Life on Lantau June/ July 2013

Issue 13 / JUNE-JULY 2013

EAST MEETS WEST

Kitchen Kapers takes us to India

GOING GREEN IN LANTAU

Greener, cleaner planet

HIT THE TRAILS

We go hiking in the dark

OUR FUTURE RAILWAY

Tung Chung West Extension

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CONTENTS REGULARS

4

06 SHOPPING CART

What to wear, watch, read, use and splurge on!

07 KITCHEN KAPERS

East Meets West India, two authentic regional dishes you can’t resist

08 HIT THE TRAILS

By the light of the moon

10 AROUND LANTAU

12

A look at what’s happening around Lantau Island

16 HEALTH AND FITNESS

The body awakening cleanse

17 PARENTING

Nursery essentials

26

18 KIDS’ CORNER Summer is here!

20 LITTLE CHEF

Berries and Cream Stack

CRAFTY KIDS

Father’s Day shirt-and-tie card

22 PARENTING

Making sense of numbers for children

30

24 HEALTH AND FITNESS

Healthy living with a bit of help

28 TRAVEL

The land of milk and honey – Part 1

31 ASK THE VET

My dog has hip and knee arthritis

FINANCE

Family protection - Part 2

32 COMMUNITY

FEATURES 04 OUR FUTURE RAILWAY

Life on Lantau introduces you to the Tung Chung West Extension

12 GOING GREEN IN LANTAU Greener, cleaner planet

14 WOMEN ON TOP

Ladies hiking Lantau

26 GROWING ASPIRATIONS IN YOUNG TREKKERS Introducing the Green Trekkers Program

30 ART AND CULTURE

Festival of colours – Holi

Some fun snaps from around Lantau

STEP’N OUT

JoElle takes us out for a splash

33 GIVEAWAYS

Lots of prizes to be won!

34 SPOTLIGHT – WOMEN IN BUSINESS Elaine Cahill and Katrin Tzembelikos

SOUTH LANTAU PADDLE CLUB

Lantau Island Classic Outrigger Canoe Race

35 CLASSIFIEDS 36 DIRECTORY & DISTRIBUTION 37 ASK US

18

We find the answers to your questions

THE

TEAM EDITORIAL DIRECTORS Danielle Higgins Natasha Smith

Copyeditor/proofreader

Jennifer Gan

CONTRIBUTORS Currin Cooley Kaye Fraser Patricia Hamlin Keira Higgins Rob McGovern Jamie McGregor Lucy McLennan Erin Rew JoElle Scott Rachayita Sinha Anita Tomasov Mel Topp Jessica Williams Charlotte Wong Lucy Zheng

PHOTOGRAPHY

It’s that time of year again. The temperatures are rising, the humidity is up, and the kids are gearing up for their big summer break. Summer in Hong Kong is sometimes challenging, so check out page 32, where JoElle gives us some great ideas on ways to keep cool and keep the kids entertained.

Sometimes all it takes is some water!

Tung Chung is growing – fast. There is a lot of development in progress, and a lot more in the plans for the future. There is a proposal for further land reclamation towards Yat Tung, and an extension of the MTR line. Check out page 4 for more information.

Chris Coelho

ACCOUNTING

Denise Gascoigne

DESIGN

With Mum’s special day over with, it’s now time to focus on Dad. Father’s Day is coming up, and Crafty Keira has a cool card for you to make and surprise Dad with. So get out your paper and scissors and make Dad feel super-

Vibrandcy Ltd www.vibrandcy.com

special on 16 June!

PRINTING

A big ‘thank you’ to everyone who has entered our Giveaways competitions.

Print Plus International Ltd 9/F Ping Lam Commercial Building, 282 Lockhart Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong

REGIONAL ADVERTISING REP EBconcepts - Edo Bersma T. (852) 9641-1936 E. edo@EBconceptsHK.com

We have some fabulous prizes and some very happy winners! Don’t forget to send in your entry for the fantastic prizes in this issue. Turn to page 33 for details. Good luck!

Happy reading everyone. Stay cool.

TO CONTRIBUTE AND ADVERTISE Tel: (852) 9801 5115 editorial@lifeonlantau.com advertise@lifeonlantau.com Web: www.lifeonlantau.com

General Information

Drop us a line at info@lifeonlantau.com

PRESS RELEASES & PRESS PACKS PO Box 51 Tung Chung Post Office Tung Chung, Lantau, Hong Kong

Our publication is produced for our Lantau community. Views and opinions expressed in articles in this publication belong to the contributor and not necessarily those of publisher or the staff.

All rights reserved.

© DANASHA MEDIA LIMITED

Danielle & Natasha

TITLE HERE

THE

TUNG CHUNG WEST EXTENSION The current residential population of the Tung Chung New Town is approximately 80,000, which is quite different from the previous projection of 320,000 by 2011.

At present, development in Tung Chung West is limited to the vicinities of Yat Tung Estate, with the remaining parts being rural villages, fallow land and open countryside subject to detailed planning.

4  LIFE ON LANTAU

COVER STORY

As a part of the long-term planning of the Tung Chung New Town (including a preliminary proposal on further reclamation for the purpose of new town expansion), the Government reserved a site for constructing a railway station in the possible reclamation area in Tung Chung West. Should the new town expand westward in future, railway service might be provided in the area as necessary.

The population growth in Hong Kong slowed down subsequently.

The Government set up the Lantau Development Task Force in 2004 and published the “Revised Concept Plan for Lantau” in 2007, which set out a series of revised recommendations for the development of Lantau Island. These include the further development of Tung Chung into a fully planned new town with a population of around 220,000.

In order to implement the relevant plan, the Government launched the “Tung Chung New Town Extension Study” in 2012 to identify the development potential and opportunities of Tung Chung and its vicinities with a view to exploring the scale for Tung Chung extension. Some locals believe that the Tung Chung Line should be extended to Tung Chung West as early as possible to enable residents to use the Tung Chung Line more conveniently. As such, the consultant assesses the conceptual Tung Chung West Extension in the light of the latest developments.

Preliminary Conceptual Scheme of the Railway Proposal Under the conceptual Tung Chung West Extension formulated by the consultant, the Tung Chung Line extends westward from Tung Chung Station to serve the existing and potential development in the region. The estimated journey time from Tung Chung West to Tung Chung is about 4 minutes.

Given that the existing Tung Chung Station is an underground station, the consultant advises that the Tung Chung West Extension could be constructed in tunnels. The planning of the actual alignment needs to be coordinated with the land planning of Tung Chung West and actual development of the community.

Assuming that the Tung Chung West Extension is in place in view of the population growth brought by new town extension, the consultant preliminarily estimates that the section from Kowloon Station to Hong Kong Station would remain as the busiest section of the Tung Chung Line during morning peak hours in 2031, with the one-direction traffic slightly rising.

Here are some questions put forward to the public to have their say. Please email your thoughts to enquiry@ ourfuturerailway.hk.

Apart from the vicinities of Yat Tung Estate, low-density development sprawls across most parts of Tung Chung West. Do you think that the Tung Chung West Extension should tie in with the new town extension plan to improve the cost-effectiveness of the railway project?

Why? A large number of bus routes are available in Tung Chung West, which provide feeder services to Tung Chung Station of the Tung Chung Line, and travel to and from Tsuen Wan, Ho Man Tin, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hung Hom, Tin Hau, Tseung Kwan O, Tin Shui Wai and Shatin etc.

Do you think there is an imminent need to construct the Tung Chung West Extension if Tung Chung West is not further developed? Why? In general, under what circumstances would you support the implementation of the Tung Chung West Extension? Why? Information reprinted with permission from http://www.ourfuturerailway.hk/index.html?p=003d

LIFE ON LANTAU 5

A TITLE HERECART SHOPPING

June / July

WISH LIST!

Use

Read

NESPRESSO COFFEE MACHINE Now you can make your own coffee creation at home and choose from over 16 types of coffee.

Available: Fortress Citygate http://www.nespresso.com/hk/en

Available in hard cover, soft cover, iBook and Kindle format. Find it at Dymocks in Tung Chung and on amazon.com, barnsandnoble.com and xlibris.com.

Watch

THEATRE Sesame Street Live, Elmo’s Superheroes Cost $150 to $550 28, 29, 30 June and 1 July Star Hall Kowloon Bay International Trade and Exhibition Centre For bookings call 3128 8288 or see www.hkticketing.com

www.coolstuffaboutparenting.com

CINEMA Wolverine (action/adventure; July) Logan and Victor, two mutant brothers born 200 years ago, suffer childhood trauma and have only each other to depend on. Basically, they’re fighters and killers, living from war to war through US history.

Language: English

Dragon Hunting in Hong Kong All About Me – Hong Kong Dragon Hunting in Hong Kong is a story that contains one main character and his or her two friends. The three friends go on an adventure in search of a dragon. The journey takes them all over Hong Kong, visiting some of its many famous places. This book is unique as it combines a personalised story with informative facts about Hong Kong. By seeing their pictures and reading their names, children will be encouraged not only to read but also to learn about the city in which they live or visited.

KIDS The Tale of Sybil Snake A story of lost treasure and intriguing mystery.

Available: Dymocks

To The Wonder (romance; June) An American who falls in love with a woman in Paris marries her and she moves with him and her daughter to the US. When their union falters, he considers becoming involved with an old girlfriend.

Language: English

Thomas And Friends: Blue Mountain Mystery (kids/family animation; June) When trouble strikes at the Blue Mountain Quarry, Thomas is sent to help his Narrow Gauge engine friends.

While shunting and hauling, he catches a glimpse of a small engine trying to hide, yet no one will provide any clues to the engine’s identity.

Language: Cantonese with no subtitles The Smurfs 2 (kids/family animation; August) The evil wizard Gargamel creates a couple of mischievous Smurf-like creatures called the Naughties that he hopes will let him harness the all-powerful, magical Smurf-essence.

Language: Cantonese with no subtitles Check out www.cityline.com.hk for prices and session times.

6 LIFE ON LANTAU

PARENTING: Cool Stuff Your Parents Never Told You About Parenting This book provides parents with in-depth understanding on how and why children learn, think and behave so differently from us, so that parents can help their children develop the necessary skills required for meeting the demands of the 21st century.

Available: www.allaboutmehk.com

Splurge

Real Aromatherapy Experience Traditional aromatherapy techniques of carefully applied spinal pressures and foot reflex sequences to target the nervous system, easing away stress and strain. $690 / 60 min; $850 / 90 min Discovery Bay 2987 9198 www.senseoftouch.com.hk

Wear

Patchwork Jack Summer Sun Dress These dresses from South Africa are perfect for the hot Hong Kong summer days.

Available at Patchwork Jack shop, 1 Tat Tung Road Garden Tung Chung (near the cable car).

Open: Wednesday –Monday 11 am to 6 pm, closed Tuesdays 9762 1957

KITCHEN KAPERS

EAST MEETS WEST

By Mel Topp

Two authentic regional Indian dishes that will keep you coming back for more!

Authentic Indian cuisine is diverse and varies from one region of the country to another.

A common thread running through all these various dishes is the aromatic and flavourful spices that hold them together. A careful balance of these spices can make an ordinary meal very special. Our recipes this month come from Tung Chung residents Tanu and Tapas Ghosh, who have shared two of their favourite family recipes for you to enjoy.

East meets West India in the Ghosh household. Tanu originates from Gujarat (West India), a region that is mostly vegetarian. Tapas comes from Bengal (East India), where seafood and freshwater fish are a staple. On Sundays they often cook together in their kitchen while their son Rohan watches. Rohan informed me that he is quite happy to leave all the cooking mayhem up to Mum and Dad!

Bhapa Ilish (Steamed Fish with Yoghurt Mustard Sauce) Ingredients: • 2 pieces of freshwater fish (cod or pomfret), cubed.

Traditionally Ilish (hilsa) is the fish used in this dish; it can be bought at the wet market • 3 tablespoons pure mustard oil • A pinch of turmeric and salt to taste • Coriander leaves to garnish For the paste: • 2 tablespoons mustard seed • 3–4 hot green chili (or as per your taste) • 3 tablespoons of plain yoghurt • Salt to taste Method: Grind the mustard, green chili, yoghurt and the salt to make a thick paste. Place the fish pieces in a bowl. Pour the above mustard sauce over the fish chunks so the sauce covers all of it completely. Drizzle some more mustard oil on the top if you wish. Cover and place the bowl into a steamer. Cook in the steamer for about 25 minutes until a thick gravy has formed.

Serve with rice and roti or chapatti.

PHOTOS BY JODI NAKSAVATH

PHOTOSBaigan

BY JODI NAKSAVATH Acchar (Pickle with Eggplant)

Ingredients: • 1 large eggplant/aubergine cut into long fingers • A generous pinch of sugar • A little oil to fry • 1 tablespoon mango pickles • Salt • 2 sprigs curry leaves (optional) • ½ tsp turmeric powder (Haldi) Method: Marinate the eggplant pieces with salt and turmeric for 1 hour.

Remove, wash and pan fry with a little oil. Turn pieces until cooked and put aside. In the frying pan add about a teaspoon of oil, the mango pickles and add approximately half a cup of water. (Add the curry leaves here if you are putting them in.) Add fried eggplant. Cover and reduce heat. When almost dry add 1 teaspoon of sugar to give a sweet and sour flavour. Garnish with coriander and serve as a side dish.

Note: These recipe amounts are for two people and the recipe can be doubled to feed more.

The spices can be adapted to suit your own tastes. You can purchase Indian ethnic groceries, ready-to-eat Indian food and dairy products at the Tung Chung Indian store at Seaview Crescent Plaza shop Q4 (located next to Pets Central down the corridor).

If you would like us to visit your kitchen or to share one of your favourite recipes with readers of Life on Lantau, please email Mel at kitchenkapers@lifeonlantau.com with your name and contact details.

LIFE ON LANTAU 7

HIT THE TRAILS

BY THE

LIGHT OF THE MOON

By Danielle Higgins

During these summer months, the heat and humidity often makes it difficult to muster up the energy or enthusiasm to get out there and go hiking. Well . . . I have the answer! Head out for a night hike, and experience a whole new world of hiking.

So why go hiking in the dark? While you do miss out on the stunning scenery that you are able to experience during the day, being out there in the hills after the sun goes down gives you a completely different experience. Once you get away from the lights and noise of the city, you can experience the calmness of being surrounded by nature, hearing the sounds of the wildlife and watching the stars (yes, they are up there!).

Chung at the hardware store in Fu Tung Market.

slowly adjust to the dimming light instead of plunging straight into the darkness.

Before you head out, make sure the batteries are working, and ALWAYS take a spare set of batteries with you. I also recommend taking a flashlight with you as a back up. As with all hikes, make sure you take plenty of water and snacks with you. And an important one – don’t forget the bug spray.

A night hike can feel more strenuous, as you need to concentrate on your footing, as well as watch out for branches and other potential hazards along the way. A familiar trail that you’ve hiked plenty of times will suddenly feel new at night, which is what makes night hiking such an adventure.

For a night hike, you must be prepared.

Firstly, never hike alone. Secondly, you will need to take some equipment with you. You will need to wear a headlamp.

The benefit of these over a flashlight is that your hands are free, and the light will follow the direction you are looking.

You can purchase these from any hiking or outdoor shop (visit Lantau Base Camp in Mui Wo for these and other hiking supplies). They are also available in Tung

If you’re new to night hiking, I recommend you begin with a hike you are already familiar with. That way you will roughly know where you’re going, and can get used to the idea of walking with a visibility of only a couple of metres in front of you. If you’re walking during a full moon, you’ll be amazed how much light it actually throws down. If you are able to head out before it gets dark, you’ll not only be able to watch the sunset, but your eyes will be able to

8 LIFE ON LANTAU

So now you have no excuse! A night hike is a completely different way to experience the fun of hiking, as well as being an enjoyable and healthy way to spend an evening. Happy hiking!

This information is provided for reference only. Hiking trails vary in levels of difficulty. It is essential to bring suitable equipment and ensure you are in adequate physical condition to undertake any hike. Life on Lantau assumes no responsibility for injury as a result of the use of the information in this article.

HorizontalTrailShopOTC-2.outline.pdf 1 9/16/2012 10:43:04 AM

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Visit Hong Kong's first Trail Shop for Hikers and Runners Opening Hours: Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri: 11am-6:30pm,Sat: 7:30am-6:30pm, Sun 9am-4pm. Closed Weds.

"We also carry cycling clothes and camping equipment"

Location: Shop J, Sea View Building, Mui Wo, Phone #: 5463.6060 Brands we carry

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"Shop Owner: Jeremy Ritcey"

AROUND LANTAU

DRAGON BOAT LANTAU ISLAND DISCOVERY BAY BEACH CLEANUP Grab your friends and help out with this beach cleanup in DB! DB Green will provide water for your refillable water bottles as well as washable cotton gloves that we reuse each cleanup.

There will also be garbage bags available. Please remember to wear sensible shoes for the beach as there are sometimes dangerous or sharp objects washed up.

Bring your friends and your family and join us for a drink and a snack after the cleanup. It is a great way to meet people and be a part of your community.

When: Sunday 23 June, 1–4 pm Where: North Plaza DB Bring along a hat, sunscreen and water bottle. www.dbgreen.org

DISCOVERY BAY Dragon Boat Race and Carnival 2013, racing 8 am to 6 pm, admission free. There’s also a carnival from 8 am to 6 pm at Discovery Bay Piazza.

When: Wednesday 12 June Where: Discovery Bay, Tai Pak Beach TAI O The “Gods Parade”, is the most important part of the Dragon Boat Festival at Tai O. A small boat carrying the deity statues is towed by each dragon boat along the local waterways. Gold and silver paper offerings for departed souls are burned along the way, while the residents of the stilt houses also burn joss sticks to pay tribute to the passing dragon boats.

When: 30 June Where:Tai O SAR Establishment Cup Dragon Boat Race, Tai O Sheltered Boat Anchorage, Tai O, 9 am to 3 pm. Admission free.

MUI WO Mui Wo Dragon Boat Race Open 2013 When: 2 June Where: Silvermine Bay Beach, Mui Wo, Lantau Island, 8:45 am to 4 pm, Admission free

TUNG CHUNG RUGBY CLUB Kids are welcome to join this newly established rugby club in Tung Chung. Ages 2 - 3 years, 4 - 6 years, 7+ years To register go to Facebook Tung Chung Rugby Club or turn up on one of these training days below.

When: 9 & 23 June, 8.00 am - 9.30 am Where: Man Tung Road Park Tung Chung Don’t forget to bring your water bottle, hat, sunscreen & mosquito repellent!

Mid summer groove “Edutainment day” The “Cheung Sha Mid Summer Groove” party will be held on 21 June on Lower Cheung Sha beach from 3 pm until late. This event will focus on educating the community on environmental awareness and will feature kids’ dance performances, DJs, choir singing, face painting, bouncy castles, arts and crafts, a fashion show, food stalls and a lucky draw featuring many great prizes.

All money raised will go to very worthwhile charities.

For more information contact eva@dragons.hk or phone 9861 6657

10 LIFE ON LANTAU

‘CAPTURING TAI O’ PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION Participating in this exhibition are Philip Chan, Karen Choi, Chris Coelho, Irene Flanhardt, Tracey van Geest, Annie Kwong, Leon Suen and Mable Tsang. They are professional and freelance photographers who have held various exhibitions locally and/ or overseas. Leon Suen has many years of experience in photojournalism and served two terms as the Chairman of the Hong Kong Press Photographers Association. He is a co-founder of Lumenvisum promoting photography and a university lecturer teaching photojournalism. Chris Coelho and Tracey van Geest respectively work for Life on Lantau and another local publication. Irene Flanhardt is an artist who also runs a gallery in Tai O. She came to know all these fabulous photographers including Philip Chan, Karen Choi, Annie Kwong and Mable Tsang who have left many footprints in various countries because of their passion for photography.

When: Until 31 July Where: 3/F LANDMARK, near Harvey Nichols

AROUND LANTAU

HK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TERMINAL 2 Take the kids for an outing to the airport. Catch the bus, taxi or the train (we catch the MTR to Tsing YI then Airport Express for extra excitement!).

AsiaWorld-Expo Distant Worlds: Music from FINAL FANTASY Featuring the City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong and the Die Konzertisten Choir conducted by Amie Roth, composer Nobuo Uematsu’s FINAL FANTASY, will be the undisputed classical music highlight of summer 2013!

FINAL FANTASY Symphon ic Concert Hong Kong Premiere 香港首次最終幻想交響音樂! 會！ AsiaWorld-Expo Hall 10

2013年7月27日(Sat./7 :30pm) 2013年7月28日(Sun./ 7:30pm)

©1997, 2001, 2009, 2010

WHEN: 27–28 July 2013 WHERE: AsiaWorld-Expo, Hall 10

SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved. CHARACTER DESIGN: TETSUYA

NOMURA

長達兩個小時多的最終 幻想1至14精選樂章。 超過100名音樂家齊聚 一堂，包括香港城市室 Die Konzertisten合唱團 樂團、 、Arnie Roth以及植松伸夫！ 網上購票: www.hkticketing

門票現於快達票公開發售

Sound of Faeries

.com 或shop.sof.hk (包括快達票票房、K11 Select及通利琴行)。快達票將額外收 購票熱線: 31 288 288。票價: 取每張門票的顧客服務費 HK$1680, HK$1280, 。 HK$880, HK$680

地點：亞洲國際博覽館 10號館 日期：2013年7月27-28日 - 晚上7點半 官網網址：www.sof.hk 聯繫我們： info@soundoffaeri es.com

Distant Worlds: music All associated trademarks from FINAL FANTASY is produced by Nobuo Uematsu are owned by and used under license from SQUARE and Arnie Roth, AWR Music Productions, LLC, and Square Enix.

ENIX CO.,LTD. © 2009 SQUARE FINAL FANTASY is registered ENIX trademark or trademark CO.,LTD. All Rights Reserved of Square Enix Group Co., Ltd.

For tickets, call Hong Kong Ticketing on 31 288 288 or visit www.hkticketing.com.

AVIATION DISCOVERY CENTRE The Aviation Discovery Centre (ADC) provides a channel for visitors to discover fascinating aviation-related topics with a focus on the aviation development of Hong Kong through fun and exciting settings. The ADC is decorated throughout with aviation-themed exhibits and graphics with attractions including SkyDeck and Cockpit Simulator.

You can get your photo taken for $20.

Where: Level 6

DREAM COME TRUE THE NAKED ISLAND PROJECT “embracing a cleaner future” Purpose: To gain media exposure against the Government’s proposal to install a super incinerator on Shek Kwu Chau island, just off Pui O Beach in South Lantau.

Please join the “human flotilla”. This will be Asia’s first floating human ring in the ocean.

The Dream Come True Education Park facilities are designed for children to experience real life occupations by role-playing in related uniforms. Through each job simulation, children can broaden their horizons and develop independence, teamwork and social skills.

Where: Level 6 www.dreamcometrue.com.hk info@dreamcometrue.com.hk 3559 1028

Event Name: ”Motion in the Ocean” Location: Pui O Beach, South Lantau Date: Saturday 22 June Time: 3.30 pm For: Paddlers, surfers, families, paddle clubs and anyone willing to get wet!

For more information please like ‘The Naked Islands Project - HK’ Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/pages/ The-Naked-Islands-Project-HK/160150074157623

NGONG PING 360 Note - Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car will be closed for scheduled maintenance on 26 and 27 June.

TEVA JULBO KAYAK-N-RUN SERIES - Action Asia Have some fun with your kids this summer. Limited places still available in the Family Category for the TEVA JULBO Kayak-n-Run event on 15 June in Discovery Bay (Nim Shue Wan Beach).

Teams of 2, minimum age 6. Kayak 1.4 km and run 3 km.

Register online at www.actionasiaevents.com

LIFE ON LANTAU 11

GOING GREEN IN LANTAU

By Rob McGovern

As perhaps the world’s biggest cynic, I am the last person to give undeserved credit to a corporate giant. But it is these giants that will probably make the biggest impact when it comes to being green, even if it is solely because their operations are so huge.

As much as we hope that not using the complimentary toothbrush or toiletries in a hotel or having a coffee from Starbucks in a mug instead of a paper or plastic cup will have a positive effect on the environment, it will be policy changes from these business behemoths that will see significant changes.

FEATURE

Accor are the world’s leading hotel operator and market leader in Europe. They are present in 92 countries with more than 3,500 hotels and 450,000 rooms. They also have more than 160,000 employees. Some very simple number crunching tells you straightaway just how much of an impact a tiny policy change from such a ubiquitous brand could make.

So perhaps it is here the battle for a greener, cleaner planet should be fought. Imagine a policy that would affect nearly half a million rooms around the world?

Accor have been making changes. Are they making these changes solely to make the world a better place? Of course not. But that’s OK. They are after all a business and only fantasists think they should do things without considering the bottom line. But, they can make changes and keep the bottom line intact, and that is what many companies are doing.

And the good news is that when companies like Accor do it, others will follow.

The deal is that they do something good for the environment and we tell them they are doing a good job. The environment gets a boost and tree huggers everywhere breathe a slightly fresher sigh of relief and are given the succour to fight another day.

PLANET 21 is Accor’s plan to reinvent sustainability in the hotel trade. According to a press release: “PLANET 21 is a comprehensive sustainable development program that forms a core part of our business strategy and further involves all hotels, employees and guests.”

SO FAR SO GOOD

Enacted last year, the scheme covers all of the group’s environmental, social and community investment actions by placing sustainability at the core of its business strategy worldwide.

The company has made 21 commitments and the same number of goals to be attained by 2015 including: 85% of hotels using ecolabelled products, a 15% reduction in water consumption and a 10% decrease in energy use. Now a 10% decrease may not seem like a lot, and indeed there is surely room for improvement, but consider the power usage of such a global chain.

“The name PLANET 21 is a direct reference to Agenda 21, the environmental action plan signed by 173 heads of state at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit,” the report goes on to say. “[It] reminds us of the urgent concerns that face our planet in the 21st century and the need to change our methods of production and consumption patterns to ensure the sustainability of the planet.”

Denis Hennequin, then-chairman of Accor, outlined a fairly honest vision at the time the program was rolled out when he said, “I am convinced that sustainable development will lead us towards a

new business model. PLANET 21 will provide a fantastic driver of competitiveness for our brands, attractiveness for our customers and partners and loyalty for our employees.”

LOFTY GOALS

Accor will actively engage its hotel owners to bring more franchised and managed hotels into the PLANET 21 program, improving their sustainability performance and developing buildings that are constructed and operated in accordance with internationally recognised sustainability best practice. Accor will also share its commitments with suppliers, working with them to develop more sustainable products and services.

Again, credit where it is due. For a company this size to undertake an initiative this size takes time and money. And big companies do not like to waste money. According to the press release Accor commissioned two international surveys to obtain objective information about its footprint and guest expectations. In 2011 they carried out a study of its environmental footprint that enabled it to measure accurately its main impacts, define priorities for action and identify new challenges.

This work was preceded by a survey measuring the expectations of international hotel customers, which showed that sustainable development is a growing selection criterion for both leisure and business customers. According to this survey, for example, 67% of leisure guests take sustainable development actions into account when choosing a hotel.

Other hotel chains that have made commitments include the Marriott group who aim to further reduce energy and water consumption by 25% per available room by 2017. They claim to be on target to reach that goal.

In fact pretty much every international chain has made some kind of commitment to environmental change.

Newsweek’s fourth annual environmental ranking of the 500 largest publicly traded companies in the world claims to cut through the green chatter and compare the actual environmental footprints, management (policies, programs, initiatives, controversies), and reporting practices of big companies. Accor, who have five hotels in Hong Kong including Novotel Citygate in Tung Chung, didn’t appear on the 2012 list.

Starbucks came in first in the hotels and restaurants category (169 overall), followed by Las Vegas Sands (239 overall) and Marriott international (273 overall).

In the next issue Life on Lantau will speak to Accor and see how they have fared since the inception of PLANET 21.

image source: http://accor.com

LIFE ON LANTAU 13

FEATURE

WOMEN ON TOP

LADIES HIKING LANTAU

By Currin Cooley

One of the beauties of life on Lantau is to interview the ladies whose lives intersect with Lantau Island.

length of time understand and appreciate the diversity of Lantau, and its multicultural fascination.

The ladies who live in Mui Wo and Pui O have recently formed two hiking groups that take on the challenging trails that slice through the country parks.

I became interested in knowing more about these athletic ladies who have become somewhat addicted to energising themselves by hiking the peaks and enjoying the vistas found here.

Of special interest is that these women are from ethnic minorities amongst Hong Kong’s diverse population.

They hail from the Philippines, Thailand, other Asian countries, and even the UK. Did you realise that women from the Philippines make up 2% of HK’s population and women from Indonesia another 2%?

Of course those of us who have lived in HK for some

14 LIFE ON LANTAU

Others have written about the various trails and walkways with specific destinations and goals achieved. In this piece, I will just attempt to provide a glimpse of why and how these ladies decided to come together on nearly a weekly basis.

The Attraction For the curious of mind, the landscapes and seascapes of Lantau beckon with a promise of escape. For a short time at least, the motivation is to leave the routines and pressures of daily life behind and below, in exchange for the rigours of achieving some new altitudes and improved attitudes.

The trails of Lantau are well documented in several publications that give clear details on the routes from start to finish, and much of what to expect around the bend. For example, Pete Spurrier’s The Serious Hiker’s Guide to Hong Kong describes the Lantau Trail. Just the visuals from the book will stimulate movement and nourish the mind with new possibilities. Other books can be found at www.formasiabooks.com.

Leisure Pursuits Finding time for leisure is not easy in a place like Hong Kong where the work–life pressures are intense and the hours long.

The 40-hour work week may exist for some, but for many six days a week and ten or more hours a day are common, so space and time for leisure pursuits has to be negotiated into one’s personal routine. Here the choices of what to do are also part of the social mix . . . art, music, dance, drama, sports, outdoor adventures, and the riches of Lantau. As humans we are seemingly on a perennial search for meaning beyond our sustained labour. That then may come through our leisure choices based upon the cultural and natural resources that surround us. It is here that we may have to jump over the invisible barriers that often stand between what we may want to choose, but hesitate because we may need to learn something new.

This is where the power of the group comes into play. Together, group members help each other engage in the new endeavours.

Hiking the trails to participate in new aspects of life on Lantau is what ignited the interests of these women.

Philippine Ladies Hiking Club or The Monday Club This small group began their journeys together in May 2012. They have a close friendship with each other and participate consistently in their walks, which are typically held on Mondays (the most common day off from their work). From the images you can see that 5–6 ladies participate in each event. The destination and date are announced via email, Facebook, or direct contact since most are in the immediate neighbourhood around Pui O and Ham Tin, and a few in Mui Wo. Often the meeting place is at a designated NLB bus stop . . . and the journey begins with a first step onto the bus.

Meals are prepared for lunches, care is given to proper hydration, and there is just the joy of being outdoors and observing the surroundings. But wait . . . there is more! Movie Night often takes place afterwards and of course more delicious food. And then there is Karaoke Night during the week; and on Sunday, an aerobics class at the Mui Wo Sports Centre. So after careful analysis, this socialisation process decidedly evolves into a complete Philosophy of Fun! The next great destination is Sunset Peak . . . ! Henny Robertson from Pui O is the prime catalyst.

Women On Top This group is also young, and was initiated by several experienced hikers in December 2012 and now has around 120 members.

Their purpose is ‘social satisfaction’ through hiking the great trails on Lantau. Part of their mantra is to motivate each other, to be safe, set different paces according to the experience of their particular team members and to have mutual respect. At this time their hikers are mainly ladies, but they look to expand with family weekends and couples’ hikes. The idea is to bring others into this form of ‘addiction’. There is even talk about organising some sort of competition.

Women On Top have conquered the longest and most difficult walks on the island. They are quite natural in their hydration by using water and no ‘power aid’ drinks, and bringing ‘natural food’ with them.

Check their Facebook site as they ask “Who wants to go hiking with us?” Their usual meeting place is in Mui Wo at the China Bear, often starting with coffee and finishing the day with refreshing beverages.

Safety is a concern for both groups and they follow similar practices by not hiking alone, knowing where they are going, having power in numbers, walking with hiking poles, and practicing martial arts.

Contacts Venus Khongphet Facebook: Women On Top Hiking Social Club The pictures tell the story of the satisfaction they gain through the hard efforts encountered, and the indelible experiences that these adventures bring. Obviously the ‘eyes have the power to rejuvenate.’

When I first asked about the purpose for these excursions, the rapid responses were in this order: 1. Talking; 2. Eating; 3. Walking.

Later additions were to be healthy, weight control, and the pleasure of walking.

LIFE ON LANTAU 15

HEALTH & FITNESS

The Body Awakening Cleanse Cleansing and detoxification seems to be getting a great deal of attention lately but it is not at all a new idea.

Supporting the body as it works to eliminate waste and toxins has been used as a healing method for the mind and body for thousands of years.

Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, native cultures and faithbased religions all have traditions of fasting and cleansing, and now scientific research backs up many of the health claims, such as increased longevity, enhanced glucose control and improved brain cell function.

Cleansing is the practice of reducing toxic exposure while supporting the body’s natural detoxification pathways via the liver, lungs, skin, kidneys and colon. It can vary in intensity from a gentle elimination diet to a full-fasting juice cleanse or even water cleanse. The type of cleanse, duration and frequency depends on the individual’s needs and ideally should change based on the season.

Toxins enter our bodies from the air we breathe, the food we eat and the water we drink. Other sources include prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications, household cleaners, plastic containers and personal care products. Toxins are also created internally, as every biochemical process results in a by-product that must be eliminated or neutralised to maintain good health.

Our bodies are designed to handle a certain amount of toxins, but problems arise and illness often occurs when our main organs of detoxification become overburdened and are unable to perform their jobs efficiently. A cleanse is a great way to allow the body time to heal and to catch up on its detoxifying duties.

T h e re a re m a n y different methods o f c le a n s i n g a n d ex p e r i e n c e d cleansers often have their own individualised approach. My exploration with cleansing began 7 years ago when I did my first 7-day fast in Thailand. Since then I have experimented with various methods of cleansing and expanded my nutrition knowledge in this area, which eventually led to me overseeing a large detox centre at a health resort in Thailand. After experiencing the benefits first-hand and guiding

16 LIFE ON LANTAU

hundreds of others through detox programs, I co-founded Body Awakening and developed the company’s 5-day cleansing program as a way to make cleansing more accessible and help individuals incorporate it into their regular ‘self-care, healthcare’ protocols.

It may not always be feasible to take time out of our busy lives, so Body Awakening is designed to offer the benefits of cleansing while still allowing people to work and manage their daily duties.

The 5-day program consists of cleansing drinks along with nutrient-dense superfoods such as spirulina, chlorella, powdered greens and herbal teas which support the body as it works to draw toxins out of the system, catabolise damaged cells, move waste through the colon and alkalise the body. Cleansing can be especially beneficial for improving digestion and elimination, increasing energy, reducing skin irritations and aiding weight loss. For a more detailed overview of the cleanse visit www. bodyawakening.net.

If you’re interested in cleansing but don’t feel quite ready to completely jump in, eating a natural whole-foods diet while eliminating food sources of toxins such as sugar, caffeine, alcohol and processed foods for a period of time, is a good place to start.

Include foods like brown rice; quinoa; fresh steamed vegetables (especially cruciferous veggies which support liver function); seaweeds; high quality oils like flax, hemp and olive oil; and good sources of protein such as wild-caught salmon or cod, free-range chicken, beans and lentils. During this period, also eliminate common allergens like soy, dairy, wheat, gluten, corn, peanuts and eggs. Drink plenty of water and herbal tea and ideally include one fresh vegetable juice per day.

If you’ve reading this article and are thinking, “Forget it, I cannot live without my morning coffee or midday sugary snack,” then a break from these items may be just what you need. Keep in mind that humans evolved on a diet that included both feasting and famine. Allowing time away from the foods we feel we cannot live without is a wonderful opportunity to assess our relationship to those items, and cleansing can provide an opportunity to break free from our food addictions while creating greater awareness about what, when, and how we eat.

Jessica Williams MSc is a Nutrition Consultant and Certified Metabolic Typing Advisor. Web: www.evolving-wellness.com.

PARENTING

Nursery Essentials

By Lucy McLennan

What are the essential items for a baby’s bedroom?

There is nothing more satisfying during the later stages of pregnancy than preparing the nursery for the arrival of a new baby. There are lots of important choices to be made when choosing the essential equipment.

There are plenty of options for your child’s first bed. For the first few months when you bring your baby home you may want to consider a moses basket with stand or crib, or you may choose to put your baby straight into a cot or cot bed. All of these will provide a tranquil and cosy haven for your little one, it is simply a matter of choice and what best suits your nursery and home life.

It is advisable to have three to four fitted and flat sheets, three cellular blankets or sleeping bags and one additional mattress protector on hand, just in case you have a sick baby and need spares when things are being washed.

A stable changing station with changing mat, at a comfortable height, is essential. Some are designed to function as other items of furniture such as chest of drawers, baths or dressers, which often proves to be a more expensive option but extends the life of the unit. Babies often go through several changes of clothing each day, making an organised dresser a much-needed piece of nursery furniture. Infant dressers should have at least three drawers and feature compartments for socks, bibs and other small items.

Don’t forget important safety equipment such as a room thermometer and a baby monitor to provide peace of mind and

to ensure you are alerted when your baby awakes. As you’ll be making many visits to your baby’s room at night, it is useful to have a night light to guide you in feeding and changing your baby, keeping the lighting low and soothing.

Mobiles have long been a baby nursery fundamental often including a music feature, lights or mirrors which help to soothe new babies to sleep and entertain them when they wake up.

With all the changes of clothes that your baby will go through each day a clothes hamper or handy laundry bag is an essential.

Hampers are available in a wide range of materials and styles, and many bedding sets offer coordinating hamper designs.

When planning your nursery, try to allow room for a comfortable nursing chair and restful place for you to sit whilst feeding and spending time with your baby. After all, you too will be spending time enjoying this room as much as your baby will.

What should parents bear in mind when they choose essential items for their baby’s bedroom?

Your baby will spend around 70% or more of their time in the nursery during their first year so it is worth taking the time to plan it carefully and pay special attention to baby-proofing.

Remember to consider the size of the room, storage, sleeping and somewhere for you to sit. Try to plan your nursery so that the furniture and essentials you choose will still be the right choice as your baby grows.

If you are buying new essential items for your baby make sure that they are bought from a reputable shop, are from a recognised brand and meet the latest safety regulations. Take time to become familiar with the general cot safety guidelines. If you are borrowing or buying a second-hand cot make sure it has no cracked, broken or missing wooden slats and that the spaces between the cot slats are about 45–65 mm and less than 60 mm wide at the mattress base. It is important to consider the right type of mattress, opting for natural fibres where possible, and it is recommended to always buy a new mattress for each new baby due to unseen mould spores that might be present.

When planning your baby’s bedroom, the cot should be placed away from windows, curtains/blinds, heating equipment, appliances, lamps, wires/cords and decorations that could fall into your baby’s cot.

Lucy McLennan is the Marketing Manager at Bumps to Babes.

Pedder Building Store: 5/F Pedder Building, 12 Pedder Street, Central Hong Kong; t: 2552 7112 Horizon Plaza Store: 21/F Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong; t: 2552 5000 LIFE ON LANTAU 17

Colouring

KIDS’ CORNER

Competition

© Disney Kaboose.com

PRIZE - STAEDTLER STUDENT SET

Name: ____________________________________________________________ Age:_______ Address: _______________________________________________________________________ Phone: ______________________________ Mobile: _________________________________ (Age categories: 3–4 years old, 5–6 years old, 7–8 years old) Shop 10 Ground Floor, Coastal Skyline Circle, Tung Chung. Deadline 30/6/2013

18 LIFE ON LANTAU

ENTRY

Includes colour pencil set, lead pencil set, crayons and eraser. Value $120

competition Winners

< NORAWEE KAWEEPATI Age 6

< GARV MUKESH ASNANI Age 4 JOSHUA GAN > Age 7 LIFE ON LANTAU 19

LITTLE CHEF

CRAFTY KIDS

Berries and Cream Stack

For dad

with Love

Crafty Keira shows us how to make this cool shirt and tie card, which you can give to Dad on his special day.

You will need: •

Coloured paper

•

Glue

INGREDIENTS

•

Scissors

•

•

Buttons or split pins

• • • •

1 pack puff pastry slices (available in Fusion and Taste supermarkets) Whipped cream Strawberries (sliced) Blueberries Raspberries

Steps: •

Fold a piece of paper in half to make a rectangular card.

•

Form the collar by cutting two slits about 1 inch wide and 2 inches long on the first page of the card along the top. Fold over the flaps, then glue them down. Cut off a 1 inch strip from the top of the back page, so the collar stands

METHOD Step 1: Place one sheet of pastry on tray Step 2: Spread whipped cream Step 3: Cover with strawberries Step 4: Cover with cream Step 5: Place one sheet of pastry on top Repeat steps until all sheets are used.

Use remaining cream on the top sheet and cover with fruit.

A variety of fillings can be used. Try setting custard in a tray then spooning in between each layer.

out.

•

Cut out a tie shape using a separate piece of coloured paper. Glue the tie onto the shirt.

•

Glue two buttons onto the collar, or use split pins and secure inside the cover of the card.

•

Write Dad a message inside, and make him feel super special on

ENJOY!

20 LIFE ON LANTAU

Father’s Day.

Hong Kong

PARENTING

Making sense of numbers for children

By Patricia Hamlin

The foundation of all mathematics skills is a sense of number. The symbols 0 to 9 are used to form all possible numbers. Many children may learn to count by repetition but may have no concept of the relationship between numbers and be totally unaware of the many patterns that can be made with numbers. For many children the abstract symbols representing numbers are meaningless unless they have experienced making sets of objects with sweets or pegs or pebbles. If early numeracy is taught using only mathematical symbols without handling real objects at a point too early in their development, many children will fail to grasp the crucial connection between real objects and abstract symbols.

Children with specific learning difficulties or poor concentration will need plenty of repetition to develop a firm sense of number.

All children develop at different rates so some will require more experience using real objects than others.

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WHAT SKILLS DO CHILDREN NEED TO LEARN MATHEMATICS?

A sense of number to enable a pupil to spot number relationships and patterns within and between numbers Long-term memory, needed to recall facts and store information that can be retrieved when needed Short-term memory, which is like a post-it note in the brain used to store temporary information Working memory, or the ability to take in information then manipulate it, such as would be used in mental arithmetic Recall of sequences of words and numbers Awareness of patterns/relationships between numbers The ability to estimate Visual and spatial awareness To be able to distinguish left and right The ability to process mathematical language GAPS IN MATHEMATICAL KNOWLEDGE OR DYSCALCULIA? Gaps in mathematical knowledge It is important to remember that mathematics is a subject where progress can only be made when the building blocks of mathematical understanding that combine to create a firm foundation do not have any bricks missing. Some children will just have some of the foundation stones missing from their experience. These children will have difficulty grasping new concepts which grow from these early foundations. A child with gaps may have grasped some random concepts previously taught but not see the inter-relationships or patterns between facts, rules and methods and all this may well be compounded by a lack of understanding of mathematical language.

DYSCALCULIA “Developmental dyscalculia (a maths difficulty a child is born with) is a condition that affects the ability to acquire arithmetical skills.

Dyscalculic learners may have difficulty understanding simple number concepts, lack an intuitive grasp of numbers, and have problems learning number facts and procedures. Even if they produce a correct answer or use a correct method, they may do so mechanically and without confidence.” (Department for Education and Skills, London 2001).

It is important to know that a truly dyscalculic child will not possess an intuitive grasp of numbers and their relationship with other numbers.

This is a very different problem to a child who, for whatever reason, is missing parts of the vast mathematical jigsaw.

It is therefore of utmost importance that the label of dyscalculia is not attached to a child unless there is sufficient evidence in assessment that a child really does not possess any intuitive grasp of numbers, and all the other co-occurring conditions which can contribute to difficulties are taken into account. These may be specific language delay, dyspraxia, dyslexia, mathematical anxiety, misinterpretation of technical mathematical vocabulary, ADD (attention deficit disorder) or ADHD (attention hyperactivity disorder). Another scenario may be that

a child has moved house frequently or relocated abroad and therefore attended many different schools in the early years or suffered from a medical condition such as glue ear where hearing may have been impaired.

SIGNS OF DIFFICULTIES WITH MATHS • Unable to relate a written number to a quantity of pebbles or counters • Always uses fingers to count • Will only count in ones • Unable to count in chunks of 2s, 3s, 5s etc.

• Cannot understand the principle of exchange • No idea of place value system (why is the first digit in the number 568 worth 500?)

• Unable to count along a number line or track accurately • No idea of the number bonds to 10, 100 • Poor presentation of written calculations and diagrams/graphs/ charts • Cannot distinguish between larger and smaller numbers • Counting backwards is very hard • Confuses operational signs of + - x and ÷ • No idea what a times table means • Learns times tables one day, forgotten by the next day • Cannot write numbers with zeros • Cannot recall concepts taught therefore cannot build upon them • Cannot spot patterns or sequences • Cannot transfer easily between decimals, percentages, fractions (older children) • Cannot understand that whilst the bottom digit of fractions gets bigger the amount reduces e.g. 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16 etc.

• Poor sense of direction (confuses left and right) • Cannot tell the time • Difficulty estimating quantities or measures • Not understanding mathematical language. Is there a left angle?

Every triangle has three angels!

• Does not recognise all the vocabulary related to the calculations required for addition, subtraction, multiplication, division (e.g. find the sum of, find the difference between, find the product of, and so on) • Cannot see that 5 objects are a group of 5 without counting (younger children) • Cannot do 19 add 1 without counting from 1 to 19 first in ones • Bizarre errors, e.g. 9x9=909. The child will then verbalise 909 as ninety nine. Or writes 36 for 63 • Reading and interpreting word problems presents a barrier, leading to anxiety • Impulsive when tackling a problem HOW CAN WE HELP CHILDREN WHO ARE FINDING MATHS HARD? • Self-confidence needs to be restored • Maths foundations need to be secure • Lessons must be multi-sensory and follow a cumulative structured programme and be FUN! • All concepts must be introduced in a concrete mode • Reinforce learning constantly by repetition • Explicitly teach the language of maths • Link maths to everyday life

“This great book of the universe, which stands continually open to our gaze, cannot be understood unless one first learns to comprehend the alphabet in which it is composed: the language of mathematics.”

Galileo 1564–1642

Patricia Hamlin is a specialist dyslexia and dyscalculia (difficulties with maths) teacher. She has many years of classroom experience, having taught children aged 5 to 14. She was trained in the UK and has recently arrived back in Hong Kong, having lived and worked here for 15 years previously until 1994. She was a specialist teacher in a preparatory school in Sussex, UK until last summer and had her own practice in Sussex. She now has her own practice in Hong Kong, assessing and teaching children who have specific learning difficulties with spelling, reading, writing, study skills and maths. For further information contact patriciahamlin8@gmail.com or 6775 9735.

LIFE ON LANTAU 23

HEALTH AND FITNESS

Healthy living

with a bit of help

By Jamie McGregor

Hi team, I hope the exercise is going well and you are all geared up for summer.

Beach season is met by many with haste to get into top shape and get outdoors.

It is almost impossible to ignore the endless procession of gadgets that are around to aid our workouts. The fitness world has evolved from headbands, Walkmans and Jane Fonda tapes to some comple x technologies that can give ama z ing information about how our bodies are working. This month we will be looking at some of the more common exercise aids that we can use to reach our goals for summer.

24â&#x20AC;&#x192; LIFE ON LANTAU

Training Partner

Having a training partner is fantastic way to keep motivated and competitive. It’s all too easy to decide to have a rest day, but if your partner is egging you on then you are more likely to get more sessions in, just as you will help get them off the couch as well. A little bit of a rivalry and competition will be a sure-fire way to speed up those results! Just be sure you are both on the same page as each other in terms of how you train. You don’t necessarily have to have the same goals, but definitely need to have a similar attitude.

Music

Listening to music is often a topic of hot debate between exercisers. For some (including yours truly) the clunk of metal hitting the ground and shrieks of pain during strenuous exercise is music enough, but others rely on music to get them into their zone or help them keep stride. Some good points to consider about music is that it will tune out others around you if you are in a gym, make cardio feel shorter, and it can get you in a great mood. Just think about all those awesome Rocky montages.

Some not-so-good things are that we need our hearing to assess danger, especially when out in nature. It can also distract us and thus inhibit the technique needed to do complex exercises.

Heart Rate Monitor

After a dizzying high-intensity interval training session on a bike or breaking a personal best on the Lantau Peak run, there is nothing quite as satisfying as seeing those numbers on the heart rate monitor. They validate all the hard work you have done and you can see all the calories it reckons you burned. What a way to keep tabs on activity levels for our exercise diaries! These are great for keeping people interested in their exercise and getting into the zone, as well as acting as a safety device for those who need to train under strict heart rate guidelines. The only worry is that people can get obsessed with the feedback and it can be distracting, so use them wisely.

Cell Phone Apps

Apps like Fitness Pro and Runkeeper are easy to manage, convenient to use and great for accumulating data on performance. These apps can help you plan and monitor runs and Fitness Pro can build exercise programs from an extensive database of exercises. These apps are fantastic and the convenience factor is huge. Their potential hazards are that they eliminate the human factor: e.g. does Run Manager know if this hill track is safe on a rainy day, or does the program builder consider poor old Joe Bloggs’ troublesome knee when it generates the programs? Use with caution . . .

Training Diary

We can put as much or as little information as we want into training diaries. The key is to have information that will motivate us. Starting off with a training schedule, the options are vast.

Things like performance notes on the exercises we do, food diary, weekly progression of exercises, goals reached, goals still needed to be met are but a few examples. Problems will occur if we start to forget entries or leave out data; then the diary will be less useful. You have to stay on the ball with this one!

So like anything we buy, these exercise aids all have pros and cons. The key is to use the ones that are going to be the most in step with our goals and use them carefully. These aids will never do the work for us but they will certainly give us feedback on the work that we do. Always remember the best feedback will come from your own body and there is no substitute for a bit of water, some sunblock and a whole heap of hard work. Happy exercising!

Jamie McGregor is a personal trainer with Perun Fitness (www.perunfitness.com, ph: 6443 6597).

Pedometer

So we have all heard of the 10,000 step challenge or something similar. And what a way it is to get the fitness ball rolling.

Pedometers will record every step we take and give us a clear indicator of what our activity levels are like. The only problem is that they don’t record the intensity of the steps that we take.

1000 steps of sprinting would sure get a sweat up, just the same as 1000 steps running uphill would.

Scales

The enemy of many! Scales can be dreadfully inaccurate and as our weight changes many times during the day it is hard to get an idea of what our weight actually is. As weight loss and muscle building is a slow process, it can lead to frustration. It does give us a good reference point to achieve gain or loss goals. Try to weigh in at similar times on weigh-in days (first thing in the morning or last thing at night are good) and make sure the scales are good quality. Frequency is up to you but if you are impatient then don’t do it too regularly. One weigh-in a week should be enough to give a good trend.

LIFE ON LANTAU 25

FEATURE

Growing Aspirations in Young Trekkers

By Charlotte Wong

In Hong Kong, it is commonly assumed that every youngster’s after-school timetable is filled with extracurricular activities – learning to play musical instruments and speak foreign languages. What if computer games are the only things filling up a youngster’s afterschool life? For a Form 2 youngster at a Tung Chung secondary school – whose parents are among the most hardworking ones but still finding it difficult to make ends meet – withdrawing from extracurricular activities in order to take care of his 9-year-old younger brother is more an obligation than a choice. Computer games seem a handy escape from the boredom of sulking at home. All the boy needed was some human interactions in fresh air. The Green Trekkers Program has helped him see a life beyond home, and eventually beyond Tung Chung.

Trekkers Family Enhancement Scheme The Green Trekkers Program is part of the Kerry Group Kuok Foundation’s Trekkers Family Enhancement Scheme, which was launched in 2011 in Yat Tung Estate to address the needs of hardworking low-income families. Over the past one and a half years, the Foundation took in a core group of over 180 families as members. They are the ones who do not have as many resources as an average household in Hong Kong, even though they have been working very hard.

Recognising that this will not be an easy journey ahead, the scheme takes its name from the Chinese saying, “Those who persist will succeed; those who keep marching on will arrive at the destination.” Every member in the scheme is a “Trekker”. To help those families achieve their goals, a holistic, four-pronged approach is taken, which will eventually cover health, education, employment and environmental and community harmony.

26 LIFE ON LANTAU

Green Trekkers The holistic approach takes a long-term view. In early 2012 it launched the first program which targeted the primary school students from these families – the “Little Trekkers” after-school learning program. Taking it from there, a youth development program was later established in autumn 2012, targeting secondary school students who are the elder brothers and sisters of the Little Trekkers. These youngsters are called the Green Trekkers, signifying the program’s ecological focus. With these well-coordinated projects in place, the Green Trekkers would have peace of mind going out with friends, confident that their little brothers and sisters are well taken care of and making good use of their time learning in a safe environment.

Getting diverse exposure beyond the classroom and beyond Yat Tung is the first priority for the Green Trekkers. Eco-tour guides’ training is the centrepiece of the program, which will eventually be complemented by mentoring, university within reach, and career orientation activities.

Consider the geographical isolation that sets Yat Tung Estate apart from the rest of vibrant Hong Kong. The closest youth centre with adequate facilities is at least 30 minutes away in Tsing Yi and it is not intended to target the needs of youngsters from Yat Tung.

Tight resources and long work hours have deterred many of these families from travelling beyond Tung Chung, or even Yat Tung. In three to five years’ time, these youngsters will have to make lifechanging decisions on post-secondary education or work. Here, we see the need to ignite these youngsters’ sense of aspiration and help them build confidence to overcome the constraints that may jeopardise their progress towards important goals.

Undoubtedly, youth aspiration is strongly correlated with youth accomplishment. Youth who feel they will graduate from secondary school, go to or complete university, find meaningful jobs, and raise a healthy family are significantly more likely to accomplish these goals than their similar peers with lower aspirations. Built upon the positive youth development model, we believe Green Trekkers are social assets that, given structured guidance and support, would have a true shot at being successful later in life. Here, the program is designed to cultivate their five Cs – competence, confidence, connection, character, and caring.

A wide array of activities have been organised for the Green Trekkers once or twice a month, usually on weekends – including making their own food from organic fields on an ecological camp, helping one another climb up a tall tree in the country park credited as Hong Kong’s “Norwegian Woods”, riding a 10-km bicycle journey in Tin Shui Wai to raise funds for a local hospital, getting a guided tour of Andy Warhol’s exhibition in the Arts Museum, and learning to express themselves through Graffiti arts. Gradually, vivid colours are added to these youngsters’ previously clouded spectacles, while a tight-knitted network of supportive peers and mentors continue to stand by each other surfing through the adolescents’ ups and downs.

This youth development program is the fruit of the Kerry Foundation’s close partnership with a charitable organisation, Roundtable Community, and a group of dedicated mentors and volunteers who contribute time with a dedicated heart hoping to exert a positive influence on these youngsters through frequent interaction with them during planned activities and self-initiated ones.

“Their faces of enlightenment make it all worthwhile. I once brought them to a huge bookstore in Causeway Bay, let them pick a book that interested them and paid for it. As simple as that.

And then I saw their faces filled with joy and interest for reading, reminding me of how I used to benefit from similar mentoring programs when I was young. Each one of these youngsters is full of potential; they just need someone to open the doors to the opportunities available around them.”

Charles, a mentor of four youngsters at Green Trekkers Program Now Charles’ mentees, like the other Green Trekkers, when asked whether they would trade computer games for joining Green Trekkers’ workshops, would happily respond with a firm “Yes”!

How you can get involved The Trekkers Family Enhancement Scheme is essentially a mode of community partnership, integrating resources and expertise from non-governmental organisations, government agencies, universities, schools, corporate partners, individuals and last but not least, a group of committed volunteers.

If you would like to become a volunteer at the Green Trekkers Program, or if you have any exciting partnership ideas, contact the Kerry Foundation on 2820 0471, or email trekkers@ kuokgroup.com.

Hesitating? Listen to Anne, who responded to an article by us last year in Our Tung Chung and has since become a committed volunteer at the Little Trekkers Learning Club.

“I started volunteering in October last year and have really found this a rewarding experience. I have two or three small groups of children who come to me for about 30 minutes [per week].

To start off with, they were quite reluctant to test their English verbal skills but now they are really expressing themselves to their best ability. All sessions have their rewarding moments but two especially touched me. At Christmas, the Little Trekkers gave me a big card which they all wrote on along with a group picture. On another occasion, I had the pleasure of attending one of their outings to the beach where they all flew their hand-made kites.”

Anne Campbell, a volunteer at small group English coaching sessions of LTLC

About Kerry Group Kuok Foundation The Kerry Group Kuok Foundation was established to address the uneven distribution of opportunities, using a long-term, holistic, sustainable and replicable model. Since 2007, 14 bases in rural China, Beijing and Hong Kong have been developed. In 2011, the Foundation adapted its rural model to Hong Kong’s urban setting and set up its first project, Trekkers Family Enhancement Scheme, in Yat Tung Estate.

LIFE ON LANTAU 27

New Zealand

The Land of Milk and Honey Part 1

By Erin Rew

Last December we ventured south of the equator to visit the island country of New Zealand, the land of milk and honey. The sheer magnitude of the dairy industry and honey cultivation in New Zealand is staggering. Never before have I seen so many dairy cattle roaming green pastures or so much local honey being advertised. It is no wonder New Zealand milk and honey products have such a large presence here in Hong Kong.

28â&#x20AC;&#x192; LIFE ON LANTAU

TRAVEL

We spent close to 3 weeks in New Zealand touring both the south and north islands. We saw and did so much it is difficult to capture it all here, but I will do my best to highlight the activities and places that made the biggest impressions on us.

We started our journey in Christchurch on the south island, where the scars of the 2011 earthquake can still be seen. Here we spent time recovering from our journey and exploring the innovative container city, constructed out of old shipping containers that now house restaurants, shops and other various businesses.

From there we headed south along the east coast. My first impression was “New Zealand, land of the hedgerow!” As an American, I realise the hedgerow is a unique and functional landscaping choice, but it is one not commonly used in the US. Any charm the hedgerow first held for me was lost after several hours of realising it was blocking 90% of my view.

We stopped in the coastal town of Oamaru and spent the afternoon ex p lo r i n g t h e s u r p r i s i n g ly impressive and pleasant public park. The beauty of the local parks in NZ was something that continued to impress us along our journey and deserves a mention. We enjoyed many a picnic and explored many a playground all through our trip.

Oamaru is home to the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony, where for a fee you can view the blue penguins, smallest of all penguin species and so called because of the blue tinge to their feathers, coming ashore to roost for the night. It was a wonderful nighttime experience for our nature-loving little girls.

In the small town of Waimate we visited a wallaby rescue, where for a small donation you can pet and feed over 100 tame wallabies in outdoor e n c lo s u re s . Wa l l a b i e s are a pest species in New Zealand and are hunted, but occasionally the hunters can’t bring themselves to dispose of the orphaned joeys and bring them to the rescue where they are rehabilitated and cared for. Our children loved the wallabies and it proved to be the most memorable experience from our trip for them.

Next on our itinerary was Omarama, a quiet, understated town that proved to be by far one of the most peaceful and relaxing stops on our journey.

We spent 2 days enjoying the wide open tranquillity of the New Zealand high country and the kids had a blast swimming in Lake Ruataniwha.

(Note: some lakes in New Zealand contain a parasite that causes ‘lake itch’ so be careful what beautiful, pristine lake you decide to jump into and watch for signs that advertise the presence of lake itch.)

If you are interested in glider flying, Omarama Glider Club is the place for you. The mountains surrounding Omarama are an excellent landscape for thermals and offer breathtaking views for glider pilots to cruise over for hours of unsurpassed glider flying.

We briefly travelled through Queenstown on our way to Milford Sound. Milford Sound is a spectacular must-see, but I would like to mention the often overlooked and seldom mentioned drive to Milford Sound. It was for me as impressive, or perhaps even more so, than Milford Sound itself. When taking in the impressive cliffs along the drive, it is easy to understand how the Maori envisioned gods carving out the awesomely powerful and otherworldly landscape. I was awestruck. It was like nothing I have ever seen before and it left a deep impression upon me.

From Milford Sound we worked our way up the west coast. In Hokitika, the girls hand-fed 80-year-old giant eels and saw one of two captive kiwi birds at the National Kiwi Centre and Aquarium.

After dark we visited the free glow worm dell, just outside of town. Glow worms are the larval stage of the Arachnocampa fly and emit a firefly-like glow to attract other insects that they snare in a sticky silk thread. Quietly creeping up the near pitch-black path to the dell, we were greeted by the gentle glow of hundreds of pinpoint lights that one can only liken to viewing the stars.

When first arriving in New Zealand, I began to notice something unique to the country. At first it was a barefoot man walking through the airport. Then I noticed an entire school ground filled with barefoot children (sure to get a child in serious trouble in an American school). Next, hundreds of shoes strung along a fence outside of Wanaka. But it wasn’t until Hokitika that I realised how absolutely hardcore Kiwis are about being barefoot, when the owner of our farmstay walked into the chicken coop sans shoes! Now that is some serious barefootedness.

We made the hike to see Fox glacier and visited Pancake Rocks, where the highlight for our little ones was hand-feeding the nearly tame weka birds that scavenge the parking lot.

In Blenheim, we visited the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. The planes themselves are owned by film director/producer Peter Jackson, whose set designers created the amazingly lifelike and historically accurate displays. I highly recommend a visit for history and aviation buffs alike.

We relaxed in Nelson for a few days before heading to Picton to board the ferry for the north island, closing our trip on the south island. Be sure to grab a copy of Life on Lantau’s next issue for more on our journey on the north island.

LIFE ON LANTAU 29

ARTS & CULTURE

Festival of coloUrs – Holi

By Rachayita Sinha

There is also a fun story behind it. It is often said this festival celebrates the immortal love of the Indian god Lord Krishna and his beloved Radha. Lord Krishna wanted to impress Radha but had apprehensions due to his dark complexion. His mother then told him that complexion would never act as a barrier and gave him the idea to put colours on Radha. So the young, naughty Lord Krishna put colours on Radha and this mesmerised her. Radha fell in love with Lord Krishna and thus originated the festival of colours – Holi.

Living away from our country, Indian expats often feel the urge to celebrate this festival and this time our desire was put into action. We celebrated Holi in Caribbean Coast with a party in the club house. It was a Saturday evening and fortunately all our Indian friends turned up in their Indian attire with lots of enthusiasm. We put colours on each other and it was so much fun to see the faces soon turning red, pink, purple and so on. The kids particularly enjoyed the celebration. Their hands were filled with colours and they were busy running after each other. It not only gave them an opportunity to celebrate the festival but was also a wild, fun-filled, enjoyable evening that they would have missed otherwise.

A festival is an occasion for family rejoicing and community celebrations, breaking up the monotony of life. Festivals are an integral part of life for all religions and nations and India is no exception. Indian festivals are as varied as the people themselves, and one of the most celebrated and oldest festivals in India is Holi. It is a festival of colours, full of fun.

The word Holi is derived from Holika. Like other Indian festivals, Hindu scriptures tell the story of how Holi came into being and it is intricately linked to the tales of mythology.

Once there was a demon king named Hiranyakashap who conquered the three worlds of heaven, earth and underworld.

Drunk with pride, he wanted to defeat the Indian god Vishnu and wanted the whole kingdom to worship him instead. But his little son Prahlad, an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu, refused to adhere to this law. This incensed the king and he tried to kill his own son through different ways and even once threw him down the mountain, but every time he was saved by Lord Vishnu. Agitated by this, Hiranyakashap asked for help from his evil sister Holika, who had a boon to walk into fire unharmed.

Prahlad was made to enter fire with his aunt but they forgot that the boon only applied if Holika entered the fire alone. Hence Holika perished and Lord Vishnu once again saved Prahlad. Even now in many parts of India the night before the festival, people prepare a bonfire which represents Holika, throwing cow dung in it and shouting obscenities to insult the evil aunt. This is the legend behind the festival of Holi. It henceforth celebrates the victory of good over the evil forces.

To add more fun and wildness to it, games were arranged.

Ladies played musical chairs e n th u si a sti ca lly. Me n we re not left behind either and they participated in a game to throw balls inside a bucket showing their cricketing skills. The creative corner organised for the kids added new colour to the celebration. It was a treat to see them vigorously involved in making different crafts. There were certain traditional aspects that were missing, such as the intoxicating buttermilk drink “vang” (an essential part of the festival and almost synonymous with it) and the colour missiles called “pichkaris”, but their absence did not decrease the fun.

To top it all off, we ordered a delicious Indian dinner. Like all other Indian festivals we also had some mouth-watering sweets, which are not just a dessert but are also regarded as a good omen with a purifying effect on our mind and soul. With this celebration we not only relived fun moments but we upheld our tradition and culture in our small way in Tung Chung . . . our home away from home!

Photos by Arpita Dutta and Manjari Guha

30 LIFE ON LANTAU

ASK THE VET

FINANCE

My vet says MY dog has hip and knee arthritis – what can I do to help him?

Arthritis is a general term for abnormal changes in the joint. These changes occur when cartilage is worn away faster than it is made. Loss of cartilage exposes bone and nerve endings, causing pain and inflammation and reducing mobility.

If your dog has been diagnosed with arthritis or mobility problems, the right nutrition and treatment can help reduce pain, manage the condition and keep your pet active. Looking after sore joints in animals is similar to in people – they still want to enjoy life and don’t complain like people can. Strategies include: 1. Weight loss. Make sure your pet’s weight is within the normal range. Being overweight puts lots more pressure onto already upset joints.

2. Joint supplements. These make the joint fluid as healthy as possible, to ‘oil’ the joint as best they can.

3. Joint diet. Diets rich in Omega 3 reduce pain and inflammation. Specialised joint diets are also calorie controlled, helping your pet to maintain a healthy weight.

4. Cartrophen injections. These injections are usually given every week for 4 weeks, and help to lay down new cartilage in the arthritic joint and to smooth the joint surface. Some animals need this repeated every 12–18 months.

5. Pain relief for those really bad days. It’s like someone with a bad elbow who still loves playing tennis – they know that when they do they will be sore the next day, so take some pain relief medication. It’s the same for our pets – some need this pain relief every day and others just when they have done too much exercise or the weather is colder.

Early treatment is the key. Even though arthritis is not curable, without looking after it now your pet will continue to lose cartilage and may require surgery in the future.

Dr Anita Tomasov Pets Central Tung Chung Ph: 2328 7282 Email: askthevet@lifeonlantau.com

FAMILY PROTECTION

– PART TWO

Last edition we discussed the importance of life insurance. This month we’ll look at what is known as living insurance, a personal insurance designed to protect you and your family when you survive an accident or illness.

Living insurance is the general name covering the following policies: • Medical insurance. Covers all or part of hospital and outpatient (GP, specialists) expenses. Make sure your family members are covered for all areas under the policy and at the appropriate level of care you require. For example, if you are hospitalised and prefer to stay in a private room instead of the public ward, make sure your policy covers the higher level of expense. If you do not have sufficient level of insurance, apply for a top-up policy to cover the gap.

• Travel insurance. A necessity for all of us, whether you travel for work or leisure. Some local policies only cover for “standard” style of travelling whereby activities outside of staying with a tour group and getting on and off tour buses may be considered “extreme activities” and hence not covered. Be sure to check the terms.

• Income protection insurance. One of the most important personal insurance policies you should have. It covers you when you are unable to work due to sickness or injury after a pre-selected waiting period. It provides you with up to 75% of your normal monthly salary until you return to work full time or part time. Unfortunately, a majority of the income protection policies in Hong Kong stop or change terms after paying for two years. Look for policies that cover until you are well enough to return to your job as certified by the doctor, not the terms of the policy.

• Critical illness insurance. A relatively newer type of cover, this pays a lump sum when you are diagnosed with a specified medical condition like cancer, heart attack or stroke. It is paid regardless of your work status. It can be used for any additional medical treatment not covered by medical insurance. It can also be used as a replacement income not covered by income protection insurance (the other 25% of your salary).

• Total and permanent disability insurance. Covers the most serious conditions under the living insurance category. You should insure for an amount that covers similar areas to life insurance, such as mortgages and education costs (see last edition for more information). Other considerations can include cost of relocation and modification to the family home if wheelchair facilities are required.

As you never know when lightning might strike, the best way to protect yourself and your family is to have some level of coverage in all areas instead of taking a guess as to which insurance you will need.

In the next issue I will discuss how to find the best policies to protect your family so that financial assistance is available to you in your time of need.

This article is contributed by Lucy Zheng, Senior Manager Financial Planning at Orb Global Wealth Management Limited (www.orbglobalwm.com).

Please note this is general advice only which has not taken into consideration a person’s full circumstances, needs and objectives. Do not act on any information in this article without seeking professional advice.

LIFE ON LANTAU 31

COMMUNITY

Life on Lantau

STEP’N OUT

By JoElle Scott

the faces of our community Our cool winter weather has come to an end. Summer heat and humidity are fast approaching. You can’t keep the kids cooped up indoors all summer, so plan on Step’n Out for a splash!

Finding some water can offer some relief from the unrelenting heat. Other than your estate swimming pools, here are some other options that you might consider.

The water fountain at Citygate is an often-overlooked favourite with kids. Bring swimsuits, grab a java from Starbucks or sit at Starz for a cold drink while you watch the kids run the gauntlet of water! As long as you don’t mind attracting some attention (and having your kids photographed by a few Tung Chung paparazzi) it’s an easy way to spend an afternoon.

As I have mentioned in the past, Disneyland’s Inspiration Lake is a personal favourite. Rent a paddleboat for an adventure around the lake or have a splash in the water fountain at the playground.

Then there is the beach. Sandcastles, chasing waves, collecting seashells and clams, or playing Frisbee, soccer or football.

Mum and Dad might be lucky enough to escape into the book of their choice while the little ones have hours of entertainment.

You have a few choices on Lantau: Cheung Sha, Pui O, Palm Beach, or Tai Pak beach in Discovery Bay. You can’t go wrong!

Let’s not forget the parks and playgrounds we are so fortunate to have on our doorstep. Plan a day when the sprinklers are on (the kids can play chase with security guards) or take some water balloons and water pistols to the park for a novelty.

The Tung Chung Public Pool has both an indoor and outdoor pool. For enquiries call 2109 9107.

The Tsing Yi Public Swimming Pool is a fun option if you are looking for some waterslide fun. For enquiries call 2435 6407.

When it gets really hot, try the freezer section in Park’n’Shop.

You can really cool off there!

32 LIFE ON LANTAU

GIVEAWAYS

FIVE BAGS OF CAT AND DOG DEHYDRATED LIVER TREATS – ANIMALS LOVE THEM! ‘Hou Mei’ single-ingredient healthy treats for your dog and cat. NO additives, no preservatives, just liver! Dr Anita’s 13-year-old cats LOVE them! Send us an email with PETS CENTRAL in the subject line to win.

Retail at $100 each.

COOL STUFF! Local Lantau author Queenie Foong Kwin Tan has published this brilliant parenting book Cool Stuff Your Parents Never Told You About Parenting. To win a signed copy, just send us an email with COOL STUFF in the subject line. We have two to give away, plus one ebook copy!

CHEF’S EXPRESS This fabulous Chef’s BBQ Pack for four, valued at $520, is up for grabs! Email us with CHEF’S EXPRESS in the subject line.

4 x Sirloin Steaks 250 g grass-fed sirloin steaks from New Zealand 4 x Marinated Chicken Breast Fillets Peri Peri, Lemon & Herb, BBQ or Tropical 4 x Salmon Fillets with Lemon Pepper Fresh Norwegian salmon portions seasoned for BBQ 1 x 500 g Boerewors Sausage Legendary South African BBQ sausage

For your chance to win, just email

BUMPS TO BABES To win a $500 gift voucher from Bumps to Babes, just tell us what are two important pieces of safety equipment for baby’s bedroom? Check out page 17 for the answer.

Two vouchers are up for grabs!

competitions@lifeonlantau.com

Entries close 12 July 2013. All winners will be notified via email and names will be published in our August/September issue. Limit of one prize per person and the final decision is made by Danasha Media Ltd. GOOD LUCK! Congratulations to our lucky winners from Issue 12: Amanda Carrick, Kelly Crawford, Sim Soo Kian, Marie Pelard, Freda So

LIFE ON LANTAU 33

SPOTLIGHT: TITLE WOMENHERE IN BUSINESS

Elaine Cahill and Katrin Tzembelikos

We are two friends who began discussing the idea for our book over a year ago. We are really excited to see it printed and people enjoying it.

Elaine (author): I am originally from Scotland. I have lived in Hong Kong for nearly 7 years. Before I had my two children I worked as an English Teacher here.

Katrin (illustrator): I was born in Germany. I have lived in Hong Kong for nearly 10 years. I studied Graphic Design at University in England before moving to Hong Kong. Before I had my two children I worked as an Art Director here full time.

We had our idea whilst thinking about books to read to our children. We both remember having personalised books when we were younger and how much we enjoyed them. Our goal was to incorporate a personalised story about Hong Kong with personalised characters as well. We knew our kids loved personalised products and we knew t h ey love d h e a r i n g about familiar places as well. Our idea evolved from there.

COMMUNITY

Lantau Island Classic Outrigger Canoe Race Over the weekend of 27–28 April, Lantau Island showed off its beautiful countryside and wonderful water sports facilities when the South Lantau Paddle Club (SLPC), with assistance from DB’s Lantau Boat Club (LBC), hosted the inaugural Lantau Island Classic Outrigger Canoe Race. In its first ever running, SLPC managed to involve every single major outrigger canoe (OC) paddle club in Hong Kong in what was the largest exclusive OC6 race ever to be held in Hong Kong, and its first ever two-day point-to-point race.

Cheung Sha’s Palm Beach showed off its fantastic beachside facilities as the major host for the event, with competitors spending the night ‘glamping’ in luxury tents, cooking barbecue dinners, washing them down with several wellearned cold beverages, and winning a variety of medals. The host teams were extremely successful in the two-day event, with both SLPC and LBC taking home medals in more than one category. A total of 23 crews participated in the event, and smiles were in abundance even after paddling almost 40 km!

Competitors and supporters alike have raved ever since the event about how successful, exciting and exhilarating the event was, and the hosts are already looking at plans to make the event bigger and better in years to come.

34 LIFE ON LANTAU

Our first book, Dragon Hunting in Hong Kong , is a story about three children who go on an adventure in search of a dragon. The journey takes them all over Hong Kong visiting some of its famous places. As well as a storybook, we wanted to include some facts about Hong Kong. We liked the idea that children can keep the book as a memento of their time in Hong Kong or simply to learn more about the city in which they live or are visiting.

Although our book is aimed at children 10 years and under, since our launch we are receiving feedback even from adults that they have bought it as a keepsake of their time in Hong Kong!

Dragon Hunting in Hong Kong is our first publication. We are currently working on our next publication in the series. We really believe that children can be encouraged to read by seeing their names and characters in a book. For this reason we will continue to expand our business.

For more information please visit our website: www.allaboutmehk.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/allaboutmehk Email: allaboutmehk@gmail.com

LIFE ON LANTAU CLASSIFIEDS SERVICES

SERVICES

SERVICES

HEALTH & BEAUTY

PIANO TEACHER Professional piano teacher who has been teaching piano for twenty years in HK, lesson mode is one on one student.

If interest, please call Miss Chui @9467 4633 (Lesson Venue: Caribbean Coast)

The Child & Family Development Practice in DB offers: Individual counselling services: child therapy, parent counselling, behaviour management, speech & language therapy, child vision screening and occupational therapy.

All groups programs; for social skills, Increase self-esteem & confidence (to prevent worries & anxiety), problem solving strategies and resiliency building, are suitable for children of all abilities.

For more information: info@childdevelopment.com.hk www.childdevelopment.com.hk +852-2914 2223

PIANO LESSON Private piano lesson in Caribbean Coast.

Over 20 years of music teaching experience to different nationalities in private and school setting from age 4 to 64.

For more information please visit FB: Piano Lesson in Tung Chung Lantau Island HK Inquiry: pianotungchung@gmail.com Mobile: 54039719

ESL SPORTS LTD The Most Dynamic Way To Learn English 最有活力的方式學習英語 Providing high quality coaching and a healthy balance of education and sport for local students.

KIDS

Please visit our website www.eslsports.com.hk

Purple Orient

Philippe offers Sunday afternoon spiritual meditations on Pui O beach and individual psychic counselling on Lantau or Hong Kong Island. He also offers an all-inclusive spiritual retreat in Bali. The retreat comprises guided spiritual sessions, countryside trekking, beach meditations and visits to cultural and spiritual sites of interest.

EMPLOYMENT SPORTS TUNG CHUNG RUGBY CLUB

www.prpcounsellor.com Philippe@prpcounsellor.com (852) 9103 0440 Tai.O.BnB

FB: Tung Chung Rugby Club.

LIFE ON LANTAU DIRECTORY TUNG CHUNG Emergency – Fire/Police/Ambulance – 999 Tung Chung Fire Station – 3 Shun Tung Road, Tung Chung.

Tung Chung Police Station – 1 Shun Tung Road.

Tung Chung Ambulance Depot – 2 Shun Tung Road.

2988 1898 3661 1694 2988 8282

COMMUNITY SERVICES Public Library 2109 3011 Public Swimming Pool 2109 9107 Computer Repairs Bobby Mirchandani 9425 3812 EDUCATION Discovery Mind Play Centre & Kindergarten Greenfield International Kindergarten Oxford English Tutoring Salala Kids’ House Soundwaves English Education Centre Sun Island Education Foundation Sunshine House International Preschool Tung Chung Catholic School YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College

2987 8088 2162 5538 9282 6202 2611 9193 6204 7387 2420 1068 2109 3873 2121 0884 2988 8123

FOOD Essence Restaurant 3602 8808 Forbusiness Brazilian & Portuguese Groceries 6621 7408 Handi Indian Restaurant 2988 8674 McDonald’s Delivery 2338 2338 Melody Thai 2988 8129 Moccato Coffee Shop 3602 8838 Olea Restaurant 3602 8818 Pizza Hut 3180 0000 Resto Restaurant 2886 3156 Yummilicious 6272 2682 360 Flyers Sports Bar & Restaurant 2109 4360 HEALTH & BEAUTY Looks Beauty 64251157 Modelling Academy 9046 7479 Radha’s Place 9676 9022 Yellow Phoenix International, Life Coach 9770 2590 HOME REPAIRS AND REMOVALS Akash Removals 2421 8088 FTC Relocations 2814 1658 Mega Power Engineering/Locksmiths 9625 1392 / 2109 2330 Shun Yu Engineering 2988 1488 HOTELS Novotel Citygate 3602 8888 Regal Airport Hotel 2890 6060 SkyCity Marriott 3969 1888

KIDS Antonella Ariana handmade clothing 6621 7408 AQ Prettiness 9527 6202 Clement Art School 5360 0991 HK Dragons 2987 4274 Jumping Castles 9662 1747 Kidznjoy 6273 7347 Kindermusik 6976 8867 Little Academy 3520 3500 Kinder Kicks Soccer 2385 9677 Stepz Studio 3152 7535 Toy Shop HK 8216 7271 MEDICAL Essential Health Family Clinic 2109 9396 Human Health Medical Centre 2109 2711 Quality Health Dental 2403 6613 Quality Health Medical 2403 6623 Raffles Medical 2261 2626 Raffles Medical Emergency

9365 6693

36 LIFE ON LANTAU

PHOTOGRAPHY Chris Coelho Photography

9258 0971

RESIDENTIAL ESTATE CONTACTS Caribbean Coast Club House Caribbean Coast Management Office Coastal Skyline Club House Coastal Skyline Management Office Seaview Crescent Club House Seaview Crescent Management Office Tung Chung Crescent Club House Tung Chung Crescent Management Office

2109 9277 2109 9288 2179 6678 2179 6621 3473 8700 3473 8833 2403 6770 2109 1222

SPORT & RECREATION Perun Fitness 6443 6597 Pilates Plus 9838 3937 Vision Pilates 5132 3213 Zumba & Bollywood Dance 6497 8086

USEFUL NUMBERS Expat Living Hong Kong 6629 0181 French lessons 9653 4816 Piano lessons 9467 4633 VETERINARY SERVICES Island Veterinary Services Ltd Pets Central Tung Chung

2988 1534 2328 7282

SOUTH LANTAU ART & CULTURE Flanhardt Galerie und Atelier (FGUA)

2882 3390

EDUCATION Buddhist Fat Ho College Lantau International Kindergarten Lantau International School Little Owls Kindergarten Little Lantau Montessori Kindergarten

2985 5150 2984 0069 2984 0302 2984 0006 3689 6709

HOTELS Mui Wo Inn 2984 7225 Silvermine Beach Resort 6810 0111 Tai O B&B 2985 7002 Tai O Heritage Hotel 2985 8383 RESTAURANTS Bahce Turkish Restaurant 2984 0222 Bombay Café 2984 1847 Café Paradiso 2984 0498 Casa Brasil 2984 7471 China Bear 2984 9720 China Beach Club 2983 8931 Deer Horn Restaurant & Bar 3484 3095 Tai O Espace Elastique 2985 7002 Tai O Solo Café 9153 7453 The Stoep 2980 2699 TRANSPORT Lantau Tours 2984 8255 New Lantao Bus Company 2984 9848

LIFE ON LANTAU DIRECTORY DISCOVERY BAY COMMUNITY Club Siena 2987 7382 DB Fire & Ambulance 2987 7502 DB Marina Club 2987 9591 DB Residents’ Club 2987 7381 DB Management 2238 3601 DB Police 2987 4052 EDUCATION Discovery Bay International School -Kindergarten 2914 2142 -Primary School 2987 7331 Discovery College 39691000 Discovery Mind Play Centre & Kindergarten 2987 8088 Dumper Trucks & Daisies Playgroup 9667 6921 Sunshine House International Preschool 2987 8143 MEDICAL Bayside Dental Practice 2987 0855 DB Medical Centre 2987 5633 Island Health 2987 7575 RESTAURANTS Café Duvet 2987 0966 Ebeneezer’s 2987 0036 Hemingway’s 2987 8855 McDonalds 2987 1033 McSorley’s Ale House 2987 8280 Paisano’s 2673 4445 Sopranos 2987 2915 Zaks 2987 6232 TRANSPORT DB Golf Cart Services 2914 2727 DB Transit Services 2914 0186 DB Transportation Services 2987 7351 Hire Car Bookings 2987 6348 Limousine Rental 5303 3489 If you would like to be listed in our directory page please email us: info@lifeonlantau.com

ASK US

DISTRIBUTORS LIST Tung Chung

Caribbean Bazaar: Essential Family Health Eighty Eight Café Enopi Education Centre Green Island Café International Supermarket Max Beauty Spa Organic Hair Reach for Joy Salon Caribbean Caribbean Coast Clubhouse Chief’s Express Coastal Skyline Clubhouse Deli Viet Restaurant Citygate Dragon Air House Dymocks Citygate Erawan Thai Restaurant Fu Tung Markets Greenfields Kindergarten Headland Hotel & Cathay City Johnny’s Hairdresser Midland Realty Moccato Coffee Shop Novotel Citygate Hotel Patchwork Jack Pets Central Tung Chung Quality Health Tung Chung Radha’s Place Beauty Regal Airport Hotel Resto Restaurant Salala Kids Education Centre Seaview Crescent Clubhouse SkyCity Marriott Hotel SkyCity Nine Eagles Golf Course Skyline Physiotherapy Soundwaves Education Centre Starz Wine Bar Taste Supermarket V-8 Bakery Wing Fat Stationery Shop YMCA Christian College Zentro Bar 360 Flyers Bar & Restaurant

TAI O

Espace Elastique Flanhardt Galerie und Atelier Solo Café

Discovery Bay

Apple Travel Auberge Discovery Bay Dymocks Island Health Juice Bar Jumpstarters Les Petits Lascars School Jaspas Restaurant Sopranos Restaurant Uncle Russ Coffee Wellcome Supermarket Zaks Restaurant

South Lantau

Bahce Turkish Restaurant Bizzie Lizzie Toy Shop Bombay Cafe Café Paradiso Casa Brasil Restaurant China Bear Café Bar Connie’s Store Deer Horn Restaurant Garden Plus Home Solutions Real Estate JK Club - Pui O La Isla Variety Store Lantau Base Camp Little Owls Kindergarten Mo Kee Restaurant Ooh La La Restaurant – Pui O Tap Tap Spanish Bar - Pui O Treasure Island Wellcome Supermarket

HK ISLAND

Coast - Soho Harrington’s – Lan Kwai Fong Oolaa – Soho Pepperoni’s - Central Proway Relocation & Real Estate Wagyu – Central Wagyu Lounge - Central

Q. I’m looking forward to the summer, but where are some spots to take the kids to cool down?

A. Apart from residential swimming pools, the local swimming pool in Tung Chung is great and cheap! South Lantau and DB beaches are a great family day out, or Inspiration Lake and Disneyland have great water fountains and water-themed play areas. Refer to Step’n Out on page 32 for more ideas!

Q: I need to sell and buy some furniture but want to reach a broad audience in Hong Kong.

Any suggestions?

A. Try out usedhk.com. This used goods buy/sell site has just been launched and has over 100 categories to choose from.

Q. Where can I get a large document bound?

A. The stationery shop at Fu Tung shopping centre can do this for you. Binding 50 A4 pages with a plastic cover sheet and comb binding costs $10.

LIFE ON LANTAU 37

2987 3399 2987 3388

38 LIFE ON LANTAU