Around DB July Issue 2017 by Around DB Magazine

Discovery Bayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s original community magazine

JULY 2017

GROW YOUR OWN

DB family farm Top Asian beach resorts

Survival kit for trailing spouses LANTAU STAYCATION

Where to play over the holidays

HIT MAKERS MEET CINDY AND WESLEY REID

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

FREE

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Promotion Period: From now until 31 July 2017 Promotion Hotline: 3669 3911 | www.bochk.com/wm

Remark: *Terms apply. Reminder: To borrow or not to borrow? Borrow only if you can repay!

General Terms: 1. The above offer is only applicable to personal banking customers. 2. The above offer cannot be used in conjunction with other promotion offers that are not listed in this promotion material. 3. The above products, services and offer are subject to the relevant terms. For details, please refer to the relevant promotion materials or contact Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited (“BOCHK”) branch staff. 4. BOCHK reserves the rights to amend, suspend or terminate the above products, services and offers and to amend the relevant terms at any time at its sole discretion. In case of any dispute, the decision of BOCHK shall be final. 5. The above offer only applicable to BOCHK Discovery Bay Banking Services Centre (Address: Shop G28, G/F, Block C, DB Plaza, Discovery Bay City, Lantau Island, New Territories). 6. Should there be any discrepancy between the Chinese and English versions of this promotion material, the Chinese version shall prevail.

RENTALS/SALES

July 2017

D EA

康頤閣 GLAMOUR 2 1

25K

Cosy apartment, balcony with great views and walking distance to the plaza. Must see!

碧濤軒 COASTLINE 3

Gross: 699’ Saleable: 591’

Gross: 1519’ Saleable: 1314’

58K

Good sized lowrise apartment with stunning views, practical layout, bright and airy.

2 1

Gross: 1432’ Saleable: 1146’

Gross: 876’ Saleable: 689’

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

65K 朝暉徑 HEADLAND

Renovated lowrise with great views. Spacious living and close to schools.

4 2

Gross: 1644’ Saleable: 1406’

12M

Saleable: 844’

9.6M

Lovely apartment overlooking Siena Park. Walking distance to North Plaza and Club Siena.

Nicely jointed unit, spacious living and located conveniently for schools.

海堤居 LA COSTA 3 2

28K

Gross: 2099’ Saleable: 2094’

$130K

Fantastic garden house with generous outdoor living space. Ideal for family. Must see!

NK BA ION AT UAT L VA

海澄湖畔二段 SIENA TWO Gross: 1165’ 3

Gross: 1088’ Saleable: 947’

Practical layout and located in a convenient location. Don’t miss!

觀景樓 CLEAR VIEW 2

Gross: 958’ Saleable: 751’

9.7M

Stunning duplex with modern open kitchen and great views.

NK BA N O W I LO AT BE ALU V

頤峰 GREENVALE

頤峰 GREENVALE 3

Beautifully renovated apartment fitted with all amenities. Close to plaza.

海澄湖畔一段 SIENA ONE 3

27K

NK BA N D N IO OU AT AR ALU V

NK BA W TION O L A BE ALU V

津堤 AMALFI

Gross: 835’ Saleable: 722’

寶峰 PARKVALE

E AG

Gross: 1355’ Saleable: 1215’

$18.8M 海蜂徑 SEABEE

Beautifully renovated house with a panoramic sea views. Good value.

4 3

www.headlandhomes.hk

Gross: 3100’ Saleable: 2403’

115K/36M

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

2987 2088

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CONTENTS July 2017

PROFILE

TALKING POINTS

Cindy and Wesley Reid of The HIT Room

The lowdown on head lice

IN FOCUS

ESCAPES

All the fun of DB Family Farm

Bucket-list beach destinations

24 FAMILY MATTERS Advice for the trailing spouse

42 For the latest Around DB updates, find us on:

REGULARS 18

GIVEAWAYS Win big prizes

PARENTING Hacking the holidays

RECIPES Delicious dips

DB FACES Community snaps

OUT THERE Island life

AGENDA 8

DB EVENTS

HK HAPPENINGS

CLASSIFIEDS

PROPERTY

LOCAL NUMBERS

ON THE COVER

High Intensity Training – a hit in DB

To read the cover story, turn to page 20

Discovery Bay’s original community magazine

JULY 2017

GROW YOUR OWN

DB family farm

Survival kit for trailing spouses

Top Asian beach resorts

LANTAU STAYCATION

Where to play over the holidays

www.arounddb.com Publishers in Lantau since 2002

HIT MAKERS MEET CINDY AND WESLEY REID

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

FREE

We also publish… June/ July 2017

WIN!

an overnight stay at L’hotel Nina et Convention Centre and a Japanese acupuncture treatment at IMI

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

Join your community online

Photo by Baljit Gidwani www.evoqueportraits.com

LOCAL LITERATI YOUNG WRITER’S COMPETITION 2017

PENG CHAU DAY TRIP

ALIVEANDKICKING

GET OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

WHERE TO FIND ROCKIN’ LOCAL BANDS ISLAND-WIDE EVENTS * PRIZES * COMMUNITY SNAPS * CLASSIFIEDS * THOUGHTS ON ISLAND LIFE Join your community online at www.lifeonlantau.com

Publishers in in Lantau Lantau since since 2002 2002 Publishers

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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 SPECIAL PUBLICATIONS & ONLINE EDITOR 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 Emily Dowd (intern) Kate Farr Trisha Hughes 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.

www.evoqueportraits.com

DB DRAGON BOATING Discovery Bay was awash with colour, splashing and cheering during the annual DB Dragon Boat Races & Carnival at Tai Pak Wan on May 28. Congratulations to the winners of the COC Cup, Team Mushu of Hong Kong Disneyland; the COC Plate, Dutch Connexion; the COC Bowl, DBICC Ripple Effect; the ladies’ race, Sea Cucumbers; the youth race, Lamma U18; and the community race, Motley Crew.

DB EVENTS

YOUR ROUNDUP

OF RECENT COMMUNIT Y E VENTS

www.arounddb.com July 2017

DB EVENTS

DBFC SUCCESS

www.discoverybayfc.com

The Discovery Bay Football Club (DBFC) has had a successful time of it of late, with the club’s veterans team reaching the master’s plate final at the HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens across the last weekend of May. On top of that, DBFC’s Legal League team has had a brilliant season locally, taking out the double by winning the League Division 1 title with a 2-1 win on June 3 and then the Legal League Champions Cup with a 4-0 victory on June 10. For full match reports, head to www.discoverybayfc.com.

SNAKE WORKSHOP Resident Lantau snake expert William Sargent, who also organises the everpopular MoonTrekker, gave an introduction to Hong Kong’s snakes in Discovery Bay on June 11. The talk covered snake types, their behaviour, the risks involved and how best to respond to an incident.

July 2017 www.arounddb.com

Photos by Jason Severn

WHAT IS

EFFECTIVE

ESTATE PLANNING?

“Effective Financial Planning is to speed up the overall distribution of your estate; and to mitigate unwarranted taxes whilst providing the right people with the right money at the right time!” - Annette M Houlihan

How does one do this? Writing your Will

- If you die with a Will in Hong Kong, the Grant of Probate (a legal document releasing your assets) can take months. Without one, it can take years!

Setting up a Family Trust - Trusts can be used for Tax

Mitigation, Asset Protection and/or Succession Planning and are not just suitable for the wealthy.

Nominate Beneficiaries - If you have any life insurance

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

Updating

and

acquire assets globally; planning instructions.

Reviewing

you

should

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DB EVENTS

HARVEY LAW GROUP KART RACE The Harvey Law Group Kart Race was hotly contested this year, with winners including Cameron Appleby (for the seven-year-olds), Alexander Lillo (eight), Axel Dimblad (nine), Benji Broughton (10) and Thomas Robinson (12). Louis Basquin had a good day on the track, winning the 11-year-old category and taking out fastest freestyler, while best kart design was awarded to the McKenzie brothers for Pipe Dream.

www.evoqueportraits.com

July 2017 www.arounddb.com

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BLOCK A, 2/F, SUITE 205, DB PLAZA

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DB EVENTS New in DB

YOUR GUIDE TO UPCOMING

COMMUNIT Y EV ENTS

Throughout July Photo courtesy of HKR

FOUR NEW DOUBLE DECKERS Four brand-new Euro 5 double-decker buses are joining the DB bus fleet over the summer, replacing the second-hand buses currently in use. The new additions form part of a wider, ongoing bus replacement scheme in DB, intended to ensure that the whole DB bus fleet achieves emission standards of Euro 4 or above, and that over half of the buses meet Euro 5 or 6 standards by the end of 2018. The aim of the scheme is to improve the air quality in DB and bring about a greener and cleaner environment.

BOOK YOUR TABLE FOR THE BACK TO SCHOOL FAIR on August 26 at Discovery

Bay International School. Contact eva_mpp@yahoo.com.hk to secure a full or small/ shared table.

Throughout July

New in DB

TRANSPORTATION UPGRADE Discovery Bay Transportation Services is implementing a number of changes as a result of temporary bus arrangements. Initiatives include the installation of electric fans and plastic curtains at bus stops; more visible signage along Discovery Bay Road, the new footbridge and the promenade; more lighting and seats at bus stops; a provision of wheelchairs to assist disabled passengers; and new shelters along the footbridge to the plaza.

NATUROPATHY INFO SESSION AT IMI

Integrated Medicine Institute, DB North Plaza

Photo by Andrew Spires

DBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Integrated Medicine Institute is offering a free 20-minute information session on the benefits of naturopathy with its new naturopath and homeopath Philip Watkins. This is your chance to find out how natural medicine can optimise the quality of your day and discuss how personalised herbal medicine can help with stress management, sleep and hormonal issues. Call 2537 1087 to book an appointment.

Throughout July

TO ADOPT A PET through Protection of

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

July 2017 www.arounddb.com

July 7 to 21

DISCOVERY BAY SUNDAY MARKET REGISTRATION

is open for vendors looking to book a stall at the DB Plaza markets on November 12 and 26 and December 10. Visit www. handmadehongkong.com or email register@handmadehongkong.com.

July 8

STOCK UP AT THE PLANT MARKET across from Haven

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

AUBERGE SUMMER FEAST

July 21 onwards

Auberge, Discovery Bay

The summer buffet at the Auberge’s Café Bord de Mer & Lounge is available Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from July 21 to August 31, with sashimi, mussels, crayfish and snow crab some of the highlights. There is also a vast range of salads, as well as roast lamb and curried chicken. Lunch and dinner is HK$218 for children, while for adults lunch is HK$328 and dinner HK$398.

www.aubergediscoverybay.com

Check out the all new AroundDB.com Your Around DB and Life on Lantau website is packed full of local news, events, giveaways and community info. Keep an eye on www.arounddb.com www.lifeonlantau.com To discuss advertising opportunities, please contact the Bay Media sales team on:

2987 0577 publishing and design studio

DB EVENTS

SAVE THE DATE

NEW IN LANTAU

DBRC CHARITY TENNIS CUP

STOEP AT HIGH TIDE

Discovery Bay Recreation Club

Now in Mui Wo

September 23

July onwards

Photo courtesy of Stoep at High Tide www.evoqueportraits.com

Now’s the time to hit the court and sharpen up your game and more importantly your costume for this year’s Charity Tennis Cup, which sees teams dress up and serve it out in the name of charity. Registration opens soon and you can find out more by contacting 2987 7381.

The Stoep has left Lower Cheung Sha Beach, after 18 years, to join up with High Tide in Mui Wo. The all-new Stoep at High Tide will be up and running early in July, with a new menu to satisfy the customers of both restaurants. DBers are invited to try the very reasonably priced lunch set menu, or stop by for a drink at the new bar and stay for dinner. To make a reservation, call 2980 3002 or 2980 2699.

CONGRATULATIONS MATT MCLAUGHLIN

Photo courtesy of Matt McLaughlin

Long-time DB resident Matt McLaughlin’s book, Flying the Knife Edge - New Guinea Bush Pilot, received a silver medal in the Australia/ New Zealand nonfiction category at the 2017 Independent Publisher Book Awards in New York on May 30. Head to www.bookdepository.com to grab a copy.

July 2017 www.arounddb.com

TAICHI KHO

Photo by Around DB

Up-and-coming DB golfer Taichi Kho won the Mission Hills Jack Nicklaus Junior Championship in China in June. This is the latest in a string of successes for the Discovery College student, with the 16-year-old winning the tournament in a play-off after shooting a three-under 69 in the final round.

GIVEAWAYS

HERE’S YOUR CHANCE TO WIN GREAT PRIZES! Around DB giveaways are incredibly easy to get your hands on and you have until the 10th of this month to apply. Simply go to www.arounddb.com/giveaways, click on the giveaway you want, and enter your details into the online form. Win tickets to Father Christmas from ABA Productions

www.epiclandhk.com

www.shadow.com.hk

Win a set of baby hand or feet casts sculpted by Shadow Projects Shadow Projects is offering one reader a set of baby hand or feet casts (worth HK$3,500). A Shadow Projects plaster cast captures a special ‘moment’ in three dimensions for you to remember forever. Other services including bespoke furniture design and construction are also offered. If you have an artistic idea and want it brought to life, visit www.shadow.com.hk.

Win a personal training session with Movement Improvement

www.aba-productions.com

ABA Productions is offering two readers two tickets (worth HK$435 each) to see Father Christmas on December 1 at 4pm. Join Father Christmas as he gets ready for his busiest day of the year, Christmas Eve. This merry and heartwarming adaptation of Raymond Briggs’ classic tale features live music, singing and puppetry. Running from December 1 to 2; for tickets visit www.hkticketing.com.

Win a dog grooming session and two bags of pet nutrition from Tung Chung Vet Centre Tung Chung Vet Centre is offering one reader a free dog grooming session (worth HK$650) and two bags of Hill’s Vet Essentials pet nutrition (worth HK$350).

www.movementimprovement.com.hk

Movement Improvement is offering one reader a private consultation and personal training session (worth HK$1,025). Specialising in Pilates and yoga, injury prevention and rehabilitation, Movement Improvement also offers Spinning, TRX, circuit training, Fatburn Extreme and personal training. To book a class in DB North Plaza, call 2987 5852 or visit www.movementimprovement.com.hk.

July 2017 www.arounddb.com

www.wikimedia.org

Tung Chung Vet Centre has been serving the Lantau pet community since December 2011. For all your vet and grooming needs, visit Shop Q2, Seaview Crescent Retail Shops, 12 Tung Chung Waterfront Road, Tung Chung (near Chef’s Choice and Zentro Garden), or call 2328 7282.

Congratulations to last month’s winners Sunny Chen for a month’s membership of Body Express; Donna Simchison for a place on Bayview House of Children’s Creative Programme; Denise Robertshaw for a tassel necklace from Zen Sisters; and Jeannette Loh for a Japanese acupuncture session at the Integrated Medicine Institute.

DMR

School of Ballet Est 1984

Joy of Dance Summer Programme Call us!

IMI’s New Naturopath

Philip Watkins Philip is an Australian trained and licensed Naturopath and Homeopath who is passionate in helping adults and children to overcome acute and chronic conditions and regain optimal health and wellbeing. He is now practising at IMI Discovery Bay. Using science-based functional medicine lab tests, naturopathic medicine, constitutional homeopathy and lifestyle and diet counselling, Philip specialises in digestive conditions, auto-immune conditions, hormonal issues, as well as mental and emotional health. During the month of July, book in for a FREE 20-minute info session with Philip at IMI Discovery Bay

Please call 2537 1087 to make a booking today!

School’s out soon and summer break is just around the corner so there’s every reason to hop, skip, jump, dance and leap for joy!

112 DB Plaza Discovery Bay

2987 4338

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

PROFILE

DBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GREATEST HITS Photo by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com

Cindy and Wesley Reid celebrate four years bringing High Intensity Training to DBers with athletic goals in mind. Elizabeth Kerr reports

July 2017 www.arounddb.com

Trainer-proprietors of The HIT Room, Wesley and Cindy Reid live and breathe fitness

“T

hree things nutritionally would be reducing alcohol, carbs and sugar,” says trainer Cindy Reid of the best ways to easily shed a few pounds. She says this to a writer – me – who considers Cabernet Sauvignon a major food group. She’s sitting in a coffee shop with a string of beverages in front of her – protein shake, lemon water, coffee – looking remarkably alert for someone whose day starts, on average, at 5.30am. Beside Cindy is husband Wesley, who is also indulging in coffee, though it doesn’t appear to be a sign of a much-needed caffeine boost. Both in their mid-30s with arms you could bounce coins off, the Reids are also nonjudgmental with regards to my idea of what constitutes a food group – a philosophy they apply to work too. “After [training] thousands of people, nothing surprises us anymore, and we’re very accepting of humanity as it is,” begins Wesley. He’s talking about the sometimes unrealistic expectations people bring with them to the Reids’ DB North Plaza gym, The HIT Room, and of the temptation offered by fad diets and miracle detoxes. “It’s just people being people, looking for any way to avoid doing what needs to be done,” Wesley says. “And, as overweight teens, we came from a lot of that ourselves.” Finance and flying The six-year Discovery Bay residents, married for five of those, have been whipping people into shape since 2013. Wesley, a native of Sydney, and Cindy, a Hongkonger raised there, met through a mutual friend when they landed, separately, in the SAR in 2007. “There are three ‘F’s in our lives: finance, flying and fitness,” says Cindy of the duo’s extremely busy

lives as professionals and trainerproprietors of The HIT Room. Back then, Cindy was already working in the finance industry (an American multi-national bank) and Wesley was a (corporate) pilot. As crises, jobs and long-distance coupledom came and went, Wesley soon made the move to Hong Kong permanently, and the rest is, as they say, history. The Reids lived in town for about 14 months, with Wesley proposing after nine months. “We always liked DB; we came over on the odd occasion and found it a lovely place. It’s resort-style living. We came

I can’t let my clients down. I have never called in sick once in four years, and I constantly tell them they can achieve their goals, no matter how they’re built. I need them to succeed in order for me to succeed

Intensity Training, with the gym’s signature programmes being Les Mills Bodypump and Spin. Though the Reids do a lot of pre-wedding toning and one-on-one work with clients who just want to “tidy up”, the studio’s foundation is people looking to get seriously fit. The HIT Room grew from a buyout of an existing studio where Cindy worked as head instructor for a stretch (such are the rhythms of finance). The couple soon came to realise they enjoyed moonlighting as trainers so much, they kept at it – even with full-time jobs. “Everything we do is because we love it,” declares Wesley. He thinks having another career helps – it signals to clients they’re there by choice, and adds to the cachet The HIT Room was built on. “When we came into the market, and I think it still applies now, we offered group exercise, and the big gym chains did too, but it becomes prohibitively expensive and time consuming to travel to Central,” explains Wesley. “It’s three hours and HK$100 five days a week. We teach similar programmes that people know and love right here.” Both Reids are also hyperqualified, with certification from the Fitness Institute Australia, CrossFit, ViPR, NASM and Les Mills among others.

Fitness first

Looking back on The HIT Room’s first half decade, timing has been serendipitous for the Reids: Wesley’s been busy flying around the world when Cindy’s had manageable time at the bank and vice versa. They cover each other’s classes and sessions when needed and a small group of regular trainers help out. Both will admit, however, that Cindy is the driving force. A sponsored athlete, a one-time Olympia podium-finisher, and threetime ICC stair running champ, she’s the one who inspires.

The HIT Room started its fifth year in June: Positive word of mouth has made it the go-to location for High

“Winning is really important to me, I don’t know why. That makes me sound all Type A,” she says with 

here the night we got engaged,” recalls Wesley. “We knew a couple of years down the track we’d want more space, so it was a good move,” he adds. “A lot of people move here by default because they have kids, or dogs, or they know someone here already. We really did just like it.”

www.arounddb.com July 2017

PROFILE

a laugh, recalling her teenaged realisation that she was a natural runner and adrenaline junkie. The last thing either wants, though, is to not be able to practise what they preach.

“Depends on what you mean by day off,” cracks Wesley. The short answer is ‘No’. As if to prove it, Cindy launches into a story about a South African safari vacation.

Family matters

“I asked if there was a gym. They said ‘No Ma’am.’ And I asked, ‘Can we run outside?’ and again they said ‘No Ma’am. You’ll get eaten by lions.’ So I was wondering what I could do, and we were inside this electrified fence. It turned out it was just under 1 kilometre around the camp,” she says. After that she promptly ran 10 kilometres. “We really do live and breathe fitness… I’m totally obsessed.”

So, do they ever take a day off?

There have also been laps of

“I can’t let my clients down. I have never called in sick once in four years, and I constantly tell them they can achieve their goals, no matter how they’re built,” states Cindy. “I need them to succeed in order for me to succeed. Although I’m so driven by success as a person, since having The HIT Room it’s not about me anymore.”

a remote Fijian island (on their honeymoon), and fasted cardio every morning on their fifth wedding anniversary trip to the Maldives, weighing food to the gram at each meal. Cindy was prepping for a bodybuilding contest. Ask what’s down the road and the Reids agree it’s more of the same for now, and keeping The HIT Room personal. They both believe in what they’re doing and see no need for major changes any time soon. That said, Cindy says she’d like to add one ‘F’: family. “I’d like that in five years,” she says. “For now, The HIT Room is our baby. Our only child.” And it’s a healthy one.

Find more local heroes @ www.arounddb.com

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IN FOCUS

Down on the farm

Photos by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com and courtesy of Benjamin Parsons

Growing your own is gloriously satisfying hard work. Sam Agars talks to a group of green-thumbed DB residents who are putting their backs (and hearts) into crop cultivation

n the hustle and bustle that is Hong Kong, Discovery Bay is seen as a sanctuary where people can escape the hectic city life and unwind. While many feel DB is not what it once was – especially on weekends when tourists descend in their droves – there are still initiatives running to ensure the area retains its bucolic feel. One of these is the DB Family Farm in Central Park (Siena Park), which operates as part of the Love. Together@DB programme and gives residents the chance to experiment with what is now a world-wide craze – growing your own food. With 44 plots in total and three planting schedules a year, many DBers are embracing the opportunity

to get outdoors and do something that is not readily available in Hong Kong. A host of residents are using the DB Family Farm to maintain a work-life balance through planting, harvesting and eventually consuming their own produce. Fun in the sun Started by Hong Kong Resorts (HKR) and in operation since October 2014, DB Family Farm is into its seventh four-month planting period, with the most recent beginning on May 4. “DB is a green city and we value a green lifestyle highly, so we want to have a place that can provide residents with the chance to enjoy the experience of gardening,” HKR spokesperson Beatrice Wong says.

July 2017 www.arounddb.com

“The residents can be very busy in their family life, so we wanted to allow them to escape the hectic city life,” Beatrice adds. “It is a healthy activity for the residents and a new experience for a lot of them.” The initiative has been well received by local Hongkongers and expats alike, with around 500 applications for the sixth planting period that ran between January and April of this year, and waitlisted residents helping fill the seventh. Due to their popularity, the 1 metre by 3 metre plots are allocated via a ballot. They come free of cost, although there is an option to pay a gardener to water your plot. Plot owners keep all of their own

something,” Beatrice says. “We teach them how they can use their crops to cook, and we run planting workshops to enhance their planting skills.” There is even a competition for the gardeners, encouraging them to take good care of their plots and share photos of their efforts on Facebook. The owners of the top five best-kept plots earn the right to retain their plot for the next planting season, with the competition initially introduced after some residents neglected their plots. “The plots are in very good condition now and the owners are very happy to share their photos on social media,” Beatrice says. “We get a lot of good feedback from the owners.” Reaping the benefits

Raymond and Karen Choy, Heidi Lam, Jing Tu, and Ting, Chloe and Amelia Lloyd

produce, with common summer plants including cucumber, watermelon and peppers, while the likes of potatoes, carrots, broccoli and beans grow well in winter. The four months allocated ensures everyone is able to enjoy the fruits of their labours. Freshly planted kale, celery, lettuce and aubergine are ready to harvest after just 60 days, crops like peppers and lady’s fingers take a little longer, up to 90 days. Fun, fulfilling and a good way to reduce the weekly supermarket spend, growing your own is also, of course, all about organic cultivation, with gardeners able to control and limit the type of fertilisers and pesticides they use. DB plot owners are given planting tips at introductory workshops, while there are further workshops available such as jam making, farm decoration and extracting natural dye from plants. “The workshops keep the residents engaged by allowing them to learn

Benjamin Parsons

While the flow of fresh produce is one of the obvious benefits for users of the DB Family Farm, for many the pros go much deeper than that. Raymond and Karen Choy, and fellow plot owner Jing Tu find the hard physical labour involved extremely satisfying, and a fine way to keep active and healthy. “I like running and hiking, so now I combine the two. I jog to the plot in the morning and have a look at my farm,” Jing says. “Whenever I have time, I run down to the plot. It keeps me exercising and I like cooking, so I grow a lot of herbs, like rosemary, mint, oregano and basil.” Heidi Lam’s plot provides her with the chance to bond with her daughters, Ngai Ning and Yue Ying, while pursuing one of her passions. “When my kids were very young I farmed in Peng Chau but when they got a bit older it became difficult to go so far, so there was no chance for me to do any farming,” Heidi says. “DB Family Farm allows me to do some organic farming nearby. “I like to lead a healthy lifestyle and that is why I farm because I can plant healthy and organic food, which is 

Raymond and Karen Choy

Jenifer Borja Buya with Amelia and Chloe Lloyd

www.arounddb.com July 2017

IN FOCUS

quite expensive in DB and not easily available,” Heidi adds. “Of course, we can only plant a few things but still it is a very good experience for my daughters.” Heidi’s eldest is a particularly keen gardener, helping her mum prepare the soil and pick the vegetables. For Ting Lloyd, applying for a plot was as much about her helper Jenifer Borja Buya, as it was her family. “Jenifer is quite new with us and I noticed she loves planting things. She was trying to plant lots of different things on our balcony but our balcony is small and we don’t get much sunlight,” Ting says. “When I heard about the farm, I thought it would be great for her to have a proper plot.”

Heidi Lam's roselle jam recipe

Ting is also seeing her twin daughters, Chloe and Amelia, benefiting from Jenifer’s tutelage. “It’s something organic for the kids to do outdoors,” Ting says. “I don’t know anything about gardening but my helper is very knowledgeable. She teaches the kids how to plant the seeds and how to fertilise and water them. It’s a great little project for the kids to get involved in.” First-time gardener Benjamin Parsons is also enjoying extending his knowledge base, having romanticised for years about working his own plot. “My wife and I both have green thumbs and we just enjoy the spirit of cultivating,” he says. “We have a lot of house plants but those are in a controlled environment, so it has been a good opportunity to deal with some other elements such as extreme sun. It’s been a valuable learning experience.”

Cut a circle at the base of the roselle and take out the seeds. Wash and brush the insides of the fruit with a soft toothbrush to remove any ants and bugs. Put the seeds in a pot and cover with water. Boil for 2 minutes to bring out the pectin, then throw away the seeds. Put the fruit in the pectin-infused water, cook until soft. Add organic brown sugar, about one part fruit, two parts sugar. Adjust to taste. Cook for around 10 minutes on a low heat, or until the jam reaches the desired thickness. Stir from time to time, and avoid overcooking as the jam will become too thick. Pour into a sterilised glass jar, then leave to cool before covering.

Find more local clubs and activities @ www.arounddb.com

July 2017 www.arounddb.com

FAMILY MATTERS

Illustration courtesy of www.wikimedia.org, photo by Andrew Spires

e n o Plus

Following your other half around the world and signing up as a ‘trailing spouse’ sounds like a lot of fun but in reality, at least at the start, it’s a tough job. Twenty-month DB resident Trisha Hughes reports

ever underestimate a woman’s ability to nest. Like most of the women in DB, I’ve moved house several times in my married life and I like to think I’ve become very adept at it. But 20 months ago, I discovered that moving continents for your man is another thing entirely – the initial

settling-in period can be more than a little overwhelming. While our spouses head off to work to start a new job and make new friends, we begin the daunting process of setting up house, settling our children into new schools, accessing and connecting to the internet, subscribing to Netflix and filling our spare time.

July 2017 www.arounddb.com

Being a trailing spouse is like stepping into the great unknown, full of uncertainties and ambiguities. Exciting and exhilarating on the one hand, it can be a mineshaft full of doubts on the other. Most of the time, we fly by the seat of our pants... hoping that we’re making the right decisions. How do I make new friends? Where do I shop? How do I get around?

Having left your support base behind, it’s natural to feel lost in a new country

Let’s face it, those first lonely trips to Mongkok Flower Market are as arduous as an Indiana Jones expedition, complete with map, water and provisions. Watching yet another outdated episode of CSI can sound considerably better than being squeezed and pushed up and down escalators, while looking for the B2 exit at Prince Edward. But as I stayed home alone or cocooned myself in Zara at the IFC, the big question I kept asking myself was where is that confident woman who could leap small buildings in a single bound? I may have travelled but I’ve never trailed, I shouted to the rooftops. But even I could hear the doubt and uncertainty in my voice. Obstacles to overcome Our friends back home think we’re leading a glamorous, romantic expat life but they’re only seeing a very small part of the picture. What they don’t know is that with

the excitement comes a great deal of stress brought on by having to adjust to all the changes. Stress manifests itself in so many ways and then morphs into anxiety. If there’s one thing I’ve learnt it’s that all trailing spouses struggle with the loss of their support system back home and without it, stress levels increase. Long-term DB resident Kerri Gunthorpe, who is a relationship counsellor and family mediator at the Integrated Medicine Institute in DB and Central, gives us a little insight. “Most of us are too hard on ourselves,” she says. “We lose sight of the fact that we have overcome a huge obstacle by relocating to a different country, while battling a very different lifestyle.” At the worst possible times, homesickness raises its ugly head to hinder our settling in process and empty our day of all happiness. No one told us that it could be so debilitating and no one told us it could blindside us on a daily basis.

Strangely, in our loneliness, the most reflexive thing most of us do is shut ourselves away. I am guilty of the very same practice and it’s the foremost unhealthiest thing we can possibly do. “Studies have shown that lack of social connection may present a greater risk to our well-being than obesity, smoking and high blood pressure,” Kerri says. “Additionally, there are many studies linking happiness to a greater immune function. Psychologists have repeatedly stressed that a sense of social connectedness is one of our fundamental human needs.” One of the biggest things holding us back is fear. Fear of meeting people, fear of getting lost, fear of failure and the fear of generally messing up. Fights can spring up at home from the most mundane situations and fingerpointing just muddies the issue. As Kerri says: “We all process change in different ways. And adjusting doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time and some of us are more adaptable than others.” 

www.arounddb.com July 2017

FAMILY MATTERS

DB support system Without a doubt, we need friends to help us overcome the loneliness obstacle and to do that we need to build a support base in our new home. Beginning my expat life in DB, I realised almost immediately how lucky I was. Certainly I felt lost for a time but not to the same degree as I would have, had I found myself living in the city, in MidLevels or Happy Valley. The resort’s small scale means it’s relatively easy to start forging friendships. Open a conversation with a neighbour in the plaza, or on the ferry and chances are you’ll bump into her again within a couple of days – you won’t even need to pluck up the courage to text her and arrange to meet. What’s more DB is at heart a transient society, which means many DB women have been in your shoes – these ‘settled’ trailing spouses have valuable and practical perspectives they are just itching to share. Make the most of this! Sometimes all you need is to talk to another person about the worry bouncing around in your mind and almost magically, by getting it out of your head, you start to wonder what you were so worried about in the first place. Everyone tells us that a good way to meet people is to join clubs, and

again DB has plenty on offer. In my first weeks here, I signed up for tennis lessons and swim class, and did indeed make some friends in the process. While the monthly DB Entrepreneurs Networking Breakfast seems a good bet for those looking to kick-start new careers, I found the At Home in DB workshops invaluable, and it’s a shame that they are no longer running. The Newcomers’ Coffee Morning was a relaxed way to meet other residents (old and new), make new friends and ask questions about community life. If you want to spread your wings a bit further, there’s Meetup. This group’s mission is to ‘empower people to do what matters most to them with other people in real life’, and they don’t disappoint. After you sign up, you choose your own interests and Meetup does the rest by letting you know about upcoming meetings that best suit you. You can hike around Lantau, join a basketball club, shop galleries in SoHo, go on an Eat like a Local Tour, or simply meet for coffee with the extremely

FIND IT

• • • • • • • •

welcoming Girly Book Club. You can even add a venue or adventure of your own. Added to which, DB is, of course, a hotbed of social media sites and forums, all set up with the precise aim of connecting people. As a newcomer, I found looking at the DB Matters, Healthy Living, DB Mums and DB Mothers & Friends Facebook pages a great way in. There’s no easier way to get a feel for the community’s passions, concerns, charities and pursuits. The Around DB Facebook page and website, it has to be said, is still my go-to for local news, events and activities. Never forget that a lot of us are here in DB out of love for our partners, although it’s nothing like drinking a love potion in a Walt Disney fairytale after which everything becomes magically perfect. This love takes work but the end result far outweighs the hurdles along the way. Being an expat is an incredible experience.

Around DB Facebook page DB Entrepreneurs Networking Breakfast, www.t8events.com DB Matters Facebook page DB Mothers & Friends Facebook page DB Mums Facebook page Healthy Living Facebook page Integrated Medicine Institute, www.imi.com.hk Meetup, www.meetup.com

Find more topical local topics @ www.arounddb.com

SPONSORED CONTENT

Summer dining in

Delicious desserts at MooFish

Photos by Baljit Gidwani and courtesy of HKR

hen it comes to food, there are options in DB to suit all sorts of different palates. You can find cuisine from all corners of the globe, with Cali-Mex and Kho Tomyums, Chef ’s Choice, Zak's, Peony and newly opened Pizza Express ensuring a diversity of choices. With summer upon us, there is also a wide range of dining specials on offer for DB residents.

For those who have difficulty deciding what to eat, why not start with the summer buffet offered by Café Bord de Mer & Lounge at the Auberge? Running on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from July 21, the buffet presents delicious seafood, a carving station and two iced summer drinks at a price starting from HK$328 for adults. Meanwhile, at Peony in the Discovery Bay Recreation Club, Peking duck is the order of the day, with special discounts on this

DISCOVERY BAY

signature dish going on throughout July and August. Diners can expect the traditional Peking duck skin served with pancakes and condiments, as well as stir-fried shredded duck meat with bell peppers or lettuce wraps. Winter melon, a traditional Chinese summer dish believed to have a cooling effect on the body, is also on the Peony menu. Keeping customers satisfied Residents may choose to spice up the summer with Cali-Mex’s Mexican cuisine, and the restaurant has proven a hit since opening in DB North Plaza in mid-April. Its new bar and grill concept offers customers sit-down dining in a comfortable environment, rather than the takeaway service the brand has been long renowned for. Cali-Mex's chief executive Jeffrey Moss says the company saw a gap in

July 2017 www.arounddb.com

the market in DB. “We’ve wanted to be in DB since we started a couple of years ago,” he says. “We knew it was the right demographic and the area needed a bit of variety." Jeffrey says Cali-Mex prides itself on making all its food in-house and that the response from the public has been overwhelming. “It’s been pretty unbelievable actually, we were always told DB North Plaza was the quieter spot but it has just blown us away,” he says. “We are getting some really great support from the local community.” DCH Food Mart Deluxe in DB Plaza, while not a restaurant as such, offers perfect solace in the hot and humid Hong Kong summer. The cold-pressed juices and range of Japanese ice lollies are specialities, and it also offers delivery services on its gourmet meats and other products. With the cold-pressed drinks,

of five walk in and everyone is happy,” he says. “We don’t want to limit ourselves to a cuisine.”

Anne Cleanse cold-pressed juice at DCH Food Mart Deluxe

multiple steps are taken to extract j u i c e s m e t i c u l o u s l y, e n s u r i n g the natural fruit sugars, trace minerals, enzymes, vitamins and other vital elements are preserved. J u i c e s o n o ff e r i n c l u d e A n n e Cleanse, with kale, spinach, lemon and apple, and Jet Boost, featuring wheatgrass, lemon and apple. Castelo Concepts, the operator of Zak’s, Jaspa’s, Figos and MooFish, provides DB residents with yet further culinary choices. Matt Wilcock, general manager of the group’s DB outlets, praises the varied cuisine on offer in DB and says Castelo aims to cater to all with its menus. “Our thing is that you have got to be able to have a family

Zak’s on D'Deck is, of course, a local institution, offering stunning views and a rare tranquillity. “It is a very unique dining experience in Hong Kong due to its location,” Matt says. “Not even Stanley can compete with what we’ve got there in the fact that we don’t have trucks sitting in front of the restaurant pumping fumes in.” MooFish is the newest of the group’s venues, having opened near DB North Plaza just over a year ago. “It is one of our most successful places out here,” Matt says. “There is a really good cocktail list and we put a premium on service. We are a little bit out of the way there, so we have had to create a destination within a destination.”

Hearty Mexican dining at Cali-Mex

Traditional Peking duck at Peony

T h e o p t i o n s d o n ’t e n d t h e r e , with Paisano’s, First Korean, Hemingway’s by the Bay and Ebeneezer’s all featuring a long list of culinary delights.

USEFUL CONTACTS • Café Bord de Mer & Lounge, www.aubergediscoverybay.com • Cali-Mex, www.cali-mex.com • DCH Food Mart Deluxe, www.dchfoodmartdeluxe.com • MooFish, www.casteloconcepts.com/our-venues/moofish • Peony, www.dbrc.hk • Pizza Express, www.pizzaexpress.com.hk • Zak’s, www.casteloconcepts.com/our-venues/zaks

Seafood platter at Café Bord de Mer & Lounge

www.arounddb.com July 2017

FUN!

Holiday camps across Hong Kong

GET CREATIVE!

ARK EDEN 2984 8514, jasmine@arkedenonlantau.com, www.arkedenonlantau.com Ark Eden’s eco camps bring out the adventurous, curious and compassionate side of children, aged five to 11. Held in Mui Wo and other naturally beautiful sites across Lantau, each day is different, such as Survival Camp, A Day on the Farm and Wizardry and Potions. Activities include forest play, making a treehouse, campfire cooking and netting in the streams.

BAYVIEW HOUSE OF CHILDREN 6114 2436, ramesha@bayview.hk, www.bayview.hk Bayview House of Children provides six weeks of summer fun for children aged three to six in DB. The Creative Programme, held in the mornings, includes arts and crafts, musical movement, gardening, science and cookery. At the afternoon Multi-Sport Programme, conducted by Forward Motion, kids learn various sports and play fun, physical games. Trained coaches guide the children to build confidence, learn about leadership and work as a team.

July 3-August 11

GET CREATIVE! THE STORY STUDIO 6341 3989, thestorystudiohk@yahoo.com, www.thestorystudiohk.com The Story Studio offers creative fun for kids, aged seven to 13, at its summer writing workshops in DB. The holiday workshops are for imaginative kids who enjoy reading and love writing their own stories. Fun activities get the creative sparks flying, helping students create personal writing portfolios to take home.

July 10-20

July 3-August 25

GET SPORTY! HARRY WRIGHT INTERNATIONAL 2575 6279, enquiries@harrywright.com.hk, www.harrywright.com.hk Harry Wright International, ‘The Premier Swim School’, is offering its popular five-day weekly intensives in the mornings and three-day weekly intensives in the afternoons, including its unique Infant Aquatic and Learn to Swim Programme. The classes are held in DB and are suitable for all levels, four months and above.

July 3-August 12

RUMPLE AND FRIENDS 9830 8287, info@rumpleandfriends.com, www.rumpleandfriends.com Taught by professional entertainers in Sheung Wan, the Rumple and Friends summer camps take place over 10 weeks, with a line-up of awesome courses for kids aged three to 10. From explorers and adventurers, pirates and mermaids, magic and circus and even dinosaurs and mini monsters, there are themed weeks for everyone!

July 2017 www.arounddb.com

HK DRAGONS 5360 0565, acc.admin@dragons.hk, www.dragons.hk HK Dragons offers football camps in DB, Pui O and Stanley for kids, aged three and above, of all abilities. Children learn teamwork, fair play and a competitive spirit in a fun and safe environment. Professional coaching from UEFA/ FA qualified coaches ensures an improvement in skills, match awareness and fitness.

July 3-14 & August 14-18

GET SPORTY!

OVERTIME BASKETBALL 6355 7674, overtime.basketballhk@gmail.com, fb.me/overtimebasketballhk Overtime Basketball offers basketball training in Tung Chung and Mui Wo for kids aged four and up. Suitable for beginner and elite players of all levels, the summer camp aims to develop solid fundamentals and enhance skills. A 15% discount is available for the Season 2 camp, starting in August.

July 11-28 & August

RUGBYTOTS 5307 6677, info@rugbytots.hk, www.rugbytots.hk Looking to change the face of sports camps, Rugbytots and Sport4Kids are collaborating to bring SUPERCAMP to local kids, five to 10. Held at YMCA Tung Chung, the six-hour multi-sport camp includes problem-solving, team-building challenges, themed days, tournaments, and traditional and non-traditional sports such as dodgeball and capture the flag.

August 7-11

RUGBY ACADEMY ASIA & DB PIRATES 2516 7397, hakacamp@gmail.com, www.hakarugbyglobal.com/hongkong Rugby Academy Asia, in association with DB Pirates, is proud to present the internationally acclaimed Haka Rugby Global rugby camp, the first of its kind in Hong Kong. Held at Discovery Bay Pirates Rugby Football Club in DB, the camp is suitable for boys and girls aged six to 18.

July 18-21

GET SPORTY! VIKINGS FOOTBALL CLUB 9533 2600, vikingshk@outlook.com, vikings.hk The Vikings Football Club summer camps, held at Discovery College, are suitable for boys and girls, aged two to 11. Run by professional football players, kids learn football skills and drills, while having lots of fun. Activities for two- to four-year-olds are held from 9am to 9.45am, and for five- to 11-year-olds from 10am to 12pm.

July 3-August 4

GET SMART!

GET GROOVY!

DR BEAR EDUCATION CENTRE 6762 6264, drbearschool@gmail.com, fb.me/drbearschool Dr Bear Education Centreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mandarin Summer Camp in DB provides a relaxing and joyful learning environment for kids aged two and above. Classroom-based learning includes topics such as food, shopping, family, music and sports.

DMR SCHOOL OF BALLET 2987 4338, info@dmr-hk.com, www.dmr-hk.com DMR School of Balletâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one- and two-day Summer Dance workshops and classes in DB provide excellent dance training for students, in addition to exploring the wider world of dance. Summer training allows students, aged three to 20 years, to maintain peak physical shape through workshops, such as Twinkle Tots Ballet; Song and Dance; Barre, Balance and Ballet; Posture, Poses and Performance; and the famous, Choreography Camp.

July 3-August 12

July & August

www.arounddb.com July 2017

TALKING POINTS

Simply

CRAWLING

Illustrations by Andrew Spires and courtesy of www.wikimedia.org

Head lice are a real bug bear for families with young children. In finding out how kids catch them, Sam Agars dispels some myths

e’ve all been there. Little Lorna comes home from school with head lice and the whole weekend is ruined. Mother has to cancel her hair appointment in town and go through the cringing embarrassment of explaining why to the swanky receptionist. Big brother Mat has to turn down a ‘tween date’ and, instead of rising above it, blames and shames his sobbing

as penance, he shaves his head.

sister. Dad, meanwhile, heads back into work on Monday only to infest the whole management team. Although he doesn’t confess to being the carrier, a few weeks later,

July 2017 www.arounddb.com

But why all the angst? The reality is that there is nothing much parents can do to prevent kids getting head lice. According to Dr Douglas Kwan of Discovery Bay’s Island Health Family Practice, personal hygiene or cleanliness either at home or in school have nothing to do with it. Importantly too, pets do not play a role in the spread of head lice.

Going head to head

long outside the human body.”

There are three forms of head lice – the egg (also named a nit, hence the schoolyard term), the nymph and the adult. The eggs are laid by the adult female and take about a week to hatch, while lice can live on a person’s head for up to 30 days.

Dr Kwan is also quick to dispel the myths that DB kids are susceptible to catching head lice from the ferry seats and that lice prefer clean hair: “There is no evidence of this,” he says.

Lice are most commonly found on the scalp, behind the ears and on the back of the neck and they feed on human blood several times a day. For that reason, they die within two days of being separated from their ‘host’. Head lice move by crawling but they cannot hop or fly. Their feet are specially adapted to holding onto human hair, so they have difficulty attaching to smooth or slippery surfaces, like plastic or metal. It is possible, though uncommon, to get lice by lying on a bed, couch, pillow, or carpet that has recently been in contact with an infested person. Equally, head lice are unlikely to be spread by the water in a swimming pool, though they can survive under water for several hours. “All the evidence shows that direct head-to-head contact is the main reason people catch the lice,” Dr Kwan reasons. “Obviously children are more at risk because they have more head-to-head contacts either at school, at home, at play, or at sleepovers. “Although theoretically lice can occur by sharing combs, scarves and hats, it is generally not very common,” Dr Kwan adds. “This is because lice don’t survive very

Detection and cure Children aged six to eight are most likely to contract lice and, more broadly, lice are common in children from three to 12 years. While most children will experience itchiness

week but in reality that is probably not practical, so I think once every two to three weeks is reasonable. Of course, if there are episodes occurring in your school you should check more regularly.” While the use of tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, petroleum jelly and even mayonnaise have been touted as potential cures for lice, Dr Kwan prefers to go with the more triedand-true methods. One of these is to use a prescription shampoo, although Dr Kwan recommends the wet-combing method. “Wet-combing is probably most widely practised,” he says. “It takes quite a lot of time and effort on the part of the parent, depending on the child maybe up to 30 minutes. You need a specialised nit comb with very small, fine teeth.”

This method involves first washing the hair then applying a generous amount of conditioner, before brushing the hair with an ordinary comb to remove tangles. You then divide the hair into Wet-combing is the best way to get rid of lice sections and comb it through with the nit comb, before washing off the conditioner or a rash because of sensitivity to and repeating the process. the saliva or faeces of the lice, it can often be some time before they “We advise parents to do that twice become aware that they actually a week and you need to have a clear have an infestation. A handy comb on three occasions before you hint for parents is to keep an eye declare you are treated,” Dr Kwan on children’s pillows, since the says. “It is also important to do the little black dots of lice faeces are same thing with other members of often visible. the family to make sure they are not infested as well.” “We advise parents to regularly groom and check,” Dr Kwan says. Happy nitpicking! “Some people recommend once a

FIND IT

• Island Health Family Practice, www.islandhealth.com.hk

Find more child-centric stories @ www.arounddb.com www.arounddb.com July 2017

PARENTING

Lantau

staycation Kate Farr explores just a few of the options on offer for families who are choosing to stay home and play over the summer

Make a day of it on Pui O Beach

Photos by Andrew Spires and courtesy of www.wikimedia.org

these easy local days out (that don’t involve a trip to Disneyland).

hile some head for cooler climes during the long summer months, many DB parents are facing the challenge of keeping their kiddos entertained during the school holidays – doubly challenging when so many of their friends are travelling. With full-day sessions available, summer camps can be a lifesaver, and you’ll find a few of the best listed on page 34. Lantau offers near-endless organised activities and summer camps throughout the school holidays – in fact, your biggest problem will be choosing from the overwhelming avalanche of options. From art to watersports, coding to yoga, there is a camp to suit every child’s individual interests,

Find a geocache in DB

and hopefully cultivate a few new ones too. Getting out and about But there’s more to the holidays than camp, academic or otherwise, and on Lantau, we’re fortunate to have plenty of fun activities to keep boredom at bay. Take your pick from

Pokémon may be so last year, but Geocaching is still a huge hit when it comes to deploying your screen for good. This real-life treasure hunt game uses your phone’s GPS to guide you to a location where a geocache, or container is hidden. Played all over the world, Discovery Bay is chock-full of geocache locations to explore, and expanding your search area to wider Lantau gives you even more options. This is a fun, physical and free day out that will burn off any pent-up energy and ensure early nights all round. Got visitors in town? A trip on the Inter-Island Ferry combines lazy sightseeing with active hiking,

www.arounddb.com July 2017



PARENTING

for a day out that’s a little off the beaten track. Hop aboard an early ferry to Peng Chau, and then pick up the inter-island service from there. Stops along the way include Mui Wo and Chi Ma Wan, where, if you’re ready to stretch your legs, you can disembark for an excellent threehour hike back to Mui Wo Pier. The Pak Fu Tin Campsite makes for a good refuelling stop along the route, so pack a picnic. Since it’s the holidays, you may want to stick with tradition and spend time at the beach – another free activity Lantau delivers in spades. Cheung Cha and Pui O beaches are glorious and easily accessible, with lifeguard services provided from April to October. For something more remote, head to Shui Hau Beach on the Lantau Trail; you may well have it to yourself during the week as there are no facilities save for a rough camping area. The sky’s the limit Too hot and wet to laze on the beach? Head to the airport for a surprisingly fun-packed family day out. Located at Terminal Two, Dream Come True Education Park gives kids a family-friendly taster of real-world jobs, including police officer, doctor, chef and, of course, pilot. Split into morning (9.30am to 2pm) or afternoon (3pm to 7pm) sessions, kids from three to 16 years pay HK$320 per visit, while accompanying adults pay HK$160.

Gen up on Hong Kong at the Aviation Discovery Centre

so grab your popcorn and settle in for the afternoon. After your film, head next door to the Aviation Discovery Centre, a small but surprisingly fascinating exhibit, detailing Hong Kong’s development into a major international travel hub. Admission is free of charge, but be sure to buy a SkyDeck pass (HK$15), so that you can head up to the huge viewing area on the roof. From here you can watch planes take off and land at close quarters, making it a huge hit with kids of all ages. This is also a great way to pass the time when waiting for a flight. Finally, if your family loves to hit the fairway, but the weather’s not playing ball, GreenLive AIR offers nine- and 18-hole golf-simulation games. Admission fees vary according to your game, but as it’s right next door to the IMAX, you get to round-off your day of fun with a hole in one.

Next up, head to UA-IMAX Theatre @ Airport in the groundside departures area to catch a movie. The vast screen of this 350-seat cinema shows a regular programme of both 2D and 3D family films alongside made-for-IMAX shows,

July 2017 www.arounddb.com

Chill out at UA-IMAX Theatre @ Airport

FIND IT • • • • • •

Aviation Discovery Centre, www.hongkongairport.com Dream Come True Education Park, www.dreamcometrue.com.hk Geocaching, www.geocaching.com GreenLive AIR, www.green-live.hk Inter-Island Ferry, www.nwff.com.hk UA-IMAX Theatre @ Airport, www.uacinemas.com.hk

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

Get into golf at GreenLive AIR

English Bespoke Tailors Club of Sartorial Elegance

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Get yourself pampered with custom luxury in the comfort of your home, office or hotel. Hong Kong’s only tailors to make personal visits with fittings twice weekly in DB, Lantau and Mid-Levels.

Family

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Book an appointment www.englishbespoketailors.com (+852) 9816 3280

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ESCAPES

Explore

Shore the

Pamalican Island, Philippines

Challenged with choosing the top five beach resorts in the region, Kate Farr factors in easy access to luxury spas, creative cocktails and picture-perfect infinity pools

Photos courtesy of Kate Farr

f you believe that a holiday really isn’t a holiday without getting a little sand between your toes, read on for some inspiration for your next sunshine break. With some of Asia’s best beaches within easy striking distance of Hong Kong, it’s time to pack your sunscreen, your flip-flops and your favourite lounger reads, and unwind to the sound of waves lapping against the shore.

west coast, offering 13 comfortable suites and villas, set just back from a truly spectacular private beach. But there’s more to this stunning property than simply sunbathing – from April to October, Japamala can arrange a visit to the Juara Turtle Project Centre, where you can witness one of nature’s miracles, turtles hatching in their natural habitat.

Tioman Island, Malaysia

actually filmed here – and its fringe of white coral reefs draws diving enthusiasts from around the world.

Known as the chic beach spot where Thailand’s great and good go to see and be seen, Hua Hin is a vibrant, buzzy town that has the added benefit of being easily accessible from Bangkok. Unlike many Thai resorts, Hua Hin’s coastline is clean and the warm, shallow waters are exceptionally family-friendly too.

Built from recycled materials, ecoluxe resort Japamala sits on Tioman’s

Located right on Cha Am Beach, Sofitel Hua Hin makes for a great

Situated just off the coast of Peninsula Malaysia, the jewellike volcanic island of Tioman has scooped many plaudits over the years, with Time once declaring it one of the world’s most beautiful islands. Tioman’s breath-taking beaches will be familiar to anyone who has seen the 1958 movie, South Pacific – the shots of ‘Bali Hai’ were

Hua Hin, Thailand

Japamala, Tioman Island

July 2017 www.arounddb.com

Hua Hin, Thailand

Sofitel Hua Hin, Hua Hin

Amanpulo, Pamalican Island

Pamalican Island, Philippines

base for your exploring, with a variety of room types and sizes that will suit everyone’s needs. The resort boasts its very own beach club that dishes up delicious dining and creative cocktails in front of a private pool set right on the shore. It’s the ideal spot for sandy-toed sundowners. Pamalican Island, Philippines Feeling fancy? The private island resort of Amanpulo is hard to beat for a special occasion beach break with all the frills… and then some. The only property on Pamalican Island, Amanpulo has sole use of the 5.5 kilometres of pristine coral sand that rings the tropical vegetation in the island’s centre. As you might expect, much of the resort’s programme of activities focuses on its coastline. Try your hand at stand-up paddle boarding or sailing in the azure waters, snorkel the superb reefs that surround the resort, while away your afternoon in a breezy hammock, grab

a drink in the floating bar or meander along the shore. Just make sure you’re back in time for a beachside barbecue dinner with front row seats for one of the most spectacular sunsets you’ll ever witness.

Amanpulo, Philippines

Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia And where would a roundup of beautiful beaches be without Bali? Known as the Island of the Gods, it’s an undeniably popular destination, and for good reason, but if you’re looking for a little exclusivity, you’re better off avoiding the best-known resort towns. To swerve the bustle of Kuta, Sanur and Nusa Dua in favour of a considerably more refined vibe, head to Seminyak. Alila Seminyak’s beachfront location offers guests a chic escape, with easy access to both the sea and a truly impressive infinity pool from which you can float your stay away. Catch some surf in the warm tropical waters of the Indian Ocean, soak up some rays on pure white sand,  www.arounddb.com July 2017

Alila Seminyak, Seminyak

Seminyak, Bali

ESCAPES

then head next door to the famous Potato Head Bali. Here you can enjoy an evening of award-winning drinking and dining, while a lineup of international DJs soundtrack your holiday.

your hectic schedule for a visit to the on-site Six Senses Spa: the menu of massages and body treatments draws on traditional Vietnamese

remedies to soothe and pamper. Post spa, you’ll be floating on air, ready for another hard day of sun, sea and sand.

Nha Trang, Vietnam Having recently become more accessible due to low-cost carriers launching new routes out of Hong Kong, Vietnam’s east coast destination of Nha Trang is still relatively unknown amongst the tour-group crowds. A laid-back destination with excellent beaches, you’ll benefit from affordable prices, a balmy climate and clean, clear waters. A day trip to Doc Let, some 50 kilometres up the coast, is well worth the effort; you’ll be rewarded with serene, bounty-island scenery and powder-white sand. Owned and managed by the Six Senses group (so you know it’s going to be good), the Evason Ana Mandara resort is Nha Trang’s only beachfront resort. The all-villa accommodation nestles in lush, tropical gardens, with plenty of hidden corners in which to lounge with a cocktail. Make some time in

Evason Ana Mandara, Nha Trang

FIND IT

• • • • •

Alila Seminyak, www.alilahotels.com Amanpulo, www.aman.com Evason Ana Mandara, www.sixsenses.com Japamala, www.japamalaresorts.com Sofitel Hua Hin, www.sofitel.com

Find more exciting travel destinations @ www.arounddb.com

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RECIPES

Summer

spreads

Perfect for barbecues and picnics, buffets and appetisers, do-it-yourself dips are tastier – and far cheaper – than the store-bought kind

Chicken liver paté Serves 6

8 oz chicken liver, coarsely chopped 8 oz butter 2 tbsp brandy 2 tsp dry mustard powder ¼ tsp powdered mace 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped 2 cloves garlic, chopped



Photos courtesy of www.wikimedia.org

Fry the chicken livers over a medium heat in 1 oz butter for about 5 minutes. Remove from the pan with a drainage spoon and transfer to a blender. Add 5 oz melted butter and the brandy. Add the mustard powder, mace, thyme and garlic. Season and blend until smooth. Pour into six individual pots. Melt the remaining butter and pour over. Chill for 48 hours and serve with hot toast.

www.arounddb.com July 2017

RECIPES

Taramasalata Serves 8

8 oz smoked cod’s roe ½ lemon, juice only 150 ml olive oil 150 ml groundnut oil 1 clove garlic, crushed 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Soak the cod’s roe in cold water for a couple of hours, then rinse it, drain it and pull off the skin. Mash it to a pulp with a fork, then whisk it at top speed with an electric beater. Pour in the lemon juice. Add the oils a drop at a time while you continue whisking. Once the mixture is dry and solid, beat in up to 55 ml water to form a soft mousse. Add the garlic and parsley and, if you like your taramasalata pink, a drop of red food colouring. Whisk well, season and serve with warm  flatbread or hot toast.

July 2017 www.arounddb.com

RECIPES

Moutabel Serves 8

3 large aubergines 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1 lemon, juice only 3 tbsp tahini paste 4 tbsp olive oil 4 tsp pomegranate seeds 2 tbsp parsley, chopped

Pierce the skins of the aubergines and grill them until the skin is charred and crispy all over and the flesh is very hot. Cool, then discard the tops and peel off the skin. Place the flesh and any juices in a bowl and beat by hand until almost smooth. Stir in the garlic, lemon juice, tahini paste and olive oil, and season well. Scatter with pomegranate seeds and parsley. Serve with warm flatbread.

Find more delicious recipes @ www.arounddb.com

July 2017 www.arounddb.com

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HK HAPPENINGS

SUMMER SPLASH! Ocean Park, Aberdeen

July 1-August 27

www.oceanpark.com.hk

10 FUN THINGS TO DO IN AND AROUND HK! July 1-2

Ocean Park Summer Splash kicks off the theme park’s massive holiday celebrations. With a general admission ticket, you can enjoy 6-metre sand sculptures, an armada of 6,500 rubber ducks, splash-tastic rides and games, and a lakeside barbecue. Visit www.oceanpark.com.hk.

CHILDREN’S AND YOUTH FILM CARNIVAL Across Hong Kong

July 7-August 13

www.wikimedia.org

HERITAGE VOGUE HOLLYWOOD ROAD PMQ, SoHo Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the SAR at the Heritage Vogue Hollywood Road street carnival, launching at PMQ. A series of exhibitions, workshops and performances introduce the rich cultural history and arts ambience of this part of Central. For more information, visit www.pmq.org.hk.

www.wikimedia.org

The International Children’s and Youth Film Carnival offers up over 60 screenings of feature films, animations and shorts. Headliners include Tsatsiki, Dad and the Olive War and Rabbit School. For programme enquiries, visit www.lcsd.gov.hk; for tickets, starting at HK$60, visit www.urbtix.hk.

INTERNATIONAL MILITARY TATTOO Hong Kong Coliseum, Hung Hom

Military tattoos from all over the world join the Military Band of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army and the Hong Kong Police Band in three spectacular shows to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the SAR. For tickets, starting at HK$150, visit www.urbtix.hk.

July 13-15

www.wikimedia.org

Like the Around DB Facebook page for event reminders

LKF BEER AND MUSIC FEST Lan Kwai Fong

This year’s LKF Beer and Music Fest dishes up over 70 booths stocked with delicious food and amazing beers from around the world. You can also expect nonstop live entertainment and interactive games. Admission is free.

July 15-16

www.arounddb.com July 2017

www.wikimedia.org



HK HAPPENINGS Get your events listed @ www.arounddb.com

HONG KONG BOOK FAIR Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wanchai

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE ASIA TROPHY Hong Kong Stadium, Wanchai

July 19-25

www.wikimedia.com

Presenting 640 exhibitors from 34 countries and regions, the 28th edition of the Hong Kong Book Fair promises to be the biggest yet with even more seminars, workshops and guest authors. Tickets, priced at HK$25 per adult and HK$10 per child, are available at the door.

GAZILLION BUBBLE SHOW Hong Kong City Hall, Central

The Premier League is returning to Hong Kong with, for the first time, four teams. Liverpool is back for the second time and Leicester City, West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace are participating for the first time. For tickets, starting at HK$300, visit www.cityline.com.

July 19 & 22

www.premierleague.com

THE SIMON & GARFUNKEL STORY Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Wanchai

July 29-August 1

July 26-27

www.gazillionbubbleshow.com

www.wikimedia.org

With bubbles and more bubbles, mesmerising lighting and a laser-show finale, the Gazillion Bubble Show is big on the wow factor. First created by artist-cum-scientist Fan Yang in 2007, it is being performed in Hong Kong by his daughter, Melody. For tickets, starting at HK$160, visit www.urbtix.hk.

Telling the story of two young boys from Queens, New York, who went on to become the most successful music duo of all time, The Simon & Garfunkel Story features 1960s photographs and film footage accompanied by a full band. For tickets, starting at HK$395, visit www.hkticketing.com.

YAO MING CHARITY EXHIBITION

July 30

Hong Kong Coliseum, Hung Hom

www.metasip.co

July 2017 www.arounddb.com

Basketball legend Yao Ming is leading a charity exhibition basketball game as part of the annual Yao Foundation Charity Tour. Star players, handpicked from the US National Basketball Association (NBA) and Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), are set to battle it out. For more details, visit www.hong-kong-traveller.com.

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DB FACES

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

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Win prizes from Uncle Russ Coffee and The Pier Bar! Congratulations to last monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s winner: Mariana Hedegaard de Oliveira Dias (@marianahedegaard).

T 56

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 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 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!

July 2017 www.arounddb.com

View local business directories @ www.arounddb.com EMPLOYER LOOKING FOR A HELPER OR HELPER LOOKING FOR AN EMPLOYER? Place your free classifieds ad here. Email info@baymedia.com.hk

EMPLOYMENT 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

HEALTH & WELLBEING

FTC RELOCATIONS

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

FINANCE & INSURANCE

HOME SERVICES

AUSTRALIAN TAX RETURNS

AKASH MOVING & HANDYMAN SERVICES

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

HOME 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

• Local & international moves • Long/ short-term storage • Handyman services • World-class service – competitive rates Operating on DB & Lantau. Contact 2814 1658, sales@ftc.hk, www.ftc.hk

FLAT PAINTING & HANDYMAN WORKS

• Painting & handyman works, interior & exterior • PU waterproof injection for external walls • Astro-turfing, tiling & electrics Contact Roger on 9156 0360, drscompanyhk@gmail.com

TUITION & COURSES

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

ENGLISH TUITION All levels – kids & adults. Cambridge University CELTA qualification. Over 10 years of teaching experience in Hong Kong. Learn in the comfort of your own home.

DEADLINE FOR AUGUST ISSUE CLASSIFIEDS

Contact David at 5165 4372, david88wilson@gmail.com

July 20

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

Life Casting Sterling Silver, Gold, Bronze, Plaster & more www.shadow.com.hk Tel: + 852 9150 4033

shadow@shadow.com.hk

View local business directories @ www.arounddb.com

WORSHIP SERVICE Discovery College Sundays @ 10am

CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP PRACTICAL BIBLE TEACHING KIDS CHURCH & TEENS

Alcoholics Anonymous

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

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

www.aa-hk.org

•Counselling for individuals, couples, families & adolescents • Sliding fee scale; affordable options for all clients • English, Putonghua, Cantonese, Russian, Hindi, Marathi and Marwadi speaking counsellors

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

View local business directories @ www.arounddb.com

Interview Language DIY Messy Play Drawing

Cooking Playgroup Oral Tutorial Japanese

PN/N/Kindergarden (+852) 2668 8922 fun.paradise@yahoo.com.hk www.funparadise.wixsite.com/mysite

Shop 10, Level One, The Visionary 1 Ying Hong Street Tung Chung

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Phoenix Wills

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Allow Phoenix Wills to assist you with your estate planning to ensure that your loved ones are looked after in the event of your untimely death or incapacity. W: www.phoenix-wills.com E: info@phoenix-wills.com T: 3100 0101 | M: 6108 8471

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

DELUXE DB SERVICED APARMENTS 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

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

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

FULLY FURNISHED DB 1-BED Smart apartment on a high floor with sea view. Close to pier & DB Plaza. Available fully furnished. Call Tiareti on 9732 8985

OVERSEAS PROPERTY

HAWKS NEST, THAILAND FOR RENT

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

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

BUSINESSES SERVING LANTAU

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

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

Advertise your business here! Contact us to promote your business servicing Lantau. Prices starting at just HK$500 Email info@baymedia.com.hk

Add your business for FREE @ www.arounddb.com

LANTAU NUMBERS

TUNG CHUNG

SOUTH LANTAU FOOD, RESTAURANTS & BARS

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

FTC Apparel

2428 2566 FOOD, RESTAURANTS & BARS

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

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

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

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HOTELS

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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

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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

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UTILITY, SERVICES & EMERGENCY HOTLINES

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

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Mui Wo Inn Silvermine Beach Resort Tai O Heritage Hotel

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

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

HOME & REPAIRS

Akash Removals Mega Power Engineering/Locksmiths Shun Yu Engineering

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HOME & REPAIRS

HEALTH & WELLBEING

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

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

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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

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PROPERTY AGENCIES

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

2984 8334 3483 5003 2984 1666 RETAIL

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

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

Jumping Castles SPCA Miriam Safadi Photography Parteezi Phoenix Wills Suzanne Goodwin Photography

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

2984 2268 2984 8494 2984 8255 2984 9848

DB NUMBERS

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

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

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Pen’n Paper P-Solution

Creative Coding

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

Future Stars Dance Academy

Dance classes based on the ISTD requirements conducted in a fun, disciplined and safe environment. 2987 6867 melissa@futurestarsdanceacademy.com

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

Island Dance A dance school offering ISTD Freestyle, Hip Hop & Tap & RAD Ballet classes from Monday to Saturday at DBRC & Club Siena. All ages welcome. 2987 1571 www.islanddance.com.hk

DAILY NECESSITIES

The Beat

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

Latin & Ballroom dance classes for adults and children. Wedding dance, Salsa, Beat Cardio, Mommies & Babies, Yoga and many more. 5194 9630 info@thebeat.com.hk www.thebeat.com.hk

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Tree of Joy

Tree of Joy provides children with a fun, engaging and supportive environment to play and learn. Programs include: Dropoff Nursery Class, Parent-Toddler Class, Afternoon Camp and a Cooking Class. Tel: 9787 2755, info@treeofjoydb.com, www.treeofjoydb.com

Parsons White Wealth Management

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

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

Quality dry cleaning at affordable prices. Pick-up and delivery from DB every Wednesday and Friday. 2812 2400 drycleaning@goodwinsoflondon.com

Harvey Law Group An International Law Firm in DB North Plaza providing a wide range of commercial and personal legal services. 2416 8618 dboffice@harveylawcorporation.com www.harveylawcorporation.com

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

2160 6556 2233 3000 2987 1851

To add your own directory listing box, call the Bay Media office on: 2987 0577 or email info@baymedia.com.hk 6323 1417 2987 1313 2987 4488 2987 5087 2987 7803 2987 1041 2987 0222 2987 0222 2987 7082 2987 0789 2886 8555 2987 0789 2987 9268 2987 4428

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

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MULTIMEDIA Bookazine Fotomax (F.E.) Ltd

July 2017 www.arounddb.com

AQUABLU

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

LEARNING CENTRES

HOME

Apple Travel

PROPERTY LISTINGS & BOATS

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

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

OTHER SERVICES

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

The Stephen Putnam Practice

Bank of China HSBC Luen Fat Securities Co. Ltd

2987 8898 2987 1777

GOODWINS OF LONDON 3102 2977 2320 1238 3480 1348 2987 8460

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

MULTIMEDIA

LEARNING CENTRES

2987 1373 2914 2378

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

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

FOOD & BEVERAGE, HOTELS

Nura Rolls Over 60 varieties of rolls. Outside catering and home delivery available. G13A, North Plaza, (Next to Wellcome) Tel: 2652 6613 www.nurarolls.com

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

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Koh Tomyums

2987 0767

La Création Bakery

2987 1829

McSorley’s Ale House

2987 8280

Mirch Masala, North Plaza

2987 1337

Moofish, North Plaza

2987 6318

Nevale Kitchen, North Plaza

2172 7099

Pacific Coffee

2987 1662

Paisano’s, North Plaza

2673 4445

Peony Chinese Restaurant

2500 1950

Pizza Express

2465 2426

Salt & Pepper

2336 8001

Solera

2555 0772

Subway

2914 0005

Super Super

2914 1308

The Venue

2777 8411

Uncle Russ, DB Plaza

2682 0068

Uncle Russ, North Plaza

2682 8110

Zak’s

2987 6232

SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT

DB NUMBERS

Add your business for FREE @ www.arounddb.com

SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT

WELLBEING

Discovery Bay Recreation Club Embody EpicLand GigaSports Movement Improvement Yoga Up

2987 7381 6624 8712 2441 0098 2320 1238 2987 5852 8197 5591

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

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

M Spa

2987 4230 3480 1348 2987 7859

Provides door-to-door treatment service. Conveniently located in the Plaza. Reflexology, massage, pedicure/manicure. 2987 0614

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

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

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Nailed It Professional artificial nail services in DB 2987 2266

Yoga with Anna YOGA with Anna

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

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

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

The HIT Room Bodypump, Grit Strength, Boxing, Core, TRX, High Intensity Training. Located at North Plaza 6621 7410 www.thehitroom.com.hk info@thehitroom.com.hk

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

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Vikings Football Club Professional Soccer Coaching From ages 18 months to 12 years Tel: 9533 2600 vikingshk@hotmail.com www.vikings.hk Kyama Swim School Training programs for Adults; Private lessons; Learn to Swim courses for our Helper community and development squads for DC students. Tel: 9487 5049 kyamaswimschool@gmail.com, www.kyamaswimschool.com Action X, North Plaza Club Siena DBees Ice Hockey DB Pirates Rugby Football Club Discovery Bay Marina Club Discovery Bay Golf Club

@ www.arounddb.com

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

www.arounddb.com July 2017

OUT THERE

FOREIGN DEVILS In an open letter to a gwai poh he collided with in a DB 7-Eleven, Peter Sherwood expresses his disgust with everyday racism

Illustration courtesy of www.wikimedia.org

arely is it I venture into a 7-Eleven, and not because I’m a closet snob or because I don’t find convenience stores convenient. It’s just that I have an aversion to the vacuous 21st century pastime of recreational shopping. Even a trip to the supermarket fills me with dread. So when I found myself queuing in a DB 7-Eleven one Sunday afternoon it took me a few seconds to remember what the hell I was doing there, and a few minutes more to wish I’d never bothered. Then, shazam! You came along, and like Clint Eastwood in a Dirty Harry movie you made my day.

You started arguing with the staff as a long queue formed behind you. You were oblivious to the disruption you caused, happy to make everyone wait as your voice turned to roaring condescension. The staff were unable to fulfil your needs, so you berated them until they cowered behind the counter. You demanded to

see the manager and a Chinese man half your size appeared. He looked visibly shaken and in fear for his job as you continued your blitzkrieg, while throwing pejoratives his way. Forty years in Hong Kong and I have witnessed this aggression before from we expats, but thankfully not a lot. So I left my place in the queue and intervened, asking if you would speak like that to people in your own country. You said you would: “If they were stupid.” (This I seriously doubt – if any of us behaved like this back home we would get our rear ends kicked, and deserve it.) I let slip a pejorative or two of my own, which is naturally not like me at all. And you responded in kind, ending with: “You are a nobody!” Racism is endemic Madam, you may be right. But I have news for you. I am somebody enough to take you to task. If you don’t see this article, I’m sure

friends and acquaintances will, and they will recognise you. There’s scarce chance that this was the first time you’ve been patronisingly rude to local people. We are who we are 24 hours a day after all. The racists among us persist with their pathetic manipulation because they know very well, based on results, that they will get away with it. Expats don’t pay a price for their belligerence and discourtesy – local people just suck it up. In Chinese culture, it’s harmony at any price. And so gweilos can go about their bullying, and after doing it so often, become confident in their aggression and pompous superiority. After four happy decades among Hong Kong people, and with two adopted Chinese children, I’ve had it with the likes of you. Should you see this article, you may want to make a few copies to send proudly to family back home. But I don’t think you will.

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

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