Around DB June 2020

Embark on a culinary adventure with DB food blogger Catrin Price Is homeschool the new normal?

What the ADB gals

did in lockdown

Raw veggie dishes

to satisfy your inner vegan

NEWS & EVENTS * PRIZES * COMMUNITY SNAPS * CLASSIFIEDS

Join your community online at www.arounddb.com

JUNE 2020

We’re right with you, to nurture your financial future abroad.

Now more than ever, taking care of your money has never been so important.

And with us, you’ve got the tools and expert guidance on hand to look after your financial future wherever you may call home.

Global financial expertise with a personal touch.

Now could be the best time to discuss and review your financial plans for long term success.

Talk to our Expat banking team today and discover a more rewarding banking relationship. hsbcexpat@hsbc.com.hk +852 2822 3225 expat.hsbc.com/wealth

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CONTENTS

Join your community online

JUNE 2020

PROFILE - 22 Meet DB food blogger Catrin Price

IN FOCUS - 26 What the Around DB gals did in lockdown

EDUCATION - 34 Hooked on homeschool

ESCAPES - 40 Armchair travel: The Barossa Valley

RECIPES - 44 Raw veggie dishes with a leaning to vegan

26 REGULARS

If you have a story idea, email rachel@baymedia.com.hk To publicise a local event, email elizabeth@baymedia.com.hk For general enquiries, email info@baymedia.com.hk

AGENDA

31

Q&A Relationship advice

06

DB EVENTS

19

WISH LIST May must-haves

16

GIVEAWAYS

48

DB FACES In and around the plaza

49

CLASSIFIEDS

56

OUT THERE Peter Sherwood talks back

53

LOCAL NUMBERS

ON THE COVER Food blogger Catrin Price at home in DB

We also publish…

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YOUR GUIDE TO HONG KONG’S ‘GREEN JEWEL’

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Embark on a culinary adventure with DB food blogger Catrin Price Is homeschool the new normal?

To read the cover story turn to page 22

2019 / 2020

What the ADB gals

did in lockdown

Raw veggie dishes

to satisfy your inner vegan

NEWS & EVENTS * PRIZES * COMMUNITY SNAPS * CLASSIFIEDS

Join your community online at www.arounddb.com

Photo by Baljit Gidwani www.evoqueportraits.com

FROM THE PUBLISHERS OF

JUNE 2020 FOOD & DRINK • LIVING • PETS • SPORTS • PASTIMES • EDUCATION • HEALTH • BEAUTY • SERVICES • TRAVEL & EXCURSIONS • COMMUNITY

www.arounddb.com Publishers in Lantau since 2002

PUBLISHER Philip Jay MANAGING EDITOR Rachel Ainsley rachel@baymedia.com.hk PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Elizabeth Jerabek elizabeth@baymedia.com.hk DIGITAL MANAGER Jan Yumul jan@baymedia.com.hk ART DIRECTION Terry Chow terry@baymedia.com.hk GRAPHIC DESIGNER Duey Tam duey@baymedia.com.hk OPERATIONS MANAGER Amber Kahu amber@baymedia.com.hk PHOTOGRAPHERS Baljit Gidwani www.evoqueportraits.com Col Sim www.colsimphotography.com CONTRIBUTORS Sam Fisher Aude Garderet Elizabeth Kerr Peter Sherwood Bruce Taylor Dorothy Veitch Samantha Wong PRINTING Champion Design & Production Co. Ltd Flat C & D 9/F Sing Teck Factory Bldg 44 Wong Chuk Hang Rd Hong Kong BAY MEDIA LTD 12D Elegance Court Hillgrove Village Discovery Bay Lantau Island Hong Kong 2987 0577 Advertising enquiries: info@baymedia.com.hk

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

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

© BAY MEDIA GROUP LTD

www.colsimphotography.com

SO LONG LOCKDOWN!

Residents celebrated the easing of COVID-19 social distancing measures in early May by heading outdoors to enjoy the sunshine.

THE HOTTEST

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

IN DISCOVERY BAY

MOTHER’S DAY CELEBRATION

In honour of Mother’s Day on May 10, we asked Baljit Gidwani to photograph the mums of DB out and about with their kids.

www.evoqueportraits.com

www.arounddb.com June 2020

7

DB EVENTS

DB TEDDY BEAR CHALLENGE

Inspired by Michael Rosen’s 1989 children’s book We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, children have been hunting for bears all over DB. Popularly known as the Teddy Bear Challenge, the idea started as a way to keep children active and entertained during the COVID-19 crisis. Residents have been organising bear hunts in DB parks, and placing teddy bears in street- or pavement-facing windows for kids to spot.

Photos by Duey Tam

8

June 2020 www.arounddb.com

LANTAU ISLAND PADDLE

As a result of COVID-19, thousands of face masks have ended up on Lantau beaches, trails and pavements. To raise awareness of the problem, Lantau Island Paddle organised a 34-kilometre continuous paddle from Discovery Bay to Mui Wo on May 2. Kudos to the intrepid DB paddlers: Jonny Haines, Tim Tait, Ben Loran, Ron Schwartz, Charlie Ko, Brian Ko and Lawrence Wilkinson.

www.colsimphotography.com & lantaupaddle.wixsite.com

www.arounddb.com June 2020

9

INSIDER

TOPS TIPS FOR

DB BAKERS DB baking expert Sarah Lee, founder of Sweet Secrets bakery, has some timely advice for all those entering the DB Kitchen Baking Competition

T

he DB Kitchen Baking Competition strikes me as such an inspired idea not least because so many of us have been busy in our kitchens these past few months.

I’m looking forward to viewing the finalists’ creations on the Around DB Facebook page and to casting my vote for the winners alongside the rest of the community. In the meantime, here are my top tips for entrants.

individual spoonfuls instead of using a measuring cup to scoop an ingredient – like flour – straight out of the bag. Do this and you get much better results! Note too that it’s best to sift flour prior to placing it in the measuring cup, and you can also give the measuring cup a gentle knock on the table to help level the flour.

Follow the recipe

Does your kitchen run hot or cold?

It’s vital that you know your oven, and whether the temperature indicator is accurate. If you’re unsure, an oven thermometer will give you peace of mind.

Photo courtesy of stock.adobe.com

In baking, too many factors play into the success rate, so I highly recommend that new bakers follow the recipe very closely, especially when also trying out a new recipe.

Once you know how it works in your home environment, you can make adjustments the next time.

10

It’s important to realise that every ingredient in a baking recipe has a purpose, whether it is to enhance the flavour, the texture, or the structure. There is also a lot of science at work in baking, so you have to be precise. Converting cup measurements to grams, so you can use a kitchen scale to weigh ingredients can help with this.

If you are working in cups, be sure to fill your measuring cup with

Take your temperature

For pastry making, butter is at its best at room temperature. If it keeps its shape and is easy to cut through with just a little resistance, then that is a good level of ‘softness’. Eggs are best at room temperature as cold eggs take

longer to whisk and will not fluff up as well.

Be patient Most important is to be patient.

If the recipe says to combine ingredients separately, don’t try to save time by dumping everything into the same bowl. Creaming butter and sugar together in a separate bowl incorporates air and adds lightness. But if you mix the butter and sugar with the wet ingredients all at once, then the end result will be dense and heavy.

The tips from expert bakers leverage their experience from patiently baking a recipe over and over again. That’s why the experience can be therapeutic – or not. There are no shortcuts in baking and you can’t really speed things up. So, you might as well take your time and enjoy the ride, and the competition. Good luck!

FIND IT • DB Kitchen Baking Competition, info@baymedia.com.hk, www.arounddb.com • Sweet Secrets, 9371 9089, info@sweetsecrets.com.hk, www.sweetsecrets.com.hk

Find more on the DB Kitchen Baking Competition on the opposite page and @ www.arounddb.com June 2020 www.arounddb.com

DB KITCHEN BAKING COMPETITION

Photos courtesy of stock.adobe.com

Has all that time spent at home during lockdown unleashed your inner pastry chef?

We’re looking for DB’s best bakers to show us what they’ve got with their best bake sale recipe!

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: JUNE 12!

ELIGIBILITY All bakers must be DB residents (with DB address).

Bakers can choose any bake sale recipe: Biscuits, cookies (drop, roll out, slice, shortbread, bar), cakes, pies, brownies, breads, scones, muffins, cupcakes and more.

If you have any questions about the application process, don’t hesitate to email us at info@baymedia.com.hk. Get cooking fast as the submission deadline is June 12!

SUBMISSION There are two entry categories – OPEN and UNDER 10 – with three finalists in each category: first prize, first runner-up and second runner-up.

To enter, bakers should email info@baymedia.com.hk their entry submission, which must include: • The recipe complete with ingredients and method • Five high-resolution photos showing the ingredients, steps and finished product • A two-minute video (preferably 1920 x 1080/ HD 30fps) demonstrating the baking process

• July 1:

Finalists announced in the July issue of Around DB

• July 17:

Results posted on the Around DB Facebook page

Love.Together@DB is a community-caring platform initiated by Hong Kong Resort Company dedicated to serving the Discovery Bay community. The platform has been supporting and coorganising diversified corporate social responsibility initiatives with NGOs, community leaders and volunteers to promote the loving and caring culture in the sustainable and multicultural DB community.

KEY DATES • June 12: Submission deadline

• July 8-15: Online voting on the Around DB Facebook page

• August 1: First-prize winners’ recipes and photos are published in the August issue of Around DB

PRIZES Up to HK$10,000 worth of kitchen utensils and appliances from Le Creuset, Bruno and more!

DB EVENTS

YOUR GUIDE

to the history of Father’s Day It has always played second fiddle to Mother’s Day. The first modern Father’s Day celebration was held in Spokane, Washington in the US on June 19, 1910. It was organised by Sonora Smart Dodd, who had heard about Anna Jarvis’ efforts to institute a national Mother’s Day in commemoration of her mother Anna, who died in 1908. Sonora decided to establish a day celebrating her father, William Jackson Smart, a Civil War veteran and single father of six.

The third Sunday in June was an accident.

Originally Sonora wanted the celebration to fall on her father’s birthday, June 5, but after consulting with her pastors, she decided it should be held on the third Sunday in June (June 21 this year). The day was recognised as an official holiday in 1972 when President Nixon wrote it into law, a full 58 years after Mother’s Day was established.

Father’s Day celebrations have their roots in the Middle Ages. Many Catholic communities celebrate Father’s Day on March 19, which is the feast day of St Joseph. While this is first and foremost a religious festival, children are encouraged to give their fathers small gifts and cook them breakfast.

March 19 always falls during Lent, so this Father’s Day breakfast must be meat-free.

In Germany, Father’s Day is celebrated with… beer! The third Sunday in June is not a formally observed holiday in Germany, but it calls for a big celebration in the rural villages where men push carts full of beer through the streets. This practice is believed to have its roots in the 18th century when villagers would trundle their menfolk into the main square on carts and award the one who had sired the most children with a chunk of ham.

Photos courtesy of unsplash.com

Father’s Day has an official flower. While it is common for mothers to be given flowers on their special day, flowers were originally associated with Father’s Day too. Carnations were the flower of choice for Mother’s Day, and roses were chosen for fathers. Sonora came up with the idea that people should wear a red rose if their father was still alive, and a white one if he had passed. Surprise your father this year with a bouquet of roses – a currently uncommon but very traditional practice!

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June 2020 www.arounddb.com

YOUR GUIDE

L A I T N E S S E E O T HCOMMUNITY EVENTS TUPCOMING

INTERNATIONAL DOMESTIC WORKERS DAY June 16

YIHONG HSU SHOW

DB PIRATES REGISTRATION

June 4-28

From June 1

www.evoqueportraits.com

Ever since the passage of the international convention for Decent Work for Domestic Workers in 2011, June 16 has become a worldwide day of celebration. This landmark treaty is the first to set out the rights of domestic workers, and it has helped ensure that domestic work is recognised as “the work that makes all other work possible.” Be sure to tell your helper how great she is.

dbpirates.com

Registration is now open for the DB Pirates’ new season. The club is looking forward to welcoming back its rugby (mini, youth and senior), netball (youth and ladies), hockey and dragon-boat teams. New players are welcome. For more information and to sign up, head to the Pirates’ new website dbpirates.com.

DISCOUNTS AT SPA BOTANICA From June 1

www.instagram/jeeumgallery

Check out Co-Existence, an exhibition of paintings by Hong Kong-based artist Yihong Hsu at Gallery Jeeum in DB North Plaza. Inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic, Yihong looks to flowers and other elements found in nature to depict human stories. Her premise is that every life form prefers to coexist rather than self-isolate. For a preview, visit www.instagram.com/jeeumgallery.

FOR A GOOD CAUSE ARK EDEN FOUNDATION

MOONTREKKER REGISTRATION From June 10

www.arkedenonlantau.org

www.aubergediscoverybay.com

Celebrate the end of social distancing by treating yourself to a treatment at the Auberge’s Spa Botanica. DB residents can enjoy 20% off any 90-minute treatment from June 1 to August 31.

To receive the discount, simply book your treatment in advance and present your DB resident card on the day. To find out more and make a booking, call 2295 8129.

barclaysmoontrekker.com

Registration opens on June 10 for the 12th annual Barclays MoonTrekker being held on the weekend of October 23. The overnight race features three distances – Moonlit 30, Sunrise 40 and the Phoenix 50. For more event information and to register, visit barclaysmoontrekker.com.

Unable to hold its experiential workshops and courses during lockdown, Ark Eden Foundation needs your help to stay afloat. The team is looking to raise funds to continue to plant native trees in the Mui Wo hills and build up its permaculture food production system.

To make a donation, head to the Ark Eden campaign at gogetfunding.com.

www.arounddb.com June 2020

13

DB EVENTS

COMPETITIONS DB KITCHEN BAKING COMPETITION Submission date: June 12

INTERNATIONAL PROVERSE PRIZES Submission date: June 30

stock.adobe.com

We’re challenging DB’s best bakers to share their best bake sale recipe in the DB Kitchen Baking Competition. There are two entry categories – OPEN and UNDER 10 – with HK$10,000 worth of kitchen utensils and appliances from top brands like Le Creuset and Bruno up for grabs. Finalists will be announced in the July issue of Around DB, and the prize winners chosen by a community online vote on the Around DB Facebook page in July. The first-prize winners in each category will have their recipes and photos published in the August issue of Around DB. For more information on how to enter to win, turn to page 11, or visit www.arounddb.com.

CONGRATULATIONS JOSE MANUEL SEVILLA The Year of the Apparitions

www.proversepublishing.com

Founded by DB residents Dr Verner Bickley, MBE and his wife, Dr Gillian Bickley, both the International Proverse Prize for Unpublished Nonfiction, Fiction or Poetry and the International Proverse Poetry Prize (single poems) are open for entry this month. The deadline for submission is June 30, and anyone aged 18 years or over can enter. To submit your work head to proversehongkong.submittable.com/submit.

To find out more, visit www.proversepublishing.com.

HAVE YOUR PRELOVED ITEMS COLLECTED at your home on June 3, 8, 15, 22 and 29 from 2pm to 4pm.

WhatsApp Nikki Boot at 9677 6676.

SIGN UP FOR A BEACH CLEAN-UP at Nim

Shue Wan on June 13 from 9am to 11am by emailing dana@plasticfreeseas.org. Spaces are limited due to COVID-19 government guidelines.

SHOP THE DISCOVERY BAY SUNDAY MARKET in DB Plaza on June 14 from 11am to 6pm. Visit www.handmadehongkong.com.

BRING YOUR DRINK CARTONS, COFFEE CUPS/ LIDS AND POLYFOAM (food containers,

Photo by Terry Chow

DB resident Jose Manuel Sevilla brought out his fifth poetry book, his first in English, in April. “Dedicated to the heroes of Catalonia and Hong Kong,” The Year of the Apparitions was published by Proverse Hong Kong, with the support of the Hong Kong Arts Development Council. It is available at Amazon, Book Depository and The Chinese University Press.

14

June 2020 www.arounddb.com

packaging and fruit nets) for recycling at the waterfront side of Hemingway’s on June 21 from 9am to 11am. Visit the DB Green Facebook page to see how to prepare the materials for recycling.

HELP YOUR HELPER! Enrich HK workshops equip

helpers with the tools to save, budget and plan for a future with greater financial security. Visit www.enrichhk.org.

NEW in DB EAT THE KIWI

SAVE the DATE

MGK FIGHT CLUB

DB FARM August 1

marcguyon.hk eatthekiwi.com/hong-kong

Now delivering to DB, Eat The Kiwi is Hong Kong’s newest online grocer. The team specialises in bringing high-quality New Zealand produce to Hong Kong and works directly with New Zealand farmers.

Eat The Kiwi delivers to DB on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 12pm and 6pm (order by 10am, Monday/ Wednesday). Delivery is free for orders over HK$1,000, and costs HK$120 for orders under HK$1,000. For more information and to place your order, visit eatthekiwi.com/ hong-kong.

DB martial arts studio MGK Fight Club is about to make the leap to a bigger and better space in DB Plaza.

Interested residents can contribute to the fundraising campaign on IndieGoGo and become founding members. For more information and to donate, visit the MGK Fight Club campaign at www.indiegogo.com.

LANTAU PADDLE ADVENTURE SERIES

www.evoqueportraits.com

You can sign up in July to farm a plot at DB Farm in Siena Park. Enrolment is open to all DB residents and is free of charge. Forty-four plots are available for the August to December planting season.

To find out more, call 2238 3601.

ROTTEN HEAD FESTIVAL September 18-20

VIET BU TONG

www.colsimphotography.com

www.vbthk.com

New in DB North Plaza, Viet Bu Tong boasts a vibrant menu inspired by the street food of Hanoi. The swish little Vietnamese bar and grill specialises in pho and bun, as well as rice paper rolls and regional Vietnamese beers. For more information, visit www.vbthk.com.

Organised by DB residents Jonny Haines and Tim Tait, the Lantau Island Paddle Community Adventure Series is open to everyone who has a passion for the ocean. The programme offers up various water sports challenges that tackle pollution and sustainability issues and are designed to help people connect with the environment. For more information, visit lantaupaddle. wixsite.com/lantaupaddle and The Lantau Island Paddle Facebook page.

www.rottenheadfest.com

Tickets are on sale now for the longawaited Rotten Head Festival organised

by Tung Chung residents Alan Chung and Andrew Spires. Being held over the weekend of September 18 at AIA Vitality Park at the Hong Kong Observation Wheel, Central Harbourfont, festivalgoers can expect 20+ live music acts, artisanal craft beer from four Hong Kong breweries and a HandMade Hong Kong market.

Grab your tickets, starting at HK$280, at www.rottenheadfest.com.

www.arounddb.com June 2020

15

GIVEAWAYS

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

WIN GRANOLA FROM SHUN GRANOLA Shun Granola is offering three readers three 350g bags each of granola – one of each flavour (worth HK$180).

Shun Granola – from DB resident Michael Li – relies on healthy Asian ingredients to make breakfast the most delicious part of your day. The granola is available at HK$60 per 350g bag, with free delivery in DB, and there are three flavours to choose from: Original (pumpkin seeds and almonds), Black Sesame (organic cold-pressed coconut oil and black sesame paste), and Cocoa (unsweetened Belgian cacao powder and almonds). To order, visit www.shungranola.com.

www.shungranola.com

Congratulations to last month’s winner Joyce Tan for a place on a Camp APA Summer Programme

SPONSORED CONTENT

EAT THE KIWI:

NEW ONLINE GROCER DELIVERING TO DB

L

aunched by the founders of The Produce Company, a New Zealand-based food distributor, Eat The Kiwi is Hong Kong’s newest online grocer, now delivering to Discovery Bay. The team specialises in bringing high-quality food to Hong Kong, sourced directly from New Zealand farmers and producers.

Photos courtesy of Eat The Kiwi & Ho Lee Fook Hong Kong

“Going straight to the source means we know exactly where and who our food comes from,” says marketing director, Rebekah Bradley. “It also means we get better prices – a benefit we share with our customers.”

Eat The Kiwi flies in fresh vegetables twice a week, meaning minimal time is lost getting produce from farm to table. And all of its meat and eggs are antibioticand hormone-free, since the animals are sustainably farmed outdoors. “There are over 400 products to choose from, many of them Michelin-chef quality,” says Rebekah. “And with everything in one place, you don’t have to go to multiple stores to get what you’re looking for.”

In addition to providing home delivery for groceries, Eat The Kiwi also supplies over 200 of Hong Kong’s top five-star hotels, restaurants and private clubs. The team focuses on providing warm, efficient and friendly customer service.

Subscribing to sustainability Since sustainability is a priority, Eat The Kiwi’s vegetables and fruit are packed loose, which helps avoid plastic wrap. What’s more, its groceries are delivered in FSC recyclable cardboard boxes lined with WoolCool, a natural and sustainable insulator made out of sheep’s wool. “WoolCool is compostable and biodegradable,” says Rebekah. “If you add it into your compost or garden, it will release valuable nitrates back into the soil.

“WoolCool is specifically designed for direct delivery of chilled and frozen foods such as meat, fish, cheese, fresh fruit and vegetables,” Rebekah adds. “It has been trialled and tested to keep produce within

a cool temperature range, thereby ensuring that deliveries always arrive in top condition. This also means you don’t need to be at home when food is delivered. We WhatsApp you on arrival and leave the boxes at your front door.”

All about making your life easier, Eat The Kiwi is the first online grocer in Hong Kong to use a subscription system. You ‘subscribe’ to items, on either a weekly or fortnightly basis, and they are automatically reordered each week (or fortnight), without you having to do a thing.

“The subscription system is perfect for items you regularly shop for and you can have more than one subscription,” Rebekah says.

“Better yet – subscription orders receive 10% off!”

FIND IT Eat The Kiwi delivers to DB on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 12pm and 6pm (order by 10am, Monday/ Wednesday). Delivery is free for orders over HK$1,000, and costs HK$120 for orders under HK$1,000.

• Eat The Kiwi, eatthekiwi.com/hong-kong, hello@eatthekiwi.com, 9785 5706 (WhatsApp) www.arounddb.com June 2020

17

WELCOME BACK TO THE POOL AT CLUB SIENA! 海澄湖畔會所游泳班重開啦！ SUMMER TERM 2020 (JUNE) 2020夏季課程 (六月) SUMMER HOLIDAY 2020 (JULY TO AUGUST) 2020暑期課程 (七月至八月) MONDAY TO SATURDAY 星期一至星期六

FROM INFANTS (4 MONTHS+) TO BEGINNERS TO COMPETITIVE 嬰幼兒親子游泳班 (4個月或以上) 兒童游泳班 泳隊訓練

ENROL AT CLUB SIENA OR DBRC RECEPTION MEMBERS & NON-MEMBERS

報名請到海澄湖畔會所 或愉景灣康樂會接待處 歡迎會員及非會員報名

WISH LIST

MAKE A SPLASH! Ozzie Cozzie has everything you need for a wet and wild summer

AQUABLUE BOYS BOARDSHORT,

HK$299

JETS FINESSE KAFTAN,

HK$1,100

JETS FINESSE PLUNGE ONE PIECE,

HK$1,150

PLATYPUS BOYS BOARDSHORT,

HK$380

PLATYPUS INKY BLOOM WEB-BACK SWIMSUIT,

Photos courtesy of Ozzie Cozzie

HK$380

SEAFOLLY BEACH ROSE LS SURF TANK,

HK$450 FIND IT SEAFOLLY POP PALACE DITSY TRIKINI,

HK$420

SEAFOLLY COYOTE HAT,

HK$350

• Ozzie Cozzie, www.ozziecozzieco.com www.arounddb.com June 2020

19

WISH LIST

This one’s for you

Daddy!

Look no further for the perfect gift for Father’s Day, June 21

MAPLE WALNUT ICE CREAM, 500 ML, MOVENPICK,

LUIS CLUTCH, K11 MUSEA,

HK$73

HK$3,950

SHAVING BRUSH, AESOP,

HK$430

LOCKNESTERS 3D PUZZLE, K11 MUSEA,

HK$728

GEORG JENSEN SKY COCKTAIL SET, MOMA DESIGN STORE, Photos courtesy of www.plug.agency

HK$1,530

20

NENDO 10:10 BUCKLE WATCH, MOMA DESIGN STORE,

HK$1,548

FIND IT

CREATISA PLUS, NESPRESSO,

HK$4,288

June 2020 www.arounddb.com

• Aesop, www.aesop.com/hk • K11 Musea, www.k11musea.com • MoMa Design Store, www.momastore.hk • Movenpick, www.moevenpick-icecream.com/hk • Nespresso, www.nespresso.com/hk

Welcome to our legendary

SUMMER CLASSES

GALLERY JEEUM CO-EXISTENCE 3

4-28 JUN 2020 ARTIST ‘YIHONG HSU’

Identity 1 2020 Acrylic on Canvas 70 x 90 cm

LG 01, Office Block One

DB North Plaza 9819 7176

jeeumgallery@gmail.com www.jeeumgallery.com

Shop 112 DB Plaza, Discovery Bay

2987 4338

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

PROFILE

MINI-MICHE Photo by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com

Paving the way for other kids to say “Yes” to fine dining, nine-year-old DB food blogger Catrin Price is busy eating her way ‘around the world in 80 bites.’ She takes Elizabeth Kerr on a culinary adventure

22

June 2020 www.arounddb.com

“I

t is like a fresh food market. Two Japanese guys sit in the middle and barbeque meat and fish on coal and pass them on a paddle to you. I like the wagyu beef skewers best.” That’s how nine-year-old food blogger Catrin Price describes the scene at Robataya, a trendy robatayaki eatery in Tokyo known for its daily menu and almost interactive dining experience. Catrin’s succinct, no-fuss review is the perfect reflection of the restaurant – and of Catrin herself.

Sitting at Fuel in ifc early in Hong Kong’s re-emergence from its selfimposed COVID-19 exile, Catrin’s decked out in fuzzy Ugg sandals (yes, those are a thing) and a light summer dress. She fidgets like a preteen. Her eyes wander to two boys noisily playing at Avengers in the middle of the mall; she seems vaguely focused on an upcoming online round of Roblox with friends. But she’s just as succinct when describing why she started a food blog. “I like food. We need to eat and some foods are just really good.”

That’s an understatement, as is Catrin’s introduction to her blog, mini-miche.com. “I noticed that there are not many kids on the internet blogging about food.

Which seemed to be a shame!” A shame, perhaps, but not surprising if the hordes of parents trying to get picky kids to eat spinach is anything to go by. Catrin is firmly outside the norm on that front, something mum, Austrian native Nina (who works for a candy company), is as pleased with as she is proud of Catrin’s cultural hobby.

The culture vulture Born in the UK, the only child of Nina and Welsh insurance pro Matt (who’s vegetarian), Catrin has lived in Discovery Bay for seven of her

nine years, and considers it home.

“Every summer we go to Austria, and my grandparents from Wales come here every October,” she says. “We normally go to Vienna but I like Hong Kong more. I like Chinese culture. It’s interesting.”

A true culture vulture, Catrin also likes languages. “I like learning them and understanding what people are saying. I don’t know yet if it helps me understand the place,” she comments, after being forced to admit she already speaks varying degrees of English, Cantonese, German and Mandarin.

We had a tasting “menu which starts

when you enter; they take you to a small tree with little eggs that are sour but also sweet. Then you get chocolate twigs.

It’s amazing

”

Indeed, Catrin does the ordering in Chinese restaurants when out with her parents – much to the delight of the wait staff. (She attended S.K.H. Wei Lun Primary School in DB – hence her Cantonese – before starting at Malvern College in Tai Po last year.) A fan of dumplings, egg tarts and custard buns, one of the local restaurants Catrin rates is Yum Cha in Central. “It’s a really fun Cantonese restaurant,” she says on her blog. “All the dumplings have fun special designs and cute faces. I really love the design, but they also taste really good. My alltime favourite are the dumplings with egg custard – yummy! You

can even book a cooking class and make your own dumplings.”

Like many people who blog about food – and review restaurants – Catrin is also a keen cook, and, with Malvern College closed since Chinese New Year, she’s had plenty of time to experiment in the kitchen… and blog about it: “Kaiserschmarren is a fluffy pancake pulled into pieces. It is an Austrian dish. It was the Emperor’s favourite dessert. You eat it with roasted plum or apple or berries and it tastes scrumptious. You can also just eat it with some jam.

It is soft and sweet, mmmmm… it is sooo good. This time I tried to cook it all by myself and it turned out delicious!”

Hearing a primary school kid talk about getting excited over any kind of food that doesn’t involve McDonald’s is music to the ears.

But Catrin is entirely nine years old in plenty of other ways. She’s got two cats, Fluffy and Bubbles.

For fun she reads, swims, plays field hockey and goes kayaking.

Of course there’s Roblox with friends, and selected television. “I like [Netflix cooking competition series] The Final Table, but I prefer Supergirl and The Flash.

Superhero stuff,” she says.

Blogging around the world Catrin’s blog, subtitled ‘Around the world in 80 bites’ (and created with a bit of help from former Around DB designer Andrew Spires), is a work in progress. She’s challenged herself to eat in the world’s best restaurants and review the experience. She doesn’t read other food blogs, nor does she have a Michelin Guide, the dining bible her blog’s name was inspired by (she’s the ‘mini’ part). But she is nonetheless well on her way, with nine countries, including Hong Kong, Shanghai, Cape Town, Salzburg and Auckland, already  represented on the site.

www.arounddb.com June 2020

23

PROFILE

Catrin’s capsule reviews are broken down by date entry or city, and a quick scroll reveals a pattern, chiefly a preference for restaurants that lean to the engaging and adventurous, or are simply indulgences. She likes to watch the chef prepare the food.

And, she’s got highly developed taste buds for a kid her age.

“I like oysters. I eat as many as I can. They’re so tasty, and the texture is great when they’re soft and creamy. I prefer them raw,” she says, laughing when faced with an, “Eww, gross,” from this writer.

On top of personal favourites – steak and seafood – that make choosing a family dinner tricky for Matt, Catrin likes caviar. And dark chocolate. And blue cheese. “I like to try new things,” she says.

Funnily enough, Catrin’s not crazy about tomatoes (she’s nine years old remember). “There are some vegetables – peas, mushrooms, broccoli, cauliflower – that I like, but I don’t like tomatoes,” she states. Unless they’re puréed on a Margherita pizza of course.

So what makes a restaurant reviewworthy? It comes down to whether it was a memorable experience; Catrin has no time for slam reviews.

“I try to write about the special ones. For example, I wouldn’t write a review for Pizza Express. But if it’s something like Aqua [in Tsim Sha Tsui] that’s another story…

A really memorable one is [Cape Town’s] La Colombe. We had a tasting menu which starts when you enter; they take you to a small tree with little eggs that are sour but also sweet. Then you get chocolate twigs. It’s amazing.”

So far, Catrin has also taken a particular liking to the Michelinstarred Amber (yes, the one at

Like many food boggers, Catrin is also a keen cook

the Landmark Mandarin Oriental you haven’t been to), The Chinese Library in Tai Kwun, The Twins in Shanghai (for the oysters, natch), and the aforementioned Robataya in Tokyo, where she got a chance to pound mochi.

Adults paying the bills may need a bit more detail from a restaurant review, but Catrin speaks to her audience, and in an ocean of grandiloquent food writing her approach is hugely refreshing.

Here’s one last example: “If you are ever in Sydney and visit Bondi Beach, I recommend breakfast at

Trio. They have lots of dishes some with a Middle Eastern twist like Shashouka. Tomato sauce with eggs and spices. Australia has just the most amazing breakfasts!!!

The portions at Trio are gigantic and the food tastes delicious.

My favourite is French Toast with Nutella – it is just to die for!”

At nine Catrin is hardly ready to set a career path, but right now she thinks she’d like to do something with food for a job. “I like travelling and I like to cook. I think I’m pretty good at it,” she finishes. “But I like eating better.” Music.

Find more local heroes @ www.arounddb.com

24

June 2020 www.arounddb.com

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IN FOCUS

Rachel

ve hot sto over a g in v sley sla

Ain

Silver linings Photos courtesy of Rachel Ainsley, Elizabeth Jerabek, Jan Yumul & Amber Kahu

The Around DB gals – managing editor Rachel Ainsley, production coordinator Elizabeth Jerabek, digital manager Jan Yumul and operations manager Amber Kahu – reveal where they were during lockdown and what they did to pass the time.

Samantha Wong reports

26

W

The cook

With an eye to doing just that, while reacquainting you with Bay Media’s managing editor Rachel Ainsley and production coordinator Elizabeth Jerabek, and introducing you to our new

Another day in paradise is how Rachel describes her experience of lockdown in Koh Samui, southwest Thailand. She’s being facetious as usual though it’s difficult to know to what degree. Our managing editor’s no stranger to working remotely, and we all know she’s a homebody these days but has she really sailed through the COVID-19 pandemic in ignorant bliss?

here were you in lockdown 2020?

That’s the big question all of us will be asking each other and bonding over for years to come.

The shared experience has already brought us together (though we’ve been far apart) and there are still so many personal anecdotes left to uncover.

digital manager Jan Yumul and operations manager Amber Kahu, here’s how the Around DB gals dealt with lockdown.

June 2020 www.arounddb.com

Elizabeth Jerabek trail-biking with her family

“Well, so far so good,” Rachel opens. “Work’s kept me busy same as always; I garden a lot and I do most of my ‘socialising’ on WhatsApp anyway. The island’s been practically deserted, so I’ve had my favourite beaches to myself and, with the roads so empty, I’ve been able to drive faster than usual and crank up the music a bit. The tough part for me has been accepting that I can’t jump on a plane and head somewhere more exciting should I feel like it. And I wasn’t very impressed

by Thailand’s (thankfully brief) ban on alcohol sales. But overall, hiding out here has been the right

Jan Yumul reporting

for ABS-CBN Online

Amber Kahu with her beloved RC cars (and husband)

choice. With the tourists gone, it’s as if we’ve gone back in time. Pink dolphins are swimming close to the shore and turtles are laying their eggs on the beaches, which hasn’t happened since the early ‘90s.

“Fears about the future aside, I can honestly say I’ve enjoyed lockdown. I’ve had more time to think and more time to do the things I like doing. Cooking, for instance. Instead of serving up the same six dishes all the time, I’ve finally extended my repertoire.

I’ve been experimenting with new recipes and trying to master some new techniques. I’ve learnt how to

gut and descale a fish, which is something I’ve always wanted to do… and make sauces. You can’t have enough cream, butter and parsley in your fridge. And wine.

As the saying goes, ‘Cooking with wine always works – sometimes I put it in the food too.’”

The trail-biker

has ended up spending lockdown with her parents in cold and rainy Manitowoc, a small town in northern Wisconsin on the coast of Lake Michigan. True to form, Elizabeth has chosen to look on the bright side and make the most of an unexpected situation. She says getting back into bike riding has helped.

Elizabeth didn’t anticipate being marooned indefinitely in the US when her husband’s architecture firm asked him to come back to the US temporarily in February, but that’s how things have panned out. Our production coordinator

“We all have a lot on our minds these days,” Elizabeth opens.

“We worry about the health of our friends and family. We worry about how to get everything done while working from home and also trying  to keep up with the homework and

www.arounddb.com June 2020

27

IN FOCUS

distance-learning activities. We worry about paying the bills and how the global economic situation will affect our jobs. But when I feel overwhelmed with anxiety, I ask my daughter Ursula if she would like to go for a ride and I give thanks for all my blessings as she shrieks with glee while we fly down a hill on our bikes.

“A ride along Lake Michigan is also a good way to make family time a priority. In addition to buying a used bicycle with training wheels for Ursula, we were also lucky enough to borrow a bike trailer and trail-a-bike from my cousins. When Ursula needs a break from her K2 Cantonese homework, grandma or grandpa sit on the front porch with a hot cup of coffee and watch her zoom around the quiet cul-desac in front of the house. And on weekend afternoons, we all hit the trail together, with Ursula tagging along on the trail-a-bike for short rides, or snugly tucked into the bike trailer with her favourite stuffed animal (and snacks) for a longer ride. Ursula rides her bike in DB, usually down to the plaza, or to the playground in Siena Park.

But we hadn’t ridden together as a family until we found ourselves in Manitowoc.”

The change-maker Having returned to Hong Kong late last year after a three-year stint in Manila, Jan Yumul saw lockdown as an opportunity to spend quality time with her parents and two younger brothers. She also found herself on a mission to keep the Filipino community here and in the Philippines informed about the crisis via tweets and reports for ABS-CBN Online and The Filipino Channel. Added to which she

came on board as Bay Media’s new digital manager in May, and she’s already done wonders for our online presence.

“When news of the first Filipina domestic worker who got infected with the virus came out early this year, I knew I just had to be present at the daily ‘pressers’ of the authorities,” Jan opens. “From that day on, I never really stopped working. The hardest part of this health crisis is that it has exposed the stinging inequalities that exist in our city.

Filipinos in Hong Kong are so vulnerable, especially when it comes to their labour rights.

“Initially I was reporting from the frontline, filming on the streets and outside hospitals, so when the social distancing measures forced me to shift most of my interviews online, I was worried my work would suffer.

Adjustment-wise, it’s been a journey but I’ve found that transitioning to digital hasn’t meant I’ve had to give something up. Instead, the synergies all complement each other; digital is where all mediums converge. Interviewees tend to share more, and this was particularly true during lockdown when they were speaking from their own homes.

What’s more, being stuck at home myself, I was able to take the time to play around with the latest software and catch up with all the complex digital technologies.

“When I reconnected with Philip, it was just for me to find a job that would augment my hours offair, i.e. make money. But as Bay Media’s digital manager I’ve been given a seemingly limitless digital space to develop. I can’t find the right words to express how excited I am about my new role.”

The RC car enthusiast At home in DB for lockdown, Amber Kahu says she spent her days watching Netflix, baking cakes and updating her YouTube channel (more on that later) with her husband Joe. She also came on board as Bay Media operations manager at the end of April, immediately heading into the DB office five days a week.

“My role as operations manager is very diverse – I handle distribution, deliveries, the printing, admin and some of the accounts – and I enjoy every part of it,” Amber opens. “In fact, one of my first tasks was helping to set up the new Around DB YouTube channel, which worked well because my husband and I have our own channel, TheRcKiwis. We launched it just after Christmas and we’ve gained almost 1,000 subscribers in under six months. We head out to different locations around the world (at least we did before the pandemic) and we film ourselves with our Remote Controlled (RC) cars. My husband has a winning streak when it comes to racing, and we both love making the cars do jumps and backflips.

“In lockdown, we were able to catch up a bit, editing a lot of footage and uploading it to YouTube. The whole process from filming and editing to uploading the video takes around two days. With so much time on our hands, we were also able to take the cars out to quiet locations in DB. There’s a good spot near The Lookout Point, and we like to go up near the reservoir, where it’s so very picturesque.”

Find more topical local topics @ www.arounddb.com

28

June 2020 www.arounddb.com

Q&A

DEAR AUDE AND BRUCE Can you help? I’ve been in a relationship for two years and already I want out!

My partner and I have been at loggerheads for a while now but having spent so much time alone together these past months, we’ve reached breaking point. I’m ready to move on and find someone new. Or am I? READY TO BAIL IN DB

BRUCE: Prior to the COVID-19

Photo by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com

pandemic, we had as many distractions as we could ask for what with our jobs, social outings, regular holidays and so on. When most of these distractions were removed, we were forced to face up to some harsh realities. There was nowhere to run, as it were.

Discordant issues in relationships were stirred up, along with traumas that were supposedly forgotten, painful childhood memories and a multitude of ‘what ifs.’ What if I changed my job? What if we moved? What if I was in a new relationship?

AUDE: Ah yes, dear reader, a new relationship! There’s no doubt, falling in love is addictive for some, and we all remember being in the first heady flush of love. The initial ‘honeymoon period’ feels effortless; two worlds meet and merge, and we bask in a bubble of perfect intimacy. We have no need of anyone else and, in many cases, the outside world simply disappears.

But, as we all know, this stage seldom lasts beyond a couple of years; relationships by their very nature evolve and change. In the second stage, we begin to open up to the outside world once again; we begin to bring ‘outsiders’ (friends and

family) into the relationship. This is totally natural and it paves the way for a relationship to develop and strengthen, but problems can arise for couples who stop prioritising each other.

BRUCE: The world is a noisy and demanding place comprised of friends, work colleagues and extended family. As we begin to allow these spheres of influence into our relationship, we can easily find ourselves giving more to others than we give to our

partner and thus, the bonds of love may begin to weaken and unwind. As Aude mentioned, the honeymoon stage is effortless, however once it has passed, we find that a relationship takes work.

Couples need commitment, honest communication and a strong core of loving intimacy to stay deeply connected in the longer term.

AUDE: As we move into the second stage of a relationship, we need to manage our own expectations. We often wish our partner could fulfil



Aude Garderet and Bruce Taylor of A and B Therapy

www.arounddb.com June 2020

31

Q&A

our every need, as lover, soulmate, best friend, co-parent, spiritual advisor, provider, caretaker etc.

Sometimes we feel we experience this during the honeymoon period but it’s an unrealistic expectation in the longer term. When our partner stops fulfilling all our needs all the time, tensions can take root and start to arise.

BRUCE: There is a duality here.

Of course, we should aim to be all of these things and more for our partner, but we need to accept that this simply isn’t possible 24/7.

There will be times when we don’t have the strength to juggle so many different roles, and there will be times when we also need to be picked up and supported.

Relationships are about balance and stability – when you fall, your partner is there to pick you up.

AUDE: And when our partner isn’t there to pick us up what do we do? We begin to internalise, we complain, and we look for distractions to cover up our pain. Like Bruce said before, the COVID-19 lockdowns removed all these distractions, so we were forced to look at ourselves in the mirror and face the realities of our relationship.

BRUCE: As difficult as this is, and it can seem insurmountable, it’s actually a powerful opportunity for growth and change. Picture yourself at a crossroads. You are faced with two paths: You can either work on resolving your issues (in the knowledge that attempting to do so could lead to separation) or you can try to bury your issues.

Neither path is easy, there’s no doubt about that. But what you need to recognise is that the first path ends in resolution, while the second leads only to suppression and prolonged suffering.

We often wish our partner could fulfil our every need, as lover, soulmate, best friend, co-parent, spiritual advisor, provider, caretaker etc. Sometimes we feel we experience this during the honeymoon period but it’s an unrealistic expectation in the longer term AUDE: If you choose the first

path, if you choose to work on your relationship, you will need to return to the root, to the core of your love for each other, and reconnect deeply.

Relationships need to evolve to survive, and working on the next cycle begins with reopening the lines of communication.

BRUCE: It’s important to stress that we are talking here

about open, honest, non-violent communication. If your relationship is beset by darker underlying issues, such as physical or verbal abuse, then you need to seek professional help. It’s essential that you establish healthy boundaries; if you and your partner are unable to do so, it will be impossible for you to move forward.

Assuming healthy boundaries are intact, now is the time to sit with your partner and fully express how you feel. Talk about your needs, desires and hopes for the future. Above all, avoid casting blame. Regardless of who did what, or what the facts may be, always talk about how you feel from your perspective.

Remember that you and your partner are in this together, you are both equally responsible for the state of your relationship.

AUDE:

BRUCE: There is a lot of talk about the world healing itself at this time (air and water quality has already improved worldwide thanks to the lockdowns), so why don’t we also take the time to heal ourselves? What if this is a moment to really work on ourselves and our relationship and go deep? Let’s keep in mind that healing is never easy, but it always leaves us in a better place, regardless of where or what that place may be. Facing our issues is the only way to work towards transformation.

FIND IT Aude Garderet is a Practitioner of Psychotherapy and Bruce Taylor is a Reiki Master Healer, both are DB residents. You can contact them at A and B Therapy, aandbtherapy@gmail.com, www.aandbtherapy.com.

For more on Aude, visit www.brieftherapyhk.com; for more on Bruce, visit www.brucechi.org.

Find more from Aude and Bruce @ www.arounddb.com

32

June 2020 www.arounddb.com

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EDUCATION

Photos courtesy of unsplash.com

The new normal?

34

Has having the kids at home for so many months turned you on to the idea of homeschool?

Sam Fisher takes a look at the pros and cons

June 2020 www.arounddb.com

B

eing with your kids 24/7, which is what so many of us have experienced this past year, is challenging.

Let’s face it, at times, it’s tortuous.

But now that schools are reopening, and we’re about to go back to the old ways, I find myself looking for alternatives. I feel we’ve gained so much as a family from this ‘enforced’ time together at home, and I’ve really enjoyed teaching my kids – I’ve loved understanding how each of them learns, and seeing them progress – so, I wonder, is homeschool an option for us?

Legalities The first thing to know is that homeschool is legal in Hong Kong, but if you are going down this route, you need to inform the Education Bureau. Government inspectors will then visit your home to check you know what you’re doing – that you follow a timetable and have appropriate teaching resources – and to assess your child’s performance.

If the inspectors like what they see, your child is registered as a NonAttendance Case, and you can proceed. You can expect followup home visits twice a year, but as long as the inspectors don’t see a drop in your child’s performance, you’ll be allowed to continue.

As it turns out, homeschool is already a popular option in Hong Kong, particularly within the expat community. Danny Harrington of ITS Education Asia explains: “Firstly, there is the question of school place availability. It is incredibly difficult to access local schools as the competition for places from local families is so high, and there are huge concerns about the impact on education of being thrown into a completely different school language and cultural environment. Most expats look therefore to the international school system but there are limited places, dependent on year

group, and there’s also the issue of cost. “‘International school’ in Hong Kong means independent or private school anywhere else and, of course, the costs are comparable. At US$20,000 per child per year up (and as much as US$40,000++) there aren’t all that many families that can find the spare cash to educate one, let alone two or three children.

Homeschooling by comparison can be done very cheaply indeed for younger kids and even for children in exam years, such as IGCSE and A-level. Getting support online both in terms of materials

Local families looking for a readymade support framework are advised to check out Facebook groups like Homeschooling Support HK and Homeschool Resources HK. The Hong Kong Homeschool Meetup Group is another good bet, since it meets on a regular basis to provide support for parents and extra-curricular activities for kids.

Freedoms After the initial shock of leaving the school system has passed, parents who homeschool say they experience a real sense of freedom. With their lives no

Homeschool costs about US$5,000 per child per year

and expert teachers through live online classrooms doesn’t really need to exceed about US$5,000 per child per year, although deluxe options could take this up to more like US$15,000 per child per year.”

While ITS provides a wide range of online homeschool classes and support, teaching the main syllabuses to all ages, there are many credible options out there, including specialist apps like iTooch. Just as importantly, there are a number of locally based homeschool support groups that enable parents to network to get the best academic process in place and to deal with the socialising issue.

longer revolving around school hours, homework and the school calendar, they are free to plan off-season holidays, visit parks and museums during the week, and live their lives in their own way.

It’s also worth noting that homeschooled kids, who benefit from one-on-one tailored learning, tend to accomplish in a few hours what kids in a typical classroom take much longer to cover. Most homeschoolers therefore spend less time studying and, of course, as an added bonus, they get no homework. What’s more, free of  the commute to and from school,

www.arounddb.com June 2020

35

EDUCATION

and the gruelling eight-hour school day, they tend to be less stressed and better rested.

To a large extent, homeschooled students have the choice to study what they want, when they want, for as long as they want. The basics may be covered at age six for one child, and at age 10 for another, depending on ability, maturity and interest levels.

While formal schooling follows a strict timeline and many children find it challenging to keep up, the

often be a ‘hostile’ classroom environment.

Peer pressure, bullying and competition can all be part of a typical school day, particularly for girls in their early teens. However, none of this is an issue for homeschooled kids.

Homeschoolers can dress, act and think the way they want, without fear of ridicule or a need to fit in. They live in the real world, where lives aren’t dictated by adolescent trends and dangerous experimentation.

Parents can pace and customise learning schedules

opposite is true of homeschool, which makes it an ideal option for kids with special or different learning needs. Even in the secondary school years, with exams looming, parents can pace and customise learning schedules to suit their children’s needs, preferences and abilities.

By the same token, homeschool provides the opportunity for parents to incorporate their religious and spiritual beliefs into their chosen curriculum.

On the flip side, ‘troubled’ teens are seen to benefit enormously from the closer family relationships engendered by homeschool, with parents reporting that rebellious or destructive behaviours soon start to diminish. Certainly, most parents stress the important role that homeschool plays in helping them find time to foster loving ties between all family members.

Challenges

Homeschool also makes sense for kids who find it difficult to find their feet in the mainstream school system and who need to be protected from what can too

There’s no way around it, however, homeschool is a full-time job. For married parents, one partner often foregoes employment outside of the home in order to homeschool.

This can be a big sacrifice for families who are struggling to balance their budget. The plus side is that most parents believe that the loss of income is well worth the satisfaction of watching their kids grow and learn in freedom.

Bottomline though: If you don’t enjoy being with your kids 24/7, then homeschool is not for you. There’s time spent on formal studies, and you also need to provide plenty of additional learning tools in the form of hands-on experiences and activities. Planning, getting to, and participating in these extracurricular activities (or waiting for them to be over) will likely take up the bulk of your day.

And what about friends? How do you provide for your child’s social development without the readymade community of a school?

While local sports activities and clubs fill the void for younger kids, homeschooled teens often find limited opportunities to join sports teams, especially competitive ones. An appropriate level of socialisation with children of their own age is important for homeschoolers, so this is where groups like the aforementioned Hong Kong Homeschool Meetup Group prove essential.

Like any activity that challenges mainstream thinking, homeschool may be seen as an oddity, or even a threat. If you are unable to live ‘outside of the box,’ then homeschool is not for you. But we live in changing times, in which external factors (social unrest and pandemics) are keeping our kids out of school. What if homeschool is the way forward; what if it’s already the new normal?

By teaching our kids ourselves, we can provide them with stability during difficult times – homeschool may just be the cure we need.

Find more on education @ www.arounddb.com

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June 2020 www.arounddb.com

An outstanding education in an inclusive and nurturing learning environment.

High expectations and the pursuit of excellence are fundamental to our approach to learning at Discovery Bay International School (DBIS). From the Early Years, to Primary and into Secondary we are focused on developing independent learners who are curious about the world around them and have a desire to explore and enquire. The school’s philosophy is based around the development of the whole child, ensuring that all students are given every opportunity to pursue their individual strengths in a caring and supportive environment.

DBIS is a unique international community school where students enjoy a broad international curriculum with British characteristics. The school comprises 50 different nationalities, 1200 students and 220 staff located on three very well resourced campuses in a tranquil natural environment.

DBIS’ Secondary School features include: • Cambridge International AS and A Levels in Years 12 and 13 • (I)GCSE examinations in Years 10 and 11 • DBIS Diploma that brings together all strands of learning at pre 16 level • International and local community, action and service opportunities • Extensive extra curricular activities particularly in Sport and the Creative Arts • A learning technology rich environment • Innovative approaches to teaching and learning Discovery Bay, Lantau Island, Hong Kong Primary/Secondary : +852 2987 7331 Early Years : +852 2914 2142 Senior School : +852 3962 1500 E : admissions@dbis.edu.hk W : www.dbis.edu.hk

Places available in Year 9, Year 10 & Year 12.

Enrolment Now Open

SUMMER ACTIVITIES GUIDE FOR LANTAU KIDS OUTDOOR

OUTDOOR

ARK EDEN

CAMP APA

TREASURE ISLAND

Ark Eden’s multi-day Summer Forest Camps bring out the adventurous, curious and compassionate side of children, aged five to 11 years. Running from June 22 to August 21 in the Mui Wo hills, the camps are both fun and educational with different eco-minded activities, like treehouse building, campfire cooking and swimming in waterfalls on offer each day.

Asia Pacific Adventure’s summer programme, Camp APA, is designed for youth aged seven to 17 years old.

Running from June 29 to August 7 in Sai Kung, the day and overnight camps are divided into three age groups. The adventure activities on offer, such as kayaking and abseiling, give young people the opportunity to make new friends, learn new skills and create lifelong memories.

From June 15 to August 14, Treasure Island is providing nine weeks of award-winning Surf and Adventure Camps in Pui O for surfers of all levels aged five to 16 years. The week-long day camps are divided into three age groups (Grommets, Intermediates and Young Adventurers), and kids are given the opportunity to learn water skills, ocean safety and environmental awareness, as well as surfing.

Tel: 2792 7160 Email: summer@apa.co

Tel: 5236 7016 Email: inquiries@treasureislandhk.com

www.arkedenonlantau.org

Tel: 2988 5355 Email: info@arkedenonlantau.org

DANCE

www.asiapacificadventure.com

DANCE

OUTDOOR www.treasureislandhk.com

MANDARIN

YI

DMR SCHOOL OF BALLET

ISLAND DANCE

YIFAN MANDARIN

DMR School of Ballet’s summer programmes have been running in DB since 1984 and are designed to suit children’s every artistic need. The classes, on offer from June 30 to August 8, range from Contemporary Ballet to Tap and Modern, and are available for children aged three to 18 years old.

DMR’s choreography camps sell out particularly fast due to their creative and action-packed content.

Island Dance is running weekly Dance Intensives at the Discovery Bay Recreation Club and Club Siena from July 6 to 31 for dancers aged eight to 10 years, and 11 to 13 years. Dancers learn technique, stage performance and overall conditioning from Monday through Thursday. On Fridays, there are Jazz, Hip Hop and Contemporary Open Workshops for dancers aged 10 years and up, with new choreography taught each week.

The Yifan Mandarin Camp comprises intensive five-day language learning programmes for kids aged three to 13 years old. Running from June 22 to August 14 in DB, there are both half- and full-day courses available, with the full-day boot camps reserved for nine to 13-year olds. Kids learn through activities like singing, playing games and making arts and crafts – exclusively in Mandarin.

Tel: 2987 4338 Email: info@dmr-hk.com

Tel: 2987 1571 Email: info@islanddance.com.hk

Tel: 2486 9012 Email: learn@yifanmandarin.com

www.dmr-hk.com

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www.islanddance.com.hk

June 2020 www.arounddb.com

www.yifanmandarin.com

FAN

ESCAPES

U O C N T E R N I Y W

Photos courtesy of unsplash.com

Planning a holiday in South Australia’s Barossa Valley, Dorothy Veitch looks forward to taking it easy and enjoying some of the finer things in life

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June 2020 www.arounddb.com

Sun-drenched vineyards Located only 70 kilometres from Adelaide, the Barossa Valley is considered the premier wine region in South Australia, and also lays claim to being the best in Australia. With diverse and layered varieties to suit every taste, it boasts a versatility that rivals any wine region in the world. Red wine is the flagship of the area, with Shiraz leading the way, but the outer reaches of the valley also deliver superb white wines, in particular Riesling.

The Barossa has a certain serenity to it

Village life Life in the Barossa (population almost 25,000) has a certain serenity to it, making it ridiculously easy to slip into a relaxed frame of mind.

For an authentic, rustic experience, bed down in one of the many B&Bs available, with some of the best located in sleepy hamlets like Tanunda, Nuriootpa and Angaston.

Cellar doors One of the benefits of the Barossa being so small (912 square kilometres) is that it makes it possible to visit a range of cellars in a short time and there are a number of bus tours available to help you do just that.

The wine tour is part of local folklore and with wineries like Rockford’s, Peter Lehmann’s, Langmeil, Chateau Tanunda, Yalumba and Whistler Wines to visit, it’s easy to see why.

The wine tour is part of local folklore

German history Set at the foot of the rolling Barossa Ranges, the region has a rich German history, with the Germans first settling in the area in the mid-1800s. A lot of the culture is still prevalent, with stone cottages and Lutheran churches dotting the picturesque, rural landscape. Be sure to drop by the traditional butcher shops and bakeries boasting age-old, German favourites, like bratwurst, apple  strudel and plum cake.

The region has a rich German history

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ESCAPES

Hot-air ballooning The Barossa’s sunrises have something magical about them, dancing off the Barossa Ranges and settling in amongst the vineyards and paddocks. The best way to make the most of this is from the basket of a hotair balloon, a common sight in the (very early morning sky). For the romantics out there, a Barossan balloon ride might be as good as it gets.

The Barossa is best viewed by hot-air balloon

Degustation menus The Barossa is known for its food culture and fancy degustation menus, with cuisines ranging from Asian fusion to traditional German. ‘From farm to table’ is a common theme, and the majority of restaurants pride themselves on using freshly grown local produce, paired, of course, with Barossan wine.

Locally produced wine comes with just about every meal

Farmers’ markets Despite its standing in the world of wine, the Barossa is by no means a one trick pony and the local produce is some of the best in South Australia.

Farmers’ markets are the perfect place to immerse yourself in what the region has to offer, with local meats, cheeses and seasonal fruit and vegetables all common fare. The renowned Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop is a must visit for its terrines and patés, as well as its scenic, lakeside location.

Farmers’ markets showcase what the region has to offer

Wine festivals Any wine and food connoisseur planning a visit to the Barossa should consider timing it to coincide with either of the region’s biggest food and wine festivals: Barossa Vintage Festival in April and Barossa Gourmet Weekend in September. These festivals offer up all sorts of events, from intimate tastings to competitions and parades, and they are the perfect way to experience the heritage and culture of all things Barossan.

Food and wine festivals are held twice a year

Find more exciting escapes @ www.arounddb.com

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June 2020 www.arounddb.com

Asian Express trust US to take you home!

DB’s premier mover 2893 1000

aemovers.com.hk

RECIPES

Leaning to vegan These refreshing and ultra-healthy raw veggie recipes are ready in minutes and bursting with flavour

Gazpacho Serves 6 • 4 cloves garlic, chopped • 50g fresh white breadcrumbs • 6tbsp red wine vinegar • 6tbsp olive oil • 900g tomatoes, peeled and chopped • 2 cucumbers, peeled and chopped • 225g spring onions, thinly sliced • 110g red pepper, deseeded and finely chopped • 110g yellow pepper, deseeded and finely chopped • 4tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped

Photos courtesy of stockadobe.com

Purée the garlic, breadcrumbs, vinegar and oil, and transfer to a large bowl. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Add 570ml iced water and season to taste. Purée three quarters of the soup and then return it to the remaining soup.

Chill well, garnish with basil leaves and serve with croutons.

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June 2020 www.arounddb.com

Collard Wraps Serves 4 • 4 large collard leaves • ½ lemon, juice only • 5oz raw pecans • 1tbsp tamari • ½tsp minced garlic • ½tsp grated ginger • 1tsp olive oil • 1 red pepper, sliced • 1 avocado, sliced • 2-3oz alfalfa sprouts • ½ lime, juice only Cut off the white stem at the bottom of the leaves before placing them in a bath of warm water and lemon juice. Leave to soak for 10 minutes.

Dry the leaves and thinly slice down the central root (to make it easier to bend the leaves for wrapping).

Pulse the pecans, tamari, garlic, ginger and olive oil. Place the collard leaves in front of you and layer on the nut mix, red pepper, avocado, alfalfa sprouts and a drizzle of lime juice. Fold over the top and bottom of the leaves and then wrap up the sides. Slice in half  and serve chilled.

www.arounddb.com June 2020

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RECIPES

Zucchini ‘Pasta’ Serves 4 • 900g zucchini • 4 large tomatoes, diced • 2 garlic cloves, chopped • ½ bunch basil leaves cut into thin strips • 3tbsp olive oil • 400g spaghetti To make the ‘pasta,’ cut the zucchini lengthwise into ½-inch slices. Place in a large bowl, sprinkle with 1tbsp salt and toss to coat. Place the salted zucchini slices on paper towels, arranging them in a single layer. Leave to stand for 20 minutes. Turn the zucchini slices over and stand for a further 10 minutes, before rinsing them under cold running water. Pat the slices dry and arrange them on a serving plate.

In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, garlic and basil, and toss to mix. Stir in 2tbsp olive oil and season to taste. Spoon the tomato mixture and remaining olive oil over the zucchini. If you’re not vegan, garnish with parmesan shavings (or chunks of feta) to serve.

Find more deliciously simple recipes @ www.arounddb.com

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June 2020 www.arounddb.com

DB FACES

Snaps COMMUNITY

Photos by Col Sim www.colsimphotography.com

Find more familiar DB faces @ www.arounddb.com

Win prizes from Uncle Russ Coffee and The Pier Bar!

Congratulations to last month’s winner: Stuart Williams (@sickbocks)

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The best snap wins! Your mission this month is to share your favourite photo of DB on Instagram, hashtag #arounddb. You have until the 10th of the month to enter.

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!

June 2020 www.arounddb.com

CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP PRACTICAL BIBLE TEACHING KIDS CHURCH & TEENS

Church Office: 2987 7061 www.dbicc.org

View local business directories @ www.arounddb.com EMPLOYMENT

HEALTH & WELLBEING

SPORTS

AKASH MOVING & HANDYMAN SERVICES

VR, HYPNOSIS: INDIVIDUAL/ COUPLES THERAPY

PRIVATE MARTIAL ARTS COACHING

• Local packing, moving, storage & handyman services • All kinds of transport services • Inbound shipment clearance • Having stuff delivered from China?

They are not delivering to DB Or Lantau?

Have it sent to the Akash office in Kwai Chung & delivered to your home.

Contact 2421 8088, info@akash.hk, www.akash.hk

HEALTH & WELLBEING FACIAL REFLEX THERAPY IN DB

Try Facial Reflex Therapy for: • Stress management • Normalising menstruation • Sleeping disorders • Skin issues (due to hormonal imbalance, allergies etc) • Depression; ADHD; Bipolar disorder Facial Reflex Therapy is a natural face-lifting beauty regime. It also boosts confidence & learning ability.

Contact Tina at 9855 7086 (WhatsApp)

• 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/ career coaching • Quitting smoking Dr Melanie Bryan, Psy.D. Clinical Psychologist, Hypnotherapist.

Contact 2575 7707, www.mindmatters.hk

Well known in the Hong Kong MMA community, Marc Guyon guides you through your journey to become a martial artist. As a former whitecollar-turned-professional fighter, Marc’s understanding of looking for peak performance in all your occupations & activities is like nothing in Hong Kong.

Contact 9303 2996, marcguyonkungfu@gmail.com, www.marcguyon.com

BUSINESS AND LIFECOACH

HOME SERVICES

Not taking action on your money, life or business goals?

Unsure? Procrastinating? I help you decide what to focus on now and in next 3 months.

This is not endless counselling.

Instead strategy sessions with action steps and accountability.

FTC RELOCATIONS

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

Lawyer testimonial You ask “insightful questions that helped me sort through my wants, fears, needs and priorities.”

Contact 2814 1658, sales@ftc.hk, www.ftc.hk WhatsApp Kate Cary Evans +852 6103 0470

環悅設計工程公司一心致力於您們快樂 及自由的頤年生活。

Freelance or Part-time Fitting MODEL(S) A well-known USA Lingerie brand is currently looking for fitting models based in Hong Kong Office.The person should have a positive attitude and able to give feedback during fitting process.

Lingerie - US Size 38C — *Full Bust - 40 1/2" - 41" / *Underbust - 33" Lingerie - US Size 38D — *Full Bust - 42" / *Underbust - 33" Lingerie - US Size 38DD — *Full Bust - 43" / *Underbust - 33" Lingerie - US Size 38F — *Full Bust - 43 1/2" / *Underbust - 33" *** Other Sizes are also welcome ***

Interested parties, please call 2372 8428 & email personal's measurement to christina.ma@fotlinc.com

我們將提供專業家居護理評估來改裝您 們的家，使您們能享受家居安老。 聯絡我們 Contact Us

Tel / WhatsApp: 9710 5728 E-mail: joyceworldco@gmail .com joyceworld_creation joyceworldcreation @joyceworldcreation

At Joyce World Creation Ltd, we remodel homes so they are safe for the elderly.

We provide a medical assessment on which you can base your home’s reconstruction and we source suitable equipment for assisted living.

Scan QR code to see our video https://youtu.be/nuZ_sPeIrKw

Please provide an identity proof for legally working at HK for casting.

DB PROPERTY FOR RENT

LUXURY APARTMENTS IN SIENA 2

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, NOW TV & sound bar. Contact the owner on 9317 0624, nialady2011@gmail.com

MPF Services QDAP Insurances VHIS Protection Wealth Management Candy Cheung

If you are looking to rent or sell a property and would like to see it listed on this page, email philip@baymedia.com.hk

Financial Planning Manager Bachelor of Business

(852) 9172 9152 Email: candy_y_cheung@manulife.com.hk | www.manulife.com.hk

KITTY

Looking to host a party or just a great day out with your friends on the water, we have a 35 capacity wooden junk for hire.

Central or Discovery Bay Pick Up info@hongkongjunks.com.hk I N PA R T N E R S H I P W I T H T 8 C O R P O R AT E A N D B U I S N E S S S E R V I C E S

Greenland Pest Control Tailored Pest Control Solutions for Rodent, Cockroaches, Fleas, Mosquitoes, Termites, Ants, Ticks etc…

For info please call Thomas 9871 0771 or Baguio 6776 8400 Email: baguiowong@hotmail.com

• • • •

3 Hi resolution retouched digital images Private 15-minute studio session Images delivered in 24 hours HK$800.

t. +852 6620 3421 e. info@colsimphotography.com w. www.colsimphotography.com

Need professional assistance with your designs and graphics?

From logos, leaflets and company brochures, to book publishing and website creation...

We can help all businesses.

For further enquiries on details of our packages, please contact Philip Jay, our Managing Director, at philip@baymedia.com.hk.

www.baymediastudio.com

CLOT HING & ACCESSORIES

FTC Apparel

2428 2566 FOOD, RES TAUR A N T S & BA RS

A Tavola Bar & Grill Airport Izakaya Andante Café Aficionado China Coast Bar & Grill Curry Lounge Dosirak House Essence Restaurant - Novotel Citygate Federal Palace Restaurant Kimos Mansarover Indian Cuisine McDonald’s Delivery Melody Thai Moccato Coffee Shop My Thai Olea Restaurant - Novotel Citygate PizzaExpress Pizza Hut Delivery Regala Café & Dessert Bar Resto Restaurant Rouge - Regal Airport Hotel Skycity Bistro Tung Chung Pizza Zentro Garden

2321 5500 2286 6668 3602 8828 2286 6238 2286 6898 2960 1977 3520 0848 3602 8808 2626 0181 2886 3646 2109 1927 2338 2338 2988 8129 3602 8838 2907 6918 3602 8818 2297 3588 2330 0000 2286 6618 2886 3156 2286 6868 3969 2500 2466 1010 2802 8000

HE A LT H & W EL L BEING

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 Rainbow Voice and Soundhealing

2185 6550 9099 9959 2109 9396 2109 2288 2194 0020 2988 1534 2328 7282 3575 8370 2403 6613 2403 6623 2261 2626 5178 5658

2421 8088 2109 2330 9343 3718 2988 1488

HOT EL S

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

3969 1888 3602 8888 2286 8888

L E A RNING CEN T RES

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 Tung Chung Catholic School (Yat Tung) YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College

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

SOCI A L , SP OR T S & EQUIPMEN T

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 Sparrow Soccer School Hong Kong Tung Chung Crescent Club House

2385 9677 2109 9277 2179 6678 9264 8597 6688 2167 9662 1747 6443 6597 3473 8700 5400 4109 6051 8196 2403 6770

2984 0222 2504 4788 2984 0498 2470 1966 2984 9720 3484 3095 6429 3507 2984 8933 5465 5511 2997 9070 2320 2001 6422 5009 9193 2937 2980 2699 2983 8931 2980 2582 5991 6292 2109 3331 5236 7013

FI T NESS, SP OR T S & W EL L BEING

Pause by the Banyan South Lantau Paddle Club Thai Palin Massage Thai Sa Baai Treasure Island Group

9708 0187 9688 9112 9062 0148 5228 6552 2546 3543 HOME & REPA IRS

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

2984 8334 2984 8487 2984 1802 2984 9833 9783 5840

HOT EL S

Mui Wo Inn Silvermine Beach Resort Tai O Heritage Hotel

2984 7225 6810 0111 2985 8383

Ashville International Kindergarten & Nursery Lantau International Kindergarten Lantau International School Lao Shi Lantau Mandarin lessons Little Lantau Montessori Kindergarten Silvermine Bay School Mui Wo Language Cafe

2109 9886 2984 0302 2980 3676 5197 4647 3689 6709 2984 0006 5511 6107

PROPER T Y AGENCIES

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

2984 8334 3483 5003 2984 1666 RE TA IL

Friendly Bike Shop Greenstyle Organic & Healthcare INSIDE Island Wines Lantau Base Camp Lantau Grocer Quay House Red Hall Chinese Antiques Tony’s Salon Value Vigilantes VIBE Book & Music Shop ZenvarA

2984 2278 9802 0553 2890 8606 9521 8481 2983 8428 2702 0050 2882 8710 2988 1368 2984 0990 6132 9120 9088 2370 9586 3459

SERV ICES & OT HERS

Jumping Castles SPCA Miriam Safadi Photography Parteezi Phoenix Wills

9662 1747 2984 0060 5145 0227 6112 9842 6108 8471 T R A NSP OR TAT ION

U T IL I T Y, SERV ICES & E MERGENC Y HOT L INES

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

FOOD, RES TAUR A N T S & BA RS

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

L E A RNING CEN T RES

HOME & REPA IRS

Akash Removals Mega Power Engineering/Locksmiths Mr. Chan 24-hours Handyman Shun Yu Engineering

SOUTH LANTAU

TUNG CHUNG

LANTAU NUMBERS

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

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DB NUMBERS COMMUNITY & HEALTH Bayside Dental Practice, North Plaza BMSE, North Plaza DB Alliance Church Community Centre DB Anglican Church DB International Community Church Discovery Bay Medical Centre Health & Care Dental Clinic Herbal Health Care Island Health Island Veterinary Services The Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council, North Plaza Trinity Chapel

2987 2259 2987 2987 2987 2987 2666 2834 2987 2987 2259 2987

0855 3422 8136 4210 7061 5633 6183 7276 7575 9003 3422 9909

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

3102 2977 2987 8460

DAILY NECESSITIES 7-Eleven Convenience Store Fusion by PARKnSHOP Watson’s Pharmacy Wellcome, North Plaza Star Mart, North Plaza

2987 2987 2987 2947 2366

4401 7486 4089 9092 6534

FINANCIAL SERVICES Bank of China HSBC Parsons White Wealth Management The Stephen Putnam Practice

2160 8585 2233 3000 2433 6981 2914 0388

FOOD & BEVERAGE, HOTELS 22º North Auberge Discovery Bay (Hotel), North Plaza Café Bord de Mer & Lounge, North Plaza Caffe Pascucci Cali-Mex, North Plaza Coyote Mexican Cantina Ebeneezer’s Epic Foods, North Plaza Figos Seaside Café First Korean Restaurant Gilmore’s by the Golden Pig Healthy Chicken, North Plaza Hemingway’s il Bel Paese Island Café 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 Solera Starbucks DB North Plaza Subway The Pier Bar Three Sheet Marquee Bar TigerLily Uncle Russ, North Plaza Zak’s

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9156 0360 2987 1313 9010 5832 2987 4488 2987 5087 2987 1041 2987 0222 2987 7082 2987 0789 2987 0789 2987 9268 2987 4428

LEARNING CENTRES

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES Action X, North Plaza Nomadic

LEARNING CENTRES

HOME

2987 2298 2295 8288 2295 8299 2591 1426 2904 7698 2987 2848 2987 0036 2172 6111 2987 2915 2987 9123 2662 9168 6933 6990 2987 8855 2987 0202 2987 9311 2987 0767 2987 1829 2987 8280 2987 1337 2987 6318 2987 1662 2673 4445 2500 1950 2465 2426 2555 0772 2246 8372 2914 0005 2520 2166 2987 0966 2997 8688 2840 1188 2987 6232

June 2020 www.arounddb.com

Discovery Montessori School A reputable & well-known international school for authentic Montessori Bilingual (English & Chinese) Education for children aged 1 to 12 years. Beautiful campus & highly qualified teachers (15 years+ experience). Contact 2987 1201, enquiry@dms.edu.hk, www.dms.edu.hk

Future Stars Dance Academy Dance classes based on the ISTD requirements conducted in a fun, disciplined & safe environment. Contact melissa@futurestarsdanceacademy.com, Futurestars Dance Academy Hong Kong Facebook page, Instagram: @futurestarsHk

Island Dance ISTD Freestyle, ISTD Hip Hop, RAD Ballet, tap & Bollywood classes at DBRC, Club Siena & DB Plaza. Five professional instructors, teaching six days a week.

Contact 2987 1571, 9159 0663, info@islanddance.com.hk, www.islanddance.com.hk

Lingostars Limited, North Plaza Providing Mandarin & Korean education.

After-school Mandarin for Year 1-13 and adult Mandarin classes in a communicative and interactive setting at DB North Plaza. Contact 6375-2015, info@lingostarshk.com, www.lingostarshk.com

Little Explorers The longest running playgroup in DB, Little Explorers eases the transition between home play and kindergarten for children, aged 18 months and up. Contact 6331 7215, LittleExplorersDB@gmail.com

Tree of Joy A fun, engaging & supportive environment in which children play & learn. Programmes include drop-off nursery class, parent-toddler class, afternoon camp & a cooking class Contact 9787 2755, info@treeofjoydb.com, www.treeofjoydb.com

Woodentots Woodentots is a Montessori playgroup providing a caring & nurturing environment in DB Plaza. Run by a qualified Montessori teacher for children aged 18 months to 6 years. Contact 6108 9131, woodentotsdb@gmail.com

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 Academy, North Plaza Discovery Montessori School, North Plaza DMR School of Ballet Dr. Bear Education Centre Early Adventures Playgroup Epic Adventurers Eye Level Education Learning Centre Funfit HK International Learning Academy, North Plaza Kumon, North Plaza La Petite Enfance Kindergarten L’Ecole Pierre et Marie Curie Education centre Lingostars Limited, North Plaza Links Parenting, North Plaza Little Explorers English For Kids Mandarin for Munchkins, North Plaza Mathemagic – home tutoring Mathnasium SKH Wei Lun Primary School Treasure House Zhi Zhi Chinese

6114 2914 2987 3969 2987 2987 2914 2812 2987 2987 6762 2987 2441 9366 6302 2416 2459 8191 8191 6375 6114 6331 2480 9135 2628 2987 2987 9648

2436 2142 7331 1000 8088 8088 2202 9206 1201 4338 6264 9644 0098 0000 6327 3198 8808 0813 0813 2015 2436 7215 3909 4724 3362 8608 4217 2966

MULTIMEDIA Bookazine Fotomax (F.E.) Ltd

2987 1373 2914 2378

OTHER SERVICES

Harvey Law Group International law firm offering a wide range of commercial & personal legal services. Meeting facilities available in DB. Contact 2416 8618, dboffice@harveylawcorporation.com, www.harveylawcorporation.com

Martina Stevens Photography Photographer based in Discovery Bay specialising in small and exclusive projects. Newborns, Maternity, Family and Lifestyle photography.Contact 9487 5242, martina@martinastevensphotography.com, www.martinastevensphotography.com Gillian florist, North Plaza Manulife P-Solution The Optical House Well Supreme Laundry Services

2529 9172 2987 2987 2987

8256 9152 1777 1368 5151

DB NUMBERS PETS Mypetshop, North Plaza Pets Gallery Ready, Pet, Go!

TOYS & KIDS’ PARTIES 2987 8873 2987 0428 5721 6181

Bo Bo House Toysland

2987 4230 2987 7859

TRANSPORT SERVICES

PROPERTY LISTINGS EPS Property Consultants Headland Homes Kingsland DB Land Master Property OKAY.COM

2987 2987 2987 2987 2102

2023 2088 2987 6238 0829

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

2914 2987 5303 2987 2987

2727 7351 3489 0208 9368

UTILITIES, SERVICES & EMERGENCY HOTLINES

SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT 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

HK Dragons Football Club Football for girls & boys aged 2.5 years to 14 years. Contact 2987 4274, dragons.hk

Tekkerz Football programmes for boys and girls for age groups U5 up to U14. Contact 9770 4548, train@tekkerzfootball.com, www.prosportsasia.com

Action X, North Plaza Club Siena, North Plaza DBees Ice Hockey DB Pirates Rugby, Netball, Hockey & Dragonboat Discovery Bay Marina Club Discovery Bay Golf Club Discovery Bay Recreation Club Embody EpicLand, North Plaza FIT 852 Greenwich Yoga School, North Plaza Kapuhala Train-in-Space, North Plaza MAS FIT MGK Fight Club Nutrition and Fitness with Emilie YogaBay, North Plaza YogaUp, North Plaza

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55

OUT THERE

Midsummer Madness I

Intent on bringing us all together despite social distancing, Peter Sherwood decides to throw a big party on June 21 (and ban national anthems)

’m lazy, a choice driven by the belief that the daily round is pointless. Why extricate yourself from the straw each morning when you can’t find a reason? If, like the Buddhists, to make life’s journey tolerable you have to create meaning, be my guest. Just know your enlightened creation – like Cosmic Truth – may well be delusional.

Illustration courtesy of globalgoodimpact.com

Plodding down the merry trail of existence demands we drive the ritual stake of certainty into selected days of the year, forgetting that both day and year, and time itself, are an invention.

Celebrate we must, choosing a few ‘special’ days from a plethora of the pedestrian. Take New Years, a tumultuous event we’ve dreamt up to illuminate our dull lives before we shamble back to routine and await the hysteria of Mother’s Day. December 31 sees the year’s end, while birthdays remind us of an origin we can’t recall.

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On national days, anthems bleat out their patriotic choruses – and should all be banned. “God defend New Zealand.” Why? It’s too distant for any significant country to attack. But at least it’s on the back foot. Not so Vietnam. It’s national anthem, the Army March, doesn’t pull any punches: “Our flag, red

All anthems are lousy. There should be just one anthem covering all countries. One tune and they can make up their own lyrics. And only one calendar. OK, making the Gregorian calendar compulsory might upset a few people, like Hindus, Buddhists and the Chinese.

The various Islamic sects might whine a bit too, but I’m trying to be helpful – to bring humanity together. I envisage one big party to celebrate June 21, the longest day of the year.

It may not have profound historical significance. But that’s the point: there’s nothing for us to fight over.

with the blood of victory, bears the spirit of the country… The path to glory is built by the bodies of our foes.” To be fair though, the sixth line, “We swear to flay the enemies and drink their blood,” got cut in 1953. The Fifth Plenum of the First National Assembly decided it was politically incorrect.

Tiny St Helena’s unofficial national anthem was written by someone who’d never even been there but saw a picture on a postcard: “Diamonds are pretty, so are your fancy cars, but St Helena is prettier by far.” Seriously.

Like most of everything else the longest day is an illusion. But if World Leprosy Day is noteworthy, along with Spain’s La Tomatina, when a raucous mob spends the day chucking overripe tomatoes, why not a vague 24 hours in June?

Universal togetherness has been tried before, but world wars, Esperanto and the expansion of Kim’s Celestial North Korean Kingdom are not what I have in mind. A good start might be one national anthem to include every country, to save playing three tedious pieces at every Olympics podium. All countries under one generic banner is not ideal and could create international conflict, but there’s a price to pay for everything.

Peter Sherwood has lived in DB for over 20 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 June 2020 www.arounddb.com