AROUND DB MAY 2023

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DOUBLE HAPPINESS

Celebrate Mother’s Day and Helper Appreciation Month

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PA R E N T I N G

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

THE TINWORTH TRAIL Reasons to run sections 7 to 10

BUSINESS SAVVY

Advice for wannabe entrepreneurs from Stefano Passarello

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DB’S ALL-FILIPINO, ALL-DOMESTIC WORKER, ALL-FEMALE DRAGON BOAT TEAM

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May Month Mayis is Helper Helper Appreciation Appreciation Month Come activities!

Come and and join join our our activities!

7 May 7 May Medical & Health Talk Medical & Health Talk Dr Winnie Siu Dr Winnie Siu

21 21May May Physiotherapy PhysiotherapyTalk Talk Gita GitaGo Go

13,20, 20,27 27May May 6,6,13, Yogawith withEmbody Embody Yoga DBPlaza Plaza atatDB

Financial Management Talk Financial Management Talk Enrich Enrich Stay tuned for details on FB page Stay tuned for details on FB page

28May May 28 FunBeach BeachTennis Tennis Fun atTai Taipak pakBeach Beach at

7, 7,14, 14,21, 21,28 28May May Yoga with Anri & Jonathan Yoga with Anri & Jonathan at atDB DBPlaza Plaza

Domestic helpers make a lot of sacrifices and are essential to many of our lives.

Domestic make a lotthis of sacrifices and essential to manythem. of our lives.

Wehelpers would like to take opportunity toare honor and celebrate We would like to take this opportunity to honor and celebrate them.

Please join us for these events hosted for our lovely aunties & uncles in the community Please join us for these events hosted for our lovely aunties & uncles in the community For details of the events, please follow “May is Helper Appreciation Month” Facebook page for updates For details of the events, please follow “May is Helper Appreciation Month” Facebook page for updates

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FEATURES 20 PROFILE Maja Candiza, Divine Dela Rosa and Rhoda Manzano introduce Tado’s Dragon

24 COMMUNITY From Sunny Bay to Tai O: reasons to run sections 7 to 10 of the new Tinworth Trail

38 PARENTING Double happiness: time to celebrate Mother’s Day and Helper Appreciation Month

SPOTLIGHT Stefano Passarello

08 DB NEWS

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20 QUESTIONS World Laughter Day Quiz

14 PAST EVENTS

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ESCAPES Your entrée to French Polynesia

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RECIPES Surprises for mum’s special day

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C O M M U N I T Y

OUT THERE Peter Sherwood talks back

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

ISL AND -WIDE NEWS

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LOCAL INFLUENCERS

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L ANTAU DESTINATIONS

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COMMUNIT Y SNAPS

YOUR GUIDE TO HONG KONG’S ‘GREEN JEWEL’

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Tado’s Dragon team mates training at DB North

WE AL S O P UB L IS H NN

BUSINESS SAVVY

Advice for wannabe entrepreneurs from Stefano Passarello

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Reasons to run sections 7 to 10

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THE TINWORTH TRAIL

57 LOCAL NUMBERS

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Celebrate Mother’s Day and Helper Appreciation Month

PA R E N T I N G

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DOUBLE HAPPINESS

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Global style: reinvent your home decor with exotic pieces picked up on your travels

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GREEN DAYS TAKE SOME TIME OUT AT WELLBEING FARM

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EPICLAND’S ADULT PLAY NIGHT

EpicLand is a place where the whole family can play, and the team recognises the importance of play for adults – play that exercises not only the physical but also the creative muscles.

For this reason, the 1,400-square-metre entertainment centre is hosting an 80s-themed Adult Play Night on May 20 from 7pm to 10pm.

With the DB North venue transformed into a nightclub, complete with a bar, activities include rock climbing, trampolining, air trek, laser tag, ziplining, virtual reality rides and mini golf. To find out more, WhatsApp 9707 7136 or visit www.epiclandhk.com. [PHOTO COURTESY OF EpicLand.]

Star ting August, DB Nor th-based HK Yoga and Wellness Centre is providing an intensive 50 0 -hour Yoga Teacher Training Course accredited by Yoga Alliance USA and taught by Maxim Gagarin. The course includes 20 0 hours of theor y, histor y and philosophy; 150 hours of group prac tice; 10 0 hours of methodology and technique; and 50 hours of yoga therapy. Upon successful completion, par ticipants are awarded the RY T 50 0 Yoga Instruc tor Cer tificate. For more information on the timeslots, fees and to join the course, WhatsApp 6113 6770 or visit w w w.hk yoga.ru/db.

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D I S CL AIME R The views expressed in Around DB are not necessarily those of the publisher, editor or contributors. The publisher and editor cannot be held responsible for differences of opinion or statements published in good faith. The publisher, contributors, their employees and partners are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors or omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication and expressly disclaim all and any liability for any such action of any person. The mention of specific companies or products in articles or advertisements does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by this magazine or its publisher in preference to others of a similar nature which are not mentioned or advertised. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without permission. © BAY MEDIA GROUP 2023

DB SPONSORS FOR 2023 Lippmann Lee (Ampcontrol) Tim Drew (Tanner De Witt) Craig Barnett (The Chippy) Matija Maretic (Marvelsoft) Rafael Lopes (606) Tim Bredbury (Cluch) Tony Ryan (CLA) Gary Rollinson (DBFC)

8 8 AROUND DB / MAY 2023

DBFC AT HKFC CITI SOCCER SEVENS

Discovery Bay Football Club (DBFC) has been invited to participate in the Masters section of the HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens 2023, which is being held from May 26 to 28 after a four-year hiatus due to COVID. The DB team has secured sponsorship from a number of DB residents to enter the tournament as Ampcontrol Discovery Bay, and is set to compete against top international and local teams with some well-known professional players. In 2018, DBFC players won the Masters Cup and in 2017 and 2019, they were runners-up for the Masters Plate.

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

[PHOTOS COURTESY OF DBFC.]

DB NEWS

DBIS SIXTH FORM OPEN EVENT

DBIS (Discovery Bay International School) is hosting an open event for prospective Year 12 students and their parents on May 16 at its Sixth Form campus in DB North Plaza. The event, which starts at 6pm, coincides with the launch of the school’s new Sixth Form scholarship programme. Registration is essential. To register, go to dbis.hk/SixthFormEvent.

[PHOTO COURTESY OF DBIS.]

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TENNIS NATIONS CUP FINAL

Head to the 27th Tennis Nations Cup final on May 6 at the Discovery Bay Recreation Club (DBRC) for what is sure to be an action-packed day. The club’s top tennis players are set to showcase their skills, as they battle it out on court in whacky national costumes. To know more, call the DBRC on 2987 7381 or visit www.dbrc.hk. [PHOTO BY Richard Gordon www.richardgordon.com.]

KNOW IN MAY!

EAT KOREAN IN DB NORTH

TOWA BIRD’S FIRST SINGLE Towa Bird, former Discover y College student and YRock kid, has released her first single, Wild Hear t, on the Interscope label. Since taking up elec tric guitar at the age of 12, the singer-songwriter has become known for her wildly explosive guitar solos and sensitive lyric s. “I grew up listening to so many male-gazey love songs, and it was impor tant to put something out into the world that felt like the music I wanted for myself when I was a kid,” Towa says of her April release which you can catch on Spotif y. [PHOTO COURTESY OF Les Bird.]

Got an obsession with Korean food? Then head to newly opened JOO Korean Grill & Bar in DB North for the real deal. The menu is extensive, packed with authentic stews, dumplings and noodle dishes; pork belly and beef short ribs, hot off the grill, are signature dishes. There are small plates and plates for sharing, as well as a dedicated, well-priced lunch menu. Be sure to try the crispy kimchi pancake and yellowtail ceviche. JOO is open seven days a week from 12 noon to 3pm and 6pm to 9pm. To make a booking or order takeout, call 6706 7520.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY THROUGH MAY | DONATE PRELOVED FURNITURE to people

in need through DB Mothers & Friends. To arrange for pick-up, visit Facebook @dbmf.collection.

MAY 1 | GATHER AT THE PLANT MARKET in DB Community Green Square from 2pm to 4pm. Visit Facebook @DynamicDB.

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

MAY 21 | JOIN A BEACH CLEAN-UP! Meet at the gate to DB/ Nim Shue Wan at 2.10pm. Email dana@plasticfreeseas.org to RSVP.

AROUND DB / MAY 2023

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DB NEWS

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HAPPY HELPER APPRECIATION MONTH

FOSTER HENDERSON’S BIG WIN

Congratulations to Foster Henderson, who was awarded Grand Champion of the Gasca International Music Competition in Tokyo in April. One of only two competitors to play two instruments in the competition, the nine-year-old DB resident placed first in violin and runner-up in piano. Foster would like to express his thanks to his piano teacher (and mum) concert pianist Stephanie Fung, and his violin teacher Nina Wong. [PHOTOS COURTESY OF Tim Henderson.]

THE BABY HUB HK

Long-time DB resident Marcella King has set up The Baby Hub HK, a home-visiting service for all things baby. Various personalised packages are on offer to support new mums and dads on their parenting journey. In addition to regular health check-ups, a home visit typically includes developmental assessment, postnatal support and advice on bonding with your child. Marcella can offer support on feeding, including weight monitoring, breast feeding, bottle feeding, weaning onto solid foods and pumping schedules.

She can also provide hands-on help with everything from sleep routines to allergies. She offers home safety assessments, helper training and group workshops.

Marcella has over 25 years of paediatric experience, and runs the Central Health Family Practice Baby Clinic in DB. To find out more and get some support, visit www.thebabyhubhk.com.

IDEAS FOR MOTHER’S DAY

We’ve got plenty in the magazine this issue to get you in the mood for May 14. Sharon Lesley Le Roux’s article in the parenting section, page 38, focuses on what Mother’s Day means to children as well as mums, and why it’s one of only a handful of celebrations observed by families all around the world. You’ll be wanting to treat mum on her special day, so we show you how to make a healthy and delicious blueberry mousse cake on page 48. And you can turn to our Mother’s Day wish list, on page 36, for inspiration on gifts – everything from flowers to bubbly, and most for under HK$500.

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This May, DB families are being asked to recognise the work of their helpers, whether with a grand gesture or a simple thank you. As concept co-creator Steve Chitty says, “Our aunties and uncles make a lot of sacrifices and are essential to many of our lives. This is our opportunity to honour and celebrate them.”

Launched back in 2015, Helper Appreciation Month enables all of us in the community – individuals, schools and businesses – to give of our time to ensure that DB helpers feel the love and have some well-deserved fun. A series of informative and empowering free events are being planned. To register and get involved, visit Facebook @ MayisHelperAppreciationMonth and www.dbis.hk/karaoke.

A few of the activities on offer this month: • May 6, 13, 20, 27 Yoga with Embody • May 7 Medical and Health Talk by Dr Winnie Siu • May 7, 14, 21, 28 Yoga with Anri and Jonathan • May 7 Aunties’ Karaoke Event by DBIS PTSA • May 21 Physiotherapy Talk with Gita Go • May 28 Beach Tennis at Tai Pak Wan Helper Appreciation Month is the time to prioritise our helpers and their wellbeing, while thanking them for always being there for us. It is all too easy to start taking the extra help many of us enjoy for granted. As Steve says, “The ultimate hope is that Helper Appreciation Month will encourage us all to have another look at the people who help in our lives.”

This year’s event serves as a reminder to all of us to be thankful. Feeling appreciated boosts self-esteem. It motivates people to improve themselves and encourages a positive work ethic. After all, who doesn’t want to be appreciated for the work they do and the love they give?

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WHAT’S HAPPENING AT GALLERY JEEUM

AFFORDABLE ART FAIR

YIHONG HSU: SOLO EXHIBITION

“The organisers of big international art shows like these evaluate galleries beforehand, which means that our gallery has reached a certain level. It is an honour to attend,” Hailey opens with well-deserved pride. “Jeeum’s reputation will be improved by our participation and it’s a great opportunity to spread our name worldwide.”

So when did Yihong’s involvement with Jeeum begin?

“Hailey found me on Instagram by chance, four years ago.” Yihong opens. Ask Hailey what draws her to Yihong’s canvases and she references the bold colours and use of pattern, also their ability to tell a story. “Yihong paints everyday human life – her own experiences, feelings and encounters – using nature’s elements, primarily flowers and floral motifs. She reveals that everything that happens in human life also happens in nature. It’s all about survival, life and vitality.”

The focus at Gallery Jeeum this month is the Affordable Art Fair, which is back in town from May 18 to 21 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Hailey Shin, the founder of Gallery Jeeum Hong Kong and her sister Jihye Shin, who heads up Gallery Jeeum Seoul, are preparing to represent six artists at the fair: Hongkongers Yihong Hsu and Corn Shuk Mei Ho, and South Koreans Sangmi Moon, Ham Do Ha, Sung Nak Jin and Yea Ji Lee.

So how do Hailey and Jihye choose the artists they represent? “One of our aims is to connect Korean artists with new international collectors,” Jihye explains. “We have two directors, which is a big advantage because we can cater to different tastes. Hailey and I are sisters but there are differences in terms of preference. We don’t focus on one style; we focus on promoting different artists and introducing them to a new market.”

At the Affordable Arts Fair this month, Hailey and Jihye are partnering with emerging artists all with very different styles but there are common denominators.

“We are attracted to paintings that are dynamic, vibrant, rhythmic, and exhibit scalability,” Jihye says, adding, “Every painting has its own story, and we look for paintings that deliver messages to the viewer, that connect emotionally with the viewer without us having to explain them verbally.” [PHOTO BY Richard Gordon www.richardgordonphotography.com.]

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Coming off the back of the Affordable Art Fair, Hailey and Jihye are looking forward to presenting Happenings, a solo exhibition by abstract artist Yihong Hsu, at the DB gallery from June 3 to July 2. Of the six artists being represented by Jeeum at the fair, Yihong is the only one who is based in Hong Kong.

“I’ve always loved nature, walking in nature, and I also like watching people,” Yihong explains. “I decided I wanted to draw/ depict different kinds of people, and instead of using actual people I use elements of nature.

“Things that happen in nature are similar to the things that happen in the human world,” Yihong adds.

“People, like plants, have different characteristics, different patterns: some grow tall because they get more sunlight and have long roots, some may be hiding seeds inside, some have self-protective spikes. I like talking about different personalities and characters.

“Bigger picture: I want my work to express brightness and happiness. It’s about different species coming together and living in harmony, which is something I see happening in nature.” [PHOTO COURTESY OF Gallery Jeeum.]

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DB EVENTS

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WHAT YOU'VE BEEN UP TO! WATCHING CEET FOUAD WORK

World-renowned, Shenzhen-based graffiti artist Ceet Fouad was seen painting a mural in DB on April 16 right by the Discovery Bay Recreation Centre. The mural features Fouad’s stylised and compelling trademark chickens or ‘Chicanos,’ which he started drawing when he first moved to China to show waiters what he wanted to eat! Fouad’s vibrant murals can be found in cities across the globe from Atlanta to Toulouse, and it’s so good to see them in DB! [PHOTOS BY Danielle Booyse Photography www.daniellebooysephotography.myportfolio.com.]

MAKING SEED BON BONS

On April 16 at Community Green Square residents had fun learning how to make seed bon bons from scraps of recycled paper imbedded with seeds. [PHOTOS COURTESY OF CM.]

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DB EVENTS

SHINING A LIGHT FOR MISS MELISSA

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Under 12 Finalists

The community came together on May 22 to celebrate the life of long-time DB resident Melissa Thornton, who passed away on April 7, aged just 54. Melissa, Miss Melissa as she was known to her pupils at Future Stars Dance Academy, was loved by so many in the community: she was a brilliant teacher, supportive mentor and trusted friend. Everyone who attended the memorial at Three Sheets Marquee Bar was asked to wear something bright to honour the way Melissa shone her love and light on all those around her. She is greatly missed. [PHOTOS COURTESY OF Sue Basquin & by Richard Gordon www.richardgordonphotography.com.]

AROUND DB / MAY 2023

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DB EVENTS

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SPRINTING WITH ACTION ASIA

Over 250 runners entered Action Asia Events’ DBay Action Sprint Trail Race on April 6. The 12-kilometre course involved a sprint up 465-metre Tiger’s Head, a narrow technical descent to the reservoir, a contour trail around the golf course, coasteering at Nim Shu Wan and a final sprint to DB Plaza. While Australia-based Vlad Ixel placed first for the men, lowering his own course record, Mui Wo-based Zein Williams placed first for the ladies with DBer Ainoa Mombiela close on her heels. [PHOTOS COURTESY OF Action Asia Events.]

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DB EVENTS

AROUND DB / MAY 2023

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DB EVENTS

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CELEBRATING EASTER IN DB SOUTH

DB was mobbed on the weekend of April 7 with families enjoying an Easter Egg Hunt on Tai Pak Wan, an Ohpama Kids Fiesta in DB Plaza and an Easter FunLand in DB North. [PHOTOS COURTESY OF HKRCL.]

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PROFILE

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! s e c a R e h T o T ff O DRAGON LADIES

It’s Helper Appreciation Month, so let’s take a moment to recognise some excellence in that most Hong Kong of extra-curricular activities: dragon boat racing. And can we get a sponsor up here? Elizabeth Kerr reports PHOTOS BY Beatrix Malan - www.atscollective.com 20

AROUND DB / MAY 2023

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aja Candiza, Divine Dela Rosa and Rhoda Manzano are gathered around a couple of tables at Pacific Coffee. All three are domestic workers as well as dragon boat team administrators and paddlers, so it’s no surprise each has a giant coffee cup in front of them. The big ‘Alto’. You’d need a few shots of caffeine too if you had half on your plate of what they do on theirs.

The point of the meet-up is to talk about Tado’s Dragon, the all-Filipino, all-domestic worker, all-female dragon boat team that’s been training and racing out of Discovery Bay since 2020. That’s right. When the pandemic hit and you were making sourdough and spending consumption vouchers they’re not entitled to, Maja, Divine and Rhoda were putting together a competitive dragon boat squad.

HITTING THE WATER

PROFILE

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"WE DON’T WANT TADO’S TO BE JUST ABOUT TRAINING. WE WANT TO GET OUT INTO REAL RACES - Divine Dela Rosa

“The first race we did as Tado’s Dragon was in October, 2021 in DB. We didn’t have enough paddlers; we’d only been training a year. We expected nothing,” recalls Divine. “We made it into the final round. We came in last but when we got to shore the cheering was just out of control. We felt like champions."

Suffice to say, putting together a 40-person team during a public health crisis was challenging. Before actually coming around to Tado’s Dragon, the trio sounds off on illegal logging at home in the Philippines, climate change, the stress and frustration of the COVID pandemic (Maja and Rhoda only got home in December after four years), taboos and tattoos, and how important it is to budget properly and manage your money – but also to spend on yourself every so often. With a combined 56 years in Hong Kong between them, 39 of those in DB, they knew how to get the word out about the budding team. The short version? Word of mouth and social media – but mostly word of mouth.

That’s how Maja, 46, Divine, 45, and Rhoda, 49, met: through mutual friends. Maja and Rhoda were roommates when she was between jobs years ago, and met Divine on a kids’ playdate. They have the easy banter of old friends that includes gentle ribbing, and a lot in common, but couldn’t be more distinct.

Maja, originally from a small town just outside Manila, is a youthful grandmother (!) who refers to herself as a sporty type. “I’ve been paddling since 2003. I played beach volleyball with friends in DB and was happy to finally get a job here,” she says. “I like it. It’s quiet and I like to train on the beach.”

The same goes for Divine, possibly the most obviously maternal and practical of the three. She was running, and playing basketball and softball at home in the northern Philippines long before she hit college in Manila. Water was quite another story, however. Once in DB, “I used to hike because I’m afraid of the water. I

TADO’S DRAGON TEAMMATES TRAINING AT DB NORTH

used to hate it,” she says with a laugh. “When I started dragon boating, I used to freak out looking at the waves. But I’ve gotten over it because I’ve really found a passion for it.”

Rhoda is a no-guff taking single (“I had a great life with my last employers and I forgot to find a husband”), who arrived in Hong Kong from her Sabella (now Cavite) home in 1994 and started paddling with the Mighty Dragoneers. “I didn’t think I’d be able to do [dragon boating] because I have lower back pain,” she rasps. It’s April 3. “I was screaming my head off at the Sevens,” she adds apologetically. “A friend suggested I give it a try because you never know if the exercise might help.

And I get seasick easily. But I had no problems, and I loved it so I joined the Sea Cucumbers,” she finishes.

MORE THAN PADDLING It was the international, mixed Sea Cucumbers that gave circuitous rise to Tado’s Dragon. Tado’s captain and steersman, Rodel Contado (who the team took its name from), works for The Cukes’ captains, and the three of them encouraged Maja, Divine and Rhoda to go for it and start their own crew, putting their money where their mouth was by lending the emergent team AROUND DB / MAY 2023

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PROFILE

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its boat for training. Tado’s Dragon added gymnastics teacher Cecilio Cabueñas (or Doods) as a coach and it was off to the races (no pun intended).

“Rodel and her employers – and our own employers – encouraged us to start an all-domestic helper crew to enhance their lives. I volunteer at the YMCA on Sundays, and I see the need for this kind of thing,” says Rhoda. “You see helpers on the Hong Kong side on weekends doing nothing or, worse, gambling. Dragon boating keeps people from bad habits and takes their minds off whatever stress they’re feeling. Because depression is real, I’ve been there, and if this provides relief that’s good.”

Running Tado’s Dragon team is a group effort; all three (two other volunteers complete the executive committee) help with coaching and take on extra duties like Maja’s warm-up training and Divine’s sponsorship and fundraising, and women of all shapes, sizes, and abilities are welcome to join.

“We’re always looking for new members for the team,” begins Maja. “I just ask if [someone] can swim and then suggest they come along and try it. If you don’t like it, you’re free to leave.” Rhoda is more direct. “Don’t ever say ‘No’ to something you haven’t tried,” she emphasises, a credo she herself lives by.

LOOKING FOR SPONSORS About those sponsors. Right now, Tado’s Dragon is limited to local races – in DB, South Lantau and Lamma – but Maja and Rhoda have had a taste of dragon boating in June, in Stanley and Shatin. “We don’t want Tado’s to be just about training,” states Divine. “We want to get out into real races.”

That’s easier said than done. A team of DB domestic workers is the point, of course, but it’s also more logistically manageable for 6am training sessions –

THE 40-STRONG TEAM IS LOOKING FOR NEW RECRUITS 22

AROUND DB / MAY 2023

MAJA CANDIZA, DIVINE DELA ROSA AND RHODA MANZANO

and it keeps expenses down. Tado’s Dragon gets no support to cover basics like entry fees; no one will even waive them.

“Maja and I have been racing for many years, so the dream is to get a sponsor so that the other members can have that experience too,” says Rhoda. “Hopefully we’ll find someone to support us. As much as we want to enter more races, we just don’t have the financial ability just yet.”

But the threesome is confident they’ll get there. It’s only been a few years, two of those in near-lockdown.

And in the meantime, there’s more to the team than just racing. Training and meetings have turned into social events, birthday parties, celebrations of other landmarks, and they’ve provided a much-needed space for sharing, support and sometimes just venting to someone who “gets it”.

“When my father was in the hospital last year, dragon boating helped me a lot, to refocus and manage that stress,” notes Divine. It explains why these ladies are making time in already busy weeks and giving up their single day off. Rhoda speaks for all three when she declares, “I make time because I love doing what I do.”

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! t I it W y g g i h S ' Gettin WELCOME TO THE TINWORTH TRAIL

In honour of Hong Kong’s great trail running evangelist, Will Hayward and a few friends have brought the city’s total to an unofficial five with The Tinworth. Elizabeth Kerr suggests you start with the four Lantau sections PHOTOS BY Will Hayward & Jono Woodhouse

P

rofessor William Hay ward, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at Lingnan University, looks precisely the way you’d expec t an avid trail runner to look. The tall, wir y, Christchurch native is well over six feet and it’s easy to believe he’d almost glide over the so-called Big Four. He’s done them all, twice, but not in any kind of time that would be considered “within” an acceptable window. One day.

Right now, Will’s busy stumping for the fif th Beatle of Hong Kong’s trails: the Tinwor th Trail, named for fellow Kiwi Nic Tinwor th, who singlehandedly raised the profile of trail running (or hiking) in the SAR. Nic sadly succumbed to a brain tumour in 2020 at just 44 – proving that year could be worse – so Will and the runners to whom he meant so much wondered what the best way to memorialise him would be.

The right answer is sometimes the most obvious, and so by exploiting Hong Kong’s elite ultra-marathon location status Will & Co decided to create a fifth trail. The Tinwor th is now that fifth, second only to the 100km Maclehose in length, at 90km, followed by the Wilson (78km), the Lantau (70km) and the Hong Kong (50km) trails. Describing the Tinwor th Trail (www.tinwor thtrail.com) as “by the community for the community,” Will extols its vir tues as the slightly weird brother that Nic would have approved of.

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AROUND DB / MAY 2023

OFF-TRAIL TERRAIN So if you’re on the Tinwor th Trail, where are you going? The route star ts in the nor theast corner of the territor y at Sha Tau Kok, runs southwest through the New Territories, hops the bay and picks up in Lantau. “You can cross the water at Shum Tseng.

There’s a famous roast goose restaurant there. Take a minibus to Tsing Ying, do one stop to Sunny Bay then star t running again. We are not making people swim across the bay,” Will says with a chuckle.

The Tinwor th then continues southwest to Tai O, and boasts a 5,000-metre positive elevation change over its 90 kilometres. Will claims it can be done in roughly 17 hours. “You can do it in one go or over a year. We don’t care.” Notably, only four of the 90 kilometres treads the same ground as the Big Four.

“The Tinwor th’s not a government trail. Sometimes they gussy things up and make it kind of nice and install concrete steps,” Will says. “There are a million trails out in the woods if you know where to look, and Nic loved the muddy, scrambly, howdo-I-get-up-there trails, so we have a few of those “shiggy” sections. It’s a bit more challenging, but not impossible. People seem to really like those.”

Like the other four trails, the Tinwor th is a collection of existing trails strung together, but unlike those it

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AK MONG TO

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D

LANTAU HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE TIGER’S HEAD, LO FU TAU, SECTION 7: SUNNY BAY TO DISCOVERY BAY

A 700-METRE CLIMB OUT OF PAK MONG AND THE TUNG O ANCIENT TRAIL AROUND DB / MAY 2023

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COMMUNITY

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hasn’t been given a bureaucratic seal of approval.

Will doesn’t pretend it’s anything more than a website built by a group of runners, hikers, race organisers and [fitness tracking app] Strava users putting their collective experience to work to build something new. There’s a little bit of “you should be able to get from here to there,” involved too, as Will describes it.

“When I was musing about it, the first thing I had to do was convince a few others this might be a good idea. So there was a group of us who explored different trails. Then it was a matter of sure you can design a trail, but how do people follow it?”

The Tinwor th has only been “open” since November, but so far, so good. Early feedback suggests those who’ve tried it (most have heard about it by word of mouth) have enjoyed it, and they’re enjoying its hidden gem cache. Of course, its unofficial status

means there are no brightly coloured ribbons or signposts or arrows guiding walkers and runners along the way.

“We used technology to solve that problem,” says Will. “The website has a map and a GPX link. That’s a spatial topographic file that you load onto your phone or your smar twatch, and it will tell you where you are on the trail, and help you navigate. And it works with satellite, so anyone with a smar twatch will be fine if there’s no cell reception, which is rare.

Coverage here is terrific.”

SUNNY BAY TO TAI O The Lantau por tion of the Tinwor th comprises four of its 10 sections: Sunny Bay to Discover y Bay Neo Trail (6km, 524m up); Discover y Bay Neo Trail to Pak Mong (7.4km, 321m); Pak Mong to Yu Tung Road (10.2km, 783m); and Yu Tung Road to Tai O (13.7km, 288m).

Highlights include Tiger’s Head, Lo Fu Tau just off the path, a 700-metre climb out of Pak Mong, and the Tung O Ancient Trail.

“We wanted to stay off the Lantau Trail as much as possible,” Will says. “We’ve done that reasonably well. The Lantau Trail is basically the southwest.

There’s nothing in Discover y Bay and nothing in Tung Chung, so we stayed on the nor th side. It star ts at Sunny Bay, passes Disneyland and then you star t climbing the hill between Sunny Bay and Discover y Bay. It’s a little more overgrown, and has great views – over Penny’s Bay. Then it climbs Tiger’s Head and comes down to Pak Mong, up towards Sunset Peak and joins the Lantau Trail for about 800 metres. But that’s it.”

THE 90KM TR

L TINWORTH TRAI 26

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TAI O

CTION 8

The last par t of the Tinwor th, section 10, is pretty famous. It takes you past the Tung O Ancient Trail, which would have been the main trail for villagers for centuries. “It’s mostly concrete now but it’s a lovely walk along the coast where you can see the airpor t and the bridge,” Will enthuses. Yes, he knows the Tinwor th brain trust could have simply extended the last leg to Fan Lau and clocked a nice round 100 kilometres, but the idea was to make it accessible and welcoming. Each leg ensures hikers and runners pass public toilets, shops, food vendors, and always offers a way home via public transpor t if for any reason a run needs to be cut shor t.

“Fan Lau is the middle of nowhere. There’s no way out. Ever y stage has a star t and an end point and we thought it was impor tant to finish somewhere you can get out. If you want to go on to Fan Lau more power to you,” finishes Will. “One thing that came out of COVID was people got into the outdoors and found they enjoyed new challenges. They’ve tried the Four Trails. I’m pretty confident they haven’t done all of the Tinwor th.”

! th on M e th f o r u e n e r p Entre

SPOTLIGHT

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STEFANO PASSARELLO

Fifteen-year DB resident Stefano Passarello arrived in Hong Kong from Italy in 2004 as an unpaid intern and quickly made his mark. You may know him as the founder of leading Hong Kong accountancy firm People & Projects (PNP), or the co-founder of ground-breaking wellness resort chain Kapuhala. Maybe you’ve heard of him as three-time local champion of the Hong Kong Marathon and marathon record holder of the AG Ironman World Championship. To celebrate the DB opening of his latest venture – fintech accounting and tax firm, Monx – Stefano provides some inspirational advice for budding entrepreneurs.

PHOTO BY Beatrix Malan - www.atscollective.com

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AROUND DB / MAY 2023

SPOTLIGHT

A

sk Stefano Passarello about entrepreneurship and he opens with something unexpec ted: “Top per forming entrepreneurs prioritise the optimisation of their physical and mental wellbeing. Mental health, physical health and financial health are deeply interconnec ted.

Throughout my experience in business, I have obser ved that individuals who consistently achieve success in their ventures are those who devote time to training and enhancing their mind, body and spirit.”

Is this why you opened the DB branch of Monx right by Kapuhala in DB Nor th? “Yes, this way I can combine the elements of physical, mental and financial health in one space. I like my employees to work out and also it allows those living and working around DB to commute less and focus more on wellbeing. We suppor t people who are looking to re-establish balance in the brain and body. Effective entrepreneurship involves actively suppor ting others. The most power ful force in the universe is to help others. If I see somebody who really needs help, I make myself available 24/7 – not only on the financial side but also on the cognitive side, showing them how to be a better business person.”

Can you elaborate on that? What advice do you give someone who wants to become a better business person? Is it about drive, about passion? “Our motto at Monx is ‘Devoted to Business’ – we call ourselves Monx because we are as devoted to business as monks are devoted to religion. It’s not about passion, it’s about obsession. Successful entrepreneurs are crazy, they are obsessed; they have a hunch and they go for it. You can have a passion for golf or football but to be successful in business, you need to be a crusader, you need to have a plan and a purpose.

“If you want to star t a business my advice is break it into par ts: one aspirational, and the other technical.

If you have a dream, go and chase it. The crusade is what drives you in the morning, what inspires you.

But it’s not all about vision – you need to measure ever ything. If you don’t have a good accountant next to you suppor ting you with your numbers, you are done. Accounting is not just compliance; accounting is the compass that drives your ship.”

How impor tant is it to have a Unique Selling Point?

“The most impor tant thing is to deliver top quality.

Always deliver the best and create a perception of value between your firm and whoever else. My

/

inspiration with Monx was to establish an accounting firm that would reinvent the industr y. High efficiency, extreme customer ser vice, no ties, no protocols.

In our industr y, accountants are usually slow and they tend to make lots of mistakes because of tight deadlines. We solved this problem with technology.

I like to believe that I’m a bit of a revolutionar y challenging the status-quo. Monx is fast, committed and also per fect. Fintech is the bad boy of finance and I like it.”

Is there one thing a business needs to succeed?

“Success in business is a moving target but what I can tell you is that it’s about company culture, not the money. You need sustainability in your financial models, happy customers and a happy team. Money comes and goes and it will come if you have these three elements in place.”

How do you go about creating a strong company culture? “I do not see my team as employees; they are my extended family, period. This is the culture we have. What distinguishes us from anyone else is that our team has free access to physical and cognitive enhancement facilities. Whoever works at Monx can leave early, work remotely and use Kapuhala’s workout space. They get to meet futuristic entrepreneurs and all sor ts of interesting people.”

What do you look for when hiring staff? “I look for adaptable people who will embrace our company culture. And I look for people who have a serious hobby – runners, pianists, ballerinas. This shows consistency and obsession. We like those people; we like those people showing off.”

Monx was founded in 2021 and already has a global presence with 50 people in nine offices. How do you make time for family? “The day is ver y long but those who say they have no time for family don’t know how to prioritise. I have time to compete in spor ts at the highest level. I run an organisation of amazing people and we are ver y successful. I have a side business, Kapuhala, with my wife and I’m ver y happy with that.

I also spend at least two-and-a-half hours each day with my kids, more at the weekends.

“There are many times I bring my kids to business meetings, they sit there, who cares? I’m not ashamed of it. I’m ver y proud. I show them how my business works. I’m sure that they will soon star t helping with the business because they grew up with it. There is no separation for us between business and family.

We run a business like a family.”

For more on Monx and to schedule a consultation with Stefano, call 5286 0155, email hello@monx.team or visit hongkong.monx.team.

AROUND DB / MAY 2023

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

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WORLD LAUGHTER DAY QUIZ It’s World Laughter Day on May 7 – get inspired by this humorous challenge PHOTOS COURTESY OF Flikr

1. Where does World Laughter Day originate?

A. Helsinki, Finland B. Mumbai, India C. Barcelona, Spain 2. Why is laughter the best medicine?

A. It relieves stress and lowers blood pressure B. It boosts the immune system and releases endorphins C. Both A and B 3. What is laughter yoga also known as?

A. Hatha Yoga B. Ashtanga Yoga C. Hasya Yoga 4. Which movie popularised the use of humour as a way to cure illness?

A. Flatliners B. Patch Adams C. Groundhog Day 5. When do babies first start to laugh?

A. Soon after their first smile B. At around two months of age C. Both A and B 30

AROUND DB / MAY 2023

20 QUESTIONS

6. What is belly laughter?

A. A rumbling tummy B. A deep, hearty guffaw C. A quiet chuckle 7.

Which of the Monty Python films is John Cleese’s favourite?

A. The Life of Brian B. The Meaning of Life C. All five 8. Which comic actor landed a plane by himself after the pilot fainted?

A. Rowan Atkinson B. Vince Vaughn C. Russell Brand

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14. Where does the Laughing Cow cheese brand originate?

A. Switzerland B. France C. Italy 15. Which philosopher recommends we laugh at ourselves?

A. Immanuel Kant B. René Descartes C. Friedrich Nietzsche 16. Which of these Hongkongers is a comedian?

A. Jeffrey Andrews B. Chip Tsao C. Vivek Mahbubani

9.

How does laughing gas make you feel?

A. Lightheaded and tingly

17. What is the study of laughter called?

B. Less inhibited

A. Gelotology

C. Both A and B

B. Genealogy C. Rictusology

10. What is Hong Kong comedian Ben Quinlan’s day job?

A. Lawyer

18. If you laugh for 15 minutes a day, how many calories can you burn?

B. Doctor

A. Up to 25

C. Investment banker

B. Up to 40 C. More than 50

11. Which president started out playing one in a satirical TV show?

A. Emmanuel Macron, President of France

19. In which country do people use 555 instead of ‘haha’ when texting?

B. Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine

A. Malaysia

C. Xiomara Castro, President of Honduras

C. Vietnam

12. Which animal species is not known for laughter-like vocalisation?

20. Which character from The Simpsons is known for his blunt, two-syllable laugh?

A. Cat

A. Nelson Muntz

B. Hyena

B. Kent Brockman

C. Kookaburra

C. Krusty the Clown

13. Which neurological disease is commonly known as laughing sickness?

A. Guillain-Barré syndrome B. Agnosia C. Kuru

B. Thailand

You can check your score at www.arounddb.com>20questions>world-laughterday-quiz AROUND DB / MAY 2023

31

GIVEAWAYS

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SPOTLIGHT

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! e s r u o C On HOLE IN ONE

Fresh from the World City Championship, DB golfer Taichi Kho discusses his big win and his preparations for The Open in July PHOTOS BY Beatrix Malan - www.atscollective.com & Richard Gordon - www.richardgordonphotography.com

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I

n Top Gun: Maverick, Tom Cruise advises his students “don’t think just do,” and that’s exactly the state of mind Taichi Kho aims for when he plays golf. This approach is clearly working for the 22-year-old, DB-born golfer, who has just made histor y on two counts. On winning the World City Championship in March, Taichi became the first Hong Kong player to win an Asian Tour and the first Hongkonger to qualify for The Open.

“Winning in Hong Kong means so much to me; the World City Championship was a dream week, ever ything lined up great,” Taichi opens. “For me to achieve that in front of my parents, family and friends made my dreams come true. When I play, I don’t see any faces; I just focus on my game but I did see how many people came out to watch. This was really inspiring for me and definitely helped.

SPOTLIGHT

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Club (DBGC), I want to touch on ever y aspect of my game which is quite a rare situation because usually I play 18 holes with a specific target.”

Living in DB, Taichi has easy access to DBGC, the place where his golfing journey began. “DBGC has played a big par t in building me. I was always suppor ted by the community here. The club has such a great environment for young people to practice,” he says, adding that his first memor y of golf is playing nine holes on Ruby with his father.

“I played with my father a couple of days ago. I give him more shots than I used to,” Taichi adds with a laugh. “It’s always nice to play with him. Growing up, he told me how to hit the ball and now I’m telling him how to hit it. What goes around comes around. Golf is definitely a big par t of our lives.”

“I didn’t expect to win,” Taichi adds, explaining that the crazy weather conditions only added to the adrenaline rush. “I knew we were playing on Sunday regardless of the weather so I was hoping that it would get as tough as it could get. I thrive on challenging conditions and, as a professional golfer, all I really want is the toughest challenge possible.”

Taichi celebrated his record-breaking Asian Tour win with relatives and is now bracing for his next challenge: The Open at Royal Liverpool Golf Club in July. Founded in 1860, The Open is the oldest golf tournament in the world, and one of the most prestigious. How does Taichi feel about qualifying to compete? “I feel like ever ything stays the same for me,” he says calmly. “I tr y to get 1% better ever y day. I feel like if I do that for the rest of my career, I will have a solid career.”

Taichi caught up with Ian Poulter and Henrik Stenson at the World City Championship, and he’s looking for ward to meeting Ror y Mcllroy and his role model Tiger Woods at The Open. “These are the people I grew up watching on TV, so getting the chance to talk to them is really special,” Taichi says. “Now that I’m playing new tournaments, these chances will come up more and more.”

Another thing Taichi can expect more of moving for ward is media attention, and he seems well able to take this in his stride. “Being exposed to the media is par t of the job, the more you play the more attention you get so this is something I’m willing to embrace,” he says. “It’s a great oppor tunity for me to have these kinds of experiences and it’s impor tant that I don’t shy away from it. I think I do a pretty good job separating that aspect of my career from the actual golfing par t of it.”

The “actual golfing” sees Taichi spending almost ever y day playing the spor t he loves. “Training for me is day dependent, I plan out my day based on my calendar,” he explains. “Today, at Discover y Bay Golf

ON THE PODIUM AT THE WORLD CITY CHAMPIONSHIP

DBGC: WHERE GOLF LEGENDS ARE MADE For the past 12 years, Discovery Bay Golf Club has been making golf available to DB kids through its one-of-a-kind junior nurturing programme. Lessons for children aged six years and above are led by a team of golf professionals. After-school classes run Monday through Friday on the DBGC’s covered range, bunker and practice putting greens.

Similarly, DBGC’s annual summer golf camp is open to kids aged six to 16, with beginner, intermediate and advanced lessons provided. Kids start out by learning golf etiquette, safety and swing techniques, and get to play short games.

While young players benefit from DBGC’s tailored coaching programme and world-class facilities (there are three, nine-hole golf courses, Diamond, Jade and Ruby), they also benefit from the club’s strong ties to the local golfing community. DBGC collaborates with various golf professional bodies to offer opportunities for the juniors to participate in local tournaments organised by the Hong Kong Golf Association. To find out more, visit www.dbgc.hk.

AROUND DB / MAY 2023

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! m u M y M e v o IL

PARENTING

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MAY BOUQUET

Ahead of May 14, Sharon Lesley Le Roux reflects on the reasons we celebrate Mother’s Day, and why they are as relevant today as ever PHOTOS COURTESY OF Pexels & Adobe Stock

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AROUND DB / MAY 2023

A

s a child growing up in the UK, Mother’s Day was all about a handful of daffodils (my mother’s favourite flower) picked from the garden, a handmade card containing a message of love, and a Mother’s Day breakfast that consisted of my mother’s favourite marmalade, with toast and coffee, all delivered on a tray to my mother in bed.

For my mother, I’m cer tain it wasn’t about any of these gifts at all. It was knowing the pleasure that bringing them all together had given me, her child. It was understanding the excitement I felt about being able to ‘surprise’ her on her special day. And, because she was my mother, she would have overlooked the soil I’d brought in on my shoes, not seen where I’d coloured outside the lines, not cared one jot about the burnt bits I hadn’t managed to scrape off.

THANKING YOUR MOTHER Whoever, and wherever, we are in the world, we all obser ve Mother’s Day. The same day my mother and I were busy celebrating, so were mothers and their children in Ireland, Nigeria and Bangladesh.

Mother’s Day is one of only a handful of celebrations obser ved by families all around the world; each nation setting aside a date once a year – the second Sunday of May in Hong Kong – to celebrate the relationship of mother and child.

In the 21st centur y, what is Mother’s Day about? Is it just another of those ‘Hallmark’ occasions which businesses cash in on? I don’t think so. Handmade cards made by small hands still beat shop-bought ones, just as they did when I was a child. Phone conversations with mothers and grandmothers abroad are priceless compared to flowers, chocolates or gif ts ordered online.

Mother’s Day isn’t just one special day in the year when children get to show their awareness of, and appreciation for, the things their mothers do for them; of course this happens in households all over the world ever y day. For children, Mother’s Day ac ts as a reminder to stop and think what their relationships with their mothers mean.

This year (being an English mother, my family and I celebrated on March 19), I asked my two girls what Mother’s Day means to them. My 13-year-old believes Mother’s Day is “a way for women to feel good about themselves, especially those who’ve gone through the hard work of having kids and raising them. And, it’s for the children to appreciate what their mothers have done, and gone through, to make their lives as good as it can get for them.”

My five-year-old feels Mother’s Day is about “giving lots of love to your mum, and giving her a big love hear t for loving us”.

PARENTING

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THERE’S A FILIPINO SAYING THAT TRANSLATES AS: ‘EVEN WITH THE FOOD ALL READY FOR HER TO EAT, THE MOTHER WILL ALWAYS FIND THE NEED TO GIVE EVERY LAST MORSEL TO HER CHILDREN APPRECIATING YOUR CHILD For mothers, Mother’s Day is a time when we are reminded to pause a while in our busy lives, and reflec t on just how absolutely awesome it is for us to be able to bring life into the world. It’s for us to remember there was a time when our little people didn’t exist, and to acknowledge how much richer, as a result, our lives are for having them.

It’s a time for us to look back and see how, as each year goes by, we are changed by the ac t of motherhood.

We are changed by the sacrifices we make daily, AROUND DB / MAY 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?'

simply to put our children before ourselves. And we are changed by feelings of protec tion and empathy and joy and more, the depths of which we didn’t experience before we had children. In creating our children we, in turn, have evolved and grown.

We appreciate the blessing and the privilege that comes with the role of motherhood. We send messages of love to our own mothers, understanding only now the sacrifices they made for us when we were children. And, we send our friends who are mothers Happy Mother’s Day messages, acknowledging our shared membership of one of the most rewarding clubs in the world.

HONOURING UNCONDITIONAL LOVE

Not so long ago, my mother sent me a Helen Exley collection of quotes and poems: In Praise and Celebration of Daughters. On one of the pages of the book I found this: ‘I even love her bones. We are so close. She is my ver y best friend.’

Mother’s Day isn’t just the time to celebrate the mother figures we are to our children, but also the friends we are to them – and they to us. Mother’s Day is the per fect time to leave our separate interests aside, and do something together we enjoy. My children have two mother figures here in Hong Kong – myself and Mama Ruth, our family’s domestic helper who my kids have known, and loved, all their lives. The day before Mother’s Day this year, my girls, Mama Ruth and I re-watched Beauty and the Beast.

We enjoyed the movie – one of our favourites – and each other, as we laughed and cried together.

There’s a Filipino saying that translates as: ‘Even with the food all ready for her to eat, the mother will always find the need to give ever y last morsel to her children.’ This is true of all mothers, but here in Hong Kong especially, mothers like Ruth are a per fect example of just how far mothers will go for their children. A few years before she joined our family, Ruth had come from the Philippines to Hong Kong, leaving her two-year-old son in the care of her brother. She came because working here meant she would be able to put her son through school, and put food on his table.

Ruth is in no way unique. In Hong Kong thousands of women have given up that precious relationship with their children we western mothers take for granted, so they can give them a better life. Ruth’s boy will soon be 23, and will be graduating from nursing college. His mother is justifiably proud of him, as we are of her, knowing those sacrifices she has made to get him to where he is today.

Be it as children or as mothers, the meaning and traditions we each attach to Mother’s Day are rooted in love and honour and respect. Though it may well have become a commercialised event in recent years, still it remains a celebration – of motherhood and of the relationship between mother and child. Mother’s Day is the recognition of the protection, nur ture, sacrifice and unconditional love that mothers give their children, and the happiness and love their children give in return.

For those of you who are celebrating this year on May 14, I wish you a Happy Mother’s Day – and a Happy Helper Appreciation Month to boot.

A TIME TO CELEBRATE THE FRIENDS WE ARE TO OUR KIDS 40

AROUND DB / MAY 2023

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! s p i T p To

ACHIEVE GLOBAL STYLE As you ransack far-flung flea markets and souks this summer, consider bringing back a few treasures to reinvent your home decor. Imogen Clyde reports PHOTOS COURTESY OF Pexels & Flickr

A mood board is a tried-and-tested way to collect inspiration, explore ideas and set the tone for your design project

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T

he homes I’ve visited in Lantau (and across Hong Kong) have one thing in common.

Regardless of their size, shape or design sav v y, they all exhibit a strong global awareness. Or to put it another way, we Hongkongers love to travel, and shop while travelling, and this is reflec ted in our homes.

Travellers have always had a taste for the exotic and there is nothing new about decorating with objec ts from other cultures. As far back as the 2nd centur y BC, the Silk Road ferried luxur y items, such as silk, porcelain and jade, from China to Rome. During the Renaissance, the world opened up to exploration and connoisseurs ever y where began to collec t exotica, and use it on an ever yday basis.

W he n you s ubs tit ute ordinar y o bjec t s wit h a multic ult ur al ble nd of f ur nis hing s c hos e n for t heir uniq ue s hap e, pat ter n or c r af t s mans hip, you are well on t he way to d esigning a c hic, t r avel - le d inter ior. Creating an exotic at mos p here s t ar t s by ad ding a few unex p ec te d s ur p r is es to a room: re placing t hat b or ing glas s cof fee t able wit h an or nately c ar ve d dr um pic ke d up in Chiang Rai or exc hanging a p ret t y mus eum - b ought p os ter for a daz zling b ead e d Niger ian George f ab r ic.

Tr avel - le d s t yle is ab out mak ing ‘ever yday ite ms’ s t and out by s elec ting unus ual, glo bally s ource d t reas ures in lieu of mac hine - mad e, mas s p ro d uce d goo d s.

A s Fre nc h arc hitec t Le Cor b usier s aid bac k in t he 1920 s: “T he home s hould b e t he t reas ure c hes t of living.”

START WITH A MOOD BOARD The idea is to combine the familiar and the foreign without falling into farce. The Vic torians loved a themed room, in par ticular Turkish rooms, in which low divans were piled high with cushions and lavishly draped with Persian rugs, but today this kind of themed approach is definitely out – too studied at best, too kit sch at worst. What you are aiming for instead, is an imaginatively furnished interior that incorporates a host of dif ferent cultural objec t s and influences. The trendiest travel-led schemes combine furnishings, fabric s and accessories from all over the globe.

In choosing key pieces, you are not confined to any one countr y, and neither are you tied to one period of time – modern pieces can combine well with curios and antiques. It ’s about mixing things up to achieve a global perspec tive.

One word of warning: making a success of a travelled scheme relies heavily on your own sense of st yle and decorating abilit y. You are creating a design scheme that reflec t s your appreciation for the beaut y of other cultures, so a strong sense of

“THE HOME

INSIDER

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SHOULD BE THE TREASURE CHEST OF LIVING

- Le Corbusier purpose and aesthetic vision is required. It ’s the way you put the look together that count s.

When designing any complicated living space, the first step is to visualise how it will look, so it ’s wor th spending some time working up an interiordesign mood board. A mood board is a tried-andtested way to collec t inspiration, explore ideas and set the tone for your design projec t. Star t by set ting up a canvas on which to arrange photos of new and existing furnishings and accessories that you’d like to include in your scheme. Add in paint and fabric samples that interest you, and see what works together and what doesn’t.

You’re looking to create a cohesive scheme in which the contrasting shapes, colours and st yles work together. So be ruthless. If the treasured wedding cabinet you bought in Beijing years ago doesn’t fit with the other items on your mood board, give it to a friend or put it into storage.

KEEP IT MINIMAL Creating a harmonious living environment from pieces from far-flung places isn’t the easiest of options. And as a general rule, a minimal layout works best, star ting with the backdrop. Unusual textures and bold hues are par t and parcel of a travel-led scheme – lacquer, pewter and porcelain, as well as animal skin, fake fur and beaded or ethnic fabrics can all feature in the furnishings and accessories.

So you’re well advised to provide a bit of breathing space, some visual relief by keeping the surrounding walls and floors fuss-free.

AROUND DB / MAY 2023

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INSIDER

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Simple wood or tiled flooring, perhaps punctuated by a couple of rugs, helps tone things down, as does monochromatic paintwork. While stark white walls are too cold for an exotic-looking room, you can play around with shades of off-white and cream, perhaps even a sexy combination of grey and taupe. If your hear t is set on bold paintwork, limit yourself to just one colour ful statement wall.

A minimalist approach will also help when you’re filling in the details. Minimal doesn’t have to mean empty or utilitarian but it does mean clutterfree. A ‘less is more’ approach to accessories and furnishings will bring each piece into focus and show off your discerning eye. Overstuff a room with too many items, no matter how beautiful, and it will end up looking more like a flea market than an inviting place to hang out.

MAKE IT PERSONAL From fusion cuisine to travel-led decorating, the exciting thing about blending influences from around the world is in creating something original. The romantic cur ves of a wicker daybed crafted in Java, the festive hues of a Moroccan throw… ever y element you select for a room changes the overall dynamic and reveals something about your personality.

Above all, you are given the option to think out of the box, combining pieces from disparate times and places that mean something to you personally and, when arranged together, express your personal style. Know too that you are free to use furnishings in new and imaginative ways for purposes entirely different from their original intent. That tiny, cutglass Moroccan vase, you picked up in a souk last month, might, for instance, provide the finishing touch to your bathroom – as a toothbrush holder.

Approach decorating in this way and ever y item in your home becomes a potential talking point, and something to spark fond memories.

A travel-led scheme can take a lifetime to per fect, and therein lies much of its charm. It’s something that you build on year after year, as you add in interesting, new pieces. Finding yourself in a London flea market, you might finally happen upon the slightly rickety but beautifully formed Regency dining table you’ve coveted for what seems like forever; one morning in Cape Town, you might spot a couple of Shona statues on the roadside that will fill a long-standing gap on your bedside table.

A TRAVEL-LED DESIGN SCHEME GIVES YOU AN EXCUSE TO SHOP 44

AROUND DB / MAY 2023

Above all, global style champions the unique, the interesting and the erudite. It’s not about filling your home with high-priced, big-brand items, supplemented by sneaky trips to Ikea. It’s about gradually creating your own personal ‘treasure chest of living,’ as you travel and shop the globe.

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ALL INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS

to French Polynesia land at Faa’a International Airport (PPT) in Papeete on the main island of Tahiti. There are five archipelagos in the French overseas territory, and over 100 islands to visit but it’s well worth spending some time in Tahiti, the heart of the islands, before heading out to other dream destinations like Bora Bora and Moorea.

YOU’RE IN THE CENTRE OF THE PACIFIC OCEAN, 6,000 kilometres from the nearest major landmass (Australia), so you can expect big waves. Head to Teahupoo on the southwest coast to glimpse or catch (if you dare) six- to 25-foot waves. The tiny village hosts the Billabong Pro Teahupoo, reputably one of the world’s ‘heaviest’ surfing competitions.

PAPEETE MARKET IS THE PLACE TO BE on a Sunday morning, when

it’s packed with locals doing their weekly food shop. You’ll likely be more interested in the pareu (sarongs), tifaifai (quilts), shell necklaces and black-pearl jewellery.

Make your way upstairs to find plenty of hawker stalls supplying freshly squeezed fruit juices and fish-heavy snacks.

46

AROUND DB / MAY 2023

TAHITI’S LUXURY OVERWATER BUNGALOWS

ESCAPES

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exceed expectations. You’ll find them off any one of the beautiful, black-sand beaches that encircle the island; off white-sand Maui Beach on Tahiti Iti, the island’s south-eastern tip; and inland, stretching out over sheltered, emerald-green lagoons. Imagine yourself sitting back with a Mai Tai and a plate of Poisson Cru after a morning dive.

VENTURE INTO THE INTERIOR BY 4WD to climb waterfall-laden

mountains and see petroglyphic rock carvings, dating back 20,000 years. The third-highest peak on the island, 2,066-metre Mount Aorai, delivers one of the most breath-taking – and demanding – hikes in French Polynesia, and is rightly celebrated for its incredible views.

DRIVING AROUND THE ISLAND

on the coast road, stop off at Arahoho Blowhole where huge sprays of water shoot up when the ocean swell is big enough. A little further south, you can explore the lush gardens, overhung caverns and crystal-clear pools of Maraa Grotto – a fairy-tale spot favoured by painter Paul Gauguin, who lived in nearby Mataiea from 1891 to 1893.

PLAN TO VISIT IN JULY not only for the whale-watching (July to

October) but for Heiva! The spectacular, dance-heavy festival, being held this year at Papeete’s Maison de la Culture from July 6 to 22, is a highpoint of every Polynesian’s calendar. The event kicks off with an umu tī (fire walking) ceremony and is big on traditional sports like coconut-tree climbing, stone lifting and canoe racing.

AROUND DB / MAY 2023

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RECIPES

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Treats for May 14

48

AROUND DB / MAY 2023

RECIPES

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Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, use them to add a healthy dose of colour and sweetness to mum’s special day PHOTOS COURTESY OF Adobe Stock

BLUEBERRY MOUSSE CAKE Makes 4 100g butter 200g digestive biscuits, crushed 4 sheets leaf gelatine 142ml single cream 500g carton fromage frais 140g golden caster sugar 1 small orange 400g blueberries, lightly crushed 284ml double cream

To make the base, melt the butter in a medium pan, then stir in the biscuits. Tip this mixture into a 24cm round cake tin, about 5cm deep, and leave to chill. To make the mousse, soak the gelatine leaves in cold water for 5 minutes. Heat the single cream in a small pan until it just comes to the boil. Take off the heat. Stir the gelatine leaves into the hot cream one by one – they will dissolve immediately.

Leave to cool.

Beat the fromage frais and caster sugar together, adding the zest and juice of the orange. Stir in the cooled cream mixture and the blueberries. Whip the double cream lightly to form soft peaks, then fold it into the blueberry mixture. Pour into the cake tin and leave to chill for at least 3 hours, or overnight, until set. Serve decorated with mum’s favourite flowers.

AROUND DB / MAY 2023

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RECIPES

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DELUXE BLUEBERRY SMOOTHIE Serves 1 175g blueberries

Put all the ingredients in a blender and blitz until smooth. Add a splash of water if it seems 1 small banana, sliced too thick. If mum could do with a power 1tbsp Greek yogurt smoothie, add 300 grams of drained silken tofu and 2 tablespoons of porridge oats to 100ml apple juice, chilled the blender.

3 mint leaves Pour the smoothie into a tall glass and garnish with a sprig of mint to serve.

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AROUND DB / MAY 2023

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

MEDICAL 3661 1696 North Lantau Hospital 3467 7000 2984 1570 REALTORS Findley Leung 2984 8334 2984 8487 HomeSolutions 3483 5003 2984 1802 2984 9833 REMOVALS & RELOCATION 9783 5840 Akash Removals 2421 8088 5541 1502 FTC Relocations 2814 1658

HOTELS Silvermine Beach Resort Tai O Heritage Hotel

Lee Hing Loong 2984 2268 6810 0111 ReloSmart 2561 3030 2985 8383 SwiftRelo 2363 4008

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

RESTAURANTS & FOOD DELIVERY Bathers 2504 4788 Bella Ciao Lantau 9321 0487 Cafe Isara 2470 1966 Caffe Paradiso 2984 0498 China Bear 2984 9720 La Pizzeria 2984 8933 Lantana Italian Bistro 5465 5511 Long Island 2320 2001 Pause Cafe 5267 5549 The China Beach Club 2983 8931

The Gallery The Kitchen Treasure Island Beach Club

2980 2582 5991 6292 5236 7013

RETAIL Bella Ciao Lantau Friendly Bike Shop Garden Plus Island Wines Loi Chan Frozen Meat Co. Lantau Base Camp Lantau Grocer Red Hall Chinese Antiques Steak King Mui Wo Tony’s Salon Value Vigilantes VIBE Book & Music Shop

9321 0487 2984 2278 2980 2233 9521 8481 2984 8346 9889 4375 2702 0050 2988 1368 5988 2005 2984 0990 6132 9120 9088 2370

SPORT & RECREATION Long Coast Seasports South Lantau Paddle Club Treasure Island Beach Club

5545 5625 6058 8843 2546 3543

WELLBEING & BEAUTY Pause by the Banyan Spa Ambiance

9708 0187 2984 2488

AROUND DB / MAY 2023

57

LOCAL NUMBERS

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DISCOVERY BAY BUSINESS SERVICES Monx T8 Consulting Ltd

5286 0155 2517 8248

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 58

Treasure House Woodentots Zhi Zhi Chinese

AROUND DB / MAY 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 JOO Korean Grill & Bar 6706 7520 Koh Tomyums 2987 0767 La Creation & Châteraisé 2987 1829 Levain Bakery 2726 4922 Lekker Laa 6857 1620 McDonald’s & McCafe 2987 1033 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 Sushi No En 3705 9984 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 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 HK Dragons Football Club

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

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 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

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 / MAY 2023

59

OUT THERE

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WE’RE YOUR BANK AND WE’RE HERE TO HELP

An explosive phone call to his bank in Australia reminds Peter Sherwood that you have to be careful what you wish for PHOTO COURTESY OF Adobe Stock

M

y bank in Australia is manned (and womanned, to be politically correct?) by primary school dropouts strapped to a vast computer using key programming jargon: ‘We are not responsible – for anything’. I call and after negotiating myriad numbers land a generic Bruce or Bob. Not real names of course: that could mean phoning the same bloke next time and holding him accountable. The entire system would crash.

“Good morning, Mr Sher wood, may I call you Peter?” For the fifth time in the past hour, I repeat my boring details and inside leg measurement, all the time picturing the bank’s imposing head office with its stunning Sydney Harbour backdrop. “Hold on for a few minutes, Peter…” Bruce disappears and I hear a loud and repetitive rat-a-tat along with a pop-pop-popping sound and glass shattering. He returns. “So Peter, is it OK if I call you Peter? What can I do for you today?”

What was all that noise, I inquire timidly. “Oh, that’s nothing. Now, about this problem of yours.”

Interruption: ‘Your call is impor tant to us and we will take just a few minutes for you to complete this sur vey. This conversation is being recorded and may be used for training purposes.’ Bruce returns.

“Please key in your three-digit personal code so we can begin processing your inquir y.”

What’s going on? I ask. Where are you speaking from? “From under my desk at the moment; just a little extra security. Never mind, we’re here to help.

Now about this lost international transfer to Hong Kong of yours. The computer tells me it could have gone to the British Virgin Islands or possibly some Armenian bank, but don’t worry I’m sure we’ll find it.”

60

AROUND DB / MAY 2023

PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE

Suddenly the roar of jet planes and a resounding BOOM BOOM!! Holy hell, what was that, is Sydney being attacked? Bruce, are you there? [Sound of falling masonr y]. “All fine here, Peter. Is it OK if I call you Peter? We’re all a bit busy right now, what with all the broken glass.

“Anyway, we’re still connected and the line has reached into the cupboard, so let’s just get on with tr ying to trace your funds. Your business is impor tant to us.” Armenia, you said? “The computer can’t be cer tain. Could be in Caracas or the Maldives, but we have power ful computers and they will track it down eventually. You need to be patient.”

And what were those rat-a-tat and pop-popping sounds? “Popping is typical of the AK-47, and the rata-tat would be your Czech-made ZB-26 light machine gun.” And the planes and explosions? “Someone missing their targets again.” Where exactly are you?

“I’m in a cupboard… in a village house. Our head office had an unfortunate accident with a truck bomb, a VBIED, last week.” Come on, tell me where, and don’t say Sydney. “Well, I’m just north-north west of Sydney.” Darwin? I ventured. “A bit further northnorth west than that.” Honestly, now. “Err… Russian Border Call Centre, but don’t tell anyone.”

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.