Around DB March Issue 2018

Discovery Bay’s original community magazine

MARCH 2018

Drink driving, speeding and illegal entering – how safe

are DB’s roads?

GET MINDFUL on the ferry – it’s the only way to travel

Winning ways to CASH IN on a minibreak in Macau Father of five Nathaniel Kelsey reveals how to

protect your child and save your sanity

TRADITION! Celebrate your heritage and share it with your kids!

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

FREE

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RENTALS/SALES

蘅峯 PENINSULA 2

Gross: 629’ Saleable: 546’

19K

4

Great apartment with a very practical and spacious layout. Ideal for family.

1

頤峰 GREENVALE 2

March 2018

Gross: 1644’ Saleable: 1406’

Gross: 1037’ Saleable: 962’

42K 碧濤 BEACH 3

Lovely jointed unit, open kitchen and close to schools. Must see!

42K

Renovated lowrise with nice views, spacious living and in a popular location.

2

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EN

G EA

L

SO

寶峰 3 2

PARKVALE

Gross: 1213’ Saleable: 1138’

45K

Beautifully renovated lowrise apartment. Modern open kitchen and in a tranquil location.

Gross: 2020’ Saleable: 1611’

尚堤 CHIANTI 4 2

68K

Nicely jointed unit, spacious living, balcony with great views and 24hrs concierge service.

朝暉徑 HEADLAND 4

200K

Gorgeous garden house with private pool. Stunning modern interior perfect for a large family.

4

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IO AT LU VA NT NK E BA E AG W L LO SO

Gross: 2585’ Saleable: 2566’

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EN

G EA

L

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康慧台 HILLGROVE 2 1

Gross: 699’ Saleable: 591’

6.7M

Renovated apartment with balcony. Great for investment or self use. Move right in!

頤峰 GREENVALE 4 2

Gross: 1644’ Saleable: 1406’

12.2M

海堤閣 COSTA COURT 3

Successfully jointed unit, spacious living and close to schools. Ideal for family.

2

Gross: 1180’ Saleable: 963’

13.08M

Nicely renovated apartment, spacious living with stunning sea views. Must see!

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IO AT LU VA NT NK E BA D AG W A LO LE

BE

海澄湖畔 SIENA 3 2

Gross: 1620’ Saleable: 1293’

25M/67K 海蜂徑 SEABEE

Nicely renovated garden lowrise. Bright with a great layout. Must see!

4 4

Gross: 1642’ Saleable: 1406’

26.5M

Fantastic renovation, very bright with amazing views. Spacious living and great for entertaining.

海蜂徑 SEABEE 4 3

www.headlandhomes.hk

Gross: 3100’ Saleable: 2403’

115K/36M

Company sale. Fabulous waterfront house with garden and terrace. Modern kitchen and great for entertaining.

2987 2088

EAA LIC C-033418

CONTENTS March 2018

PROFILE

TALKING POINTS

Nathaniel Kelsey aka Major Dad Official

Road safety issues

24

28

FAMILY MATTERS

IN FOCUS

Preserving cultural traditions

The benefits of a ferry commute

36 ESCAPES Where to eat, play and stay in Macau

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

REGULARS 22

GIVEAWAYS Win big prizes

43

WELLNESS Osteopathy

50

RECIPES Enjoy your legumes

57

DB FACES Community snaps

64

OUT THERE Island life

AGENDA 06

DB EVENTS

54

HK HAPPENINGS

58

CLASSIFIEDS

60

PROPERTY

61

LOCAL NUMBERS

ON THE COVER Saree-pacters Shyamala Padmasola, Swati Ray and Aditi Aggarwal To read the cover story, turn to page 36

Discovery Bay’s original community magazine

MARCH 2018

Drink driving, speeding and

46

illegal entering – how safe are DB’s roads?

www.arounddb.com Publishers in Lantau since 2002

GET MINDFUL on the ferry – it’s the only way to travel

Winning ways to CASH IN on a minibreak in Macau Father of five Nathaniel Kelsey reveals how to

protect your child and save your sanity

TRADITION! Celebrate your heritage and share it with your kids!

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

FREE

Photo by Baljit Gidwani www.evoqueportraits.com

We also publish…

Feb/ March 2018

WIN!

tickets to the Longines Masters, a case of Chardonnay and a Primavera dish

If you have a story idea, email rachel@baymedia.com.hk To publicise a local event, email katrina@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

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HOW REGULAR TENNIS CAN MAKE YOU LIVE LONGER

ISLAND-WIDE REAL ESTATE HOTSPOTS FOR 2018

2017 / 2018 WHY KIDS LOVE OUR YOUNG WRITERS COMPETITION

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• • • •

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SUMMER TERM 12 MARCH TO 23 JUNE 2018

EASTER CAMP

WEEK 1: 3,4 & 6 APRIL WEEK 2: 9-13 APRIL

DISCOVERY BAY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (OPEN TO THE COMMUNITY) CLUB SIENA (MEMBERS ONLY)

PUBLISHER Corinne Jedwood corinne@baymedia.com.hk MANAGING EDITOR Rachel Ainsley rachel@baymedia.com.hk SPECIAL PUBLICATIONS & ONLINE EDITOR Claire Severn claire@baymedia.com.hk DIGITAL & SALES ASSISTANT Patricia Jover patricia@baymedia.com.hk DIGITAL & EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Katrina Mercado katrina@baymedia.com.hk SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Andrew Spires andrew@baymedia.com.hk ASSISTANT GRAPHIC DESIGNER Duey Tam duey@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 Sandra Comer Kate Farr Elizabeth Kerr Ray Robertson Peter Sherwood Jane Wood PRINTING Champion Design & Production Company Ltd. Flat D, 18/F, Sing Teck Factory Building, 44 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Hong Kong.

DISCLAIMER The views expressed in AroundDB are not necessarily those of the publisher, editor or contributors. The publisher and editor cannot be held responsible for differences of opinion or statements published in good faith. The publisher, contributors, their employees and partners are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors or omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication and expressly disclaim all and any liability for any such action of any person.

The mention of specific companies or products in articles or advertisements does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by this magazine or its publisher in preference to others of a similar nature which are not mentioned or advertised. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without permission.

© BAY MEDIA GROUP LTD

Photos by Julie Buddle, Neil Robbins, Neo Cornia, Sharon McEneff and Katrina Mercado

ALL GIRLS BEACH RUGBY

The All Girls Beach Rugby Festival saw teams from all over Hong Kong playing at Tai Pak Wan on January 27 and 28. Organisers the DB Pirates flew in the Komodo Dragons, girls from the Mama Sayang orphanage in Jakarta, to join in the fun.

s t n e v e y t i n u rece nt c om m

THE HOTTEST

IN DISCOVERY BAY

www.arounddb.com March 2018

7

DB EVENTS

LANTAU ISLAND PADDLE CHALLENGE

Discovery Bay International School teachers Jonny Haines and Tim Tait battled challenging conditions as they circumnavigated Lantau on their paddle boards, from February 2 to 6, to raise awareness of plastic pollution. The daring duo raised a whopping HK$117,000 for eco-charity Plastic Free Seas.

Photos by Katrina Mercado

8

March 2018 www.arounddb.com

ROCKMOB!

Discovery Bay International School guitarists, drummers and singers performed Song 2 by Blur at Hong Kong’s first ever RockMob in the primary school courtyard on February 2. To watch the full performance online, visit www.dbis.edu.hk.

Photos by Patricia Jover

www.arounddb.com March 2018

9

DB EVENTS

LITTLE BLACK DRESS PARTY

Joyce Moir hosted her annual Little Black Dress Party at her DB home on February 7, raising HK$3,000 for charity. This year’s benefit was to support 12-yearold DB resident JP, who is currently undergoing treatment for brain cancer in the US.

www.evoqueportraits.com

VALENTINE’S DAY FUN

Loved-up couples carried bouquets and enjoyed the Lovebirds’ Paradise installation at DB Plaza as they celebrated Valentine’s Day on February 14.

www.evoqueportraits.com

CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS

Dragon and lion dancers helped DBers ring in the Year of the Dog at the Discovery Bay Recreation Club on February 17.

www.evoqueportraits.com

10

March 2018 www.arounddb.com

Online voting

March 5-12

on the Around DB Facebook page

B D @ N O SHORTLISTED ENTRIES AS FOLLOWS: REEN.IC

G Primary :

Wyom Dutt

Claudia Cheung

Bronte Summer Greenoff

Chloe Wong

Hisu Kang

Jaslyn Seyal Thind

Yoei Chan

Emily Drake

Eric Wang

Lucia Campos

Samuel Young

Secondary:

Joanne Yang

Atharv Garg

Hazel Wun

Alika Wong

Juliet Koung

Visit the Around DB Facebook page (fb.me/AroundDB) to vote for your favourite entry from March 5 to March 12.

The winning designs (primary and secondary categories) will be painted on the gate of Green.Icon@DB, and all shortlisted entries will be exhibited at Green.Icon@DB for public appreciation.

The winning designs will be announced on March 14 on the Around DB Facebook page and website (www.arounddb.com).

Rishima Mathur

Eva Chirkova

Thank you for the keen support from SKH Wei Lun Primary School, Discovery College, Discovery Bay International School & Hong Kong International Learning Academy.

DB EVENTS

YOUR GUIDE

L A I T N E S S E E T O T H UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS

Throughout March

Throughout March

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

Artwork by Martin Lever

ARTVPLASTIC CAMPAIGN In an innovative campaign to help fight Hong Kong’s growing plastic tide, eco-charity Plastic Free Seas has teamed up with renowned local artists Martin Lever and William Furniss to make bespoke original artworks available for sale. Funds raised will be used to create Hong Kong’s first in-depth online information and learning platform on marine pollution, which will include lesson planning tools designed to help encourage behavioural change. To find out more, visit plasticfreeseas.org or email dana.winograd@plasticfreeseas.org or mglever73@gmail.com.

March 1

DB ENTREPRENEURS NETWORKING BREAKFAST

at Zak’s, DB, kicks off at 8am. For more information and registration, visit www.t8events.com.

NEW CHORAL WORKS Sheung Wan Civic Centre, Central

Hong Kong’s New Choral Works March 3 composers’ group is performing eight all-new a capella choral pieces by local composers, including Last Night, the latest composition by DB resident Bethan Clark. Last Night is based on the final interview with Photo courtesy of Bethan Clark US serial killer Aileen Wuormos, who was portrayed by Charlize Theron in the Academy Awardwinning film Monster. The show starts at 8pm. For tickets, at HK$100, visit www.urbtix.hk.

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March 2018 www.arounddb.com

BODYTALK WITH ANGIE TOURANI IMI, DB North Plaza Integrated Medicine Institute is offering free 20-minute mini treatments with advanced certified BodyTalk practitioner Angie Tourani.

BodyTalk is a non-diagnostic, consciousness-based therapy that works with the body’s innate ability to balance and heal itself on a deep and lasting level. To make a booking, call 2537 1087.

Throughout March

March 2

A VERY HAPPY HOLI DAY to everyone in DB, as we celebrate the beginning of Spring with a day of laughter, happiness and coloured powder!

March 3

STOCK UP AT THE PLANT MARKET across from Haven

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

www.imi.com.hk

TENNIS NATIONS CUP

March 3 & 4

Discovery College Theatre March 7

Discovery Bay Recreation Club

Get set for the 25th edition of DB’s biggest and best tennis event, the Tennis Nations Cup. As well as the exciting and fiercely fought matches, you can expect food and game stalls, and plenty of entertainment for the kids. To find out more, visit www.dbrc.hk.

helperdocumentary.com

www.evoqueportraits.com

March 8

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY! To find out about this year’s campaign theme, Press for Progress, head to www.internationalwomensday.com.

March 11

SHOP THE DISCOVERY BAY SUNDAY MARKET

in DB Plaza from 11am to 6pm.

HARVEY LAW GROUP KART RACE

THE HELPER DOCUMENTARY

March 17

Discovery Bay Road The fifth edition of the Harvey www.evoqueportraits.com Law Group Kart Race sees racers aged seven and over battle it out to cross the finish line first.

Two categories are available: children’s races split into age groups, and the freestyle category, which is open to both children and adults who wish to design, build and race their own kart. The fun kicks off at 9am. To register, visit www.hlgkartrace.com.

March 21

RAISE AWARENESS ON WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY by wearing brightly coloured,

printed and mismatched socks.

Visit worlddownsyndromeday.org to find out more.

The Discovery College Parent Teacher Association is hosting a free screening of The Helper documentary, which chronicles diverse stories from Hong Kong’s domestic worker community. Founded by DBer Jane Engelmann, The Unsung Heroes, a choir composed of DB helpers, is featured in the film. The show starts at 7pm. To register, visit events.discovery.edu.hk.

DBIS International Food Fair Discovery Bay International School One of the largest community events in DB, all are welcome at Discovery Bay International School’s annual food fair.

Enjoy a range of culinary delights from all corners of the globe, plus live music and a host of commercial and charity stalls. To find out more, visit www.dbis.edu.hk.

March 10

www.evoqueportraits.com

March 18

JOIN A BEACH CLEAN-UP

organised by Plastic Free Seas and DB Green, at Sam Pak Wan, from 2 to 4pm. Visit www.dbgreen.org.

DBIS SPRING CONCERT Community Hall, DB North Plaza The annual Discovery Bay International School Spring Concert offers a night of entertainment with an orchestra, choirs and ensembles presenting a wide variety of music. The show starts at 6.30pm, and entrance is free. To find out more, visit www.dbis.edu.hk.

March 23

www.highjumpphotography.com

www.arounddb.com March 2018

13

DB EVENTS March 24

EASTER EGG HUNTS

SUPPORT WWF’S EARTH HOUR by turning off your lights from 8.30pm to 9.30pm. Learn more at earthhour.wwf.org.hk.

Across DB

Register now!

www.dbswimclub.com

The Discovery Bay Recreation Club Easter Egg Hunt on March 30 features a carnival, with entertainment stalls and game booths to enjoy.

Visit www.dbrc.hk for tickets. There’s also a two-day Egg Hunt and Fun Fair, March 30 to 31 at Tai Pak Wan and DB Plaza. For Egg Hunt passes head to www.cityline.com.hk.

March 30 & 31

www.evoqueportraits.com

DISCOVERY AMATEUR SWIM CLUB Discovery College indoor pool

The new season at Discovery Amateur Swim Club (DASC) starts next month, and you can register now for the first meet on April 20. DASC promotes a fun and happy family environment, offering ‘challenge yourself’ swimming to inspire children to achieve their personal best. Swimmers of all abilities, aged six and above, are invited to register for the weekly meets at www.dbswimclub.com.

CYCLE MONGOLIA FOR CHARITY The Tsolomon Ireedui Foundation, created to help children in need in Mongolia, is holding its annual bike ride in June. Registration is now open and everyone is welcome to take part in the ride, which raises funds to support disadvantaged children in Ulaanbaatar.

Created by Marc-Henry Lebrun and his wife, the foundation already has one DB team member, Angela Wood. For more information, head to www.tifcharity.org.

NEW in DB BABY CARE ON FERRY 5

Register now!

Photo courtesy of Marc-Henry Lebrun

www.thestorystudiohk.com

THE STORY STUDIO Are you passionate about writing and teaching? After three amazing years inspiring young writers in DB, Tung Chung and Mui Wo, The Story Studio founder Sharon La Roux is relocating to start a new chapter and wants to leave the business and her students in caring, creative hands. To learn more, visit www.thestorystudiohk.com or contact Sharon at thestorystudiohk@yahoo.com or 6341 3989.

The first baby care room on a DB ferry was launched aboard Ferry 5 on February 14. The room, at the back of the upper deck, provides full baby changing and feeding facilities. It is available on a first-come-first-served basis. For enquiries, call the Discovery Bay Transportation Services customer service hotline on 2987 7351. www.hkri.com

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March 2018 www.arounddb.com

DB EVENTS

COMPETITIONS GRAFFITI DESIGN COMPETITION Online vote: March 5-12

Entries for the Green.Icon@DB Competition have been submitted!

Online voting begins on March 5 at 8am on the Around DB Facebook page and closes on March 12 at 8am. The winners, runners up and merits are announced on the Around DB Facebook page and www.arounddb.com on March 14. You can look forward to seeing the winning primary and secondary school designs painted on the gate of DB’s community green station Green.Icon@DB.

YOUNG WRITERS COMPETITION S e c o n d a r y Deadline: March 7 school students living and/ or studying in Lantau are on deadline to complete their stories for the Around DB and Life on Lantau Young Writers Competition. From the articles submitted, our three mentors each select a winning story and work on improving it with the author. The three finished articles are posted on the Around DB and Life on Lantau Facebook pages for an online vote, April 17 to 22. Check the guidelines at www.arounddb.com, and email your article to rachel@baymedia.com.hk by March 7.

#THATSCOOLHK (#THATSNOTCOOLHK) COMPETITION

To enter the Around DB and Life on Lantau #thatscoolHK (#thatsnotcoolHK) Competition, simply send us two photos, Deadline: one of something March 15 ecologically cool (that you spot either at home or when out and about in DB) and one of something ecologically uncool. The top five finalists are chosen by DB residents Jonny Haines and Tim Tait, who completed the Lantau Island Paddle Challenge last month. The finalists each receive two reusable metal straws and a pair of eco-friendly Eureka Socks (www.eurekasocks.com), and see their photos published in the April issue of Around DB. Email your entry to katrina@baymedia.com.hk by March 15.

LANTAU RACES TRANSLANTAU Start: Silvermine Beach March 2-4

LANTAU INTERNATIONAL BEER DASH Start: Tong Fuk Prison

March 17

16

Register now!

April 21

Photo by Alexis Berg

Back for its seventh year, Translantau offers 103-kilometre, 50-kilometre and 25-kilometre races. Passing through the Lantau Trail and two country parks, the races afford participants stunning views of Lantau's undulating hills and long coastline as they make their way to the finish line. To find out more, visit translantau.transasiaseries.com.

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN

www.countryoforigin.asia www.arounddb.com

Dress up in your most creative costumes and set off for a 5-kilometre run while enjoying a different international beer at every checkpoint. The best-dressed runners receive prizes. To find out more, email melaniepotgieter@hotmail.com.

March 2018 www.arounddb.com

Country of Origin sees teams of three come together to compete for their home country. The 30-kilometre race is open to everyone and offers a great day out on the trails. Team members (all of the same nationality) must start, run and finish the race together. To register, visit www.countryoforigin.asia.

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Easter celebrations in Discovery Bay

Photos courtesy of Hong Kong Resort

S

18

pring has sprung! The weather is finally starting to warm up, and Easter is just around the corner.

The Easter holidays are a wonderful time of year in DB, when the town really comes into its own with lots of fun activities to entertain young and old alike.

better, eight Grand Eggs are hidden among the smaller eggs with special prizes, worth up to HK$9,000 in total, going to those who find them!

One of the biggest highlights of the Easter holidays is, of course, the annual Egg Hunt on Tai Pak Beach, which this year takes place on March 30 and 31. With over 30,000 fantastic prizes up for grabs, the popular event sees children’s faces light up as they search for colourful eggs hidden in the sand.

In keeping with DB’s determination to be an ecofriendly town, each of the eggs is made from biodegradable, natural

Open to children aged three to 10, the two-day hunt is divided into different age groups for the respective game sessions – three to four, five to six, and seven to 10 years. Every egg collected entitles the lucky participant to an Egg Redemption Prize. Even

Each participant in the Egg Hunt receives a Welcome Goodies Bag and Certificate of Excellence.

materials and is retained for reuse at future events.

March 2018 www.arounddb.com

“I’m continually impressed by all the large-scale community happenings provided,” says DB mother-of-two Helen Samuels.

“As a family, one of our favourite events is the Egg Hunt. If we lived somewhere like Mid-Levels, I’d be hiding eggs around the apartment for the kids to find but here in DB, they can enjoy the hunt on a much bigger scale. I don’t know how many eggs are hidden on the beach but it’s a lot.

“What I also like about this event is that so many of our Cantonese neighbours enjoy it too. It’s not just an expat gathering; it’s for everyone on the resort.

We take the opportunity to get to know families we might not otherwise meet.”

Adding to the fun is the open-air Fun Fair at DB Plaza and Tai Pak Beach. Running from 10.30am till 6.30pm each day, the fair features a series of interactive inflatable

games and carnival game booths, sure to create a lot of laughter for festival-goers.

“Massive bouncy castles lined up on the beach just waiting to be jumped on! What’s not to love?” adds Helen. “My kids go wild, and it’s great to see.”

Easter is, of course, a religious holiday, and the many Christian churches across DB are preparing for the most solemn period on their calendar.

“Easter is the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” explains Pastor James Buckner of Discovery Bay International Community Church (DBICC). “It is the hope and theme of every Sunday service at DBICC.” “As Christians, we believe that had Jesus not died on that cross for our sins on Good Friday, and

One of the biggest highlights of the Easter holidays is, of course, the annual Egg Hunt on Tai Pak Beach, which this year takes place on March 30 and 31

risen from the grave three days later on Easter Sunday, none of us would have everlasting life,” Pamela Wallace, Worship Leader at DBICC adds.

“We have a wonderful Christian community here in DB, and Easter is the most important time of the year for us.”

The coming of Spring is, of course, something everyone in DB enjoys celebrating, regardless of their religious affiliation, and that is what makes the Easter holidays so enjoyable. As behoves a multicultural Spring festival, the fun activities in and around the plaza focus on the joyous aspect of the season, on new beginnings and renewal.

As the DB community comes together to celebrate Easter 2018, we wish you and your loved ones a wonderful and joyous holiday.

www.arounddb.com March 2018

19

GIVEAWAYS

HERE’S YOUR CHANCE TO WIN PRIZES! Around DB prizes are incredibly easy to get your hands on, and you have until March 10 to apply.

Simply scan the barcode, or go to www.arounddb.com/giveaways, select the giveaway you want, and enter your details into the online form.

Win an invitation for two to the Asia Contemporary Art Show

Win a place at Faust’s Easter Theatre programme

Asia Contemporary Art Show is offering five readers a standard invitation for two to the Asia Contemporary Art Show 2018 Spring Edition (worth HK$500 each), allowing unlimited entry www.asiacontemporaryart.com from March 24 to 26 with a complimentary drink.

The 12th edition of the Asia Contemporary Art Show showcases original paintings, limited editions, sculpture and photography from an international selection of emerging and mid-career artists. The spring edition runs from March 24 to 26 at the Conrad Hong Kong, Admiralty. Single admission tickets, costing HK$250, are available at the door, or you can purchase two-for-one tickets at www.asiacontemporaryart.com/tickets.

Faust International Youth Theatre is offering one reader a place at either its Holiday Theatre or Creative Writing programme (worth HK$2,370) from March 26 to 29, April 3 to 6 or April 10 to 13 in Sheung Wan. www.faustworld.com Faust International’s Holiday Theatre programme is suitable for children aged four to 12. Budding actors explore a selection of stories inspired by the wonders of nature and the environment.

The Creative Writing programme sees kids, aged six to 13, writing short environmentally-themed stories in a fun and interactive environment. For more information, visit www.faustworld.com.

Congratulations to last month’s winners Megan Olinger for a two-week unlimited HIT+Spin package with The HIT Room, and Zoe Davies for a VR experience at EpicLand’s new Virtual World.

BODYPUMP - GRIT STRENGTH - BODYSTEP - RPM - TRX - CORE SPIN - BOXING CIRCUIT - BOOTCAMP - LEGS, BUMS & TUMS - KIDS SIGN UP FOR A FREE TRIAL! WWW.THEHITROOM.COM.HK INFO@THEHITROOM.COM.HK +852 6621 7410

PROFILE

BIG DADDY

Photo by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com

Former US fighter pilot Nathaniel Kelsey shares a quarter century of parenting wisdom in his new book Protect Your Child, Save Your Sanity. Elizabeth Kerr hears all about it, and gets a lesson in thought control thrown in

24

I

t may be surprising to some, but there are many, many new parents out there who don’t know how best to use a onesie. Those flaps on the shoulders of an infant’s one-piece aren’t superfluous. They’re there to make its removal after a bowel blowout quick and clean(er). And how about a juice box? The tabs on the side aren’t just for easy stacking. Pull them up and they’re instant handles for tiny hands.

Many of us would face-palm it after learning something so

seemingly obvious, but truly savvy parenting takes experience, something Nathaniel Kelsey, aka Major Dad Official, has plenty of.

Words of Wisdom From a Father of 5 Children came about.”

“I thought I could come up with 101 things people who’ve never had kids would never think of,” says the five-time dad and now author. “There are just so many things that product designers either didn’t provide instructions for, or some things you just don’t ‘get.’ I thought I’d do my part.” And that’s how Protect Your Child, Save Your Sanity: 101 Techniques &

Nate’s part on this day is relaxing in DB Plaza as his youngest children, three-year-old Jack and five-yearold Lövey, smear gelato all over their faces as kids so often do. In many ways, they’re just like him.

March 2018 www.arounddb.com

Protect your child

A Wisconsin native and Alaska resident (the family splits their time between DB and Alaska), Nate has more than a little cowboy in him.

Kevin Chu with his wife Maria at home in DB



Nathaniel Kelsey with wife Jill, and his three youngest Jack, Lövey and John

He’s big and burly; the kind of man you’d want by your side if you were heading into the wild. You’d put money on his spirit animal being a bear, maybe a moose. And a moose is, in fact, the logo of his knife-making company Edge Alaska Custom Knives. (Check out the handmade, hollow ground ATS-34 Stainless Steel Fighter, with mirror finish and presentation grade wood handle, it would definitely prove useful in a survival situation.)

Nate’s macho side comes as no surprise given his childhood

run-ins with legendary stuntman Yakima Canutt, his best friend’s grandfather. The boys were regularly regaled with Hollywood stories about John Wayne, Charlton Heston, and cowboy heroes of the 1950s and ’60s. “This guy Yakima was larger than life – and a big guy, 6’7”,” he says. “We were eight, maybe 10 years old, and he would tell us amazing stories. We hung on every word.”

That may be where Nate learnt how to command a room – that and five years as a US Army

helicopter pilot, 17 years as a US Air Force fighter pilot and two years as an Army Ranger.

Garrulous, quick to make a joke and engaged in his surroundings, it’s easy to see where his youngest get the confidence to be children.

Slightly off point but worth a mention, Nate says he learnt a lot about thought control while in the forces. He was taught that people will know you’re looking at them, even if they are facing the other way, if you let your eye wander above their waist level

www.arounddb.com March 2018



25

PROFILE

to the back of their neck. To this day, when in a restaurant, Nate gets the waitress’ attention by doing a ‘pony tail tug,’ whereby he mentally pulls her hair. Nine out of 10 times, he says the waitress turns round.

Save your sanity Nate and his wife Jill first landed in Hong Kong in 2010 when he was based here as a freight pilot, and she was broadening the horizons of her digital magazine, First Time Parent. Appropriate as the SAR may have been businesswise, it’s a far cry from Alaska. Nonetheless, the family likes DB.

relief many new parents need, but have no idea where to find.

Major Dad Official’s guide is a far cry from the ‘standards’ by Dr Spock et al. Twenty-two years in the military will teach you to be prepared for anything – and to stay grounded.

And it was while he was literally grounded that Nate, now 58, found the opportunity to compile

If you didn’t do the right things from zero to

“It’s Hong Kong-lite,” Nate says.

“What’s really cool about DB is that you don’t have crowds. Though that’s changing.”

Nate does worry about the deteriorating air quality and its long-term effects on his kids’ lung development, but for now the diversity of Hong Kong life keeps him here. “You can meet someone from South Africa, Denmark, Norway, Botswana and Thailand in the same evening. I don’t think you get that wide a spectrum of cultures anywhere else,” he says. “It was my favourite layover anywhere in the world. The vibe is different; it’s a little more chill.”

Being asked time and again why his kids are so well behaved (how he does it) formed the basis of Nate’s hands-on, frequently clever, often old-school book of tips from a veteran parent for newcomers.

Published in December and available on Amazon, the 37 pages of quick tips and logical problem solving provide the kind of instant

12 years old, you can’t start doing them at 13 the book. Recovering from back surgery supplied the time to put his experiences, which he stresses are all his, down on paper.

“My kids are human, just like me, I’ve just been here longer,” he explains. “My job is to take them from totally dependent as a baby to totally independent at 18. That’s my responsibility as a parent.”

Words of wisdom Not everyone will see eye to eye with Major Dad Official but his tongue is usually firmly planted in his cheek. Whether you agree with his description of a paediatrician as a “board-certified

witchdoctor” (who he nevertheless recommends you refer to for real medical advice) is personal. Ditto for the recommendation that the “trick to raising a girl is knowing to ask, ‘In what colour, my dear?’”

But the book is refreshing in its unpretentious, road-tested wisdom; the little details, like using teething gel for earaches when doctors aren’t around, are truly inspired.

Nate has no time for pop psychology and status symbols; he’s not here for the so-called competition trap that’s so common now. “That starts immediately, as soon as you’re pregnant. ‘Oh, your kid’s three. Is he in AP college classes yet?’ I address that too,” he says.

“There’s nothing to say to a new mum other than, ‘Congratulations!’ and ‘You look terrific.’”

He points out that parents need to parent, that respect is a twoway street, and that despite what sensational media may say, what parents say carries weight. Ideas planted young are hard to shake.

And teens aren’t all that mysterious.

Nate’s already had three: Adam, 23, Hayden, 21 and John, 16.

John, who’s at the table in the plaza but has no gelato on his face, is as eloquent and sophisticated a 16-year-old as you’re likely to find.

Nate’s done something right, and his first book focuses on those intimidating early years.

“If you didn’t do the right things from zero to 12 years old, you can’t start doing them when the kid is 13 years old,” Nate says.”

Truer words were never spoken.

Too bad it took so long for someone to write them down.

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March 2018 www.arounddb.com

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TALKING POINTS

Playing FAST and After a spate of recent road traffic incidents in Discovery Bay, residents are voicing their concerns and urging action. Jane Wood looks into DB’s road safety situation

P Photo by Andrew Spires

eter Crush has been visiting Discovery Bay for over 30 years, and has lived here since 2004. A current member of the Discovery Bay Passenger Liaison Group, Peter has noticed a spike in the volume of traffic on our roads over the last few years.

28

“The legal rules which permit goods vehicles to enter through the tunnel link are being abused,” he opens.

“The vehicles are supposed to enter only when they are supplying goods and services by third parties, however the owners of these vehicles are using them primarily to carry in passengers.”

As well as concerns about private

cars, 10-year DB resident Laura Dean (not her real name), who agreed to speak out on the condition of anonymity, also considers buses to be a big part of the problem.

“There are now more internal bus routes than ever – for example the 9A, and many of the school routes – plus additional external routes, for example to the Auberge,” she says.

“There are also more charter buses, and the amount of constructionrelated traffic has increased.”

a maximum of two hours, with overstayers being subject to a fee.

While City Management (CM) rules clearly state that private cars are banned in DB, vehicles with LGV registration are permitted to enter for specific business purposes, such as delivering goods, between 9am and 6pm. Stays should last for

“Drivers of external vehicles are required to display permits on the windscreen of their vehicles for inspection. Residents could help by reporting promptly to CM if they witness any inappropriate vehicles entering DB,” says Kenneth Chan,

March 2018 www.arounddb.com

Although there are some exceptions to this rule – for example government vehicles, emergency services vehicles and certain contractors who may request advance approval to remain in DB beyond the two-hour time limit – CM states it is keen to enforce these restrictions.

unless the police change their policies for the whole of Hong Kong. “CM cannot carry out private prosecutions using speed cameras, for many legal reasons, and the police will not accept evidence from privately-owned speed cameras,” he says.

Peter would like to see limited use of speed bumps in village areas, although he believes these would not be practical for main roads as they can create technical problems for buses, as well as passenger discomfort.

In the longer term, Laura is hopeful that improvements to DB’s infrastructure will ease the situation. “The roads were not built to sustain the current amount of traffic – they are by no means wide, and are in terrible condition,” she says. “The current development may eventually lead to better conditions.”

LOOSE

Abiding by the rules

senior manager at Discovery Bay Services Management.

Reduce speed now In addition to increased traffic volume, irresponsible driving is also a concern for many residents.

“Drivers on the external bus routes are under immense pressure to keep to their timetables, and I’ve often seen hire cars speeding and overtaking dangerously,” Laura notes. “The construction vehicles that travel up and down Discovery Valley Road also often travel scarily fast!”

Asked what measures are in place to deter speeding, Kenneth states: “Daily speed checks are

conducted by our security staff at various locations, in particular along the main road, at different times.

Drivers found speeding (including bus company employees) will be warned. We also liaise closely with the police requesting them to do likewise, and they do sometimes conduct road speeding checks.”

With speed limits already in place, residents are asking what more can be done to encourage drivers to slow down. “The only solution is a full-time traffic police presence within DB to carry out enforcement,” says Peter.

At a more basic level, Peter concedes that the implementation of speed cameras is a non-starter,

Meanwhile, all of us can do our bit to improve safety levels on our roads. Laura refers to what she perceives as a lack of common sense amongst both golf-cart drivers and pedestrians, who can be lulled into a false sense of security by DB’s theoretically ‘carfree’ environment. She feels that ‘golf carters,’ in particular, need to start taking DB’s roads a little more seriously.

“Some golf-cart drivers are guilty of, for lack of a better word, sheer stupidity!” Laura says. “Drink driving is considered socially acceptable by many here. I’ve also witnessed texting whilst driving, people driving with babies or dogs on their laps, and the dangerous overloading of carts. If you wouldn't do it in a regular car in your home country, what makes  you think you should do it here?”

www.arounddb.com March 2018

29

TALKING POINTS

Recalling a recent incident, a close call for the student involved, Laura also cites reckless pedestrians as being a danger to themselves and others.

“I watched as two buses were waiting to turn off the main road onto Marina Drive, and a golf cart was coming down the hill from the opposite direction,” she says. “A young student, maybe Year 4, was standing behind the buses (she had no view of the opposite side of the road). Throwing all caution to the wind, she suddenly sprinted across the road – the poor golf cart driver looked scared to death, and had to brake desperately to avoid hitting her. I spoke to the girl afterwards but there was no awareness or remorse; she acted like it was all some big game.

Throwing all caution to the wind, she suddenly sprinted across the road – the poor golf cart driver looked scared to death, and had to brake desperately to avoid hitting her “We all need to be more aware of road safety before there is a very serious accident,” Laura adds.

So while CM is urged to redouble

its commitment to curb the influx of private vehicles and combat speeding, it seems we should all be doing our bit to make DB a safer place to live.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on road safety in DB. If you have any stories to tell or suggestions on how the situation could be improved, make them known on the Around DB Facebook page.

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Find more topical local topics @ www.arounddb.com

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Vocational Baccalaureate Programmes -

A New Pathway from Secondary to Higher Education in Hong Kong

Every child learns differently, and this is especially true when it comes to education. While one student may respond well to a traditional learning environment, others may find it easier to flourish in a more vocational setting.

“We chose engineering and design because there is a lot of demand for those skills here in Hong Kong.

There are growing opportunities in the creative and engineering industries,” explains Raymond. “ Vo ca t i o n a l a n d p ro fe ss i o n a l education and training provides students with handson experience in these areas, preparing them in a practical way for their future profession or further studies.”

Now, for the first time in Hong Kong, secondary students can choose an alternative pathway to mainstream education, with the new Vocational Baccalaureate (VB) programmes from the Vocational Training Council (VTC).

“VB programmes will launch in Hong Kong this September,” says Raymond Kwok, Principal, Youth College (International) of VTC. “At the moment, the prevailing option provided for students under the 12 years of free education is the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education, which is academic in nature. VB programmes are different. Tailored for those who show potential in ‘practical’ subjects and skills, the programmes offer a more focused, hands-on approach to learning, enabling students to really develop their interests in design or engineering.”

Raymond Kwok Principal, Youth College (International) of VTC

“VB programmes

offer a more focused, hands-on approach to learning, enabling students to really develop their interests in design or engineering”

VB programmes adopt innovative and interactive teaching methods to engage and motivate students, helping them to develop their selfconfidence and providing them with the ability and adaptability to handle real-life challenges.

Says Raymond, “A typical engineering project could involve building a solar car and then trying to improve its energy efficiency. When it comes to design, we equip students with foundation knowledge in graphics, fine arts, fashion, products, image and film & animation.”

As well as providing a strong professional element, the three-

Flexible Articulation to Degree and Higher Diploma

y e a r V B p ro g r a m m e s a t V TC also cover a broad range of core subjects, ensuring that students gain a solid grounding in key disciplines including English, Chinese and Mathematics, which are taught to IGCSE level.

D e l i v e re d i n E n g l i s h , t h e V B programmes also adopt the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma for vocational studies.

By following these international standards, students are able t o g a i n re le v a n t , re co g n i s e d qualifications, providing them w i t h a f lex i b le ro u te to lo ca l or overseas universities, or to higher education at one of VTC’s member institutions. Because the vocational element is assessed via coursework, formal exambased assessments are kept to a minimum.

Reflecting Hong Kong’s position a s a w o r l d c i t y, V T C a l s o places a strong emphasis on developing students’ international mind-sets, with intercultural learning opportunities, out-ofclassroom community projects and enrichment activities helping to foster a strong sense of community and broaden students’ horizons.

A long-established and highlyrespected educational institution, VTC boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including purpose-built laboratories and design studios.

Study location depends on the co u rs e s e le c te d , w i t h d e s i g n being taught at the Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI)/ Institute

Completion of Secondary 3/ Year 9 or above

of Vocational Education (IVE) (Lee Wai Lee) and engineering at the IVE (Tsing Yi). “ We a r e l o o k i n g f o r w a r d t o welcoming our new students,” says Raymond. “Every child is unique, and now, with the VB programmes, Hong Kong parents have another valuable option to help their children develop to their full potential.”

“Students are able to gain relevant, recognised qualifications, providing them with a flexible route to local or overseas universities”

Design @ HKDI /

Engineering @

IVE (Lee Wai Lee)

IVE (Tsing Yi)

Apply now for the coming school year

Submit application online at www.vtc.edu.hk/admission, or download the application form and send it to Youth College, 85 Hing Shing Road, Kwai Chung, New Territories.

Scan this QR code to download the application form.

Applicants will be invited for an interview and assessment on March 24 at Youth College (Kwai Fong). For enquiries, call the VTC at 2836 1868 / 2897 6111, email vb@vtc.edu.hk or visit www.vtc.edu.hk/vb.

Mandarin Magic or Sport? , Time to Enrol your Kids in an Easter Camp!

HK DRAGONS 5322 5556, acc.admin@dragons.hk, www.dragons.hk On April 3, 4 and 6 and April 9 to 13, HK Dragons is offering 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.

MANDARIN FOR MUNCHKINS 2480 3909, db@mandarinformunchkins.com, www.mandarinformunchkins.com From April 3 to 14, Mandarin for Munchkins is combining science and Mandarin in its Easter camps for kids aged three and up. With a new topic each day, children conduct exciting science experiments, from making parachutes to walking on eggs. The morning and afternoon sessions, held in DB, get children learning through activities and speaking Mandarin out loud.

TREASURE ISLAND 2546 3543, inquiries@treasureislandhk.com, www.treasureislandhk.com Treasure Island is bringing two weeks of adventure (April 2 to 6 and April 9 to 13) to children, aged seven and up, on and around beautiful Pui O Beach. Fun outdoor activities include kayaking, gorging, raftbuilding and hiking. There’s also an Eastepic Egg Hunt at Mavericks on Pui O Beach on April 2, with kids bagging a pile of sweets and the chance to win awesome prizes.

RUMPLE AND FRIENDS 9830 8287, info@rumpleandfriends.com, www.rumpleandfriends.com Kids, aged three to 10, can enrol in one of Rumple and Friends’ signature magic and circus courses in Sheung Wan, March 26 to 29, April 3 to 6, or April 9 to 12. Students create Easter-themed arts and crafts, learn fun songs and dances, use puppetry, drama, circus and magic, and perform a very special play The Easter Island Adventure for parents.

ZHIZHI CHINESE EDUCATION 9648 2966, debbie.tai@zhizhichinese.com, www.zhizhichinese.com Zhizhi Chinese Education’s Easter camp, running from April 2 to 13 in DB, is for primary and secondary students of all language backgrounds and levels. Students boost their confidence in Mandarin through crafts, language art games, story reading and drama play.

The camp, led by experienced international school teacher Debbie Tai, is relevant, interesting, challenging and engaging (RICE).

Get ready for a new term of dramatic fun!

Easter Programmes Holiday Theatre and Creative Writing March 26th to 29th April 3rd to 6th April 10th to 13rd

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

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

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

The Faust Festival 2018 Join us in the new term for a chance to shine on stage in our annual theatre showcase!

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FAMILY MATTERS

Photos by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com

Saree-pacters Shyamala Padmasola, Swati Ray and Aditi Aggarwal

36

Keeping traditions alive Seeking some advice on parenting third culture kids, Kate Farr talks to three DB residents who are spreading the word about their heritage in significant style

S

hyamala Padmasola has lived in Discovery Bay for 21 years, and, like many long-term expats, she is keen to pass her cultural traditions on to the next generation. Now, along with a group of friends, Shyamala has found a unique way

to celebrate her Indian heritage – a saree pact.

Explaining that she always loved wearing sarees (and used to borrow her mum’s as a teenager), Shyamala says that on moving to Hong Kong, she found she wore

March 2018 www.arounddb.com

them less and less frequently, until they would only make an appearance for festivals. But a casual conversation, back in 2014, quickly changed all that.

“I was wearing a saree for Diwali, when one of the young boys in

the neighbourhood asked me if I was going to a Halloween party!”

Shyamala opens. “That really set me thinking; I didn’t want my beautiful hand-loomed sarees – which I consider to be sheer woven magic – to be perceived as a Halloween costume.”

Shyamala reached out to eight friends, who agreed upon a saree pact, whereby once a month they would gather in DB and dress in traditional clothing. The sareepacters’ gatherings have since expanded to include regular jaunts to Hong Kong Island… for meals, afternoon tea, and even wet-market shopping – with the DB ladies always adorned in sarees.

Empowering third culture kids Of course, a large part of the group’s motivation is tied to a desire to continue traditions into the next generation. Saree-pacter Swati Ray, a teacher at the French International School, explains, “My children see me wearing sarees, and when we travel to India, they see their grandmum and aunties wearing them too. My daughter is fascinated by them, and often gives suggestions on what I should buy or wear for the next saree-pact gathering.”

Fellow saree-pacter Aditi Aggarwal agrees, “My family and friends are totally impressed that I wear sarees so often while living in Hong Kong. Both my husband and son like seeing me in a saree; my husband has helped me drape one on many occasions when I'm trying out a different style.”

The saree-pacters continue to meet twice a year and, looking at the bigger picture, Shyamala believes that when it comes to celebrating your heritage, expat life can actually be helpful, rather than a hindrance.

“I think people who live outside India generally make more of an effort to keep their cultural heritage alive,” she says. “Most of the Indian festivals that we celebrate as a family were initially started with the children [Rahul, 19 and Ritika, 17] in mind. For some of the important traditional festivals like Tamil New Year and Navratri, we have always served a full Tamilian vegetarian lunch in banana leaves (from Nim Shue Wan). My husband Srinivas and I wanted our kids to learn how to eat off the leaves when they were young, so that when they went back to India, they wouldn’t feel like misfits.”

Providing good advice for expat parents of any nationality, Shyamala is quick to point out that she and Srinivas never attempted to force their heritage on their kids. “We’ve never pushed being Indian down their throats!” she says. “They are third culture kids, and we think of them as free global citizens. That said, we didn't want them to feel rootless, and so we tried to create and value family traditions. We believe that knowing about your family, and knowing you belong to something bigger than yourself, gives you the confidence to be yourself.”

Shyamala suggests that all this can be achieved in small ways.

“When our kids were little, we talked a lot about our families and shared a lot of stories about our growing up. I am also big on photographs,” she says. “We have albums and would spend hours poring over them.”

The family also owned a holiday home in Mumbai, which they visited every December. “That way, the kids had some real roots in India and felt like they belonged,” says Shyamala.

It’s clear that Shyamala’s children have developed a natural

affinity with their Indian heritage.

Speaking of her son, she says, “For an International Baccalaureate project, Rahul decided to create music for his grandparents using Western as well as Indian musical instruments. And in his teens, he took to wearing casual kurtas around DB, just like his dad. He took a few with him to university too. It’s just part of his wardrobe; he’s not limited to wearing them at Indian gatherings or functions.”

Haathmaag gatherings But back to the saree pact, and how its members benefit. It turns out that Aditi is the group’s poster girl, since prior to joining, she seldom wore sarees and felt uncomfortable in them. “The prospect of draping a saree would break me into a cold sweat, as it seemed like such a daunting task!” Aditi says. “Thanks to the saree pact, this has become so easy that I now find an excuse to wear one!”

As the saree-pacters delight in wearing sarees has increased, so has their appreciation of the skill that goes into making them. And it’s this appreciation that has led to the second strand of the group’s focus – haathmaag, which means hand weaving in Marathi.

“Last year, I visited a loom in Pune,” Shyamala explains. “There was a young boy there named Shivom, whose father hand-weaves beautiful Paithani sarees. His father was explaining that he didn’t want his young son to continue in the business, as there is not much money in weaving now that powerloom machines have largely taken over. Shivom was keen to talk about the haathmaag, but his father wanted him to become an engineer for the salary.”

Returning to DB, Shyamala was inspired to share more about  hand weaving, and a dedicated

www.arounddb.com March 2018

37

FAMILY MATTERS FAMILY MATTERS

Community celebrations Speaking about the wider Indian community in DB, and how they interact, Shyamala admits that a lot has changed over the years.

“When my kids were young, the DB Indian community was very small and we all knew each other, so we planned Dandiya, Diwali and even Holi parties together,” she says. “We still celebrate Indian Independence Day every year as a group, but now there are so many of us, it’s difficult to organise festivals on such a large scale. Now you see smaller gettogethers.”

While Discovery Bay International School celebrates Diwali every year, with participation from the entire school, Indian Independence Day celebrations at Bayside Dental are open to everyone, as are the haathmaag gatherings.

A Haathmaag gathering on Republic Day (India), January 26

haathmaag group now gathers every two months. The 17 members, all wearing hand-woven sarees, research and present the origins of a specific weave at each meeting.

“My hope is that more Indians in DB will be proud of these wonderful weavers, and make an effort to buy handmade sarees – even if they’re a little more expensive,” Shyamala says.

As for the general reaction to the saree-pacters’ very visual celebration of their culture, Aditi says, “We do get a second look but hopefully it’s all appreciative.”

Shyamala agrees that DBers are generally supportive of each other’s customs, and that sareewearing in and around the plaza gets a positive response.

“Having lived in DB for 21 years, I can definitely say that it is truly multi-cultural,” she says. “I have been asked by so many of my non-Indian friends to buy sarees on my trips to India, and we invite our non-Indian friends to our Diwali party at home.”

If you would like to attend a haathmaag gathering, email shyamsri@netvigator.com.

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

38

March 2018 www.arounddb.com

IN FOCUS

The boat that

Photo by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com

! s k c o r

40

To make the most of your ferry commute to Central, practicing psychologist and 23-year resident Sandra Comer suggests you simply sit back and relax

W

hen I first moved to DB in 1995, ferry was the only viable way to get in and out – and for many of us early residents that was in fact part of the resort’s appeal. We wanted to be that little bit removed from the city, surrounded by nature and open spaces, and the fact that we had

Sandra Comer uses the 25-minute commute to and from Central to decompress and be mindful

to hop on a boat to get home was psychologically uplifting – it made us feel that we weren’t part of the rat race; it made us feel free.

It’s a wonderful, unique and stressfree way to travel.

This still holds true today, and despite the many forms of transportation now available to and from DB, taking the ferry remains my preferred option by a long shot.

I’ve come to relish my short but valuable time travelling to and from my psychology practice in Central.

Twenty-five minutes seems like the perfect amount of time to prepare

March 2018 www.arounddb.com

A time to decompress

for work or transition from work to home. A time to decompress, let go of the stress of the day (how about putting your phone on silent), and prepare to relax and enjoy time with family and friends.

How many people could use an extra 50 minutes of uninterrupted time a day? You can read the paper or a novel; make a to-do list; do a crossword puzzle; send an email; eat breakfast/ lunch/ dinner; do your make-up (the lighting can’t be beat); or just relax, listen to music and tune out. Of course, if you would rather socialise this is also an option.

We’re a tight-knit community and I’d go so far as to say that the ferry ride plays a part in this, since it provides a unique opportunity for us to pass time with friends and neighbours.

I find it heart-warming to start and end my working day surrounded by familiar faces, and I also appreciate the unspoken ‘ferry rule’ which dictates that you don’t approach a friend without first making direct eye contact. Keep your head in a book as you settle into your seat and you won’t be disturbed!

On the whole, everyone, even the teenagers, keeps things on the down-low and, in all my 23 years of of commuting, I’ve never once seen an incident of ferry rage.

Quieting the mind These days, I like to integrate a period of meditation into my time on the ferry, and this is something I would highly recommend to everyone. Many of my clients are stressed from working long hours and often complain of insomnia.

I encourage them to practise meditation or some other form of relaxation on a regular basis.

Despite initial enthusiasm, not

having the time is often the reason they are not persistent.

The health benefits of ‘quieting’ the mind are well established.

Meditation lowers blood pressure, lowers the levels of blood lactate, decreases pain associated with

Breathing in, I calm my body.

Breathing out, I smile. Dwelling in the present moment, I know this is a wonderful moment tension (headaches, insomnia, muscle and joint problems), increases serotonin production (which improves mood) and improves the immune system, to name a few benefits.

In fact, when researchers from Johns Hopkins University performed a met-analysis of 47 well-designed studies to examine the efficacy of meditation, they concluded that mindful meditation can help ease anxiety, depression and pain. Their results were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Internal Medicine in 2014.

In order to reap the most benefits, it is important to practise relaxation

on a regular basis. Relaxation techniques like any other skill improve with practice, so start off slow (five to 10 minutes) and work your way up. There are many different techniques available and it’s important to the find the one that feels right to you.

Mindfulness meditation has become more popular in recent years. It involves sitting comfortably, focusing on your breathing, and bringing your attention to the present, while letting go of concerns about the past or the future. In his book Being Peace, Vietnamese Buddhist monk and peace activist Thich Nhat Hanh offers this short mindful meditation: “Breathing in, I calm my body. Breathing out, I smile. Dwelling in the present moment, I know this is a wonderful moment.”

There are many apps or YouTubeguided meditation recordings available that can be downloaded free of charge. Check out www.mindfulness-solution.com which has guided recordings by Dr Ronald Siegel, author of The Mindfulness Solution: Everyday Practices for Everyday Problems.

Find one that appeals to you and sit back, listen to your script, and let the motion of the ferry lull you into a deep state of relaxation and calmness.

Hey, if you do, you might even live longer and be able to enjoy the money you’ve squirrelled away working 12+ hours a day!

Psychologist Sandra Comer has lived in DB for 23 years. You can contact her through Lauren Bramley & Partners in Central, 2877 6068.

Find more topical local topics @ www.arounddb.com www.arounddb.com March 2018

41

WELLNESS

W

hen you hear that osteopathy can cure you of everything from digestive and respiratory problems to headaches and insomnia, you could be excused for being a tad sceptical, especially if you are labouring under the (widely held) misconception that it’s just a fancy kind of massage.

But if osteopathy is a massage, it’s a massage in overdrive – it involves soft-tissue stretching, deep tactile pressure and joint manipulation – and the initiated will tell you that it really is all it’s cracked up to be.

Many osteopaths are fully qualified doctors, who have completed medical school.

While there are only about 30 osteopaths currently practising in Hong Kong, osteopaths are recognised as primary-care providers overseas, and they work in conjunction with other health practitioners within the mainstream medical framework.

Photo by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com

Treating the whole body

Dr Aaron Anderson treating a patient at the Integrated Medicine Institute in DB North Plaza

HOLISTIC

HEALING

Osteopathy differs from conventional modern medicine, and indeed many forms of alternative medicine, because medication is not typically subscribed. One of the tenants of osteopathy is that the body has a self-healing mechanism, and it is first-and-foremost an alignment-based therapy. It’s a musculoskeletal medicine, looking at the way the body moves, and it’s a manual medicine, meaning practitioners treat clients with their hands.

whole body. (Osteopaths use manual-therapy techniques to realign structures in your body that may be contributing to illness, so don’t be surprised if they treat your back pain by focusing on your feet.)

Alternative or not, osteopathy is certainly holistic and complementary to other forms of therapy, since the anatomy is viewed as one interconnected unit and treatment involves the

“An osteopath looks at how a patient’s skeleton, joints, muscles, nerves, circulation, connective tissue and internal organs function together, and treats the root causes of pain and

Can alignment-based therapy eliminate the root cause of your pain? Ray Robertson consults Dr Aaron Anderson, IMI’s Olympian-treating osteopath

imbalance,” opens osteopath Dr Aaron Anderson of Integrated Medicine Institute (IMI) in DB North Plaza.

“The anatomy is in constant, rhythmic motion, and the human body works to maintain a state of balanced function. When blood and lymph flow freely, the tissues can perform their physiologic functions without impedance.

But when tissues get twisted and compressed, the normal functions 

www.arounddb.com March 2018

43

WELLNESS

get obstructed, which is where an osteopath can help.

“Because all systems of the body interrelate, sometimes symptoms (pain) can be manifested far away from the cause of the actual problem. A sore knee can be the result of a hip injury; a painful neck can be due to compromised shoulder mechanics.”

Calling all pilots The majority of people who consult an osteopath do so because of neck or lower back pain, and this is certainly the case in DB, with people who spend long hours sitting in the same position – everyone from airline pilots to office workers – benefiting from regular treatments.

“Bad posture or a sedentary lifestyle puts stress on our bodies, leading to tension and pain, and osteopathy can help,” says Aaron.

Regular flyers should note that osteopathic treatment can boost recovery after long-haul travel across time zones.

“Sitting for long periods, and especially in an environment like the airplane cabin that experiences pressure changes, can affect the gastro-intestinal system,” explains Aaron. “The small intestines can drop putting undue pressure on the bladder, and constipation can result from this prolonged downward pressure on the organs.

The effects of this may present as groin pain or outer hip pain.

“Long-haul travel can disrupt our body’s production of serotonin, the

so-called ‘happy’ brain chemical that regulates our mood and sleep/ wake cycle,” Aaron adds. “To help regulate serotonin production, an osteopath can release visceral tension in the small intestines.

Treating the high cervical spine and head venous sinus can also help.”

Wellness for athletes It’s not just DB pilots who are turning on to osteopathy, sport enthusiasts of all levels look to it to keep their bodies in optimum shape, and to heal existing conditions.

Regular flyers should note that osteopathic treatment can boost recovery after long-haul travel across time zones Osteopaths can help with injury prevention and management; rehabilitation and treatment of common sporting injuries, such as muscle and ligament strains; shin splints; knee and hip pain; shoulder, elbow and wrist pain and recurring musculoskeletal injuries.

“In sport, osteopathy is often used as a preventive measure to keep the body in optimum condition and to reduce the risk of injury in the future,” says Aaron, who treated Australia’s silver medal-winning

Men’s Pursuit Cycling team prior to the 2016 Olympic Games.

“My role was to treat the cyclists for strains and also assist if they crashed,” Aaron says. “During the training camp, I was employed to perform drainage techniques on their muscles (removing lactic acid) and to help them recover for the next session.

“The aim of osteopathic treatment is to accelerate your injury healing time, relieve pain and identify any other problem areas within your body that may be contributing to your injury. Osteopathy identifies problems relating to the muscles, bones and tissues; this broad approach helps to identify wider issues, which can contribute to localised pain or specific complaints.”

In DB, Aaron sees a lot of injuries related to long-distance trail running and cycling, and he treats a multitude of complaints including inflamed tendons, shin splints, torn hamstrings and sprained ankles. Osteopathy can reduce swelling, stretch and condition muscles and ease pain.

It can also ease repetitive strain injuries, such as tennis elbow, that are caused by prolonged strain on a particular muscle or tendon.

“Alleviation of the symptoms of injuries like shin splints or tennis elbow are often evident after just a few sessions,” Aaron says. “Post treatment, I may recommend specific exercises to do at home. Adopting a regular stretching routine strengthens muscles and helps to prevent issues recurring.”

Dr Aaron Anderson provides osteopathic treatment alongside Jonathan Vallade and Jodi Waugh at the Integrated Medicine Institute in DB North Plaza. For more information or to book an appointment, call 2537 1087.

Find more on wellness @ www.arounddb.com

44

March 2018 www.arounddb.com

$200 Discount

on Osteopathic Consultation Osteopathic treatment can help to alleviate a whole range of symptoms, from back pain, headaches, sport injuries, to insomnia.

Receive a special discount for your initial consultation with one of the Osteopaths in IMI Discovery Bay clinic, scheduled on or before 20th April 2018. Prior booking is required. Please call 2537 1087 to make an appointment and mention the AroundDB discount to enjoy the offer.

www.imi.com.hk Email: receptiondb@imi.com.hk Office Block Two, North Plaza, Discovery Bay

We, the Uncle Russ team, would like to express our sincere gratitude to all of our loyal customers for their ongoing support following the closure of the original DB Plaza branch.

Remember that despite the changes you can still grab your favourite brew any time from 5.30am until late at The Pier Bar at DB Ferry Pier - and you don’t need to go through the barriers! The Pier Bar can be accessed by turning right before the barriers, down the side of the 7-11.

ESCAPES

Ca$hing in Whether you are in the market for a family-friendly or adults-only trip to Macau, Kate Farr has the inside scoop on where to eat, sleep and play

L

Photos courtesy of www.wikimedia.org

ooking for a holiday without the hassle?

Our sister SAR is just a short ferry ride away, and offers plenty to keep kids entertained. But it’s also an excellent option for a short grown-up getaway if you have some childcare chips to cash in – gambling strictly optional!

46

GETTING THERE FAMILY It really couldn’t be easier to minibreak in Macau with the family. If you’re heading for a sneaky mid-

week getaway, then simply rock up at Sheung Wan’s iconic red Shun Tak ferry terminal, buy your ferry tickets at the counter and – assuming you have remembered to bring everyone’s Hong Kong ID and passport – away you go!

Sky Shuttle helicopter

GETTING THERE ADULTS

At weekends and busier times of year, such as holidays, it’s advisable to book your journey in advance online. Depending on whether you’re planning to head into central Macau or Cotai, you’ll need to choose between the Cotai Water Jet or TurboJET services, so do check your destination before booking.

For an extra-special, adults-only splurge, why not splash out on a chopper transfer? Sky Shuttle runs regular helicopter services between Hong Kong and Macau, and while it may not be a budget option, the views are magnificent, making this a fun treat for a big birthday or anniversary gift.

From HK$171 per person, per single journey.

HK$4,300 per person, per single journey.

March 2018 www.arounddb.com

WHERE TO STAY FAMILY When it comes to Macau with the whole team in tow, you really can’t beat Sheraton Grand Macau’s family suites. Offering a comfy master bedroom for parents, with an adjoining kids’ room featuring brightly coloured bunks, a games console, DVD player and craft table, the suite also includes kids’ toiletries, robes and slippers. You can even borrow a stroller to keep your packing light. In fact, the rooms are so well thought-out your biggest challenge will be persuading your family to leave.

From HK$2,574 per night.

WHERE TO STAY ADULTS Meanwhile, parents in need of peace and pampering should check out Banyan Tree Macau for the ultimate in indulgent escapes. Each of the hotel’s spacious suites comes with its very own in-room relaxation pool, wooden soaking tub and plush bedding, while the Banyan Tree Spa has a range of award-wining treatments to melt away stress, guaranteeing a serene stay.

From HK$2,519 per night.

Banyan Tree Macau suite

Sheraton Grand Macau family suite

WHAT TO EAT FAMILY

WHERE TO PLAY FAMILY

No trip to Macau is complete without a meal at Fernando. This Macanese institution dishes up fresh charcoal-grilled seafood, meats and salads in a casual space that offers great value for money. The beachfront location on Coloane Island, with plenty of space for kids to play, is an added bonus.

There are near-endless options for fun family activities in Macau, and how you choose to spend your trip will most likely depend on the hotel in which you’re staying. Most of the larger resorts have on-site kids’ clubs, family theatre shows, indoor soft play centres and excellent pool facilities, so you won’t need to venture far unless the mood takes you.

HK$450 for a couple, for a two-course meal with wine.

Fernando, for traditional Macanese cuisine

WHAT TO EAT ADULTS

The Sands Cotai Central Little Big Club All Stars Breakfast is a high-energy family show that takes place over the most important meal of the day.

Parents can enjoy their coffee hot just for once, while kids breakfast with Thomas the Tank Engine, Barney, Fireman Sam, Angelina Ballerina and many more.

MOP238 for adults and MOP138 for kids.

Fine dining stalwart Robuchon Au Dôme is perched atop the Lisboa Hotel, offering three Michelin-starred fine dining with a distinctly French accent. And while dinner can quickly add up to a pricy affair, the restaurant’s weekday set lunches are a steal, representing excellent value for an unforgettable meal.

After brekkie, burn off some of that energy with a day at Aqua World. Located at The Parisian Macau, this huge complex offers pools, fountains, sprinklers and 

From MOP688 (HK$668) per person, for weekday set lunch. www.arounddb.com March 2018

Aqua World

47

ESCAPES

Viva La Broadway show

Sky walking atop the Macau Tower

the vast Jules Verne Airship – a life-sized pirate ship packed with water slides.

MOP160 per person/ MOP480 for a family of four.

A world away from the highoctane Cotai Strip, the Macau Science Centre is well worth a visit. There are dedicated children’s galleries and a planetarium, as well as permanent robotics, and food science and space displays to fascinate enquiring little minds.

MOP25 per adult/ MOP15 for children aged three and over. Under-threes get in for free.

Feeling fearless? Prove it, with a trip up (and very rapidly down again!) the Macau Tower.

Standing 338 metres above the city centre, the tower draws thrill-seekers from all over the region to try their hand at bungee jumping, sky walking and tower climbing. Safely managed by extreme sports experts AJ Hackett, this is the perfect experience to push you out of that comfort zone.

From MOP3,488 for bungee jumping, MOP788 for sky walking and MOP2,288 for tower climbing.

If you’re looking for some good, old-fashioned razzle-dazzle, then the Viva

La Broadway show combines burlesque, Latin dance, illusions and lasers in a fast-paced extravaganza. A riot of colour, music and costume, this is a great night out at the Broadway Theatre in the heart of Cotai.

MOP150-380 per person.

Bringing Balearic beats to Macau, relive your pre-kids party days with a night out clubbing at Pacha Macau in Studio City.

This outpost of the famous Ibiza super-club regularly plays host to household name DJs such as Roger Sanchez, Felix Da Housecat and Fatboy Slim, so pack your fluro body paint and reach for the lasers!

Varies line-up.

FIND IT

WHERE TO PLAY ADULTS Meanwhile, grown-ups who like a flutter are free to gamble to their heart’s content in Macau’s near-endless casinos, all of which are strictly for over-18s.

But there’s more to Macau than its gaming tables, so prepare to be surprised by this former Portuguese colony’s hidden depths.

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

Aqua World, www.parisianmacao.com Banyan Tree Macau, www.banyantree.com Cotai Water Jet, www.cotaiwaterjet.com Fernando, www.fernando-restaurant.com Macau Science Centre, www.msc.org.mo Macau Tower, www.macautower.com.mo Pacha Macau, www.pachamacau.com Robuchon Au Dôme, www.joel-robuchon.com Sands Cotai Central, www.sandscotaicentral.com Sheraton Grand Macau, www.sheratongrandmacao.com Sky Shuttle, www.skyshuttlehk.com TurboJET, www.turbojet.com.hk Viva La Broadway show, www.broadwaymacau.com.mo

Find more exciting holiday destinations @ www.arounddb.com

48

according

March 2018 www.arounddb.com

to

RECIPES

Eat your

legumes Versatile, cheap and surprisingly delicious, try lentils in a salad, an Indian dhal or as a tasty accompaniment to meat or fish

Lentil and squash salad Serves 2 • 350 g butternut squash, chopped • 75 ml cucumber and mint raita • 250 g tin Puy lentils • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped • 1 large apple, chopped • 1 small lettuce, sliced fine

Photos courtesy of www.wikimedia.org

Heat the oven to 220°C. Toss the squash in a little olive oil, season and roast for 30 minutes or until golden. Make a raita by combining plain Greek yoghurt with finely sliced cucumber and mint. Add 3 teaspoons of water, stir until smooth and set aside. Toss the lentils with half the raita, squash and parsley.

Mix in the apples and lettuce. Tip the salad onto a plate, top with the remaining squash, raita and parsley, and a drizzle of olive oil.

50

If you would like to see your favourite recipes featured in this section, email rachel@baymedia.com.hk March 2018 www.arounddb.com

Tarka Dhal Serves 2

• 400 g red lentils • 2 tsp turmeric • 2 knobs unsalted butter • 2 tsp cumin seeds • 2 garlic cloves, finely sliced • 1 small onion, finely chopped • 2 fresh green chillies, finely sliced • 3-inch piece fresh ginger, finely grated • 2 tomatoes, chopped small • 1 tsp garam masala • 1 tsp ground coriander • 3 tsp fresh coriander, chopped fine Place the lentils in a pan and cover with cold water. Bring to the boil, skim off any surface scum, and reduce to a simmer. Stir in the turmeric and 1 knob of butter. Cover and leave to cook gently. Dry-fry the cumin seeds for 3 minutes. Remove from the pan. Melt a second knob of butter in the same pan and gently fry the garlic, onion, chillies, ginger and tomatoes. Once the garlic is golden, mix in the toasted cumin seeds, garam masala and ground coriander.

Once the lentils are completely soft (the consistency of porridge) mix in the spices. Season to taste, top with fresh coriander, and serve with rice  and greens. www.arounddb.com March 2018

51

RECIPES

Salmon with lentils Serves 2 • 2 salmon fillets • 1 lemon, finely sliced • 1 garlic clove, chopped fine • 1 medium onion, chopped fine • 4 streaky bacon rashers, diced • 250g tin Puy lentils • ½ fish stock cube • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard • 1 tbsp capers, chopped

Preheat the oven to 200°C. Bake the salmon for 25 minutes, with the lemon slices arranged on top. Fry the garlic, onion and bacon. Drain off excess oil. Warm the lentils, adding the crumbled stock cube. Mix in the garlic, onion and bacon. Cook through then stir in 1 tablespoon of parsley, and the mustard and capers.

Place the salmon and a few spinach leaves on top of the lentils, garnish with the remaining parsley and serve with a green vegetable.

Find more classic recipes @ www.arounddb.com

52

March 2018 www.arounddb.com

We know what to expect at every step Moving can be a little bit unpredictable Quite apart from the excitement of finding a new home, the actual move can be a stressful experience.

We’ve built up a support network here in Hong Kong and ensure you start out confidently at your new home.

At Crown we know what to expect at every step and how to help you prepare for your move – whether you are on your own or with a family.

Tel: +852 2636 8399 hongkong@crownrelo.com

Special Offer HK$1,000 off your local move in Hong Kong.

Simply mention ‘MAKEITBETTER’ when you request your quotation.

Terms and conditions apply.

Go knowing

www.crownrelo.com/MakeItBetter AroundDB ad resize (MakeItBetter).indd 1

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HK HAPPENINGS

HONG KONG ARTS FESTIVAL Across Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Arts Festival invites emerging local artists as well as renowned international artists and institutions to showcase the best in dance, music, theatre and opera.

Workshops and demonstrations are on offer to promote artistaudience engagement. To find out more, visit www.hk.artsfestival.org.

For tickets, visit www.urbtix.hk.

March 1-24

www.hk.artsfestival.org

SPRING LANTERN FESTIVAL

10 FUN THINGS TO DO IN HK THIS MONTH!

Across Hong Kong March 2

Like the Around DB Facebook page for event reminders

YOUNG READERS FESTIVAL Across Hong Kong

www.wikimedia.org

Spring Lantern Festival marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations. One of the best lantern displays is at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui, complete with musical performances, kung fu demonstrations, acrobatics, and dragon and lion dances. For more information, visit www.hong-kong-traveller.com.

JOHN LEGEND DARKNESS AND LIGHT TOUR

The 17th Hong Kong International Young Readers Festival invites kids to explore the joys of reading, writing and illustrating, through discussions, workshops, lectures www.time.com and book signings.

Attending authors, who also head out to local schools, include Blair Reeve, Ellen Oh and Anjali Mittal. For more information, visit www.youngreadersfestival.org.hk.

March 5-16

AsiaWorld-Expo, Chek Lap Kok

HONG KONG FLOWER SHOW

March 10

Victoria Park, Causeway Bay

March 16-25

www.multimediamouth.com

Catch 10-time Grammy Award winner and multi-platinum selling singer-songwriter John Legend at his Darkness and Light World Tour. Watch him perform songs from his latest smash hit album, as well as established hits like All Of Me, Ordinary People and Green Light. For tickets, starting at HK$480, visit www.hkticketing.com.

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March 2018 www.arounddb.com

www.youtube.com

Stop and smell the flowers at Hong Kong’s annual flower show. This year’s theme is Joy in Bloom, with the Dahlia as the featured flower. Enjoy floral art demonstrations, greening activities, game stalls and guided tours.

Admission to the show, running from 9am to 9pm each day, is HK$14.

SONAR HONG KONG Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin March 17

Get your events listed @ www.arounddb.com

GREAT FESTIVAL OF INNOVATION Asia Society Hong Kong Centre, Admiralty March 21-24

www.wikimedia.org

Celebrate music, creativity and technology at Sonar Hong Kong, the local edition of the famous Barcelona-based electronic music festival. You can expect an eclectic lineup, top-notch performances by legendary and pioneering electronic artists, and high-quality production. For tickets, starting at HK$880, visit www.ticketflap.com

ASIA CONTEMPORARY ART SHOW Conrad Hong Kong, Admiralty

The 12th edition of the Asia Contemporary Art Show features a diverse selection of artists representing 80 galleries worldwide.

Browse and buy original paintings, limited editions, sculpture and photography.

General admission opens on March 24. For tickets, starting at HK$250, visit www.asiacontemporaryart.com.

March 23-26

www.wikimedia.org

The Great Festival of Innovation connects the most brilliant business minds from the UK and across Asia. Over 100 speakers take part in engaging sessions, panel discussions and interactive workshops, which explore how technological innovation is set to change the way we work, live, play and learn. To register, visit www.events.trade.gov.uk.

MALVERN COLLEGE HONG KONG: CREATIVE ARTS WORKSHOP AND RUGBY EXPERIENCE DAY

www.lianapress.hk

FREE EVENT

THE CHAINSMOKERS AsiaWorld-Expo, Chek Lap Kok Alex Pall and Andrew Taggart of The Chainsmokers combine dance, pop, hip-hop and indie genres to create their unique sound. The American DJ/ production duo’s debut studio album, Memories‌ Do Not Open, went platinum in August 2017. For tickets, starting at HK$388, visit www.iheart.com www.hkticketing.com.

March 27

www.malverncollege.org.hk

Malvern College Hong Kong organises extra-curricular activities for pupils across the territory in order to develop skills in and outside the classroom. Workshops are held at Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin and the Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po. The creative arts workshop, March 10, is open to kids aged four to 11. The rugby experience day, March 24, is open to kids aged five to 11. Both workshops are free of charge. For more information and registration, visit www.malverncollege.org.hk/upcoming-events. www.arounddb.com March 2018

55

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

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

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

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

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

If you want to stop, we can help.

Alcoholics No dues or fees.

Anonymous

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

DB FACES

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

Photos by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com

Win prizes from Uncle Russ Coffee and The Pier Bar! Congratulations to last month’s winner: Richard Gordon (@richard_gordon_photography)

T

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

This is your chance to win a complimentary coffee from Uncle Russ, or a beer from The Pier Bar every day for a week.

We will contact the winner via Instagram. Good luck!

www.arounddb.com January 2017

View local business directories @ www.arounddb.com 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

VR, HYPNOSIS: INDIVIDUAL &/ OR COUPLES THERAPY Virtual reality programmes for PTSD, addictions, phobias (fear of flying/ public speaking/ bridges/ enclosed spaces/ storms). * Couples’ conflicts * Overeating * Career/relationship stress * Anger management * Nail biting * Exam jitters Divorce/ post-divorce/ career coaching.

Quit smoking quickly.

Dr Melanie Bryan, Psy.D. Clinical psychologist, hypnotherapist 2575 7707, www.mindmatters.hk

Mandarin

HEALTH & WELLBEING

HOME SERVICES

THERAPY FROM GROWING UP GREAT

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

• Professional therapy & counselling for children, adolescents & adults • Based in Discovery Bay • Office, online & home visits available Email contact@growingupgreathongkong.com, or call Lorraine Cook at 6182 0959, Liz Hemmings at 9387 5305

HOME SERVICES

AKASH MOVING & HANDYMAN SERVICES

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

中

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

ENGLISH TUTOR/TEACHER

• BA degree in English from a US university • Over 10 years’ teaching & tutoring experience, with children, teens & adults at all levels of fluency • DB-based, flexible schedule & reasonable rates • Learn to understand, speak & write English well • Build confidence & increase your vocabulary • Write better essays & improve schoolwork Call, text or What’s App Charles at 9406 8342

Contact Roger at 9156 0360, drscompanyhk@gmail.com

TUITION & COURSES

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

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

CELTA qualified with 10 years+ experience, including ESF.

文

Improve your or your child’s written or spoken English through home tuition.

• Interview techniques • Exam preparation • Social & business conversation • Support of class lessons

营 2486 9012/ 2846 9062

FTC RELOCATIONS

NATIVE ENGLISH TUTOR

Easter Camp Apr 3rd – 14th

www.mandarinformunchkins.com

TUITION & COURSES

Lessons tailored to suit individual needs for all ages.

Call Anne on 5972 6969 (852) 3126 2331

View local business directories @ www.arounddb.com

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

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Find short-term rentals @ www.arounddb.com DB PROPERTY LUXURY DB 2-BED

LUXURY APARTMENTS IN SIENA 2, DB

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

Spacious 600 square-foot apartments – 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

2-BED IN CHERISH COURT, DB

FULLY FURNISHED DB 1-BED

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

Contact Jacqueline on 9811 0718, jacquelinedb@gmail.com

Smart apartment on a high floor with sea view.

Close to pier & DB Plaza. Available fully furnished.

Call Tiareti on 9732 8985

BUSINESSES SERVING LANTAU ALC's unique plans provide international private medical insurance cover designed specifically for your needs.

• Large corporate or small groups • Individual or with dependants • Expatriate or local Find out more about what ALC can offer at www.alchealth.com or call 3478 3751 for a tailored quote.

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

Underwritten by Lloyd’s and regulated in Hong Kong and the UK.

YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO LANTAU LIVING

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Call: 2987 0577

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LANTAU NUMBERS

TUNG CHUNG

SOUTH LANTAU FOOD, RESTAURANTS & BARS

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

FTC Apparel

2428 2566 FOOD, RESTAURANTS & BARS

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

2286 6668 3602 8828 2286 6238 6504 4208 2286 6898 2960 1977 3520 0848 3602 8808 2626 0181 2886 3646 2109 1927 2338 2338 2988 8129 2907 6918 3602 8818 2297 3588 2330 0000 2286 6618 2886 3156 2286 6868 3969 2500 2466 1010 2802 8000 HEALTH & WELLBEING

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

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

HOME & REPAIRS

Akash Removals Mega Power Engineering/Locksmiths Shun Yu Engineering

2421 8088 2109 2330 2988 1488 HOTELS

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

3969 1888 3602 8888 2286 8888

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

Jill Marshall Pilates Kremer Method/ Bowen Therapy South Lantau Paddle Club Thai Palin Massage Thai Sa Baai Tony’s Salon Treasure Island Findley Leung Group Koon Wah Hardware Lee Wo Construction Engineering Man Shun Construction & Engineering New Look Design HOTELS

Mui Wo Inn Silvermine Beach Resort Tai O Heritage Hotel

2984 7225 6810 0111 2985 8383 LEARNING CENTRES

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

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

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

2109 9886 2984 0302 2980 3676 5197 4647 3689 6709 2984 0006 2984 8334 3483 5003 2984 1666

RETAIL

Friendly Bike Shop Greenstyle Organic & Healthcare INSIDE Island Wines Lantau Base Camp Lantau Grocer Quay House Red Hall Chinese Antiques ZenvarA

2984 2278 9802 0553 2890 8606 9521 8481 2983 8428 2702 0050 2882 8710 2988 1368 9586 3459

SERVICES & OTHERS

Jumping Castles SPCA Miriam Safadi Photography Parteezi Phoenix Wills Value Vigilantes

UTILITY, SERVICES & EMERGENCY HOTLINES

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

2984 8334 2984 8487 2984 1802 2984 9833 9783 5840

PROPERTY AGENCIES

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

SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT

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

9708 0187 9827 9911 9688 9112 9062 0148 5228 6552 2984 0990 2546 3543 HOME & REPAIRS

LEARNING CENTRES

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

2984 0222 2504 4788 2984 0498 2470 1966 2984 9720 3484 3095 2234 5375 6429 3507 2984 8933 5465 5511 2320 2001 5662 8552 6422 5009 9193 2937 2980 2699 2983 8931 2980 2582 5991 6292 2109 3331

9662 1747 2984 0060 5145 0227 6112 9842 6108 8471 6132 9120 TRANSPORTATION

2988 8282 2988 1898 3661 1999

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

2984 2268 2984 8494 2984 8255 2984 9848

DB NUMBERS

Add your business for FREE @ www.arounddb.com

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 Care IMI (Natural Medicine Clinic), North Plaza Island Health Island Veterinary Services OT&P Healthcare The Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council, North Plaza

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

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

Quality dry cleaning at affordable prices. Pick-up and delivery from DB every Wednesday and Friday.

2812 2400 drycleaning@goodwinsoflondon.com

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

DAILY NECESSITIES 2987 2987 2448 2987 2947

GOODWINS OF LONDON

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

2987 6867 melissa@futurestarsdanceacademy.com

Latin & Ballroom classes for adults and children, Zumba, Pilates, Piloxing, Yoga, Beat Cardio Fusion, Belly Dance and many more...

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

3102 2977 5690 4960 2987 8460

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

Future Stars Dance Academy

The Beat

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES Action X, North Plaza Little Whale Nomadic

OTHER SERVICES

LEARNING CENTRES

COMMUNITY & HEALTH

4401 7486 1180 4089 9092

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

2416 8618 dboffice@harveylawcorporation.com www.harveylawcorporation.com DB Party Time Gillian florist, North Plaza Mypetshop, North Plaza P-Solution Pen’n Paper Pets Gallery The Optical House Well Supreme Laundry Services

9502 2529 2987 2987 2987 2987 2987 2987

2381 8256 8873 1777 8898 0428 1368 5151

PROPERTY LISTINGS & BOATS 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

FINANCIAL SERVICES

AQUABLU 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 Stephen Putnam Practice Private Client Wealth Management Tel: 2914 0388 www.sjpp.asia/tspp Bank of China HSBC

2160 8585 2233 3000

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

6323 9156 2987 2987 2987 2987 2987 2987 2987 2886 2987 2987 2987

1417 0360 1313 4488 5087 1041 0222 7082 0789 8555 0789 9268 4428

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 Island Dance Kumon, North Plaza L’Ecole Française de Discovery, North Plaza Links Parenting, North Plaza Little Explorers English For Kids Mandarin for Munchkins, North Plaza Mathnasium SKH Wei Lun Primary School The Story Studio Treasure House Zhi Zhi Chinese

3709 6114 2914 2987 3969 2987 2987 2914 2987 2987 2987 9366 6302 2416 2987 2459 8191 6114 9327 2480 2628 2987 6341 2987 9648

8466 2436 2142 7331 1000 8088 8088 2202 1201 4338 9644 0000 6327 3088 1571 8808 0813 2436 0507 3909 3362 8608 3989 4217 2966

MULTIMEDIA Bookazine Fotomax (F.E.) Ltd

2987 1373 2914 2378

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

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

2987 2987 2987 2987 2987

8484 2023 2088 2987 6238

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

2987 2295 2295 2987 2591 2904 2987 2172 2987 2987 2987 2987

2298 8288 8299 0966 1426 7698 2848 6111 0036 2915 9123 4768

DB NUMBERS FOOD & BEVERAGE, HOTELS Hemingway’s by the Bay il Bel Paese Island Café Jaspa’s, North Plaza Koh Tomyums La Creation & Châteraisé McSorley’s Ale House Mirch Masala, North Plaza Moofish, North Plaza Pacific Coffee Paisano’s, North Plaza Peony Chinese Restaurant PizzaExpress Salt & Pepper Solera Subway The Pier Bar Uncle Russ, North Plaza Zak’s

Add your business for FREE @ www.arounddb.com

TRANSPORT SERVICES

2987 8855 2987 0202 2987 9311 2997 8688 2987 0767 2987 1829 2987 8280 2987 1337 2987 6318 2987 1662 2673 4445 2500 1950 2465 2426 2336 8001 2555 0772 2914 0005 2520 2166 2840 1188 2987 6232

SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT

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

Greenwich Greenwich specialises in Hatha Yoga and Muay Thai（ 泰拳 ） .

Gentle flow, step-by-step, safe and skillful 9685 8366 www.greenwich-vinyasa.com.hk.

DB Golf Cart Services DB Transit Services DB Transportation Services Limousine Rental Passenger Telephone Hotline Wiselink Golf Cart Services

2914 2914 2987 5303 2987 2987

2727 0186 7351 3489 0208 9368

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

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

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

VIEW THE BUSINESS DIRECTORY @ www.arounddb.com

WELLBEING

Elly House of Beauty As DB’s very own highly-skilled skincare specialist, Elly House of Beauty is committed to providing the most effective skincare services to the community. fb.me/ellyAvbeauty/ www.ellyhouseofbeauty.com 6131 9039

Ingredients of Wellness – Mindfulness Training

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

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

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

2911 2987 6473 2517 2987 2987 2987 6624 2441 8197

4833 7382 4277 8248 9591 7273 7381 8712 0098 5591

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

2987 4230 3480 1348 2987 7859

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

2987 0614

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

2987 2987 2499 2987

0283 2060 8826 4112

To add your own directory listing box, call the Bay Media office on 2987 0577, or email info@baymedia.com.hk

www.arounddb.com

OUT THERE

B

illions of us have taken to the skies for one reason and for one reason only – we’ve come across a return ticket (to somewhere we have no burning desire to visit) that costs peanuts. Once airborne, we know that cabin crew will pander to our every trivial need – ridiculously inexpensive pampering – with meals, snacks and buckets of free booze provided. Were the ticket price to double, we would quickly rediscover the joys of a Star Ferry ride and the Big Buddha.

Something else you get for your pittance fare – the right to complain.

There will never be a better time to whine without consequence. Flight attendants smile disingenuously even if you smack them over the scone with a tray of fish curry.

This is the best chance ever to show your ugly side without repercussions – unless you attack the pilot with an ice pick, you’re guaranteed polite acquiescence.

And so it is that the number of us travelling by plane has doubled worldwide since the mid-1980s.

Even ‘destination weddings’ are the rage, preferably continents away and at a location that was exotic until half a million blokes in rented morning coats and ladies in seriously silly hats showed up on their air miles. For an Asia-based bride and groom, the obvious place to tie the knot is the annual Oruro Carnival in Bolivia.

Photo courtesy of www.pixabay.com

Getting your money’s worth

64

Economy class is being wedged unscientifically into a Spanish inquisitional device, millimetres from some stranger in equal misery,

The cheapest thing in the world Filthy food, slavish service and the opportunity to be abominably rude. What’s not to like about flying economy, asks Peter Sherwood who slavishly rejects eye contact in case you might venture a friendly ‘hello.’ It’s impossible to imagine being locked like conjoined twins in an open field somewhere and intentionally ignoring each other for 12 hours. On a plane it’s easy.

I always get saddled with a budding sociopath staring at explosions on his miniature screen, stopping only to gingerly poke the plastic covers off some generic dish, like it’s laced with salmonella. Closer inspection of this yellowish mush, in daylight, would confirm it has probably seen a plague or two.

Ersatz food is served to break the tedium, and so I won’t go nuts and tear the ears off the misanthrope in the adjoining seat before leaping up, ripping open the door and plummeting gratefully to my doom clutching the chief purser.

Picture a recent flight to Manchester.

There I was, close to comatose at an unknown hour, and with my right leg

in the latter stages of paralysis due to a breakdown in circulation. My neck felt like the bloke in the seat behind had been twisting my head violently at 180°. Slowly, soft cabin lights came on. Bundled and blanketed bodies in impossibly twisted forms arose creepily from drugged sleep, like the creature from the black lagoon, as a tray of gunge, labelled ‘breakfast,’ was served.

Would I like tea or coffee, or perhaps a large hypodermic full of morphine? I passed on this exciting epicurean opportunity but watched as the entire befuddled population of economy class shovelled down glutinous goo. This is commonly known as ‘getting your money’s worth’ – regardless of it being a hazard to health and dignity.

If I were in charge it would be, “What would you like with your Arrow Poison Frog, sir? Today we have a choice of cyanide or strychnine, and for desert a fresh polonium platter.”

Peter Sherwood has lived in DB for 19 years. The former head of an international public relations firm, Peter is the author of 15 books and has written around 400 satirical columns for the South China Morning Post.

Find more from Peter @ www.arounddb.com March 2018 www.arounddb.com