOMESOLUTIONS.HK C-044849

ATS

specialist mortgage

specialist mortgage

ATS

DB DB FACES FACES

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

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

Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com

Win prizes from Uncle Russ Coffee and The Pier Bar! Congratulations to last month’s winner: Snowdog Honam (@honam.thehusky).

T 60

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!

January 2017 www.arounddb.com

www.arounddb.com January 2017

60

View DB property listings @ www.arounddb.com EMPLOYMENT

FINANCE & INSURANCE

WORSHIP SERVICE Discovery College Sundays @ 10 am CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP PRACTICAL BIBLE TEACHING KIDS CHURCH & TEENS

DELIVERY PERSON/ MESSENGER

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

Call 9145 6731 to leave a message

AUSTRALIAN TAX RETURNS Need to lodge your Australian tax return?

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

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

NURSE WANTED

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

EMPLOYER LOOKING FOR A HELPER? Place your free classifieds ad here.

Email info@baymedia.com.hk

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

HEALTH & WELLBEING

HYPNOSIS &/ OR SHORT-TERM THERAPY

Quit smoking quickly.

Divorce/ Post-Divorce Coaching.

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

View local business directories @ www.arounddb.com HEALTH & WELLBEING

HOME SERVICES

BEAUTIFUL MIND THERAPY & FAMILY SERVICES

• Local & international moves • Long/ short-term storage • Handyman services • World-class service – competitive rates Operating on DB & Lantau.

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

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

FTC RELOCATIONS

Contact 2814 1658, sales@ftc.hk, www.ftc.hk

EXPAT PAINTER & DECORATOR

HOME SERVICES

AKASH MOVING & HANDYMAN SERVICES

• Packing, moving & storage service • Interior painting & patch-up work • Appliance installation • Hanging pictures & mirrors • Blinds, curtains & shelves installation • Lights & ceiling fan installation • LCD TV mounting & switch replacement Contact 2421 8088, info@akash.hk, www.akash.hk

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

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

HOUSE PAINTING BY UNITEK HK

Fast, tidy, reliable! Best rates in town!

Full renovation & handyman services, all done by expats.

For a free quote contact 2984 9381, www.unitekhk.com

Elly House of Beauty Offering trial prices for new clients, we offer Intense Pulse Light Treatments and Face Photo Rejuvenation.

Visit our Facebook page at Elly House of Beauty or contact us at 5217 0102 (Whatsapp)

HOME SERVICES

FLAT PAINTING & HANDYMAN WORKS

All painting works, interior & exterior.

Picture hanging, light fitting, bath & tile refinishing.

Minor electrical & carpentry work.

Refinishing, door fitting, fencing, astroturfing & more.

Contact Roger on 9156 0360, drscompanyhk@gmail.com

RETAIL

ABBELIO WINES

Great value! High scoring!

Wines from around the world!

Free delivery & special offers for Discovery Bay residents.

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

KIDS

EARLY ADVENTURES PLAYGROUP

A dedicated playgroup with the emphasis on learning through play.

Activities to stimulate all areas of development.

Come & look at our facilities.

Classes for kids from 20 months to 4 years.

Morning & afternoon sessions.

Call 9511 2107, or visit www.earlyadventures.net

DEADLINE FOR FEBRUARY ISSUE CLASSIFIEDS

January 16

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

CHINESE (MANDARIN & CANTONESE), MATHEMATICS & ENGLISH

SPANISH

Personal Professional Tutoring Service.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Any level/ time/ purpose.

In the Greens.

Call 6071 9643, or visit www.dbmandarin.com

little-whale.com Your One-Stop Online Childcare & Toy Store!

Free Shipping on orders $300+

@littlewhale.com.hk Earn & Redeem Online or at Stores!

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

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

Call 5321 4400

Discovery Bay Tung Chung

5690 4960 6310 7074

Life Casting SINGING LESSONS • For children and adults • With opera singer (ex Phantom of the Opera cast) and former teacher of the University of West London Musical Theatre degree course • In DB - close to pier Contact 5699 5979, or visit www.bernadettenagy.com

+852 9150 4033 www.shadow.com.hk shadow@shadow.hk.com

View local business directories @ www.arounddb.com

Our Customer of the Month

Luna Mypetshop in the North Plaza.

Shop G09-92 Siena Ave. DB North Plaza Tel: 2987 8873 Open Daily 10am – 7:30pm

Tung Chung Vet Centre Shop Q2, Seaview Crescent Retail, 8 Tung Chung Water Front Road, Tung Chung (near Zentro Bar)

Tel: 2328 7282

All your vet needs, surgery, dentals, vaccinations, retail grooming.

Phoenix Wills

Alcoholics Anonymous

Have you appointed guardians for your children?

Who should inherit your assets if you and your immediate family are all fatalities in an accident?

What happens if the breadwinner in your family is critically ill or in a coma and unable to provide?

e i i s t assist y u it y ur estate a i t e sure t at y ur ved es are ed a ter i t e eve t y ur u time y deat r i ca acity W: www.phoenix-wills.com E: info@phoenix-wills.com T: 3100 0101 | M: 6108 8471

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

If you want to stop, we can help.

Alcoholics No dues or fees.

Anonymous

24hr hotline:9073 6922 www.aa-hk.org

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

DB & LANTAU PROPERTY

APARTMENTS IN TUNG CHUNG

2-BED IN CHERISH COURT, DB

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

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

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

Contact Jacqueline 9811 0718, jacquelinedb@gmail.com

DELUXE DB SERVICED APARMENTS

NICELY DECORATED DB APARTMENTS

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

Contact Annie on 2987 2626, annie@appletravel.com

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

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

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

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

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

HAWKS NEST THAILAND FOR RENT

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

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

FULLY FURNISHED DB 1-BED

VILLA IN SANUR, BALI FOR RENT

Smart apartment on a high floor with sea view.

Close to pier & DB Plaza. Available fully furnished.

Call Tiareti on 9732 8985

Newly built 4 bedroom/ bathroom villa for rent in Sanur, Bali. Large pool & western kitchen.

Walking distance to beach & restaurants. Prices from HK$1,800 per night with a minimum of 2 nights. Contact serenacourtauld@gmail.com

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

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

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

THESPANISHOPPORTUNITY.COM TheSpanishOpportunity.com helps you find the property you are looking for in Spain.

Contact info@thespanishopportunity.com

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

Free online at www.aussieproperty.com

Greenland Pest Control Tailored Pest Control Solutions for Rodent, Cockroaches, Fleas, Mosquitoes, Termites, Ants, Ticks etc‌ For info please call Thomas 9871 0771 or May 9774 3554 Email: greenlandpest@outlook.com

Contact todayforfor Contact us us today long-term healthy weight long-term healthy Contact us todayweight for loss.

Advice and plans to to loss.

Advice and plans long-term healthy weight suit every lifestyle from our suitloss. every lifestyle fromto our Advice and plans accredited suitCambridge every lifestyle from our Cambridge accredited coaches.

Cambridge accredited coaches. coaches.

Visit the Around DB Facebook page for trending news, events and local discussions. www.facebook.com/ AroundDB

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

SOUTH LANTAU

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

FTC Apparel

FOOD, RESTAURANTS & BARS

2428 2566 FOOD, RESTAURANTS & BARS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mui Wo Inn Silvermine Beach Resort Tai O Heritage Hotel

HOTELS

3969 1888 3602 8888 2286 8888

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

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

SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT

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

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

UTILITY, SERVICES & EMERGENCY HOTLINES

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

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

PROPERTY AGENCIES

LEARNING CENTRES

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

2984 7225 6810 0111 2985 8383 LEARNING CENTRES

2421 8088 2109 2330 2988 1488

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

2984 8334 2984 8487 2984 1802 2984 9833 9783 5840 HOTELS

HOME & REPAIRS

Akash Removals Mega Power Engineering/Locksmiths Shun Yu Engineering

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

HEALTH & WELLBEING

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Bayside Dental Essential Health Family Clinic Human Health Medical Centre Maximum Care North Lantau Physiotherapy Tung Chung Animal Clinic Tung Chung Vet Centre Tung Chung Maternal & Child Health Centre Quality Health Dental Quality Health Medical Raffles Medical

LANTAU NUMBERS

2988 8282 2988 1898 3661 1999

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

2984 8334 3483 5003 2984 1666 RETAIL

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

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

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

9662 1747 2984 0060 6108 8471 9025 3949 6351 8923 TRANSPORTATION

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

2984 2268 2984 8494 2984 8255 2984 9848

DB NUMBERS

Add your usiness or

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

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

Future Stars Dance Academy

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

2987 6867 melissa@futurestarsdanceacademy.com

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

2987 1571 www.islanddance.com.hk

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

9327 0507

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

Playtime Kids DB

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Playgroup run by Montessori-trained teacher. From 6 months to 4 years. 2623 4099; 9054 0565 playtimekidsdb@yahoo.com, www.playtimekidsdb.com

2987 1373 2914 2378 2987 8898 2987 1777

OTHER SERVICES

The Best Travel Agency in DB 2987 2626 cas@appletravel.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 Gillian florist, North Plaza Flight Centre, North Plaza Mypetshop, North Plaza Pets Gallery The Optical House Well Supreme Laundry Services

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

PROPERTY LISTINGS & BOATS

The Beat

Parsons White Wealth Management

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

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

AQUABLU

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

Tree of Joy

The Stephen Putnam Practice

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

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

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

Apple Travel

Island Dance

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

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

.aroundd .com

2160 6556 2233 3000 2987 1851

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

HOME 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

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

LEARNING CENTRES

7+1 Creative Club

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

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

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

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

January 2017 www.arounddb.com

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 2987 4217

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

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

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

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

Add your usiness or FOOD & BEVERAGE, HOTELS

SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT

Kiraku Tei

2987 2886

Koh Tomyums

2987 0767

La Création Bakery

2987 1829

McSorley’s Ale House

2987 8280

Mirch Masala, North Plaza

2987 1337

Moofish, North Plaza

2987 6318

Nevale Kitchen, North Plaza

2172 7099

Pacific Coffee

2987 1662

Paisano’s, North Plaza

2673 4445

Peony Chinese Restaurant

2500 1950

Salt & Pepper

2336 8001

Solera

2555 0772

Subway

2914 0005

Super Super

2914 1308

The Venue

2777 8411

Uncle Russ, DB Plaza

2682 0068

Uncle Russ, North Plaza

2682 8110

Zak’s

2987 6232

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

2987 0132 www.dbcricketclub.com

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

Embody The perfect studio for bumps, babes, kids & adults with Yoga, Piloxing, Zumba, Pilates, FatBurn & more!

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

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

DB NUMBERS

.aroundd .com

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

2911 4833 2987 7382 6473 4277 2517 8248 2987 9591 2987 7273 2987 7381 2320 1238

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

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

WELLBEING

Ingredients of Wellness – Mindfulness Training

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

ChinaUTILITIES, Light & Power Information&Line 2678 2678 SERVICES EMERGENCY HOTLINES

2987 4230 2441 0098 3480 1348 2987 7859

TRANSPORT SERVICES

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

M Spa

Limousine Rental

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

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

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

3651 2345 2728 8333

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

2987 0614

Nailed It Professional artificial nail services in DB 2987 2266

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

2987 0283 2987 2060 2499 8826 2987 4112 2987 9198

View the business directory

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

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

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

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

.aroundd .com www.arounddb.com January 2017

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OUT THERE

NEW YEAR VERSUS

ETERNITY To kick off 2017, Peter Sherwood gets to grips with the meaning of life

A

s I struggle to come to terms with the Great Unknown it has occurred to me that it’s already 2017 and in the grand scheme of things, there appears to be no grand scheme. For 4.5 billion years we didn’t exist and then we’re dumped here… without so much as a by your leave.

Left to stagger around bemused, then hurled without choice into eternity.

It hardly seems fair. We’re left to get on with it, whatever ‘it’ is. And whatever it is, it involves grappling with profound existential questions such as Apple or Samsung, and does my dog truly love me?

Photo courtesy of www.wikimedia.org

The eternity part leaves me hyperventilating. The vastness of the universe is supposed to have that effect, but we can no longer use ‘awesome’ to describe it. That grand adjective is now attached to the latest social messaging app or a successful night out on D’Deck.

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to be remains to be seen. As Woody Allen said: “More than any time in history mankind faces a crossroads.

One path leads to despair and utter hopelessness, the other to total extinction. Let us pray that we have the wisdom to choose correctly.”

I’ve tried a few different paths that might lead me to a little enlightenment, exploring more religions and philosophies than the Oxford Book of Great Thinkers.

But as Buddha wrote: “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” Clearly I wasn’t ready.

Having shambled down myriad blind alleys and often into vast pits of metaphysical quicksand, I’ve finally admitted it is just fine to be perfectly imperfect.

A galactic giggle

I don’t mean Donald Trump imperfect, of course. I don’t even want to go there – that would carry this conversation into censorship, and I get paid by the published word. Anyway, I’m a satirist not Socrates, and my work can never be the result of wild optimism.

Just how ‘awesome’ 2017 turns out

You can be optimistic. I’ll stick

to wily pessimism because that’s the only place I’ll find irony, and without irony I’m as sunk as the Titanic. Nothing funny, other than maybe schadenfreude, was ever born of mindless enthusiasm. Even Beethoven’s magically uplifting Ode to Joy must have been written under a black cloud given the poor man’s health and financial burdens.

Let’s acknowledge that futility might be a good place to start squeezing out a satisfying life, and admit it’s all a bit of a galactic giggle with lengthy intervals of pain. The journey is hard and sort of ridiculous if you think about it – and plain stupid if you don’t. Or maybe ignorance really is bliss and I’m too unenlightened to see the significance.

Time now for the literal and pedantic crowd to go on their tiresome rant about how negative thoughts are self-destructive, the worst enemy a man can have. They are wrong; we pessimists are having a great time and we are never disappointed. I say that as a DB resident. Happy New Year!

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

Find more from Peter @ www.arounddb.com

January 2017 www.arounddb.com

www.arounddb.com January 2017

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