Around DB March 2023

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D I S COV ERY B AY ' S O R I G I N A L CO M M U N I T Y M AGA Z I N E - P U B L I S H ED S I N C E 2 0 0 2

IN THE DRIVING SEAT Meet Marc Morris, the new principal at DBIS

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GOOD FOR EVERY BODY

Georgie Rawson of Embody gives her take on Pilates

What dog ownership can do for kids

Live Green in DB !

COMMUNITY-WIDE INITIATIVES HELPING US BE KIND TO THE PLANET

GET SET FOR EASTER

Spring activities for Lantau kids

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FEATURES 18 PROFILE Meet Marc Morris, the handson new principal at DBIS

22 COMMUNITY DB just keeps getting greener, take a look at the latest initiatives

26 FITNESS 7 things you should know before you take Pilates classes

32 PARENTING Bring a dog into your life, your child will reap the benefits

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06 DB NEWS

World Wildlife Day Quiz

42 ESCAPES Prague: City of 100 Spires

44 RECIPES Easy Mexican go-tos

56 OUT THERE

Peter Sherwood talks back

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D I S COV ERY B AY ' S O R I G I N A L CO M M U N I T Y M AGA Z I N E - P U B L I S H ED S I N C E 2 0 0 2

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Georgie Rawson of Embody gives her take on Pilates

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M A r CH 2 0 23 | A R O U N D D B.CO M

GOOD FOR EVERY BODY

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IN THE DRIVING SEAT Meet Marc Morris, the new principal at DBIS

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LET MONX DO YOUR TAXES AND ACCOUNTING!

Good news for DB business people, Monx Hong Kong is opening a branch in DB North Plaza! An international consultancy firm with a presence in eight jurisdictions, Monx specialises in high-quality, affordable accounting and tax services tailored to companies of all shapes and sizes.

Monx takes the administrative burden away thanks to its expertise in secretarial and advisory matters including company set-up, accounting, payroll, tax, visa applications and more.

“There is no better place for us to be than in DB, since we already work with many companies run by DB residents,” says founder Stefano Passarello, himself a 15-year DB resident. “We specialise in visa, tax clearance, MPF redemption and everything expats need when they land or depart. In Hong Kong, and especially DB, people come and go, and we are committed to helping them navigate immigration, taxes and MPF.” On joining Monx, clients are given access to digital resources specially designed to help businesses grow, plus 24/7 human support. To find out more, you can schedule a free consultation with the team and attend some of the company’s free webinars.

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MEET THE NEW HEAD OF SCHOOL AT AISHK

Australian International School Hong Kong (AISHK ) is delighted to announce the appointment of Mina Dunstan as its new Head of School. An education veteran, Mina brings with her over 20 years of experience working with young people. Praised in the sec tor for her creativit y and abilit y to respond to challenges, the former Principal of ESF’s Kennedy School and Quarr y Bay School was voted Principal of the Year - Primar y, at the Hong Kong Education Awards 2021. As AISHK’s Head of School, she orchestrates an institution of 1,10 0 students from 25 dif ferent nationalities, from Reception to Year 12.

Says Mina: “I have been absolutely delighted to meet students of this wonder ful school and get to know them. It is my privilege to join the communit y and lead the school to its future stages of development.” For more on AISHK and its award-winning Kowloon Tong campus, visit w w w.aishk.edu.hk. [PHOTOS COURTESY OF AISHK.]

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2 FOR 1 AT EMBODY

Sign up for your first class at DB Plaza fitness studio Embody this month, and you can enjoy a generous 2-for-1 offer. Embody’s team of instructors provide personal training and small group classes in Pilates mat and reformer, yoga, HIIT, Barre and Zumba. To book your spot, WhatsApp 6624 8712 or visit www.embody.hk. [PHOTO COURTESY OF Embody.]

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KNOW IN MARCH!

REGISTER

DBIS EARLY YEARS 1 & 2 OPEN HOUR

Join DBIS at their main campus on March 28, from 4pm to 5pm, for a tour of the school’s fantastic facilities for children aged five to seven. Head of Early Years Hannah Tait will provide insight into the Key Stage 1 curriculum and explain all about DBIS’ approach to learning in years 1 and 2. Advance registration is essential. To secure your spot, head to dbis.hk/eyopenhour or scan the QR code and complete the registration form. [PHOTO COURTESY OF DBIS.]

NEW GREEN DBERS PROGRAMME

City Management (CM) is launching the Green DBers Programme as a way to draw attention to existing green initiatives, introduce new ones and get more residents involved. Green DBers will get up-todate information about community events and activities, including the ongoing eco workshops, plant markets and family farm projects at Community Green Square. They will also have access to a green lifestyle newsfeed, and receive regular eco tips via EDM. To enrol, visit Facebook or Instagram @DynamicDB. To find out more, turn to page 22.

GREASE THE MUSICAL AT DC

Discover y College secondar y students are in rehearsal for their upcoming produc tion of Grease, The Musical, showing March 29 and 30 at the school theatre. Both nights are already sold out… so kudos to ever yone who managed to get a ticket! Enjoy your evening at Rydell High with the Pink Ladies and the T-Birds! For more on the produc tion, visit w w w.discover y.edu.hk.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY THROUGH MARCH | DONATE PRELOVED FURNITURE to people in need through DB Mothers & Friends. To arrange for pickup, visit Facebook @dbmf.collection.

MARCH 4 | GATHER AT THE PLANT MARKET in DB Community Green Square from 2pm to 4pm. Visit Facebook @DynamicDBers.

MARCH 5 | JOIN A BEACH CLEAN-UP! Meet at the gate to DB/ Nim Shue Wan at 2.10pm. Email dana@plasticfreeseas.org to RSVP.

MARCH 12 | SHOP THE DISCOVERY BAY MARKET in DB Plaza from 11am to 6pm. Visit www.handmadehongkong.com.

AROUND DB / MARCH 2023

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BODY ART AND MIND RETREAT

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

It’s International Women’s Day on March 8 and the theme this year is #EmbraceEquity. Equal opportunities are no longer enough – when we embrace equity, we embrace diversity and we embrace inclusion. Want to get involved? It’s time to show the world your huge embrace. By sharing your #EmbraceEquity image or video across social media using #IWD2023 #EmbraceEquity, you can encourage others to help build an inclusive world. To find out more and join the IWD community, visit www.internationalwomensday.com.

PLASTIC FILM RECYCLING

To get your plastic film recycled, you need to take it to a government-funded Green@Community collection point. We are lucky to have one in DB, open on Tuesdays from 10am to 1pm and 2.30pm to 5.30pm, at the Green Icon@ DB. You can also get your polyfoam, liquid cartons (Tetra Paks), disposable coffee cups and fibre food containers, rechargeable batteries, energy saving light bulbs and waste electronics recycled there. Be sure all plastic, paper and metal is clean and dry! For more information, visit Facebook @Islands Recycling Station.

DB-based artist Eleanor McColl and Pilates expert Ruth Hogg are back this year providing their popular OOOMA Retreat – a laidback art and Pilates combo held at Kaomai Lanna Resort, Chiang Mai. The four-night Thai getaway runs from April 27 to May 1, and you don’t need to be bendy or arty to sign up. To make a booking before March 10 for an early-bird discount, visit www.eleanormccoll.com.

[PHOTO COURTESY OF Eleanor McColl.]

Save the date!

DB EASTER EGG HUNT ON THE BEACH Little DB chicks and bunnies can look forward to the DB Easter Egg Hunt on the Beach, running from April 7 to 8. Egg hunters will be divided into different age groups (three to four years, five to six years and seven to 10 years) to participate in the respective game sessions at Tai Pak Wan. DB residents can enrol their kids at www.kkday.com from March 1 to 5 to enjoy priority booking and an early-bird discount (HK$220). To find out more, visit www.dbeasteregghunt.com.

SPRINGTIME AT THE AIRPORT GARDEN Hong Kong’s golden trumpet trees flower in March and April, and there’s no bet ter place to see them than on Chek Lap Kok South Road, just a 20 -minute bus ride from Tung Chung. As par t of an ongoing programme aimed at beautif ying Chek Lap Kok, the Airpor t Authorit y has created an Airpor t Garden filled with various tree species that bloom at dif ferent times of the year. Head there this month to see 260 golden trumpet trees in full bloom.

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! s r a d n e l a C r u o Y Mark WHAT’S HAPPENING ACROSS HK

CLOCKENFLAP WEEKEND

Music lovers can expect an amazing lineup of over 30 local and international artists at Clockenflap, March 3 to 5 at Central Harbourfront. Headliners include British rock band Arctic Monkeys, French multiinstrumentalist FKJ and Norwegian folkpop duo Kings of Convenience. Be sure to catch Japanese rapper Tyson Yoshi, Thai favourites Three Man Down and local Indie band Tofu Kingdom. For tickets, priced at HK$1,620 for a three-day pass, or HK$1,080 for single days, head to www.clockenflap.com.

INTERNATIONAL LITERARY FESTIVAL

Live at a venue near you from March 6 to 12, the Hong Kong International Literary Festival features over 100 local and international speakers. From a workshop with writer Pete Spurrier on how to get published to a thought-provoking discussion on the mystery of flight MH370 with investigative journalist Florence de Changy, the week-long festival is rightly billed as a celebration of world-class storytelling. To check out the full programme, visit www.festival.org.hk.

ART BASEL

Art Basel is in town from March 23 to 25 bringing 177 exhibitors from 32 countries.

The three-day event, held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, puts a focus on both emerging and established artists, through a mix of modern and contemporary art. Head to the Galleries sector for paintings, drawings, photography, sculpture and digital artwork.

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

BACKSTREET’S BACK The Backstreet Boy’s DNA World Tour 2023 lands at Hong Kong AsiaWorld Arena on March 14 for two long-awaited Live at a venue near you from March 6 to 12, the nights. Fans can expect a high-energy Hong Kong International Literary Festival features show from the best-selling boy band of over 100 local and international speakers. From a all time, packed with all those 90s hits: workshop with writer Pete Spurrier on how to get Don’t Go Breaking My Heart, Everybody published to a thought-provoking discussion on the (Backstreet’s Back), I Want It That Way and mystery of flight MH370 with investigative journalist Larger Than Life. For tickets, starting at Florence de Changy, the week-long festival is rightly HK$599, visit www.hkticketing.com. billed as a celebration of world-class storytelling. To If you are a Live Nation member, head to check out the full programme, visit www.festival.org. www.livenation.com for special privileges. hk.

[PHOTO COURTESY OF Starbright31@Flickr.]

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HONG KONG SEVENS

Catch three days of intense rugby and insane partying at the Cathay/ HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, March 31 to April 2. Themed Play On!, this year’s event is expected to fill the 40,000-seater Hong Kong Stadium, and social distancing rules won’t apply! New for 2023, the elite sides in women’s sevens are taking part including Hong Kong’s homegrown team. To pick up last-minute tickets, visit www.tickets.hkrugby.com.

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WHAT YOU'VE BEEN UP TO! CELEBRATING 40 YEARS AT DBIS

On February 11, Discovery Bay International School (DBIS) celebrated its 40th anniversary with a Glitter Ball at Auberge Discovery Bay. The party was a wonderful celebration of DBIS’ journey from its original cohort of three students and three staff in January 1983 to a community in its thousands.

[PHOTOS COURTESY OF DBIS.]

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VALENTINE’S ON TAI PAK WAN

On February 14, Tai Pak Wan was lavishly decked out with giant, heartshaped candle lights. Couples took the opportunity to take selfies and celebrate their love overlooking the bay. [PHOTOS BY Richard Gordon www.richardgordon.com.hk.]

RACING FOR LOVE IN PUI O

On February 12, The Trail Hub held the ninth edition of its annual Valentine’s Day Race at Treasure Island in Pui O, welcoming around 200 participants. There were two intensity levels – the Easy Love (9km) coastal path and trail route and the Tough Love (15km) route, with everyone competing in pairs. [PHOTOS COURTESY OF The Trail Hub.]

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Tai Pak Wan on a regular weekend in March – from paddling to beach tennis, woodball to sun worshipping, DB’s waterfront provides us residents with a superb place to hang out. [PHOTOS BY Richard Gordon - www.richardgordon.com.hk.]

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PROFILE

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! s c r a M ll u F

WELCOME MR MORRIS Having swapped the desert climate of Dubai for the humidity of Hong Kong, Discovery Bay International School’s new principal, Marc Morris, is happy to be back in the SAR. Susannah Wood reports PHOTOS COURTESY OF Discovery Bay International School

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sk Marc Mor ris, principal at Discover y Bay Inter national School (DBIS, w w w.dbis.edu. hk ), what drew him to educ ation, and the answer is simple: “I wanted to do a bet ter job than had been done to me. Teaching is my pas sion – it ’s all I’ve ever wanted to do from a c areer per spec tive.”

Originally from the nor th wes t of England, Marc, whose father was a physic s teacher, spent his early c areer teaching his tor y at loc al authorit y schools acros s the UK. A natur al leader, he quickly rose through the r anks gaining his fir s t head teacher ship at Wes tlands High School, Congleton in 1996. He continued to wor k at top - per for ming schools in the UK until 2011, when the oppor tunit y to move to Hong Kong presented it self.

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES Marc’s international adventure began at Sha Tin College, where he spent six years as principal. From there he moved to Singapore to take up the position of Chief Education Officer for Dulwich College, where he was responsible for overseeing the work of nine heads of college in four jurisdictions: Singapore, China, South Korea and Myanmar. “It was interesting work,” he says, “but it wasn’t satisfying in the way that going into a school is. I missed the community, the regularity, the warmth, and I was keen to get back to that.” When the role of principal and CEO of Jumeirah College, Dubai, came up, Marc took the chance to return to a school community environment.

Now Marc is back in Hong Kong, leading what is arguably one of the most community-centric schools in the region. Was that one of the things that attracted him to DBIS and DB? “Absolutely!” he says. “I’d spent some time in Discover y Bay before, at conferences and visiting friends. That gave me a good sense of what it was like, and I felt a connection to the school.

A good school is an asset to a community.”

DISCOVERING THE BAY For Marc and his wife Tanya, a major par t of DB’s appeal was its family-friendly environment – per fect for them and their one-year-old daughter Lana. “It’s a nice area for Lana to grow up in,” he says. “You see lots of happy children here. DB has an awful lot going for it – open space, access to greener y, minimal traffic, peace and quiet – and all within close proximity of the city.”

And what are Marc’s first impressions of DBIS? “From the outset, it’s been ver y obvious that the children at DBIS enjoy their schooling; they’re well cared for and the staff genuinely want to work with them – it’s authentic,” he says. “One of the most interesting and enjoyable par ts of the recruitment process was meeting the students and hearing about their

PROFILE

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"THERE’S MORE TO LIFE THAN GRADES ON PAPER AND TODAY’S STUDENTS NEED TO BE PREPARED FOR A FUTURE THAT IS, AS YET, UNWRITTEN" - Marc Morris experiences. Students at DBIS feel confident to express their views, they’re enthusiastic about their learning, and these are essential par ts of creating a flourishing school.”

Marc’s easy rappor t with students complements his hands-on approach to day-to-day school life. “I’d rather join the children in class and read to them than walk around with a clipboard,” he says. “You can learn a lot by listening to what children think about their learning; they’re disarmingly honest.”

EDUCATING THE WHOLE CHILD One thing that’s abundantly clear from speaking to Marc is how strongly he believes in providing a holistic education in order to nurture well-rounded students who are ready to take on real-world challenges. While academics are important – and Marc’s track record from his previous schools speaks for itself – there’s more to life than grades on paper and today’s students need to be prepared for a future that is, as yet, unwritten.

“I always say to students: ‘So you're healthy, you're happy, you've got top grades, but how many thousands of other people in the world have got top grades?

What else are you going to offer an undergraduate programme or an employer?’” he says. “The important thing is to find something that draws the children in, AROUND DB / MARCH 2023

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MARC TAKES A HANDS-ON APPROACH TO DAY-TO-DAY SCHOOL LIFE

something they’re passionate about. If that means they’re involved in clubs a few nights a week, that’s fine; it just has to be something they want to do, and it needs to fit in with their learning.

“Children being happy, safe and healthy is the first tier to achieving academic potential. It’s about balance.

There’s far too much to do and learn in any single lifetime, and it’s important to get that across to children.

Education doesn't finish when you’re 18; it’s about keeping that inquiry mindset because who knows what you’ll want to do when you’re 30 or 40 – don’t ever let anyone tell you it’s too late to start something.”

When it comes down to it, Marc is more interested in adding value to his students than getting more A* grades. “It's about meeting the children where they are and adding value to their potential,” he explains.

“My previous school, Jumeirah College, Dubai, is in the top 1% in the world in terms of the value it adds.

That means you could have gone to any other school in the world and you statistically would not have done any better than you have done at that school.

“If you ask them, most schools won't tell you what their value added is because it doesn’t make for headline figures. My argument around the extracurricular, the breadth, the holistic is that it incentivises students’ academic work; it provides fulfilment, enjoyment, interest and friendship groups, meaning children are happy to go to school and are more likely to be able to battle through when academics become challenging.”

LEADING BY EXAMPLE Marc doesn’t just talk the talk when it comes to holistic experiences though – he walks the walk too. A keen 20

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musician, he not only plays a number of instruments but also makes them. “One of the things I most cherish about my time in Hong Kong before was when someone left a leaflet on my desk – to this day I don’t know who it was – about ukulele making. I ended up doing a nine-week course then taking some private lessons, and before I knew it, I had a workshop.”

Ever the educator, Marc went on to use his new-found skills to run instrument-making workshops for students as part of ‘Week Without Walls’ experiences.

Marc’s hobbies and interests don’t just stop at music.

A highly experienced mountaineer, he has worked as an outdoor centre instructor, a World Challenge expedition leader, a youth centre leader and a climbing coach. DBIS students can likely look forward to more expeditions up and over Tiger’s Head in the coming months!

Speaking of the future, Marc is full of confidence and quick to reassure that taking over the reins par t way through the academic year has not presented him with any additional challenges. “I've moved at winter break before,” he says, “and actually, it's ver y helpful for a new head and the school because the year’s calendar is planned and the exam groups and teachers are all in place. The impor tant thing is that I’ve not brought a template with me. Different schools require different approaches, and it’s impor tant for me to listen to the parents, the students and the teachers and take time to learn about the school’s traditions and culture.

“I’m ver y happy to have joined DBIS,” Marc concludes with a broad smile. “It’s an exciting new venture for me, and I’m delighted to be here in DB, steering the school and playing my par t in the wider community.”

COMMUNITY

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! s r e B D n ee r G e h T Join TRANSFORMATION TIME! DB just keeps getting greener! Ray Au takes a look at City Management’s ongoing success stories and latest initiatives, with a little help from the DC Green Cobras

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PHOTOS BY Richard Gordon - www.richardgordonphotography.com & courtesy of City Management

hese days, as DB resident s, we can pret t y much write our own ticket when it comes to living green. We can prac tice the 5 Rs of waste reduc tion (refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose, rec ycle) and we can make sustainable choices in ever y thing from the food we eat to the clothes we wear. What ’s more, there are many communit y-wide initiatives in place to help us in our bid to be kinder to the planet.

An Environmental Protec tion Depar tment (EPD) pilot launched by Cit y Management (CM) in December 2021, DB’s food-waste collec tion scheme is a case in point, and an ongoing success stor y.

From the get- go, over 50 0 households registered to take par t, and 54 food-waste collec tion bins were placed across 18 DB villages. One resident involved from the star t is Laura Paddison, a Year 12 student at Discover y College (DC), and a committed member of her school’s green group, the DC Green Cobras. Let’s see what she has to say.

FOOD-WASTE COLLECTION SCHEME “My family has taken par t in the food-waste collection scheme since it star ted,” Laura opens. “There was composting outside our house when we first moved to DB four years ago. The bins had no signs and were full of plastic bags. When the food-waste collection scheme came out there was more encouragement from DB management, so we wanted to suppor t it. It was great to see that more people became involved.

The scheme has clear explanations and, at least where we live, plastic bags are no longer thrown into the bins with the food.”

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@DCGRE ENCOBR AS, LIVING GREEN IN DB

“WHAT WE NEED NOW IN DB IS STANDARDISED SUSTAINABLE ACTIONS” - Laura Paddison

COMMUNITY

GREEN DBERS COME

SHOPS ITY ACCESS TO ECO WORK GREEN DBERS HAVE PRIOR

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IN ALL SHAPE S AND SIZES

LENDAR NABLE 2023 CA FULLY SUSTAI A N VE GI E AR GREEN DBERS

To date, more than 1,400 DB households have enrolled in the scheme, and Laura is happy to see so many DBers doing their bit to keep food waste out of landfill. “Food waste in landfills does not compost, it rots. While rotting, it produces methane – a greenhouse gas, a lot more potent than CO2,” she explains. “Also, Hong Kong has full landfills, so there is a waste problem. Reducing wasted food and using the food-waste scheme are simple steps ever yone can take with next to no effor t.”

to our building,” she says. “Most buildings I know of have one within walking distance as well.”

“The food waste collected in DB goes to O•PARK1, the organic resources recover y centre in Siu Ho Wan,” Laura adds. “O•PARK1 turns food waste into energy and fer tiliser.”

Residents have been asked to keep the collection points in each village clean and tidy, and, according to Laura, “the current arrangements are working quite well.” Asked whether the bins smell, Laura rolls her eyes almost imperceptibly. “I don’t think smell has been an issue so far,” she says with a smile, too polite to point out that the bins are purpose-built – leak-proof, imper vious to moisture and fitted with secure lids.

On average 672kg of food waste is collected from DB per day and taken to O•PARK1. This shows that the residents involved in the scheme have already adopted a green lifestyle and are working hard to reduce food-waste generation at source. The scheme provides for sustainable handling of food waste but ultimately what’s impor tant is that each of us reduces the amount of food waste we create in our own homes.

In championing the food-waste collection scheme, Laura is quick to point out how accessible it is. “We have a place to dispose of our food waste right next

And how does the system work exactly? “The waste should be biodegradable, obviously,” Laura says, slightly bemused by the question. “You just put your food waste straight into the bin. Biodegradable plastic bags and other utensils that are adver tised as eco-friendly should not be thrown into DB’s foodwaste collection bins.”

Alongside residential units, Fusion, Auberge Discovery Bay and some DB schools are also taking part in the food-waste collection scheme, and Laura is proud that DC is doing its part by collecting waste from the cafeteria. “The DC Green Cobras are always looking to take more actions within school to promote sustainable practices and spread more awareness because we all feel very passionate about it.

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COMMUNITY

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“We are organising some events with my school to meet primar y students and organise beach cleanups,” she says, adding, “I’m also par t of the ESF Green Team Alliance, so we get to work together with other ESF schools. We are tr ying to create policies with ESF to spread the sustainability message across schools.”

Asked about her own green lifestyle and whether she’s involved in other eco-initiatives in place in DB, Laura says she focuses mainly on reducing (always carr ying a refillable bottle) and recycling. “Recycling bins are always accessible to the public,” she says.

“Ever yone can and should play their par t.” Indeed, there are communal separation bins at all villages, for glass, plastic (bottles), paper and metal. And on Tuesdays, we can head to the Green Icon@DB, a dedicated venue established by CM, to dispose of ‘harder to recycle’ items, such as polyfoam, liquid car tons, any non-bottle plastics, rechargeable batteries and energy-saving lightbulbs.

“Recycling and food-waste collec tion is something ver y common in Germany where I grew up; it was kind of par t of ever yday life,” Laura says. “There definitely is awareness in DB but always room for improvement. Some people are really working hard, like the Uncle Russ team who spend time recycling milk car tons. What we need now in DB is standardised sustainable ac tions.”

CM’S GREEN DBERS PROGRAMME As if answering Laura’s call to action, CM is right now rolling out a Green DBers Programme as a way to draw attention to existing green initiatives, introduce new ones and get more residents involved.

“Over the years, we have done a lot to make DB an eco-friendly place to live – a green lifestyle in DB has been established through various community events in landscape, leisure and environmental-care areas.

With residents’ increasing participation, I believe DB can achieve social harmony eventually,” opens Ernest Lee, Assistant Director of CM. “The Green DBers Programme comprises a huge umbrella of initiatives,” Ernest adds. “It’s initiated by the community relations team of CM with joint effor ts paid by other teams and relevant stakeholders, and with the suppor t of the Environmental Protection Sub-committee of the City Owners Committee.

The objective is to build an engagement platform between residents and CM that will strengthen and give coherence to the green living ethos already established within DB.” Once enrolled in the programme, Green DBers will have access to a green lifestyle newsfeed and receive regular eco-related tips via EDM. They will also get up-to-date information about Green DBers’ 24

AROUND DB / MARCH 2023

events and activities, including the ongoing eco workshops, plant markets and family farm projects – and other special projects – at Community Green Square. Going for ward, Green DBers will enjoy discounts at the monthly plant markets and direct access to private workshops. As a fur ther incentive, ever yone who enrols in the programme (you can do so by visiting Facebook or Instagram @DynamicDB) is being gifted a fully sustainable 2023 calendar made from seed paper.

New for 2023, CM is launching an environmental programme to which Green DBers will have priority access. We can expect a series of educational talks and workshops on everything from eco-friendly cleaning products to upcycling projects for kids, plus regular recycling days and a dedicated DB Green Day. As par t of the new environmental programme, CM is also organising a visit to O•PARK1 in the second quar ter of the year, so that we can see how the food waste collected in DB is put to new use.

“We hope DB residents will enrol in the Green DBers Programme not only because they will receive green living updates and information, but also as a way to encourage their neighbours to be eco-aware and star t defining their own green lifestyle,” Ernest says.

This month, CM is looking for help in naming and outfitting the Green DBers’ ambassador, a smar t little fellow whose glasses represent his eco-aware initiative. The deadline to enter the Green DBers’ Ambassador Naming and Outfit Design Contest is March 31, and you can do so by visiting Facebook or Instagram @DynamicDB or scanning the adjacent QR code.

Let’s go, Green DBers!

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Hong Kong Disneyland Congratulations to the DMR Dancers who performed at Hong Kong Disneyland on January 15th, 2023.

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Little Dancers For our youngest dancers, ages 2 - 4, we have a range of classes which focus on motor skills, imagination, structure and preparing them for the world of dance.

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From 5 years old, our Ballerinas can participate in our graded classes following the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Syllabus and focus on strength and grace.

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FITNESS

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! s e t a l Pi

EVERY BODY BENEFITS!

One of the most exciting aspects of Pilates is that anyone can do it, and everyone can achieve amazing results.

Georgie Rawson of Embody in DB Plaza provides the lowdown PHOTOS COURTESY OF Embody & by

Richard Gordon – www.richardgordonphotography.com

PILATES IS A FORM OF LOW-IMPACT EXERCISE that aims to strengthen muscles

while improving postural alignment and flexibility. You can do it on a mat or on an apparatus like the reformer – we use both at Embody. The reformer creates tension through the use of springs to increase resistance as you work out.

PILATES IMPROVES FLEXIBILITY, MOBILITY and balance. It is all about precise,

slow and controlled movements that lengthen and strengthen all your muscles enabling them to work in harmony with one another. But, to answer the question we get asked constantly – no, Pilates is not yoga, it’s actually pretty different!

PILATES STRENGTHENS YOUR BONES which is especially

important as you start to age. The low-impact, weight-bearing exercises are gentle on the bones and joints, and may improve bone density.

Research suggests that this type of exercise can help ward off agerelated conditions such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.

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FITNESS

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PILATES ENHANCES BODY AWARENESS, coordination and

the ability to concentrate. When practiced regularly, it can make you move with greater control, efficiency and strength. If your body awareness has decreased (this can happen with age or injur y), Pilates can be an effective way to manage and relieve related lower back pain.

PILATES IMPROVES ATHLETIC ABILITY

PILATES IS SUITABLE FOR PREGNANT AND NEW MUMS, those going through

in 99% (really 100%) of sports! We have one client who comes in to work on core strength for his golf swing, and another to improve her ankle mobility for trail running. Pilates balances the body by strengthening weak muscles, mobilising what’s rigid and lengthening tight areas. This, in turn, enables your body to react quicker and prevent injury.

rehabilitation and anyone who is new to fitness. Embody instructors follow the Stott Pilates method which is one of the safest and most effective Pilates methods available. A contemporary take on Pilates, it incorporates modern principles of exercise science and spinal rehabilitation.

Embody offers personal training and small group classes in Pilates mat and reformer, yoga, HIIT, Barre and Zumba.

Instructors specialise in injury prevention, pre- and post-natal and mobility.

For more on the DB Plaza studio and to make a booking, call/ WhatsApp 6624 8712 or visit www.embody.hk.

PILATES DECREASES BACK PAIN by creating

a strong core and better posture – it focuses on the muscles that hold ever ything in place. Our classes have a strong emphasis on breathwork, and correct abdominal and pelvic floor engagement. The result is a decrease in back pain and you get a better posture to go with – double whammy!

AROUND DB / MARCH 2023

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Easter Camp Baking Boxing

Adventure Baking Chess

Environment Basketball

COMPLETE FIT TROOP DEELITE

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LIVING OCEANS DSA EDUCATION

Fit Complete Troop is Deelite’s providingcustomised boxing classes DIY Cake every Kits Wednesday provide a and perfect Saturday activit y throughout for kids toMarch enjoy and at home April during for kids aged the winter 6 to 10. months.

The classes Insideare each held kit,at children 5pm on Tai findPak everBeach ythingand theycoached need to craft by instructor showstopping Aries Liberato cake creations. and his There team. are Sessions plent yare of designed design options to build for children’s cupcakes, confidence cookies and ascake they pops. learn to All handle materials pressure are and provided, discover plus that instructions they are stronger and access and to more a step self--bydisciplined step instructional than they video. think.

Complete Deelite’s customised DIY Asia Pacific Adventure’s outdoor camps, Caissa Hong Kong Chess Club is running Cake Kits provide a perfect activit y for kids aged 7 to 15, are held throughout two for camps North Easter kids intoDB enjoy at Plaza home this during HK pick-up and drop-off in6 Central.

–the awith three-day camp, April 3and winter months.

Inside each kit,a The exciting programme includes a high four-day April 11-14.

Children of children camp, find ever ything they need to ropes obstacle course, rock climbing, all levels, aged 5 and cake up can join. The craft showstopping creations. abseiling and Tyrollean.

Five-day (twofun yetare challenging sessions There plent y of three-hour design options for night) camps are provided December arecupcakes, conducted by Caissa’s World Chess cookies andfrom cake pops.

19 materials to 23,licensed three-day camps and from Federation All are coaches, provided, plusare December 28for to 30.

There areaon three age ainstructions great way kids to work tactics, and access to step -bygroups: Explorer (7 to 9), Adventurer (10 strategy, andvideo. game play. stepcalculation instructional to 12), and Navigator (13 to 15).

The Living DSA Oceans (Dream Education Sport Academy) is running winter two exciting basketball three-day camps run Easter from programmes, December Junior 19 to 23 Marine and Explorers December(628toto8-year30 at olds) DBIS. fromCoached April 4-6by and ex-professional Holiday Marine Adventure basketball (8-players, to 12-year-olds) children,from agedApril 5 11-13. to 15, The learn outdoor essential education techniques programmes such introduce as ball handling participants skills, to rich passing and skills, diverse shooting marine and and coastal defence. environments, All participants as receive they explore a free the pairbeaches, of basketball mangrove shoes ecosystems fromand sponsor intertidal Joma.zones of Lamma, Lantau and Peng Chau.

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Tel: 3462 2626 Tel: 6701 9203 WhatsApp: 6621 8151 Email: estelle@livingoceanseducation.com Email: info@dreamspor ts.com.hk

Football

Languages Football

Martial Arts Football

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https://dragons.hk w w w.caissahk.org HK Dragons FC’s Easter camps,

forHong children aged Club 4 to is14, run two Caissa Kong Chess running frominApril 3 - 6 Plaza and April 11-14 at– a camps DB North this Christmas the DB Nor th Plaza pitch. byand five-day camp from December 19 Led to 23, experienced and open a three-day campcoaches from December 28 toto 30. players of all abilities, the themed Action-packed three-hour morning sessions daily sessions small group are conducted by include Caissa’s popular World training and licensed focus on players’ Chess Federation chess coaches. technical abilit and physical with Caissa camps are fun yand competitive, as wellChildren as a focus conditioning, on tactics and strategy. of tactical understanding. all levels, aged 5 and up can join.

At ArkYifan Eden’s Mandarin’s multi-day Christmas Easter camps camps in DB bring North out Plaza, the adventurous, children are curious givenand the compassionate opportunity to side immerse of children, themselves agedin5 to Mandarin, 11 years. speaking Running from the December language 19 in toeveryday 23, 27 to life, 30 and as they January enjoy 2 to fun6 and in the educational Mui Wo hills,activities. the campsThe areweekly both fun camps and are educational designed with for kids different agedeco-minded 3.5 to 5.5, activities, and 6 tolike 9, treehouse and run from building, Aprilcampfire 3-14. cooking Within each and swimming class, kidsin are waterfalls grouped on offer according each day.toPick-up their Mandarin and drop off level in Tung – international Chung levelis or available. near native level.

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Tel: 2486 9012 Tel: 2988 5355 WhatsApp: 9208 7611 Email: info@arkedenonlantau.org Email: learn@yifanmandarin.com

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Established At Yifan Mandarin’s in 2006 by winter highly camps trained, in professional DB North Plaza, musicians kids enjoy Miriam fun, Ma festive and activities Chris Collins while (BMus), speakingYRock Mandarin.

HK runs The camp weekly schedule guitar,includes singinghalf-day and ukulele winter workshops group classes for kids in DB aged for 3students to 6 (December aged 4 and 19up. to January Sessions6),run a Christmas between theatre 45 to 60 camp minutes, for kids withaged students 6 to 10 building (December a solid 19 foundation to 23) and ainNew musicianship, Year outingtechnique camp for and kids ear aged training.

8 to 11 The (January maximum 3 to class6). size is four, and private guitar and pianoTel: lessons are9012 available.

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MGK Treasure Fight Club Island’s is running five- day three spring sports adventure club experiences camps run in DB from Plaza April in 3-14 the lead-up in Pui O.toThe Christmas, camps are eachdivided comprising into three five half categories: days. Youth Kids aged Adventure 5 to 15 for 5-get to 9-yearto honeolds; theirand skillsTeen in boxing, Extreme which kickboxing, splits Muay into two Thai, age Brazilian groups:jiu 9 jitsu, to 13wrestling, years andMMA 13 toand 17 self-defence. years. From hiking Daily training and surfing comprises to raft-building, warm-up, kids conditioning get to experience games, skills’ a wildpractice range of outdoor pursuits, and downtime. while developing eco awareness and leadership skills.

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children aged 4 to 14,April, run from Throughout March and MGK December 19 istorunning 23 and onDecember Fight Club demand27 to 30.

Heldpersonal at DB Nor th Plazasessions Pitch, the fitness/ training camps led for by experienced coaches in DBare Plaza youth starting age and open to players of all children abilities.

5. By joining the classes, Themed daily sessions include small get to sharpen their skills in boxing, group training, andThai, focusBrazilian on players’ kickboxing, Muay jiutechnical abilit physical conditioning jitsu, MMA andy, selfdefence.

Training and tactical understanding. comprises warm-up, conditioning games, skills practice and downtime.

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plansRides incorporating fourcamps spor tsoffer Friendly & Guides’ winter within of one Mini Spor t children all programme, ages an exciting experience is holding Easter from April adventuring around HK.camps Designed for beginner -14. Operating 13 dif ferent to 3intermediate riders, from the camps cover all of Spor t exposes kids the locations, fundamentalMini skills for kids to safely progress 1.5on tothe 6 years to a new sporwith t andaged have fun trails. Camps are filled each day, fromadventures football and to basketball, outdoor cycling progressive rugby to tennis. can enrol skills lessons, and runCampers from December 19 to as 23, -ins on a weekbasis 27drop to 30 andorJanuary 2 to 6.by-week Pick-up and drop with sessions ween 90 and off in Tunglasting Chung bet is available.

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AROUND DB / MARCH 2023

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! a i v i r T f o t i B A Little 20 QUESTIONS

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WILDLIFE QUIZ In the lead-up to World Wildlife Day on March 3, find out how much you know about the amazing animal kingdom PHOTOS COURTESY OF Unsplash

1. What counts for 99% of a panda’s diet?

A. Bamboo B. Small rodents C. Insects 2. What colour is a new-born flamingo?

A. Grey B. Pink C. White 3. Which birds can fly backwards?

A. Finches B. Hummingbirds C. Chickens 4. Which reptile can shoot blood from its eyes?

A. Horned lizard B. Solomon Island skink C. Flying gecko 5. How long can koalas sleep per day?

A. 8 hours B. 12 hours C. 22 hours

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20 QUESTIONS

6. What is a group of parrots known as?

A. A pandemonium B. A flamboyance C. A kaleidoscope 7.

How much does a blue whale weigh?

A. Just under 100,000 kilogrammes B. Up to 180,000 kilogrammes C. Nearly 280,000 kilogrammes 8. What colour is a polar bear’s tongue?

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14. How many nerve endings are in a narwhal’s tusk?

A. Around 100,000 B. Up to 10 billion C. More than 150 billion 15. Which animal produces a giggle-like sound when threatened?

A. Hyena B. Baboon C. Woodpecker

A. Pink

16. Which animal has the most powerful bite?

B. Blue

A. Great white shark

C. Brown

B. Orca

9.

Which mammal has the thickest fur?

A. Sea otter B. Polar bear C. Australian shepherd 10. What is the fastest land animal on the planet?

A. Cheetah B. Ostrich C. Springbok 11. How long do young elephants stay with their mothers?

A. 3 years B. 5 years C. 7 years 12. How long does it take a grey-headed albatross to circle the globe?

A. 30 days B. 46 days C. 80 days

C. Crocodile 17. Which animal can live in extremes of both heat and cold?

A. Bactrian camel B. Emperor penguin C. Chuckwalla iguana 18. What do we call a leopard’s spots?

A. Rings B. Rosettes C. Medallions 19. How far away can a wolf smell its prey?

A. Almost 2 kilometres B. Just over 3 kilometres C. 5 kilometres 20. What’s the main difference between black and white rhinos?

A. Their colour B. The shape of their lips C. Their sleeping patterns

13. Which of these ‘fish’ is actually a fish?

A. Jellyfish B. Swordfish C. Crayfish

You can check your score at www.arounddb.com/across-hongkong/wildlife-quiz/

AROUND DB / MARCH 2023

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PARENTING

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! s e i b a B d n a s g o D MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN

Said to be man’s best friend, dogs can provide kids with a host of benefits as well, even in very early childhood REPORTING BY Raphael Blet PHOTOS COURTESY OF Adobe Stock

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H

ave you noticed that almost every young family has a dog? Sometimes the baby comes first, sometimes it’s the pup. Either way, dog ownership is the way many of us measure our family’s ‘completeness’. This phenomenon is particularly noticeable in DB (Dogs and Babies, right?), where every family seems to have at least one of each.

The question is why. Why does the picture of an ‘ideal family’ contain a dog? For sure, photos of our children playing with their brand-new pedigree pup or endearing rescue mutt can up our following on Instagram but there’s so much more to it than that.

Research shows that dog ownership can positively contribute to our children’s health, both mental and physical. Let’s take a look.

TEACHING RESPONSIBILITY Having a dog is a huge responsibility and, traditionally, that’s one of the main reasons we bring them into our kids’ lives. With a pet in the house, children learn what it means to take care of a dependant animal, one who relies on the family for pretty much everything from food and exercise to love and cuddles.

Getting children involved in a dog’s care prepares them for responsibilities later in life, and by the same token it builds their self-esteem. Once children realise that their dog’s survival and happiness is dependent on their actions, they will feel good about themselves and their achievement.

There are numerous ways to involve kids in the care of a dog and the tasks you assign should be ageappropriate, such as allowing a three-year-old, who is too young to walk a dog, to put the water bowl down instead. Older kids can of course take more responsibility, even sole responsibility for a dog. It’s important to ask yourself how much responsibility your child can handle. How much assistance will he need from you?

PARENTING

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and sometimes even parents can judge and criticise.

Research shows that dog ownership also makes children happier and less stressed. Petting a dog has been proven to lower cor tisol levels in both the person and the pet. Playing with a dog ups serotonin and dopamine levels, meaning we feel good.

In choosing a four-legged playmate for your child, it can be dif ficult to decide which breed is the best fit. Golden Retrievers, Beagles and Irish Setters are all sound choices – known to be play ful and protec tive. Pugs, Brussels Grif fons and French Bulldogs love their families – par ticularly their laps. Breeds associated with aggressive behaviour – German Shepherds, Pit Bull Terriers, Doberman Pinschers – are seldom seen on ‘best family dog’ lists but there are always exceptions. Remember that while breed plays a par t, each dog has its own unique personality.

ENCOURAGING EMPATHY Multiple studies show that children who own dogs are more empathetic, better able to understand and share the feelings of others, than those who don’t.

As children bond with their dog, they learn to read its behaviour and understand its needs – they learn to know when it’s hungry and needs food, when it’s happy and wants to play, when it’s sad or stressed and needs affection. It makes sense that this ability to empathise transfers to human interactions.

Research shows that owning a pet can significantly lower the chances of children showing violent and/ or bullying behaviours. By the same token, their enhanced ability to empathise may lead them to

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS In bringing a dog into our children’s lives, many of us want to repeat the past… We look back to our own childhood when we were inseparable from our four-legged companion, and we want our children to have the same experience. A dog can be the per fect playmate, a source of comfor t, a trusted friend and a supplier of unconditional love.

The bond that develops between kids and their dogs can be ver y strong, so much so that children often name their pet when asked who they would go to with a problem. Dogs can make children feel unconditionally accepted, whereas friends, siblings

A DOG CAN BE THE PERFECT PLAYMATE AROUND DB / MARCH 2023

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PARENTING

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IT’S GOOD TO KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR WEIGHT BUT WHAT ABOUT THOSE MAGIC WORDS ‘EVERYTHING IN MODERATION?' PROMOTING PHYSICAL HEALTH stand up to bullies if they see their friends being badly treated.

We want our children to be kind, considerate and compassionate. Just as importantly, they need to learn to set boundaries for themselves and respect those of others. And here again dog ownership can help. Think about what happens when a child pulls a dog’s tail, or stomps on its feet. Despite not speaking our language, dogs are expressive enough to make us understand when we’ve crossed the line.

Discussing a dog’s reaction can open the way for a wider conversation with our children about their own personal boundaries and those of their friends.

One of the most obvious benefits of dog ownership is that it keeps kids active. But it may surprise you to know just how active they are compared to children who don’t own dogs. According to a Child Hear t and Health Study (CHASE), a St George’s project examining the health of 5,000 UK-based primar y school students, children with dogs spend an average of 325 minutes (more than five hours) doing physical activity per day, 11 more minutes than those without dogs. Dog owners also spend 11 fewer minutes (562 minutes over the seven-day stint) in sedentar y behaviour each day, and they were found to take 360 more steps than the other kids.

Surprisingly enough, homes with dogs are also healthier for kids. Research has shown that babies in homes with dogs have fewer colds, fewer ear infec tions, and need fewer antibiotics in their first year of life than those raised in pet-free homes.

Children who grow up with a dog have fewer respirator y trac t infec tions and get asthma much less of ten than other kids.

It’s not clear why living with a dog makes such a difference. A time-honoured theor y, the hygiene hypothesis, suggests that children’s immune systems mature best when infants are exposed to germs in just the right amount. Too many germs are unhealthy but so is a sterile, germ-free home. That theor y is now giving way to the microbiome hypothesis. It’s no longer about getting exposed to the right number of microbes, but to good bacteria and viruses that alter the microbes in children’s intestines and protect against both allergies and infections.

Of course, this isn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of thing. It would be a mistake to bring a dog into the house of a 12-year-old with asthma – exposure has to happen ver y early in life. And what of kids who are allergic to dogs? Are any dog breeds hypoallergenic? The shor t answer is no but there are less-allergenic breeds – dogs with a low-shedding coat – around whom allergy-sufferers can sometimes be comfor table.

Call your local animal shelter, they might just happen to have an almost hairless Chinese Crested who’s waiting patiently to complete your family.

CHILDREN WITH DOGS SPEND AN AVERAGE OF 325 MINUTES (MORE THAN FIVE HOURS) DOING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PER DAY, 11 MORE MINUTES THAN THOSE WITHOUT DOGS

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Looking for first-class healthcare and income protection services wherever you are in the world? Baymac provides bespoke programmes for the aviation community and now for global expats too REPORTING BY Raphael Blet PHOTOS COURTESY OF Adobe Stock

H

eadquar tered in the United Arab Emirates, Baymac was founded in 2004 with the vision to protect the health and welfare of aviation families worldwide. Now with additional locations in Texas and Jamaica, the company gives its members access to a suite of bespoke health, income protection and other ser vices.

“We make our programmes available to people working in all aspec ts of the aviation industr y, from air traf fic controllers, aviation personnel and cabin crew, to engineers and pilots. And we provide both individual and corporate memberships,” opens Daren Bayley-Hay, CEO of Baymac. A former pilot with a law background, Daren highlights that the needs of airline staf f are ver y specific and Baymac helps fill a long existing gap.

“We are not an insurance company nor a broker. We look at the needs of our members and get insurers to understand what these are. Once you are par t 36

AROUND DB / MARCH 2023

SPONSORED CONTENT

of Baymac, you get to enjoy a range of benefits, such as competitively discounted insurance plans,” Daren adds.

As a consulting firm, Baymac collaborates with five key par tners – Clements Worldwide, VUMI Group, Stewar ts Law, Equilibrium Pensions and Flightstar Aviation Management Solutions – all of whom have a proven track record working with individuals and companies worldwide.

“We help our collaborators understand the requisites of the specific niche groups we are serving,” says Daren.

“Our services are not limited to insurance. We offer pension plans to cover anybody within the aviation industry; then we have legal services too, covering everything from aviation-related matters to family law.”

Take Baymac’s Global Professional Pilot’s Group as an example. This group has access to international personal pensions, individual wealth management solutions and a number of insurance produc ts specifically designed for pilots, including loss of income protec tion, health insurance, term life and personal injur y.

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TESTIMONIALS Robin - Retired Captain, Canada

“My wife and I decided to take out the VUMIBaymac Pilot VIP Health Plan in 2018 - a safety net we hoped never to use. Unfortunately, in late 2021, my wife needed a bladder biopsy and then, in January 2022, I was diagnosed with cancer. We were so relieved to know that in both instances, the VUMI-Baymac Pilot VIP Health Plan allowed us the freedom to choose the doctor, and that the surgeries and treatments recommended were covered.

“We are so incredibly grateful to everyone at

Baymac for their kindness and support. They helped us during the claims process, which was promptly dealt with, and we received the reimbursement (minus the deductible) very quickly.

It was so comforting to know that we had Baymac as part of our team in our cancer battle.”

Roberto - Captain, United Arab Emirates

NEW DEPARTURES Building on its exper tise, Baymac has widened its outreach and is currently unveiling Global Expat, a programme designed specifically for the global expatriate community. “Together, Baymac, Clements Worldwide, VUMI and more recently Tuman Global Solutions have created a suite of insurance solutions including international health plans, of fering comprehensive health insurance coverage designed to meet the needs of the expat community and their families globally, as well as auto and proper ty insurance for global expats,” Daren says.

“I have been a Baymac member for a number of years now and I would like to express my gratitude for the excellent service provided by the Baymac Member Executives Team, VUMI and all associated partners in Brazil who provided outstanding support during an extremely difficult time when my nine-year-old son was diagnosed with leukaemia.

“Due to Baymac’s support, my son was able to get unrestricted treatment at the Sabara Children’s Hospital in São Paulo, Brazil and is on the path of recovery. Thank you all for helping to save my son’s life!”

In positioning itself as a ‘place of resources,’ Baymac is also in the process of launching a service which will allow its members to enjoy discounts on hotels, flights and entertainment at no extra cost. There’s also a travel review platform in the making, targeted at the specific niche groups Baymac serves. Based on the Tripadvisor model, the site will, for example, allow pilots and cabin crew to share information about the countries they visit and the hotels they stay in.

Moving into 2023, Baymac’s plans for expansion extend to locations within Europe and South America, the next areas of ser vice to the international community and anticipated grow th. Customer ser vice remains a priority as does price point. “Our grow th continues to provide us with the necessar y leverage to allow clients to continue to enjoy highvalue ser vices at a ver y reasonable cost,” Daren says. “The coming years will be ver y exciting for the industr y and we are looking for ward to suppor ting our clients in attaining their goals.”

For more on Baymac, email info@baymac.net or visit https://baymac.net.

AROUND DB / MARCH 2023

37

INSIDER

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! s p i Top T

FREQUENT FLYING With so many flights booked and so much fun to be had, the last thing you want is jet lag dragging you down. Samantha Wong has some solutions PHOTOS COURTESY OF Freepik

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INSIDER

S

it bolt upright in a narrow, hard chair; breathe recycled, dr y air; deprive yourself of sleep; hur tle your body through the troposphere at 500 miles an hour in a cylindrical tin, and hey presto… you’re ready to do business or enjoy your holiday.

Not likely.

Most of us have experienced jet lag and are familiar with the symptoms – fatigue, disorient ation, ir r ationalit y, dehydr ation and aches, followed by sleeples s night s, shor t-ter m memor y los s, lack of concentr ation and reduced motivation. But why do we suf fer from it, and how c an we minimise the symptoms?

CIRCADIAN RHYTHMS Ever yone has a body clock that controls their optimum time for sleeping, waking, exercising, eating and being mentally ac tive. If we ignore our body clock, or mess it up by taking a longhaul flight, our so - called circadian rhy thms are disrupted, and we end up feeling stressed, anxious and fatigued.

Usually, jet lag is worse going east than going west, so if you’re heading to Europe you won’t be as hard hit as you’d be arriving in the US. This is because flying west ward, the normal c ycle is temporarily lengthened and our circadian rhy thms can ex tend in line with their natural freewheeling period of about 24 hours, and thus catch up.

NASA estimates that we need one day for ever y time zone crossed to reset our body clocks and regain normal energy levels. So for a five-hour time dif ference, you need five days to recover. But surely there are tried-and-tested ways to minimise jet lag?

The best way is to switch to the new time zone as soon as possible. As you get on the plane, adjust your watch to the destination time, and tr y to sleep at the appropriate time for your destination.

An eye mask, earplugs and blow-up neck pillow are obviously travelling essentials. Shor t- duration sleeping pills can be useful.

There are times, however, when it ’s inadvisable to re-synchronise your circadian rhy thms. For instance, if you’re a business traveller and your intention is to be away from home for 72 hours or less, it is much bet ter to stay on Hong Kong time as far as possible. If you keep your circadian rhy thms in mind when planning your day’s meetings, you’ll be more likely to per form when it count s. An example would be when visiting the UK, tr y and hold impor tant business meetings in the morning when you feel at your best. Avoid meetings in the late af ternoon (night time in Hong Kong).

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IF WE IGNORE OUR BODY CLOCK, OR MESS IT UP BY TAKING A LONG-HAUL FLIGHT, OUR SO-CALLED CIRCADIAN RHYTHMS ARE DISRUPTED, AND WE END UP FEELING STRESSED, ANXIOUS AND FATIGUED INFLIGHT MANOEUVRES Of course it’s not just the time changes that effect our post-flight condition. Often, we have a mountain of things to check-off before we travel, which may leave us feeling over-tired or stressed and therefore more liable to get sick on board (where the air is far from fresh) or on arrival. A simple but effective solution? Take Vitamin C. While Vitamin C does not reduce frequency of regular colds all that much, stress-related colds (when you’re tired and run down from lack of sleep etc.) are halved by high doses of the supplement. So take 1,000mg three times daily, from the day of your flight for the full week after.

On board, the dr y atmosphere can be a problem, especially if you’re used to the humidity of Hong Kong. Cabin humidity usually ranges from 5% to 15%, and this dr y air can cause headaches and dr y air way passages. It’s the per fect environment to catch a cold, cough, sore throat or the flu.

With this in mind, make sure you drink plenty of water before and during your flight. Staying hydrated is essential. Avoid all diuretics (alcohol, tea and coffee) as they cause the body to lose water. This can lead AROUND DB / MARCH 2023

39

INSIDER

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6 WAYS TO COMBAT JET LAG 1. Leave home well rested 2. Use the flight to recharge and reset 3. On arrival, stay awake until an early local bedtime 4. Keep well hydrated 5. Soak up plenty of sun 6. Take Melatonin and Vitamin C

to dehydration which makes the effects of jet lag that much worse. Note too that the effect of alcohol on the body is two to three times more potent when you are flying.

Exercise helps blood flow, so on long flights be aware of the need to get up and stretch. Get up several times throughout your flight, walk to the bathroom and stretch your legs and arms as much as possible.

You can do several effective exercises in your seat, such as moving your ankles in a circular motion to decrease swelling, stretching your arms above your head, and pulling your shoulders back.

Long-haul travel (over four hours) brings with it a risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Smokers, the immobile, pregnant women, those taking oral contraceptives and people who have inherited an abnormally active clotting mechanism are most at risk.

DVT occurs because of dehydration, immobility (possibly made worse by sedation) and the pooling of blood in our feet that happens at reduced pressure.

The best ways to prevent it are by keeping mobile, walking regularly and keeping well hydrated. Antiembolism stockings to the calf or above can also be useful. Those who have had recent operations or suffer from a chronic disease often take an anticoagulant injection prior to a flight.

WHAT TO DO ON ARRIVAL The inability to sleep at the appropriate time, after crossing several time zones, can turn a holiday or business trip into a living hell. But there are remedies.

If sleep really is eluding you, take Melatonin, ideally sublingual Melatonin as it is quick acting and bypasses the stomach. It’s the body’s own sleep hormone, and it’s safe for shor t-term use at any age.

Melatonin shor tens the period you experience jet lag by half; and it halves sleep latency (that time spent tossing and turning in bed before falling asleep). Melatonin works, it helps you fall asleep but it’s not a sleeping pill and it won’t ‘knock you out’ for hours or leave you feeling groggy the next day.

Before you turn in, open the cur tains a little and set an alarm, so you’ll wake up bright and early in the morning. Drag yourself out of bed, even if you don’t want to, and spend as much time outdoors as possible. Daylight, which helps to realign our circadian rhy thms, is probably the single most useful tool you can use to ease jet lag.

Keep yourself busy, do a bit of exercise, drink plenty of water and find a way to push through until the evening. By ignoring your body’s desire for a sneaky midday nap, you should win yourself a good night’s sleep – and wake up ready to make the most of your well-deser ved trip.

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in Old Town Square spans 800 years from Medieval to Art Nouveau. For many, the visual highlight is the Church of Our Lady before Týn with its Gothic façade and spires. Venture down one of the cobbled streets leading off the square to explore more of the Old Town and get your first glimpse of the Vltava.

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movies, from Mission Impossible to Amadeus, not to mention the unforgettable INXS video Never Tear Us Apart, Charles Bridge is one of Prague’s best-known attractions. A pedestrianised bridge over the Vltava, lined with 30 Baroque statues, it connects Prague Castle with the Old Town.

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ESCAPES

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the Vltava’s left bank, Prague Castle spans over 70,000 square metres, making it the largest castle complex in Europe. It’s also one of the prettiest, with spires, towers and palaces straight out of a fairy tale. The centre of Czech power since the 9th century, it’s the place to see some of the country’s greatest artistic and cultural treasures.

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Estates Theatre is Old Town Prague’s major arts venue, hosting opera, drama and ballet performances. Opened in 1783, it premiered Mozart’s Don Giovanni, and the hooded ghost statue at one end of the building – Anna Chromy’s Il Commendatore – commemorates this.

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RECIPES

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AROUND DB / MARCH 2023

RECIPES

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Flavourful and aromatic, these authentic Mexican go-tos work equally well as a snack, for brunch, or as an easy mid-week supper PHOTOS COURTESY OF Adobe Stock

ULTIMATE GUACAMOLE Serves 2 1 small red onion 1 medium very ripe tomato 1 red chilli, deseeded 1 large handful fresh coriander 1 lime 4 medium ripe avocados

In a food processor, pulse the onion, tomato, chilli and most of the coriander until finely chopped, then transfer to a bowl. Roll the lime over the work surface with some pressure to help juicing, then cut in half, juice it and add to the mix.

Now cut your avocados in half, remove the stones and scoop out the creamy flesh. Squash the flesh to a pulp with your hands to make it super creamy.

Leave a few of the chunks for a bit of texture. Mix through the blitzed veg, add some seasoning and a little mayonnaise (optional). Drizzle with olive oil and some more coriander, and serve with nachos.

AROUND DB / MARCH 2023

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RECIPES

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EASY BEEF AND BEAN BURRITOS Serves 4 ½ red onion, thinly sliced 1 red pepper, deseeded and thinly sliced ½tsp ground allspice 1tsp smoked paprika 3tsp cumin seeds 2 x 200g sirloin steaks, cut into strips ½tbsp olive oil 2 garlic cloves, peeled and sliced 1 x 400g tin black or borlotti beans, partially drained

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AROUND DB / MARCH 2023

Mix the red onion, red pepper, allspice, paprika, 1tsp cumin seeds, the thinly cut steak and olive oil in a bowl.

Stir well and leave to marinate for up to two hours. Fry the beef mixture with a pinch of salt over a high heat until the beef is browned all over. Remove from the pan and rest on a plate. For the beans, add a dash of olive oil to the pan you cooked the steak in. Add the garlic and 2tsp cumin seeds and cook over a medium heat for 2 minutes. Add the beans, crushing them lightly with the back of a wooden spoon as you heat them through.

Once soft, remove from the heat and set aside.

To serve, spread some of the beans over four burritos and top with a little of the beef. Drizzle a spoonful of sour cream over. Add a scattering of lettuce, roll up and serve immediately.

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WIN PRIZES FROM UNCLE RUSS COFFEE AND THE PIER BAR! The best snap wins! Your mission this month is to share your favourite photo of DB on Instagram, hashtag #arounddb. You have until the 10th of the month to enter.

This is your chance to win four complimentary coffees from Uncle Russ, or four beers from The Pier Bar. We will contact the winner via Instagram. Good luck!

CONGRATULATIONS TO LAST MONTH’S WINNER: Luca Sabato @murdockino

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CLASSIFIEDS

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Packing, Moving & Storage Services. Provide fix price quote upon onsite survey or choose from rates below.

Hire a Truck: $220/Hour. Minimum 3 Hour Short Trips: $200.00 up.

Hire Movers: HK$120/hour per Mover. Minimum 3 Hour.

Cartons and Packing Materials: 16x14x14" (Small): HK$12.00.

23x15x15" (Medium): HK$15.00.

24x18x16" (Large): HK$18.00.

36x23x11" (Flat carton for Hanging Clothes): HK$30.00.

24x22x47" (Wardrobe Boxes) : $90.00 Plastic Wrap: HK$60/Roll.

Packing Paper: $160/Ream.

Bubble: HK$50/Roll.

Packing Tape: $8/piece.

Plastic boxes and used cartons can be provided free of charge. (Subject to availability) Serve Lantau, DB, Tung Chung and rest of the HK. www.akash.hk 50

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2421 8088

info@akash.hk

Whatsapp 67612007

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Insurance

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HOUSE INSURANCE MAID INSURANCE PET INSURANCE LIFE & MEDICAL SAVING PLAN TRAVEL RELOCATION CARE

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M O D E R N A P A R T M EMODERN N T S IAPARTMENTS N D I S C OINVDISCOVERY E R Y B A BAY Y

Short or Long Term rents.

Short or Long-term Rentals, Serviced as required.

Next to Tunnel and Club Siena with quiet sea views N e x tpark, t o T uFully n n e l furnished, a n d N o r t h washer/dryer, Plaza over bed linen, kitchenware. w i t h q u i e t v i e600 w s osqv eft,r S60 i e ninch a P a TVs, r k . Wi-Fi, Sound bar.

Please F u l l y f ucontact r n i s h e downer: , 600sft, washer dryer, 93170624 or nialady2011@gmail.com

WiFi, big TV, Sound bar

CO N TAC T T H E O W N E R 9 3 1 7 0 6 2 4 o r n i a l a d y 2 0 1 1 @ g m a i l . c o m

you IIff yo u a are r e l o looking o k i n g t o rto e n trent o r s eor l l asell p r o pae rproperty ty and and wo uwould l d l i ke like t o s eto e i tsee p r o mito listed t e d o n ton h i s this p a g epage, , e m a i l i n f o @ b a y m e d i a . c o m . h k email info@baymedia.com.hk

LOCAL NUMBERS

LOCAL NUMBERS

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TUNG CHUNG

EMERGENCY SERVICES 999 Tung Chung Ambulance Depot Tung Chung Fire Station Tung Chung Police Station HOME & REPAIRS Mega Power Engineering/Locksmiths Mr Chan 24-Hour Handyman Papabo Shun Yu Engineering HOTELS Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Novotel Citygate Hong Kong Regal Airport Hotel Sheraton Tung Chung The Silveri Hong Kong - MGallery LEARNING CENTRES Clement Art School Discovery Mind International Play Centre Greenfield International Kindergarten Salala Kids’ House Soundwaves English Education Centre Sun Island Education Foundation Tung Chung Catholic School YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College MEDICAL Bayside Dental Essential Health Family Clinic Human Health Medical Centre North Lantau Hospital North Lantau Physiotherapy Quality Health Dental Quality Health Care Medical Raffles Medical

Raffles Medical Emergency 2988 8282 2988 1898 REALTORS 3661 1999 HomeSolutions

2261 0999 Regala Café & Dessert Bar, Regal Airport Hotel 2286 6618 Rouge, Regal Airport Hotel 2286 6868 Skycity Bistro, SkyCity Marriott 3969 2500 3483 5003 Sunset Grill, Sheraton Tung Chung 2535 0025 The New Chapter 2907 6988 REMOVALS & RELOCATION The Tavern 2907 6822 Akash Removals 2421 8088 Upper Deck 2757 8889 2109 2330 FTC Relocations 2814 1658 2535 0028 9343 3718 ReloSmart 2561 3030 Yue, Sheraton Tung Chung 5541 1502 SwiftRelo 2363 4008 Velocity Bar & Grill, Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott 3969 1888 2988 1488 RETAIL RESIDENTIAL SERVICES 2428 2566 Caribbean Coast Clubhouse 2109 9277 FTC Apparel 9733 5483 2109 9288 Lantau Balloons 3969 1888 Caribbean Coast Management Office Coastal Skyline Clubhouse 2179 6678 3602 8888 SPORT & RECREATION 2179 6621 2286 8888 Coastal Skyline Management Office Asia Pacific Soccer Schools 2385 9677 3473 8700 Aqua Gym 2535 0000 Seaview Crescent Clubhouse 2914 0658 Seaview Crescent Management Office 3473 8833 B & S Art Gallery 2493 8895 3602 8989 Tung Chung Crescent Clubhouse 2403 6770 Dance for Joy 9264 8597 Tung Chung Crescent Management Office 2109 1222 Edge ’n Pointe Dance Centre 6688 2167 ESF Sports 2711 1280 9757 9157 RESTAURANTS & FOOD DELIVERY Fitness in Motion 9744 4736 2987 8070 A Tavola Bar & Grill 2321 5500 HK Dragons 2987 4274 2162 5538 Andante, Novotel Citygate 2385 9677 3602 8828 Kinder Kicks Soccer 2611 9193 Cabana Breeze 6443 6597 2777 8982 Perun Fitness 2164 7210 Café Aficionado 2286 6238 Rugbytots 5307 6677 Tung Chung Public Swimming Pool 2109 9107 2420 1068 Café Lantau, Sheraton Tung Chung 2535 0021 Tung Chung Sports Centre 2109 2421 2121 0884 Funky Monkey 2427 1111 Tung Chung Rugby Club 6079 0825 2988 8123 Jasmine Tung Chung 2162 8018 La Rosabelle Bar & Grill 2881 8788 VETERINARY SERVICES & PETS La Vista 2368 6866 Royal Pets (Pet Sitting) 6314 9887 2185 6550 Lobby Lounge, Sheraton Tung Chung 2535 0023 Tung Chung Animal Clinic 2988 1534 2109 9396 Maison Du Mezze 2330 0131 Tung Chung Vet Centre 2328 7282 2109 2288 Man Mano Italian Restaurant 3500 5885 3467 7000 Mint & Basil 2762 8077 WELLBEING & BEAUTY 2194 0020 Moon Lok Chiu Chow 2116 8149 Max Beauty Spa 2162 5752 2403 6613 My Thai 2286 6266 2907 6918 OM Spa, Regal Airport Hotel 2403 6623 Nha Trang Vietnamese Cuisine 9551 6468 2234 9199 Tung Chung Nail Ninjas 2261 2626 PizzaExpress 3692 1888 2297 3588 Quan Spa, Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott

SOUTH LANTAU EMERGENCY SERVICES 999 Lantau South Police Mui Wo Fire Department

MEDICAL 3661 1696 North Lantau Hospital 2984 1570

HOME & REPAIRS Koon Wah Hardware Lee Wo Construction Engineering Man Shun Construction & Engineering New Look Design Papabo

2984 8487 2984 1802 2984 9833 9783 5840 5541 1502

HOTELS Silvermine Beach Resort Tai O Heritage Hotel

6810 0111 2985 8383

LEARNING CENTRES Ashville International Kindergarten & Nursery Buddhist Fat Ho College Lantau International Kindergarten Lantau International School, Reception, Lantau International School, Lower Primary Lantau International School, Upper Primary Little Lantau Montessori Kindergarten Mui Wo Language Cafe Silvermine Bay School

2109 9886 2985 5365 2984 0302 2984 0302 2980 3676 2984 0302 3689 7033 5511 6107 2984 0006

The Gallery 3467 7000 The Kitchen Treasure Island Beach Club

REALTORS RETAIL Findley Leung 2984 8334 Friendly Bike Shop HomeSolutions 3483 5003 Garden Plus Island Wines REMOVALS & RELOCATION Loi Chan Frozen Meat Co. Akash Removals 2421 8088 Lantau Base Camp FTC Relocations 2814 1658 Lantau Grocer Lee Hing Loong 2984 2268 Red Hall Chinese Antiques ReloSmart 2561 3030 Tony’s Salon SwiftRelo 2363 4008 Value Vigilantes VIBE Book & Music Shop RESTAURANTS & FOOD DELIVERY Bathers 2504 4788 SPORT & RECREATION Cafe Isara 2470 1966 Long Coast Seasports Caffe Paradiso 2984 0498 South Lantau Paddle Club China Bear 2984 9720 Treasure Island Beach Club La Pizzeria 2984 8933 Lantana Italian Bistro 5465 5511 WELLBEING & BEAUTY Long Island 2320 2001 Pause by the Banyan Pause Cafe 5267 5549 Spa Ambiance The China Beach Club 2983 8931

2980 2582 5991 6292 5236 7013 2984 2278 2980 2233 9521 8481 2984 8346 9889 4375 2702 0050 2988 1368 2984 0990 6132 9120 9088 2370 5545 5625 6058 8843 2546 3543 9708 0187 2984 2488

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LOCAL NUMBERS

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DISCOVERY BAY BUSINESS SERVICES T8 Consulting Ltd Monx

2517 8248 5286 0155

EMERGENCY SERVICES 999 China Light & Power Emergency DB Fire & Ambulance Gas Leakage Emergency Hotline Lantau North Police Report Room

2728 8333 2987 7502 2435 4511 3661 1694

FINANCIAL SERVICES Bank of China 2160 8585 HSBC 2233 3000 HOME & REPAIRS Chameleon Design & Interiors China Light & Power Information DRS Company Good Luck Engineering Hung Kee Co Island Cleaning Solutions

May’s Furniture & Curtain Design Rich Point Hardware Materials Water Fault Reports Water Supplies Department Well Supreme Laundry

9219 8169 2678 2678 9156 0360 2987 1313 2987 5087 6091 5176 2987 0222 2987 0789 2811 0788 2824 5000 2987 5151

HOTELS Auberge Discovery Bay

2295 8288

LAWYERS & INSURANCE Harvey Law Group International law firm offering a wide range of commercial & personal legal services. Meeting facilities available in DB. Contact 24168618, dboffice@harveylawcorporation.com,

Manulife 9172 9152 LEARNING CENTRES Discovery Montessori School A reputable & well-known international school for authentic Montessori bilingual (English & Chinese) education for children aged 1 to 12 years. Beautiful campus & highly qualified teachers. Contact 2987 1201, enquiry@dms.edu.hk, www.dms.edu.hk

2987 4217 6108 9131 9648 2966

MEDICAL Bayside Dental Practice 2987 0855 DB Medical Centre 2987 5633 Health & Care Dental Clinic 2666 6183 Island Health 2987 7575 North Lantau Hospital 3467 7000 Quality Health Medical Centre 2987 5633 Quality Health Physiotherapy 2473 6200 Lok Kwan Home Care Service 2803 2103 Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Lok Kwan District Support Centre (Islands) 2548 0060/ 2546 3739 Yulana Stynder Physiotherapy 5514 1008 PLACES OF WORSHIP DB Alliance Church Community Centre DB Anglican Church DB International Community Church Trinity Chapel

2987 8136 2987 4210 2987 7061 3590 8017

REALTORS Headland Homes 2987 2088 Kingsland 2987 2987 Land Master Property 2987 6238 Okay.com 2102 0888 Savills 2987 1919 REMOVALS & RELOCATION Akash Removals FTC Relocations ReloSmart SwiftRelo

2421 8088 2814 1658 2561 3030 2363 4008

RESIDENTIAL SERVICES DB Office Centre DB Lost & Found DB Management The Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council Typhoon Signal Enquiries

2238 3388 3651 2345 2238 3601 2259 3422 2835 1473

RESTAURANTS & FOOD DELIVERY

EpicLand

The Rink All Day Lounge

Billed as Hong Kong’s tallest indoor entertainment centre, EpicLand is home to the city's first ‘air trek’, complete with eight sky-high obstacles, trampolines, slides and more. Contact 2441 0098, reception@epiclandhk.com, www.epiclandhk.com

Located in DB Plaza Extension, the The Rink All Day Lounge specialises in international cuisine with a Mediterranean influence, offering guests a superior dining experience. To reserve a table, call 3709 6451.

Tree of Joy A fun, engaging & supportive environment in which children play & learn. Programmes include a drop-off nursery class, parent-toddler class, afternoon camp & cooking class. Contact 3742 8772, info@treeofjoydb.com, www.treeofjoydb.com

Bayview House of Children 6114 2436 DBIS 2987 7331 DBIS Kindergarten 2914 2142 Discovery College 3969 1000 Discovery Mind International Play Centre 2987 8088 Discovery Mind Kindergarten 2987 8088 Discovery Mind Primary School 2914 2202 Discovery Montessori Academy 2812 9206 Dr Bear Education Centre 9685 7856 EpicLand 2441 0098 Eye Level Education Learning Centre 9366 0000 Funfit 6302 6327 Forres Sandle Manor (UK) admissions 9107 9795 Guidepost Montessori (DB) 2185 6134 HKILA

2416 3198 La Petite Enfance Kindergarten 8191 0813 Mandarin for Munchkins 2480 3909 Mathemagic (home tutoring) 9135 4724 SKH Wei Lun Primary School 2987 8608 54

Treasure House Woodentots Zhi Zhi Chinese

AROUND DB / MARCH 2023

101 Tasty House 2658 9696 Bones & Blades 2383 0792 Café Bord de Mer & Lounge 2295 8299 Caffe Pascucci 2591 1426 Cali-Mex 2904 7698 Coffee Academics 2882 2280 Ebeneezer’s 2987 0036 Epic Foods 2172 6111 Figos Seaside Café 2987 2995 HanMade Teahouse 2322 8858 il Bel Paese 2987 0202 Island Café 2987 9311 Koh Tomyums 2987 0767 La Creation & Châteraisé 2987 1829 Levain Bakery 2726 4922 Lekker Laa 6857 1620 McDonald’s & McCafe 2987 1033 Mirch Masala 2987 1387 Moofish by Zak’s 2987 6318 Osmanbey Turkish Restaurant 5401 8350 Pacific Coffee 2987 1662 Paisano’s 2673 4445 Peony 2215 0833 PizzaExpress 3164 1340

LOCAL NUMBERS

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DISCOVERY BAY Raf & Sons/The Rink 3611 8369 Shanghai Breeze 2987 7808 Solera 2555 0772 Starbucks 2246 8172 Subway 2914 0005 Sushi No En 3705 9984 Taste of Thai 2987 2010 The Pier Bar 2520 2166 Three Sheets Marquee Bar 2987 0966 Uncle Russ 2840 1188 Viet Bu Tong Kitchen & Bar 2338 8970 Zak’s 2987 6232 RETAIL & DAILY NECESSITIES 7-Eleven 2299 1110 Bloom 6117 7653 Bones & Blades Butcher 2383 0683 Bookazine 2987 1373 Circle K 2991 6337 DB Post Office 2987 6046 european touch 2918 0868 felix and mina

2130 7013 Fusion by PARKnSHOP 2987 7486 Garden A rtemis 9137 4833 Gillian Florist 2529 8256 Greenmont Kids 5345 1451 Havana@ DBay 2918 0868 Island Wake 2636 0601 Japan Home Centre 2987 1041 Market Place and IKEA 2947 9092 Nomadic

2987 8460 Open Kitchen 2987 8720 P-Solution 2987 1777 Polishfood.hk 9546 0374 Rapee-living 2557 9233 Tai Fat Hardware Store 2987 0789 The Optical House 2987 1368 Toysland 2987 7859 Watson’s Pharmacy 2987 4089 Watson’s Wine 2987 0268 SPORT & RECREATION

Harry Wright International 2575 6279 HK Yoga 6113 6770 Kaisei Ryu Ju Jitsu 5315 0227 Kapuhala Train-in-Space 6101 8434 Korea Taekwondo Cheung Do Kwan 9663 8077 Lantau Yacht Club 2987 9591 MGK Fight Club 9303 2996 Yoga Bay 6704 9851 Yogika 6749 7836 YogaUP 6805 4996 TRANSPORTATION DB Golf Cart Services DB Transportation Services Limousine Rental Wiselink Golf Cart Services

2914 2727 2987 7351 5303 3489 2987 9368

VETERINARY SERVICES & PETS Island Veterinary Services

My Pet Shop Pets Gallery Pet Space Club Ready, Pet, Go! The Dog's Garden

2987 9003 2987 8873 2987 0428 2788 1599 5721 6181 2987 2077

WELLBEING & BEAUTY Ingredients of Wellness Mindfulness training for children, teens & their parents and teachers. Offering Mindfulness Matters, Mindfulness in Education (for adults), AMT Mindfulness Teacher Training.

Contact 9048 5425, angie@ingredientsofwellness.com, www.ingredientsofwellness.com

Afflatus Hair Workshop Bay Spa DB Pure Spa Head to Toe Spa By Nailed it Herbal Health Care Hypnotherapist Margaret Liu Nailed It! Salon De Coiffure Sophia Essentials Spa Botanica, Auberge Discovery Bay

2987 0283 9837 0969 9794 0918 2988 1188 2834 7276 5925 3469 2987 2266 2987 4112 2527 0118 2295 8129

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

Island Dance ISTD Freestyle, ISTD Hip Hop, RAD Ballet, Tap & AcroDance classes at DBRC, Club Siena & DB Plaza.

Five professional instructors, teaching six days a week.

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

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

BMSE Community Centre 2259 3422 Club Siena

2987 7382 Daruma Judo 6244 6093 DBees

9867 9240 DB Ice Rink 2234 0187 DB Pirates 9255 6133 DB Golf Club 2987 7273 DB Recreation Club 2987 7381 DMR 5210 7208 Dream Sports Academy 3462 2626 Embody 6624 8712 EpicLand 2441 0098 EMS Fitness Hong Kong 6200 2463 Future Stars Dance Academy 2987 6867 Gallery Jeeum 9819 7176

VIEW THE BUSINESS DIRECTORY @ www.arounddb.com To add your own directory listing box, call the Bay Media office on 2987 0167, or email info@baymedia.com.hk

AROUND DB / MARCH 2023

55

OUT THERE

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EXPLORING PUTIN’S SOFTER SIDE

Dissecting a recent interview held at Putin’s new dacha, Peter Sherwood seeks the gentle and velvety Vladimir PHOTO COURTESY OF Adobe Stock

I

’m no spook but I lucked into a transcript of an international Villas and Gardens magazine inter view with Vladimir Putin. No word from the journalist after the recording reached her editor.

She is believed to be holidaying in the Lubyanka enrolled in an extreme yoga course: Mr President, thank you for inviting me to your new dacha; it’s quite stunning. Four teen rooms, you must be delighted. “It’s tiny. I have yachts with more space.” But the graceful timber ceilings and elegant joiner y are master ful, and the soft colours within the interior space are all remarkably understated. “It’s rubbish and I’m moving out.”

I heard the architect reflected the outside environment with material elements of timelessness and warmth. “Not enough rooms. I requested 15 rooms, one for ever y year of my dedicated ser vice to the philanthropic KGB. A big mistake, so I fired the architect.” You sacked him for one small mistake?

“No, I fired him. You’re not listening.”

Oh, well the gardens are magnificent. I hear they include exquisite Fernleaf Peonies from Central Asia, and extraordinar y Royal Azaleas in shades of pink with little spots that look like freckles. “I hate pinky things, reminds me of babies.”

Well, your Sacred Lotuses are splendid, and that most rare of Russian flowers Bieberstein’s Crocus, so wonder ful and an endangered species. “Ha! There are State Duma officials at the Kremlin and some of my top generals who are more endangered than

FIRE THE ARCHITECT!

that.” You even have delicate Siberian Fawn Lilies, a bulbous perennial from the wild. “Lilies are for women – and funerals.” And the Golden Root, one of Russia’s top 10 most beautiful.

“In Russia, we have hundreds of the top 10 most beautiful flowers. Just weeds. Too much colour. I asked for grey to echo my futuristic vision for the new Russian Empire, so I’ll have them ripped out.”

But your landscape gardeners are the two best in the countr y. “I let them go. One is in the formal garden...” You said you dismissed them. “I said in the formal garden. The other one is at our mar vellous Siberian Gardening Centre and Recreational Retreat growing potatoes to make vodka.”

Back to the dacha, I par ticularly like the nod to tropical influences with the hand-painted Chinoiserie wallpaper by de Gournay. “Too fancy; I asked for brown.” Your fabulous palace by the Black Sea gained worldwide attention and is said the be wor th US$1.4 billion. “Peanuts, my stamp collection costs more than that.” Rooms that total 17,700 square metres and the master bedroom is 260 square metres – amazing. “My political opponent and dear friend Alexei Navalny spread those rumours. Poor chap got food poisoning, so I arranged for him to recuperate at a luxur y spa in the Russian Arctic.” For 11 years? “A serious case and I want him to get well.”

I hear you’re planning to construct the world’s biggest memorial in Moscow. “Yes, a million square metres of grey concrete to commemorate the patriots who sur vived my courageous effor ts to free the suffering Ukrainian people from the yoke of Nazi oppression.”

What about the Russian casualties? “We Russians don’t have casualties.” But the UN says…

Peter Sherwood has lived in DB for 20+ years. The former head of an international public relations firm, he is the author of 15 books and has written around 400 satirical columns for the South China Morning Post.

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AROUND DB / MARCH 2023