E E K M TA H O E
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! EE FR
F ITN E SS N U TRIT ION WELLBEING T RAVEL ECO S PA
I’M
MAY 2020 | l i v - m a g a z i n e . co m LIV MAGAZINE
Wearable Wellness
Mindful jewellery to carry with you
A Bit Peak-ish? Where to eat healthy after your next hike
Sustainably Yours Eco-friendly florists for Mother’s Day
WE
REALNESS!
Hong Kong influencers owning their whole truth (and nothing but!) on social media
WIN luxury bamboo bedsheets and a sleep cycle assessment on p.17!
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MAY 05 Editor’s Letter
LIV | NEWS 06 Wishlist
Lovely things we want right now
10 Hot Right Now
New happenings on the wellness scene
12 Fresh Cuts
Where to refuel at the end of your next hike
14 Cheat Day
Because #YOLO
16 Reviews
A sleep assessment from Zanolife
LIV | STORIES 18 Hit Like
28 Flower Power
Give mum the gift of earth-friendly florals
LIV | MORE 30 Recipe
Uma Nota's famous eggplant
32 Pamper
Answering your q's about laser facial treatments
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34 Travel
Meet Thor Pedersen, (almost) the first person to visit every country in the world without taking a single flight
36 Family
Q&A with chiropractor Dr. Michelle Zhou about spinal care during and after pregnancy
Three social media mavens embracing authenticity 30
26 My Precious
Connecting to your deeper self with spiritual jewellery
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28
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EDITOR’S LETTER
TBH H
ow important is it to be honest? I think for most, the matter of honesty doesn’t often come up because it takes a back seat to any number of more pressing issues that fly at us on a daily basis - things like work, kids, or a viral pandemic that forces the entire world’s population to move indoors. When I started researching our cover story this month, I stumbled across the (trademarked) concept of “radical honesty,” where you do not lie, ever. Not even a polite fib, like, “I’ll try and make it to your party” or typing back “LOL” to something you most definitely did not find funny. It sounded like a cool concept, but the more I read about it the more I questioned the premise. Honesty has its limits, truth be told. You can’t realistically say anything you think to anyone you please, if the 1997 film “Liar Liar” starring Jim Carrey has taught me anything. Still, there’s something to be said for being honest where it counts - and where it counts the most is yourself. Embracing all the little things about you - the good, the bad, and the ugly - and owning it proudly can make a world of difference when it comes to living your best life. To find out more about how to live more honestly, I spoke with three Hongkongers who have used their social media as a platform to share their most personal (and painful) experiences with the world. Read more about why they did it and what they’ve learned on p.18. We could all use a little extra reassurance in times like these, which is why we set our intentions this month to learn more about mindful jewellery on p.24. We also hit the trails to find the best places to eat after a big day of hiking, from the Peak to Dragon’s Back. Find out where to fill your bellies on p.12. PSA: May 10th is Mother’s Day! Despite any social distancing measures that may still be in effect, make sure you let your mum know you love her AND the planet, with some of Hong Kong’s eco-friendliest flower delivery options on p.28. A mantra to try for May: If you can’t be honest with everyone all the time (and you probably shouldn’t be), at least be honest with yourself. You’ll feel better for it.
MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS Zoe Belhomme is back at it again, explaining the importance of chiropractic care during pregnancy on p.36.
Kate Springer sits down with intrepid traveller Thor Pedersen about his record-setting world adventure on p.34.
Sarah Fung puts her best food forward with healthy restaurants you can hike to on p.12.
Talk about a sleeper hit! Jo Robinson reviews a wearable sleep ring and analysis on p.16.
ON THE COVER
CARLA THOMAS
Model: Cammie Warburton, Ziggy Makant, James Gannaban Photographer: Ike Li
EDITOR
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Send invites and info to: Makerhive, 10/F, Cheung Hing Industrial Building, 12P Smithfield, Kennedy Town PUBLISHER SARAH FUNG DIRECTOR OF PARTNERSHIPS JO ROBINSON SENIOR SALES MANAGER ANSHU RIJHWANI EDITOR CARLA THOMAS WRITER ZOE BELHOMME SOCIAL MEDIA STACEY MARCELO ADMINISTRATOR JASMIN BLUNCK GRAPHIC DESIGN TAMMY TAN CONTRIBUTORS KATE SPRINGER, JO ROBINSON PRINTED BY GEAR PRINTING LIMITED, ROOM B, 3/F, DERRICK INDUSTRIAL BUILDING, 49-51 WONG CHUK HANG ROAD, ABERDEEN ‘‘Liv Magazine’’ Copyright 2020 Liv Media Limited. The content provided here is the property of Liv Media Limited and may not be reproduced in any part without the written permission of the Publisher. The information provided by Liv Media Limited’s contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or the company. The information provided by Liv Media Limited, or its staff, advertisers and contributors is given in good faith; readers should gather more information before making the decision to purchase any goods or services highlighted here. Liv Media Limited will not be held responsible for any action, omission or error resulting from actions taken on the basis of the information provided here. Please seek the approval of a doctor before following any health advice.
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Retail Therapy
WISHLIST
Here's what we're crushing on this month
SPRAY AWAY
SOFA-STICATED
Dress up a couch you’ve grown bored with (#quarantinelife) with these gorgeous jewel-toned velvet cushions. $595 each from TREE.
Sanitise in style thanks to this non-toxic, multi-purpose spray from Aussie brand Bondi Wash, with hints of peppermint, rosemary, juniper and sweet orange. $170 from 10/10 HOPE.
BOTTLE IT
SHOE FLY
Throw it back to the 90s with chunky (yet funky) pastel sneakers that keep feet looking fresher than a young Will Smith. $799 from New Balance. 6
Zap waterborne microbes and bacteria with the self-cleansing LIZ Smart Bottle from Noerden. Not only does it use UV technology to sterilise the inside of your bottle, it also reminds you to drink water every two hours. Dehydration, begone! From $399, available at Fortress.
Retail Therapy
MOTHER OF PEARL
Set in 18K white gold with South Sea gold and white pearls, this simple yet striking ring is a timeless gift for mum. Pearls are believed to attract good luck, calm your mind and protect you from bad luck. Price upon application from Austy Lee.
PHONE HOME
Show your hometown pride with one of these HK-inspired phone cases that incorporate everything from dai pai dong stools to Kowloon park pigeons for their design. $139 from 852prints.com.
KID FROCK
Slow fashion isn’t just for grownups! With fabric ethically sourced from the Philippines, this eye-catching kidswear line is smallbatch manufactured right here in the 852. $599 from little-islanders.com.
SOUND EFFECT
Built to blend in, this swish speaker uses homey materials like oak and knitted textiles, as well as a hidden touch interface that lights up as you approach and dims when you walk away. $17,900 from Bang & Olufsen. 7
SPECIAL DEALS AND OFFERS, EXCLUSIVELY FOR LIV READERS This month, we are excited to announce Liv Loves Rewards, a deals and discounts site exclusively for our lovely readers. See something you want to redeem? Visit liv-magazine.com/rewards to learn more!
Free bubbly and free delivery for online orders on LiquidzHK! LiquidzHK has been delivering beverages to your doorstep for more than 10 years, and has regular awesome deals and flash sales on premium artisanal wines and spirits to make spending more time at home that little bit easier! Just for Liv readers, they are offering free delivery upon any purchase, as well as a free bottle of bubbles for orders of $1,000 or more, and two bottles for every order of $2,000 or more.
30% off Mindful Jewellery with Gosia Orlowska Find a calmer mind, body and spirit with our Gosia Orlowska’s G Line range of Intentional Jewellery. A collection of beautiful, wearable pieces for every woman, G Line utilises the five elements of earth, wind, fire, water and space to create mindful pieces with your wellbeing in mind. Think beautiful, wearable aromatherapy diffusers, healing crystal bracelets and birthstone jewellery.
Get 15% off your purchase at Slowood Slowood is an eco-concious, low-waste lifestyle brand. Start your eco journey with 15% off your first purchase as a member of their Slofolk membership programme!
$1,500 for two month-long fitness programmes with SHBJJ!
Liv readers can get 30% off all products when shopping online at www.gosiaorlowska.com
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New boutique fighting gym SHBJJ is offering two-for-one on its women’s martial arts and anti-gravity yoga programmes! Usually priced at $1,500 each, Liv readers can pay just $1,500 to enjoy both one-month programmes. Readers can purchase up to three packages each, to be redeemed within three months of purchase. The women’s martial arts course offers classes twice a week for one month, cycling through movement, self-defence, No-Gi Jiujitsu, and Brazilian Jiujitsu. The Anti-Gravity Yoga programme, with classes twice per week, helps students recover from training.
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THE BIG
SLEEP We all know that a decent night’s rest is the key to good health, and a really good mattress can do wonders for your sleep quality. We speak to Stefan Magnus of Okooko by European Bedding, to learn more about what separates their all-natural organic latex mattresses from the pack.
Q What are some of the differences between Okooko and other premium mattress brands? Our mattresses are made with a single solid piece of natural latex, sourced from a sustainable organic rubber plantation in Sri Lanka. With no metal springs, they don’t sag, unlike cheaper mattresses made with springs and sponge with just a thin layer of latex on top. A natural latex mattress has natural dust mite- and mould-resistant properties, making it excellent for anyone who suffers from allergies. The cover can be removed and washed, making it an even more hygienic option. With conventional mattresses, you’ll get dust and other particles collecting in the air pockets inside, which can contribute to allergies and irritations. As our mattresses are made with pure latex foam, this simply can’t happen. Q What are some eco-friendly steps you are taking with Okooko? In addition to the certified organic natural latex that we use, we are about transparency in every aspect of our production and supply chain. Our bed sheets are made with hypoallergenic
and sustainable bamboo textile. We care very deeply about the environment and are working towards becoming carbon-neutral, as are all our suppliers. It’s very important to us that we are fully transparent and trustworthy in everything we do. Q What do you think of the “mattress in a box” trend? We are grateful to the trend, in a way, because they made it cool to talk about mattresses again! These mattresses only offer one type of firmness and don’t take into account individual preferences and body types. Our mattresses are available in three firmness levels (soft, medium, firm) and we can actually tailor two sides of the same bed to have a different firmness. Moreover, these companies focus on google reviews and a 100-day free trial to really let people experience their products, and this is something that we also offer. But we also have the advantage of a bricks-and-mortar store in Central where you can experience the products for yourself. Q Tell us more about the free trial. When you buy a mattress, you are investing in a premium product that you are going to lie on every day for the next 10-15 years. How can you make such a large investment sitting on it in a small showroom in a mall for a few minutes? At our private showroom, you can come in and try the mattress for an hour, if you like. We are so confident in our product that we are happy for customers to take it home and try it for 100 days. If it’s not perfect, we can zip it open and change the feel, and if they’re really not happy we will gladly take it back, though this seldom happens. Visit Okooko by European Bedding at 13/F, The Plaza LKF, 21 D'Aguilar St., Central. Reach them at 6286-1132 or learn more at europeanbedding.hk 9
Cool Stuff
HOT RIGHT NOW News from the wellness scene
DISCO GREATS
Sustainable lifestyle store Slowood is branching out with a second location in Discovery Bay, spreading the gospel of slow living to Hongkongers near and far. This zero-waste concept store won the hearts of many when it opened its doors in Kennedy Town last year, offering up a fab selection of organic food, natural skincare and eco-friendly household goods. Much of the same eco-alternative products are available in DB, with the added bonus of a gardening section for anyone looking to get their hands dirty. If you’re a Disco Bay resident, make sure to check out this ecofriendly addition to the neighbourhood. Open every day from 9am to 9pm. Shop Unit 151, 1/F, DB Plaza (Block C), Discovery Bay, slowood.hk.
THRILL OF THE CHILL
You down with CBD? (Yeah, you know me…) YogaBamBam is embracing the CBD trend as it hits Hong Kong, opening the city’s very first CBD Therapy Lounge. The space, located above the yoga studio’s Shin Hing Street location in Central, will host a variety of CBD-infused experiences for small groups, offering activities like art jams, movement-based practices, sound therapy and couples’ massage. CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is a natural anti-inflammatory derived from the cannabis plant that’s said to alleviate issues like anxiety and insomnia without causing the psychoactive “high” of marijuana. CBD is totally legal in Hong Kong, and is fast gaining widespread use as a global wellness trend. If you’re curious about CBD, check out one of YogaBamBam’s experiences by booking online. Prices range from $400 to $1,500 a head, depending on the number of participants and experience booked. 10 Shin Hing St., Central, 5500-3117, yogabambam.com. 10
Cool Stuff
GOING UP Social Distancing on Mother’s Day Show mum you care by staying away. There’s always Zoom!
TEST RUN
If you want to get a COVID-19 test done, you’ll be excited to learn about Project Screen. This initiative is led by CircleDNA, in collaboration with several others, with a goal of testing 100,000 people for COVID-19 in Hong Kong in order to help track and trace the spread of coronavirus in the community. The pricing structure is completely transparent (each test costs $985) and health insurance giant Prudential is offering a $300 subsidy for up to 30,000 healthcare workers. Want to access one? Visit the CircleDNA website to complete a short questionnaire and order online. Please note that the test is not intended for people suffering severe symptoms, so if you have severe symptoms, please contact the government for help. Due to high demand, tests are currently limited to six per order. screen.circledna.com
SPARKLING PERSONALITY
Skip the sweaty trip to your local Circle K this summer by making your own fizzy water at home in just a few easy steps. Soda Magic is a local company with their own line of at-home sparkling water machines. There are several models to suit different budgets and needs, from the Bubble ($980), a compact and easy-to-use home option, to the Smart ($1,480) which comes with a portable depressurisation bottle. CO2 cartridges last between one to two months, with replacement cartridges costing $320. Using a system like this not only cuts down on waste it also saves you a ton of money over the long term, so it’s win-win! Units and cartridges can be ordered online or check them out in person at their Sheung Wan store. Room D, 7/F, Hollywood Centre, 77-91 Queen’s Road West, Sheung Wan, 3727-9251, sodamagic.hk.
TikTok Sure, it might be spyware, but who can resist uploading a cheesy TikTok dance meme?
“Take Me Back” Photos Please don’t share your #wanderlust IG snaps from your flat in Sheung Wan. No one’s travelling right now - don’t rub it in!
The Quarantine Fifteen Jeans feeling a little snug now that you’re stuck at home, stress baking all day? We feel you!
GOING DOWN 11
Dining
HIKES FOR BITES Everyone knows the best part of any hike is the beer at the end. But if you’re looking for something a bit healthier to motivate you over the finish line, here are our fave places to refuel after hiking your heart out. FINISH LINE:
An inevitable tourist trap? Perhaps, but that doesn’t take away from the beauty and undeniable convenience of this landmark Hong Kong hike. Once you’ve set off on your preferred route up the hill (we personally stan for the Lung Fu Shan Morning Trail, at the top of Hatton Road), reward yourself with a well-earned healthy nosh at Rajasthan Rifles. Their breakfast menu offers health-conscious bowls like organic porridge with bananas and dates, and Paleo muesli with yoghurt and Manuka honey. If you’d rather opt for something stodgier, there are loads of eggy concoctions with a South Asian flair, like naan filled with spiced potato and fried eggs, or spicy mutton and scrambled eggs served on milk bread. Ends at 11am, so best not to dilly dally on your way up! G/F, The Peak Galleria (opposite the Peak Tram), 2388-8874, rajasthanrifles.com.
FINISH LINE:
Whether you’ve hiked from Mui Wo or done a tour of the DB Lookout Loop, there are tons of eating options in Discovery Bay, including the well-known Hemingways DB. It converted last year to a fully-vegan menu serving plant-based comfort food such as pizza, nachos, dumplings and other bar snacks. Shop G09, G/F, Block A, DB Plaza, Discovery Bay, Lantau, 2987-8804.
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Rajasthan Rifles
FINISH LINE: 2084 Sai Kung
If you’ve spent the weekend exploring Sai Kung’s country parks, it’s time to reward yourself at one of Sai Kung Town’s healthy outlets. Little Cove Espresso (Block A, G/F, Siu Yat Building, Sai Kung Hoi Pong Square, Sai Kung) is a lovely Aussie-style cafe with a large outdoor area, serving raw, vegan, gluten-free and paleofriendly cakes and pastries, IG-worthy bowls, and other veggie and non-veggie brunch favourites. Newly opened is 2084 Sai Kung (5 Sha Tsui Path, Sai Kung, 52464622, 2084.casa), a vegan restaurant serving pan-Asian comfort food with a plant-based twist. Think mushroom rendang, dals and other vegetarian Indian dishes, mapo tofu, Peking wraps and Thai larb, to name just a few.
Dining
FINISH LINE:
Eric’s Kitchen
Conquered the Dragon’s Back? Time for a treat. We love Ho Lok Store’s charming back balcony, where you can tuck into classic Hong Kong beachside fare (think pork and rice, fishballs and instant noodles). But for something a little healthier, head to beachfront eatery Eric’s Kitchen. This cute cafe sells fresh coconuts, smoothies, pizzas you can take away to eat on the beach, even a breakfast menu of pancakes, vegetarian omelettes and English breakfast, if you’re done early enough!
FINISH LINE:
After an active day hiking Lamma, there’s no better place to finish it than in lively Yung Shue Wan. There are heaps of spots to try in this tiny hub, but we’d like to draw your attention to Hideout (77 Main St., Yung Shue Wan, 2982-4321, hideout.com.hk), a laidback spot for western-style brunch, burgers, juice and great coffee, with impressive views of the bay from their terrace. Or head to Green Cottage (27 Main St., Yung Shue Wan, 2982-6934, greencottage.net) for a vegan-friendly western menu that includes brunch, pasta, freshly baked bread and wholewheat pizza.
FINISH LINE:
One of the best parts of the invigorating hike from Discovery Bay to Mui Wo is that you get to take your pick of Mui Wo’s awesome restaurants once you reach your destination. We love the cooked food market, where you can tuck into traditional Cantonese-style seafood overlooking Silvermine Bay. Fancy something a little different? Bahce Turkish is a delightful little Turkish restaurant right by the pier that does amazing kebabs, pita wraps, dips and meze. Plenty for vegetarians.
FRESH CUTS Dining news that’s good for you THE GREEN ROOM OPENS A new eco-friendly restaurant and event space located in WeWork’s Causeway Bay location, The Green Room is a collaboration between WeWork and Leading Nation restaurant group (behind La Rambla by Catalunya and Morty’s, among others). This modern brasserie is all about sourcing sustainably and implementing lowwaste measures in everything they do. They even have a rooftop garden where they grow their own herbs. The menu is largely plant-based, with a few fish options if you need a protein fix, and prices are reasonable, with mains costing on average between $120-$180. 26/F, Tower 535, 535 Jaffe Rd., Causeway Bay, 3689-2569, thegreenroomhk.com
PLANT-BASED SNACK BRAND LAUNCHES IN HONG KONG Struggling to find whole foods to snack on that aren’t loaded with preservatives? Give The Polar Camel a try! This new local brand has developed a line of snacking barks that use whole grains, vegetables and fruit, topped with freezedried nuts and seeds, herbs, spices and other ingredients to create a nutrientdense snack. Choose from three options: savoury Kimchi Crunch; Seaside Power, featuring seaweed; and for something sweeter, there’s the Cocoquino, made with coconut and dates. $98 per 75g bag, available at thepolarcamel.com
Shop 19, G/F, Mui Wo Centre, 3 Ngan Wan Rd., Lantau Island, 2984-0222. 13
Dining
CHEAT DAY
Because life’s too short to always order the salad
WHEN IN ROME Whether it’s fresh pasta smothered in rich sauce, a hearty portion of lasagne or a gooey bowl of risotto, there are few things that revive a tired spirit quite like good old Italian fare. If you’re feeling a bit down in the dumps, ditch the healthy routine for a night and embrace perfectly prepared carbohydrates at the newly opened Ask for Alonzo in Tai Hang. After success with their first outlet in Quarry Bay, the team behind this Italian job have opened a second, much larger premises, just off trendy Tai Hang Road. Starters include Roman meatballs, which arrive cloaked in homemade tomato sauce and plenty of parmesan, as well as the oven-baked Tomino cheese, a dish sweet and salty in equal measure. For mains, the truffle and mushroom ragout fettuccine is positively decadent, while the signature rigatoni amatriciana is a dish so simple it’s hard to comprehend how it tastes so good. Needless to say, next time we’re feeling a bit blue, we’ll know exactly where to go. 11 Lin Fa Kung St. West, Tai Hang, 3101-8045, askforalonzo.com.
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Sponsored Feature
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TH E H E R B FA R M Sign of Ageing series: from HKD$320 Contains extracts from New Zealand homegrown herbs. The natural materials are perfect for nourishing your skin.
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S h o p 1 - 3 , G / F, T h e H u d s o n , 1 1 D a v i s S t . , Ke n n e d y To w n , 2 76 2 - 07 7 0 , Â s l o w o o d . h k .
P Rh eo v it eowg sr a p h e r
TEST-DRIVE Liv checks out the newest workouts and wellness trends
SPONSORED
Sleep Analysis with Zanolife The Buzz: The Belun Ring, originally designed to pre-screen for sleep apnea, is a groundbreaking gadget that gives you unprecedented data to track the quality of your sleep. Available in Hong Kong through health screening comparison site Zanolife, the sleep test comes with an in-depth report offering valuable insights into your health and wellbeing. The Experience: Once we’d met with Zanolife to find the correct ring size and
share our vital stats (age, height and weight), all we had to do each night was put the ring on when going to bed. That’s it! Every morning, the ring is plugged back into its charging base to download all the previous night’s sleep intel. Zanolife then swiftly downloads all the data from the charger and a detailed report is generated for interpretation once the ring is returned. The Verdict: The ring is surprisingly unobtrusive, and we slept with it on for five nights with no issues. After returning the ring, we were given a fivepage report - one page for each night, which gave us a detailed insight into our nightly stress and blood oxygen levels. We then had a fascinating 20-minute
call in which the results were explained by the Zanolife team, who offered some tips on how to improve our sleep quality. In addition to identifying sleep stress and patterns, the ring is also able to identify markers for medical issues such as sleep apnea. We’d highly recommend it for anyone looking to get a better understanding of their sleep quality, as well as anyone who thinks they might have a sleep issue that requires medical attention. Price: $1,500, which includes ring hire, report and phone consultation. Zanolife.hk
Gosia Orlowska Designs – DESIGNS BY INTENT
Beauty is far more than skin deep. And that knowledge has driven Gosia Orlowska Designs to create intentional, bespoke jewellery that is meaningful, powerful and attractive… just like the women they adorn.
N
amed after the company’s founder, CEO, and Head of Design, Gosia Orlowska Designs has become a global player in the designer and intentional jewellery space. Gosia artfully combines the best of Asian cultural craftsmanship and meaning with timeless European flair, whilst sourcing the highest quality precious stones, crystals and metals to perfect the creations. Passion, dedication, experience and creativity has led to striking designer pieces lauding rave reviews, requests from designer houses, leading international department stores, agents, celebrities and festivals. Gosia Orlowska’s self-directed expression, perfectionism, interpretation of designs, inimitable style and multi-faceted creative talent has established classic contemporary styles whilst sparking innovative, meaningful and empowering jewellery trends. All of these one of a kind, designer intentional pieces are destined to be worn by women with a strong sense of self belief, style and individuality, yet they’re still playful and adaptable for the woman who gets what she wants in life. VISIT WWW.GOSIAORLOWSKA.COM TO FIND OUT MORE!
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GIVEAWAYS Visit liv-magazine.com/giveaways for a chance to win!
Free stuff!
WIN: a set of luxury bamboo bed sheets from Okooko by European Bedding Luxuriously soft, moisture-wicking, antimicrobial and refreshingly cool for the summer heat, Okooko’s Heveya bamboo bed sheets are just about the most gorgeous sheets you’ll ever snuggle down in. In celebration of Mother’s Day, we are partnering up to give away a queensized sheet set, comprising a fitted sheet, duvet cover and two pillow cases. The set is worth $2,776 and we have one to give away. europeanbedding.hk
WIN: a Belun Ring sleep assessment from Zanolife Always wondered whether you’re getting good quality sleep? Achieve real, usable data related to your sleep with a Belun Ring. This discreet device, worn on your finger as you sleep, tracks your heart rate, oxygen saturation, and also autonomic nervous system response, which is related to your stress levels. This prize includes the use of a Belun Ring for three nights and an explanation of the data that it collects, and is worth $1,500. We have 10 assessments to give away. zanolife.hk
Enter at liv-magazine.com/giveaways before May 29 to win! 17
Cover Story
Express Yourself:
WHY ONLINE HONESTY IS TRENDING
In times like these, as we’re universally kept indoors and using our phones more than ever, it can be hard to separate screen from reality. Scrolling social media delivers us a parade of perfectly polished moments, aspirational microcosms of a world so well-manicured and curated it seems hard to believe it exists - and that’s because it doesn’t. Social media is a stage, and all the KOLs merely its players. 18
But some people are starting to take a radically honest approach to their public persona, sharing deeply personal stories of inner demons that stand in stark contrast to the glossy veneer of online life. What’s to be gained from sharing so nakedly? Meet the Hong Kong influencers who are committing to realness, owning their truth to the world and embracing the honest. By Carla Thomas.
Cover Story
recovery. I ended up staying in rehab over eight months. My entire approach to life changed. Social media became much less important.
JAMES GANNABAN
QWhat was the hardest thing you’ve ever decided to share publicly, and why did you choose to do it? I had previously only hinted that I was “going through stuff.” On the third anniversary of the day I got sober, I finally admitted it. It was hard to share about getting sober in the first couple of years because I was scared I’d relapse. I was scared I’d live it all out on social media once again, and the whole cycle of embarrassment, guilt and shame would re-start and prove I hadn’t learned anything. By my third year, I finally felt I had enough distance from the nearfatal overdose, that I had banked in enough recovery capital and that it was OK to share.
Yoga Teacher, 38 jamesgannaban
QWhat was the moment when you changed your approach to social media? How was it different from before? I was forced into change. Following a near-death overdose, I went to rehab for alcohol and drug addiction in 2015. At the facility, we only had our phones for a few hours on Saturdays. Up until that point, I used social media to project a hyperactive, successful and socially engaged image. The reality was the opposite. My life had imploded. Personal relationships were in the toilet, as was my health. I was lying to my family, friends and colleagues. I was more socially isolated than I had ever been. The guilt and shame were enormous. Inasmuch as I was embarrassed and wanted nothing more at the time [in rehab] than to "manage" what I thought to be my image, I physically couldn't. I had to sit with the discomfort of not being able to control the story. And even if I did - what was I to say about being in rehab that I could be proud of on social media anyway? My family was financially tapped out by the end of my third month in rehab. I decided to sell my phone to "buy" one more month, which removed me further from social media during the crucial period of early
James Gann aban
18 April 201 . 8 Edited .
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Cover Story
QDo you think you’ve gained or learned anything from being so honest? The benefit has been mostly for me, for my emotional and mental wellbeing. I can’t expect much more than that. The moment personal truthfulness starts to become mined for likes and comments and shares, it becomes “performative vulnerability” - and there’s already so much of this on social media. In order to love and accept who I am, I can’t hate the experiences that shaped me. If other people connect, I’m grateful. If other people are turned off and judge, it’s also OK. It’s still my truth and I’m owning it.
QWhat role does social media play in your life? Initially, it was about sharing cool images and videos from my life with friends, and it has grown into an education and marketing platform for my business, as well as a place of connection and personal growth! QWhen did you start to change your approach to social media? When people started offering me clothing to wear while I worked out! That’s when it shifted from me connecting with friends, family and followers, to accepting the role of “influencer” online.
ZIGGY MAKANT Pre & Post Natal Fitness Trainer, 28 zig.fitmama 20
QWhat’s something you found difficult to share? Explain a bit about that process. Recently, I had my second child and I never questioned that I could love a new baby as much as my first. What I didn't realise was that I could struggle connecting with my older child, and how my relationship with him would change. I love this kid so much and I felt a lot of shame
Cover Story
QHow do you handle your social media presence without letting it affect you? I dip in and out of the hype! Some days I need the healing therapeutic aspects, other days I feel more inclined to educate and empower mothers, and sometimes I'm just sharing about a product that I really like. I really try my best not to care about the likes or the engagement, or censor myself when I don't want to be vulnerable. I've also realised that everyone just wants to be seen and heard, so I always try my best to respond to every story reply, question or comment that I receive. QWhat do you think you’ve learned from being so active online? It's been the greatest form of connection and learning for me! I've been very lucky in that I don't have a lot of “haters� or trolls. I'm by no means Spiderman, but I try to keep in mind that with great power comes great responsibility so I try to check my ego and my intentions, and only promote brands, businesses and products that I love - usually smaller, independent mum-run businesses or eco-friendly brands.
around these feelings because the people who I'd discussed it with in "real" life couldn't relate. I also felt a bit fake posting about how amazing life at home would be as a new mother of two, because that wasn't the experience I was having. I knew someone else out there must be experiencing what I was going through. Sure enough, I had an overwhelming response of people identifying, offering emotional support, and sharing how they got through it. QWas there something that you posted, or even just spoke about openly, that you were surprised by the public reaction to? Why do you think it elicited a reaction? I was surprised at the amount of acceptance and empathy I got from this particular postpartum post. I received a lot of messages with people thanking me for my honesty. Seeing a very young and fit woman with a very large pregnant belly, and then seeing it still hang around and not magically disappear - it was therapeutic for me and refreshing for others! 21
Cover Story
zero, the latest trendy clothes and makeup. It was hard to see, and still is! Because of this, I decided to be 100 percent truthful on my page. To share the emotions I’m experiencing, to show myself untouched and untampered in images. It’s a therapy for me, in a way.
CAMMIE WARBURTON Freelance Photographer, 26 camikandila_
QWhat role has social media played in your life? Being a millennial, my first experience of social media was Xanga, a blogging platform similar to Tumblr. Since then I’ve used almost every mainstream platform, from Bebo to TikTok. As an adolescent, I went through depressive phases seeing other women sporting a size
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QWhat inspired you to change how you used social media? What inspired me to change my approach to social media was when I realised how important it was to share vulnerability. It’s the uncomfortable stories, the scares and open wounds that allow us to connect on an even deeper level. I experienced a whirlwind of struggles during my time at university: depression, anorexia, my boyfriend suddenly dying and the long road of grieving that came after that. The first time I spoke out about my mental health, I received an overwhelming reaction to that post. The comments, direct messages and conversations were so encouraging, and made me feel less alone in my depression and PTSD. That post is what changed my approach to social media and even my dayto-day approach to mental health.
Cover Story
QWhat was the hardest thing you’ve ever shared? Why did you do it? As a portrait and wellness photographer, I’d been craving a deeper meaning through my work. After realising how powerful photography can be for women to connect, accept and love their bodies, I decided to start a workshop for photographing women nude. I posted this to show how fearless women can be with their bodies, how we shouldn’t be ashamed of our rolls, stretchmarks and cellulite because EVERYONE has them! We don’t need to be re-touching our candid photos for Instagram. I posted this to hopefully strike a chord with people. QWhat have you gained from the whole experience? Therapy! Connection! Freedom! These are the three words I’d use to describe the feeling of being honest on social media. I’ve always gone against the grain, and having full control over what I post and what I say is liberating. I’ve gained tools for self-acceptance, from having insightful conversations with people I’d never thought had body or mental health issues. I’ve learned to speak from the heart, be conscious of others, be open to all comments and backlash, and to not take things personally. We live in a digital age, and although it has many cons...it’s the reality we live in. So why not embrace it and use it for good?
newsletter@liv-magazine.com
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Jewellery
HearT ON YOUR Sleeve
YOUR
We could all do with a little more peace, clarity, inspiration and protection these days. That’s why more of us are seeking out conscious jewellery. From crystals to ancient symbols, we learn more about this timely trend. By Sarah Fung
F
Karma Links
or centuries, jewellery has been worn by humans for both communication and protection. From religious symbols to tribal amulets, we’ve used them to ward off evil, set intentions or simply express ourselves. Inspired by ancient cultures, folklore and geometric symbols, modern jewellers are reinventing the traditional talisman. So if you’re searching for a meaningful necklace to wear on life’s journeys, how do you choose jewellery that speaks to you? “My customers tell me that wearing their jewellery helps with their self-confidence. It energises them and reminds them to take
action,” says Flora Chan of Flo Jewellery, which creates intentional jewellery for everyday wear. “The jewellery is a tool to help you look within, to see what you want to do with your life,” she adds. This sentiment is echoed by designer Gosia Orlowska, whose line of mindful jewellery is purified with sage for even more positive vibes. “It was my long-time passion for spiritual adventure and holistic care which inspired me,” she says. “Our most popular requests have been pieces made to strengthen and open the heart chakra, which controls love and inner peace.” So where to start looking for meaningful jewellery that helps you to set an intention, shore up your inner strength and project positive energy into the world? Here are a few of our favourite brands.
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Flo Jewellery
Jewellery
QUEEN VIRIYA A new jewellery brand founded in January, this local business sources gemstones from all over the world, and pairs them with new age symbols to create beautiful pieces. Queen Viriya wants to empower women with their accessories, imbuing them with a sense of peace, confidence and positivity. Follow their IG to see the latest stones they have in stock. @queen.viriya
Flo Jewellery
Flo Jewellery
KARMA LINKS FLO JEWELLERY This Hong Kong-based conscious brand is all about symbolic jewellery that inspires. Its best-selling “Flower of Life” collection features an overlapping grid of circles with a soothing geometric pattern that dates back to the 7th century BC, and represents creation, love and unity. Looking for more inspirational jewellery? Looking for more inspirational jewelry? Pick the “Tree of Life” earrings for grounding and inner strength, or request a Chakra consultation from the founder to choose the best Chakra jewellery for you. flojewellery.com
Inspired by celestial symbolism, Karma Links offers mindful jewellery that’s at once modern and steeped in ancient designs. Its “Soleil” line is inspired by iconography of the sun, which represents energy, life and a higher self. You’ll also find evil eye symbols, circle of life designs, Hand of Fatima, flower of life, guiding star, crescent moon and mandala designs. karmalinksjewellery.com
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Jewellery
GOSIA ORLOWSKA We love Gosia Orlowska’s “G-Line,” which puts wellness front and centre. Search by intention, and pick from evil eyes, chakras, Om symbols and birthstones, or else browse according to your needs, such as love and healing; success and clarity; or good luck and protection. Gosia Orlowska also has a line of volcanic stone diffuser necklaces so you can take the healing power of aromatherapy everywhere with you. gosiaorlowska.com
MURU
KAJAL NAINA A Nepalese designer based in Hong Kong, Kajal Naina offers conventional jewellery, as well as symbolic designs, including her popular “Aum” line, which reimagines the ancient Hindu symbol with a modern, wearable twist. We also love the Vajra Enlightenment Necklace, which symbolises indestructibillity and irresistible force, inspiring you to be your boldest and most sensual self. kajalnaina.com 26
Though international shipping is temporarily suspended due to the COVID-19 outbreak, we had to include London-based jeweller Muru for its huge selection of meaningful jewellery that takes inspiration from a number of ancient cultures. Shop by meaning, and browse jewellery that symbolises ambition, growth, happiness, prosperity, empowerment, freedom and hope, among others. Available in yellow gold, rose gold and silver. murujewellery.com
THOMAS SABO We are just as surprised as you are to find a mainstream jewellery brand on this list, but while Thomas Sabo is best known for its charm bracelets, it has a surprisingly large selection of mindful and intention-themed jewellery. Browse online to find dozens of meaningful pendants in a range of styles. Select “Jewellery with Meaning” when browsing online and take your pick of infinity symbols, Hand of Fatima, Tree of Love and more. outlets citywide. thomassabo.com
Jewellery
ARE YOU A PENDANT PEDANT ?
The down-low on popular symbols used in intentional jewellery
SACRED LOTUS
HAND OF FATIMA
EVIL EYE
The lotus is a significant symbol across many cultures, and represents rebirth, spiritual enlightenment and self-realisation.
An ancient Middle Eastern symbol, the Hand of Fatima (or Hamsa) protects the wearer from harm and attracts good luck, health, goodness and abundance.
The idea of the Evil Eye can be traced as far back as 3000BC, when it was believed that a curse would befall people who were looked at by others with jealousy. In order to safeguard against the Evil Eye, people took to wearing protective evil eye amulets to reflect the curse back onto the giver.
CELTIC KNOTS Dating back to the pre-Christian era, Celtic knots are found in Byzantine, Islamic, Roman and, of course, Celtic art and architecture. There are many different types of Celtic knot, each with their own fascinating symbolism, but they generally serve as good luck and protective charms, and represent the infinite nature of the soul and the interconnectedness of all things on earth.
TREE OF LIFE A celtic symbol that symbolises the circle of life, our connection to the world around us, family, rebirth and growth.
EYE OF PROVIDENCE
AUM Aum, or Om, is known as the sound of the universe. It is one of the most important spiritual symbols in the world, and represents peace, tranquility and oneness. It is particularly important to yogis, who incorporate aum into their meditations.
Congratulations, you are in the Illuminati.
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Florists
How Green Is Your Love -
Eco friendly Florists for Mother’s Day
We all know that one day a year isn’t nearly enough to show all the mums out there the appreciation they deserve, but that shouldn’t stop you from trying your best on Mother’s Day all the same! Here are some of our fave ecofriendly flower purveyors in Hong Kong. By Carla Thomas
LOVER Get bold with your bouquet this Mother’s Day, with a colourpop floral arrangement with jazzy names like “Ultra Violet” or “Orange Soda” from Lover Florals. Available in either wrapped bouquets (paper, never plastic) or a tasteful gold vase, wasteful packaging is minimised while still achieving maximum “wow” effect. loverflorals.com
BYDEAU After a more bespoke touch? Bydeau offers a wide range of bouquets and gift boxes that you can curate to suit your giftee, partnering with women-owned businesses and artisan brands. They also use materials like corrugated cardboard, wooden boxes, and linen to package, giving them extra sustainability points. 53 Wellington St., Central (by appointment only), 5525-0037, bydeau.com.
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Florists
FLEUR OLOGIE BY H Inspired by all things earthly, this ecoconscious florist maximises the use of sustainable materials and seasonal stems for a more ethical approach to flower delivery. Looking for something really different? Fleurologie also specialises in edible veggie arrangements, an eco-friendly (and healthy!) alternative to your bogstandard bouquet. Shop A, 3/F,18 Shing Yip St., Kwun Tong, Kowloon (by appointment only), 9050-7227, fleurologybyh.com.
KAFOOK FLORIST Go totally zero-waste by opting for preserved flowers instead of the fresh ones! Kafook Florist is a specialist store and floral art school in Prince Edward (conveniently next to the flower market) that crafts long-life floral and plant arrangements. Preserved bouquets hold their shape and colour for several years, so you don’t end up binning them, and there’s no need to care for them with water or sunlight - perfect for anyone who kills any plant they touch. 160D Prince Edward Road West Mong Kok, 2528-0103, facebook.com/kafookflorist.
FLORISTRY AT M&L Wild at heart, this rustic Sheung Wan florist relies heavily on seasonal flowers and foliage for their nature-inspired bouquets and flower jars. Going the extra green mile, they also dispense with plastic packaging and deliver your florals in biodegradable hessian fabric and a reusable canvas tote bag instead. G/F, 18 Bonham Strand West, Sheung Wan, 5291-2166, floristry-ml.com.
AMARANTHINE BLOOMS Another zero-waste option, these luxury faux flowers are made with silk and hand-painted for a hyper-realistic look and feel. They’re also long-lasting, require minimal care (just the occasional cleaning) and eliminate many sustainability issues with the traditional cut flower industry, such as toxic pesticides and carbon emissions from refrigerated transportation. amaranthineblooms.com 29
Food
HEALTHY RECIPE
Uma Nota’s Berinjela (Eggplant) By Chef Gustavo Vargas They may have been debased by modern emoji parlance, but eggplants are still a super versatile veg to cook with. Try frying one whole and topping with cashews, feta and greens, like this beloved recipe from Japanese-Brazilian restaurant UMA NOTA.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Easy
TIME
30 min
INGREDIENTS
INSTRUCTIONS:
• 1 whole globe eggplant (the larger, teardropshaped variety)
1. Preheat your oven to 180°C. 2. Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a heavy-based pan on medium-high heat. 3. Cut the eggplant in half lengthways and cross-cut the flesh to create a diamond pattern. 4. Fry the eggplant around 5 minutes each side. Set aside on a paper towel to absorb excess oil once it’s done. 5. Add brown sugar to a saucepan with mirin and cook over
• vegetable oil • 2½ tsp brown sugar • 2 tbsp yellow miso
TIP: Skip the feta and add extra cashews for a vegan option.
• 1½ tbsp mirin (a rice wine similar to sake) • 1½ tbsp water • feta cheese • whole cashew nuts • frisee • baby shiso
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low-medium heat until sugar dissolves. 6. Add miso and water. Mix well and cook for 5 minutes. 7. Spread miso sauce onto the open-facing eggplant halves. 8. Roast in the oven for 3 minutes, then top with chopped cashews, crumbled feta cheese, frisee and baby shiso. Bom apetite!
Sponsored Feature
DO YOU NEED A HEALTH COACH? Jasmin Blunck, Qualified Functional Medicine Health Coach at IMI, talks us through the many reasons why getting a health coach could be the best investment you ever make.
Call for a free 15-minute phone consultation to learn how I can help you stick to those wellness goals, and make changes to long-term habits that’ll serve you for a lifetime. Jasmin Blunck is a certified Functional Medicine Health Coach, a qualified nurse and has a Diploma in Applied Nutrition. She practices at IMI. Drop her a line at jasmin@imi.com.hk or 2523-7121.
D
o you want more energy, or to feel a little healthier? Maybe you’ve been to the doctor and have been told to watch what you eat, exercise more and reduce your stress levels. Maybe your blood sugar, cholesterol or weight is a little high. Maybe you’ve tried to diet or start a new exercise routine but gave up after a few weeks. People often experience a gap between what they know they need to do, and actually doing it. They feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to start. It’s totally normal and you’re not alone! That’s where a health coach comes in. We start by finding out all about you. What do you want to achieve? What’s holding you back? Once we know what the goal is, we can work together on a holistic plan to get you there, and then we hold you accountable the whole way there. Got a question about nutrition? Experienced a setback? We’re here to provide rational, actionable and supportive advice to get you back on the right track.
Pamper
THE GLOW UP News from the beauty aisle
BEAM ME UP Promising to blitz everything from crow's feet to sunspots, laser resurfacing has been on the rise for years as a cure-all for any kind of skin concern. While it’s true that lasers are useful for myriad issues, there’s also a TON of information to be sifted through before deciding on which one is right for you. We had a quick Q&A with Dr. Jolie, a medical aesthetic specialist and laser pro, to ask all our burning questions about laser facial treatments. By Carla Thomas Q How do lasers work (for dummies)? Simply put, lasers use light and heat energy to cause controlled damage to the surface of the skin, so that your body reacts to heal the tissue by creating new skin.
by layer. Because of this, it can help with many issues like pigmentation, skin tone or acne control. Laser treatment can’t fix permanent skin damage that is already irreversible.
Q Are there different kinds of lasers? How are they different from one another? There are two basic types of lasers used for cosmetic purposes: ablative and nonablative. Ablative lasers actually vaporise the top layers of damaged skin, while non-ablative lasers work deeper in the skin without removing or otherwise damaging the top layers. Some of the most common lasers we use for skin rejuvenation are: • Nd:Yag 1064 (fractional laser): really good for pigmentation, skin toning and acne control. • IPL (intense pulsed light): used for acne, rosacea, hair removal, skin toning, dilated veins and telangiectasia (also known as spider veins). • BTL Exilis 360: a modified ultrasound for tightening of eye bags, face and body.
Q Is there anything laser resurfacing shouldn’t be used for? Although lasers are an amazing treatment, there are some problems they can't fix. Burns, permanent scarring or tissue damage are areas to avoid doing laser on as it will produce no effect. Results can vary from person to person, so laser treatments might work on things like moles with one client, but not on the next. It's best to have a consultation with an expert before you commit to anything.
Q What can laser treatments help to improve? Laser skin treatments reduce facial wrinkles and skin irregularities, such as blemishes or acne scars. The technique directs short, concentrated pulsating beams of light at irregular skin, precisely removing it layer 32
Q How many sessions are normally needed to see results? Usually between four to six treatments, at two- to fourweek intervals, are needed to see the full effect for each type of treatment. But it really depends on the need and condition of your skin. It’s just like exercising, you have to be consistent and build it up! Dr. Jolie Beaute & Aesthetic Clinic, Unit 1209, 12/F, Champion Building, 301-309 Nathan Rd., Jordan, facebook.com/drjoliebeaute.
Pamper
BEAUTY NEWS
HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW?
Remember Crabtree & Evelyn, that slightly frumpy skincare brand with hand creams you’d regift to your grandma? After closing all their stores in Hong Kong, they’ve undergone a massive rebrand, chucking out all those pastel florals and re-emerging in a modern new direction. We particularly love the Gardeners line, with its herbal apothecary formulations inspired by fruit, vegetables and herbs. Think face masks packed with goji berry, acai and acerola cherry; a green hydrating oil fortified with kale and spinach; or the Harvest exfoliating hand wash ($165) and cream ($288) that’ll leave hands feeling nourished, even if you’re washing them 50 times a day. Shout out to the Star Showers loose-leaf tea ($208), made with lemon myrtle, verbena, lemongrass, rose petals and valerian root - we are obsessed. The brand currently doesn’t have a physical presence but you can shop online at crabtree-evelyn.com.hk.
PRODUCT REVIEW
LIV LOVES… HAND CREAMS JASMIN BLUNCK, Administrator Buly 1803 Double Pommade Concrète ($390, 75g) “This red Buly pomade is my go-to option with all the extra hand-washing that’s going on now, because it’s amazingly hydrating and has antibacterial properties, too.”
JO ROBINSON, Director of Partnerships Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm ($210, 75ml) “This creamy balm saved my hands after all the excess hand sanitiser use from the past few months. I’ll also use coconut oil at night for that added moisture boost.”
CLEAN SWAP
If you’re looking to make clean skincare swaps but don’t want to sacrifice effectiveness, check out Australia’s USPA. This multi award-winning brand is certified vegan, eco-friendly and free from unnecessary chemicals, and is packed with potent antioxidants while being gentle enough for sensitive or even sunburned skin. We love the AHA fruit smoothing serum ($700), which offers a gentle brightening peel with zero skin irritation; and the antioxidant hydrating gel with aloe and green tea ($550, a gel formula that’s perfect for oily, acne-prone or reactive skin.) USPA products are available citywide, including at A Beauty Bar and Sense of Touch. Learn more at knowhowlifestyle.com.
STACEY MARCELO, Social Media Manager Grown Alchemist Vanilla & Orange Peel Hand Cream ($160, 65ml) “I tried this botanical beauty skincare line and thought it was just divine. You can find it in-store at 10/10 HOPE.” 33
Travel
TRAVEL WELL with Kate Springer
T
orbjørn “Thor” Pedersen is set to become the first person to visit every country in the world on a continuous journey without flying. Having left Denmark on October 10th, 2013, the 41-year-old has been to 194 countries so far, with just nine to go. He stopped in Hong Kong at the end of January to catch a cargo ship to Palau - just as COVID-19 rocked the region. Now he’s stuck in coronavirus limbo, waiting for the world to reopen. I met up with him in between ambitious hikes, motivational speaking gigs, updating his blog (Once Upon a Saga), and doing charity work as a Goodwill Ambassador of the Danish Red Cross. Here’s a snapshot of his story.
Q What inspired you in the first place? Thor Pedersen: I actually didn't even realise you could travel to every country in the world until my dad sent me an article about it. Once I discovered it had already been done many times, I wanted to push that barrier even farther. No one in history has ever gone to every country in the world completely without flying [on one continuous journey], so that became the mission. Q How did you prepare? TP: I had worked in the shipping and logistics industry for 12 years, so that experience and mindset prepared me well for the immense scale of this project. I’m used to having a lot of things in the air at the same time, finding solutions and making everything more efficient. 34
I spent 10 months planning every aspect of the trip, from deciding what to pack to defining the purpose, setting up the blog, approaching sponsors and, of course, plotting the route. I also set a few cardinal rules for myself: obviously, no flights. But also, I have to spend at least 24 hours in every country and I can’t go home until I’m finished. I set off on October 10th, 2013. I haven’t been home in six and a half years. Q What has been the scariest moment so far? TP: Cerebral malaria was pretty heavy. I most likely contracted it while sleeping in an abandoned gas station in Liberia. But the symptoms started a couple
Travel
powered up the generator, and nearly 80 people crowded around my laptop – it was incredible. Q You’ve travelled aboard 25 container ships so far. What’s it like? TP: Coordination, networking, timing... it takes a lot of effort to get on the ship in the first place. They don’t just let anyone on. You need to go through the company to get permissions, then make sure you don’t miss the ship because it will definitely leave without you. And if the ship gets delayed, you might have to wait at the port for a few days. Once you are on the ship, you will have a pretty basic cabin, meals and no WiFi. It’s not luxurious, but you have everything you need. You have lots of time to read, watch movies and relax. Q What’s the bigger purpose of this project? TP: At the heart of it, this is really a people project. No matter where you are, people are the same in so many ways. We care about our families, jobs, children, safety, education, the latest Netflix series. We like barbecues. We like good fun. We like music. We like dancing. We like to laugh. And that's just universal. BY THE NUMBERS of weeks later while I was in Ghana. Luckily, my fiancé, who is a medical doctor, was visiting at the time and got me to a clinic immediately. I was very sick for 12 days, then it took me at least another week to get my strength back. Q The most heartwarming? TP: In the Solomon Islands, I had a few extra days because my container ship was delayed. So I went to the Western Province. While riding a ferry alone, an elderly man invited me to sit with him. It turns out he was a village elder, and he invited me to go and stay on his island, Vori Vori, where about 100 people live without electricity or running water. One night, they asked me to set up my laptop because they wanted to watch a movie. So they
• 194 out of 203 countries • 189 Red Cross, Crescent or Crystal societies visited • 307,686 kilometres traveled • 7 times around the
world in distance • 11.4 days on average per country • 94 days in Hong Kong (and counting) • 25 container ships • 336 buses • 158 trains
REMAINING COUNTRIES • • • • •
Palau Vanuatu Tonga Samoa Tuvalu
• • • •
New Zealand Australia Sri Lanka The Maldives
Kate Springer is an Asia travel expert who contributes to Conde Nast Traveler, Vogue, CNN, BBC Travel, Forbes Travel Guide, Fodor’s, Vice, and more. Follow her travels on Instagram @katespringer. Send travel news to kate@kate-springer.com
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Family
FIT FAM
with Zoe Belhomme
of your pelvis. We say that early intervention is key so never wait until a problem becomes unbearable. Q When should you see a chiropractor during pregnancy? I recommend a maternity chiropractic check-up at around 32-35 weeks, regardless of whether you’ve experienced issues, because we can help prepare the body for delivery. Q What does a typical maternity check-up consist of? Your first chiropractic session starts with a thorough assessment to better understand your specific needs. We use a variety of chiropractic techniques, which are non-invasive, to address any pain or dysfunction.
POSTURE PERFECT I’m coming to the end of my second pregnancy and I’ve noticed my body feels different than the first time. Aches and pains in my back and hips have plagued me, so I paid a visit to Dr. Michelle Zhou, a registered chiropractor at UP!Health in Central. She explains how chiropractic care can form part of a holistic approach to your pregnancy plan. Q Tell us a bit more about the role of a chiropractor in antenatal care. Studies indicate that over 50 percent of pregnant women experience back pain at some point and this increases with subsequent pregnancies. Because chiropractic focusses on restoring the normal function of the body without medication or surgery, it can be used as a form of pain relief. Chiropractic care can also be used as a part of birth preparation as it helps improve the balance and mobility 36
Q What concerns might women normally have about seeing a chiropractor during pregnancy? “Back-cracking,” or manual chiropractic adjustment, which causes a cavitation (a popping sound) that some women might find unnerving. It’s a common chiropractic technique, however it’s not the only one we use. In practice, I combine at least three to four techniques in a single visit and not all of them involve the audible pop. We always modify treatments to suit the individual person, whether it’s due to the response of the body or their own personal preference. There are always options available. Q Should women visit a chiropractor post-partum? How can it support them through their initial recovery? Pregnancy and labour are both very strenuous on the body. While our bodies are designed for delivery, it doesn't mean there is no trauma. I recommend all women to consider coming for a chiropractic check-up as a part of post-natal recovery at four to eight weeks postpartum depending on the method of delivery. Once you have approval from your OBGYN to commence physical activity, we can assess the body as a whole and recommend a treatment plan to address the pain, if any, which includes home exercises, as well as baby-care ergonomics. UP!Health, 11/F, Wellington Place, 2-8 Wellington St., Central, 2110-1674, uphealth.com.hk.
Family
MOTHER'S DAY
CHILD’S POSE Flowers are nice, but what about hitting the mat for Mother's Day this year? Flex Studios is offering a yogalates workshop at each of their Central and Southside studios over Mother's Day weekend. These hour-long special occasion sessions include a mixture of Hatha yoga postures and fundamentals of Pilates. Made to be family-friendly, the classes will be relaxed and fun so you can focus on bonding, as well as soaking up all those nice exercise benefits. Classes are open to mums and kids aged five and up. Costs $300 per person, reserve your spot at flexhk.com. May 9: 1-2:30pm. Shops 308- 310, One Island South, 2 Heung Yip Rd., Wong Chuk Hang, 2813-2212. May 10: 12:30-2pm. 3/F, Man Cheung Building, 15-17 Wyndham St., Central, 2813-2399.
PARENT PICKS
MAMASTE For women facing childbirth during COVID-19, there's a lot to stress out over. Should I go out while I’m pregnant, will my partner be allowed at the birth, will my baby be taken away for testing as soon as I deliver? These are all natural questions to be worried about. Throughout my second pregnancy, I’ve increasingly turned to meditation as a way of dealing with these unusual circumstances (and a highly active toddler). After some research I downloaded Expectful, a meditation app developed specifically for fertility, pregnancy and motherhood. It offers a curated selection of guided mindfulness exercises lasting between 10-20 minutes, each one developed by psychologists, hypnotherapists and industry experts who understand that pregnancy and mum-life isn’t all roses and sunshine. From sessions that work on forgiveness and acceptance, to dealing with labour pains and anxiety, I find Expectful does a great job at covering all the emotional bases while also giving me a chance to take a few minutes to myself each day. A free trial is available for the first week, and a year’s subscription costs $59.99 after that. expectful.com
Zoe Belhomme is our resident fitness writer and new mum. She loves working out, eco-friendly parenting, and partnering with her husband to produce some of the region’s biggest sports events at MBS Concepts. Reach out to her directly with your healthy family news at zoe@liv.media.
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MONTHLY MANTRA
Be happy in the moment, that's enough. Each moment is all we need, not more. - Mother Teresa
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