L/G Unit 3, Block 1, 92 Siena Ave, DB North Plaza, Discovery Bay, Lantau Island
December 6
ST NICHOLAS VISITS
One World Spirit Association has arranged for St Nicholas, the thirdcentury Catholic saint who inspired the modern version of Santa Claus, to pay a visit to DB homes on December 6. Families with children aged two to six years can sign up for a visit, and then prepare a small gift for St Nicholas to deliver when he knocks on their door. WhatsApp 6219 3817 to enrol. [PHOTO COURTESY OF OWS]
December 13 Buon Natale!
DB WINTER WONDERLAND
VIUTV DRAFT BEER FAMILY RUN
Scheduled for December 13 at DB South Plaza, from 8am to 3pm, the ViuTV Draft Beer Family Run comes complete with a carnival. The participation quota is a whopping 4,000+ people and there’s something for everyone: a 10km (16 years and above); two 3km races (10 to 15 years, 16 years and above); and two parent-child beach obstacle races, one with a 1km run and one without. To find out more and enrol, visit www.viutvfamilyrun2025.com.
Happenings STUFF TO KNOW
This year we are being treated to a Buon Natale – a merry, Italian-style Christmas – with DB transformed into a Winter Wonderland featuring dazzling decorations, powerful musical performances and a host of festive programmes and events.
On the lookout for last-minute Christmas gifts? Head to the Christmas Market at DB South Plaza on December 14. This year, there’s also a grand European-style Christmas Market, running from December 25 to 28, at DB South Plaza. Packed with holiday-inspired handmade goods, exceptional wines and gourmet treats, the market provides an excellent opportunity for the community to come together: expect a gift-giving Santa, a roving magician, kids’ dance performances and a rope-skipping show.
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Something more for the kids? You can take them to either plaza on Christmas Day and Boxing Day for a meet-and-greet with Santa. And they can watch simulated snow fall, at either plaza, every weekend through December, on Christmas Eve and on public holidays.
The icing on the cake? Two dynamic live Cantopop shows at DB North Plaza. First up, on December 14, there’s The Hitswave Prelude 2025 with local artists performing their 2025 hits in the lead-up to the Metro Radio Hits Music Awards. Then, on December 26, it’s time for Best Music. Best Taste @DB: catch TVB’s Midlife, Sing & Shine! Season One stars Albert Chau and Ramon Lo live on stage, alongside up-and-coming Hong Kong girl bands – Beanies and IdG Bubbles. To find out more, visit www.visitdiscoverybay.com.
SECRET SANTA FOR RESCUES
Dedicated to giving back, Preeti Sharma and the team at My Pet Store in DB North Plaza have set up a Secret Santa Station allowing residents to provide Christmas gifts for rescued dogs and cats. You can drop by the store to donate new, or as-good-as-new items to benefit the animals homed by Hong Kong Paws Foundation and Tails of Lantau. To get involved, call 2987 8873/ 9327 0115.
& Events! IN DECEMBER!
LIFEWIRE RUN
December 7
The eighth edition of Lifewire Run heads out from DB South Plaza on December 7 with 2,000 people expected to take part. There are 9km and 3km races for individuals, corporate groups and student groups, plus a popular 1km walk for dogs and their owners. The event is organised by Protection Network Charity Foundation, a local charity that supports children with rare diseases. To find out more and enrol, email run@lifewire.hk.
December 1 and 11
ONE-STOP XMAS SHOPPING
The Prestige Christmas Lifestyle and Gift Fairs are yours to enjoy on December 1 and 11, from 10am to 8pm, at the Grand Ballroom, Conrad Hong Kong, Admiralty. You can expect over 150 vendors selling an exciting range of products that you won’t find in local shopping malls. Take the opportunity to find gifts for every age, taste and budget – all in one place. For a glimpse of what’s on offer, visit www.prestigefairs.hk.
December 3 and 4
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
Discovery College is staging its Secondary School production of the darkly comic musical Little Shop of Horrors , from 7pm to 9pm, on December 3 and 4 at the school’s Performing Arts Theatre. Filled with catchy tunes and quirky characters, this cult classic blends horror, humour and heart in a wildly entertaining show. The show is student-led, and the whole community is welcome to attend – for tickets, visit www.eventbrite.hk.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
DEC 14 | SHOP THE DB MARKET in DB South Plaza from 11am to 6pm. Visit www.handmadehongkong.com.
DEC 14 | JOIN A BEACH CLEAN-UP! Meet at the Nim Shue Wan gate at 2.10pm. Email dana@plasticfreeseas.org.
DEC 20 | GATHER AT THE PLANT MARKET in Community Green Square from 2pm to 4.30pm. Visit FB @db.community.hk.
ALL MONTH | DONATE PRELOVED FURNITURE to people in need through DB Mothers & Friends. To arrange for pick-up, visit FB @dbmf.collection.
December 6
DCPTA FAMILY FUN DAY
The whole community is invited to the DCPTA Family Fun Day on December 6 from 12pm to 4pm at the school campus. Enjoy delicious food, live performances and a meet-and-greet with Santa, plus the opportunity to step inside a life-size snow globe, get creative with Christmas crafts, and have a laugh playing ‘Sponge the Teacher’. You can also expect an artisan-led Christmas market and friendly sports activities on the Discovery College pitch. Find out more at https://discovery.esf.edu.hk/en.
WENOVELISTS
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Tired of banal beach reads and vanilla bestsellers? Wenovelists could be your go-to. Founded by DB residents Kelli Austin and Esteban Espeleta, the company’s mission is to connect readers with inspiring, impossible-toput-down books that nurture personal growth and selfreflection. Subscribers receive one standout title each month –novels, literary fiction, memoirs, or essays from international writers, along with a unique and thoughtful surprise gift. Learn more at www.wenovelists.com.
December 5 to 7
Dear readers,
Digital versus online survey!
Last month, we asked whether you prefer browsing Around DB in print, or online. The results were strongly in favour of print . Team Page -turner: 90
Team Screen -scroller: 10
Thanks to everyone who responded to our survey!
The Around DB team T he
Championship, Hong Kong, China for the third consecutive year from December 5 to 7. The event is open to various skill levels and all ages: the advanced and open draws attract serious challengers, the novice and intermediate bands welcome new competitors. Junior matches (U12, U16) are scheduled for December 6. The tournament is organised by TLP and Bay Pickle, and endorsed by Pickleball Global. To find out more, visit www.dbrc.hk.
ECO-FRIENDLY GIFTING
‘Tis the season to be jolly… but also green. With a little effort and imagination, all of us can reduce the environmental impact of the holiday season. The trick is to start small – commit to bringing cloth bags to the store with you every time you shop, to recycling properly (the bins are right outside your front door), to sending e-cards and to using the Christmas wrap you saved from last year, or wrapping your gifts in cloth or brown paper.
Then find a way to cut back on the number of gifts you give. How about agreeing that it’s gifts for kids only this year? Or you could decide to gift friends an experience instead, anything from cookery lessons to a piece of rainforest to protect – something memorable and/ or useful that can be enjoyed for years to come. Most of us are already drowning in possessions – why exacerbate that?
When you do buy, buy smart and buy local. Choose eco-friendly gifts made from recycled or sustainable sources, and make a point of giving battery-free gifts. Many of the products you find in malls are imported, and the impact of their transportation contributes to greenhouse emissions and global warming. Online shopping is also problematic due to the excessive packaging waste and the environmental impact of additional transportation. So, make the effort to hunt down Christmas gifts at local boutiques and craft fairs. Be sure to shop the Christmas Market in DB South Plaza on December 14 for last-minute stocking fillers.
Win free drinks from Uncle Russ! this riddle:
HOW TO PLAY: Answer the riddle, head to the DB destination we’re hinting at, take a hi-res photo and email it to admin@arounddb.com
WHAT YOU GET: Four complementary drinks from Uncle Russ and The Pier Bar
EMAIL US BY: December 15 Mahar Balakrishnan Abakumov
RIDDLE ME
SOLVED LAST MONTH’S RIDDLE and provided this photo of The Pavilion at DB North.
We hope you enjoy your complementary drinks from Uncle Russ and The Pier Bar!
Out & About! WHAT YOU'VE BEEN UP TO!
AT THE 35TH DISCOVERY BAY DRAGON BOAT GALA
More than 800 dragon boat athletes took part in the annual Discovery Bay Dragon Boat Gala on October 26, with fiercely contested mixed, open, ladies, A45 and community races. The event, now in its 35th year, was hosted by Discovery Bay Services Management Limited at Tai Pak Beach. The awards ceremony concluded with a performance by the Hong Kong Dragon Dance team and a traditional face-changing ( Bian Lian ) act. Proceeds from the day were donated to Hong Kong Cancer Fund. [PHOTOS BY Andrew Spires.]
RACE RESULTS 2025
Discovery Bay City Owners’ Committee Mixed Race – Cup
1st place: 中國路橋對面海
2nd place: Team Mushu GOLD
3rd place: Hong Kong Healthy Dragon
Discovery Bay City Owners’ Committee Mixed Race – Plate
1st place: GSIS Dragon
2nd place: Loreley
3rd place: DBDB Training
Discovery Bay City Owners' Committee Mixed Race – Bowl
1st place: 正誠閃電龍
2nd place: LTA Dragon Boat Club
3rd place: Dutch Connexion
Hong Kong Resort•LoveTogether@DB Open Race
1st place: MBTA 港九電船拖輪商會龍
2nd place: Skyracers 3rd place: 香港航海學校
SINOPEC Ladies’ Race
1st place: Filipino Dynamo 2nd place: Tados Dragon Boat Team
3rd place: Tados Dragon MPC
F.H. Security A45 Race
1st place: MBTA
2nd place: Sea Cuke Dragon
3rd place: 東華三院龍舟隊
Discovery Bay Community Race
1st place: DBDB Training
2nd place: PinkPower
3rd place: Dutch Connexion
Discovery Bay Transportation Services Gala Race
1st place: MBTA 港九電船拖輪商會龍
2nd place: 中國路橋對面海
3rd place: DBDB Training
AT THE 10TH HLG KART RACE
Upwards of 104 daring competitors took part in the 10th anniversary edition of the HLG Kart Race on November 22. With karts provided by the organisers Harvey Law Group and Milwaukee, and an eight-foot-high ramp set up on Discovery Bay Road cycle lane, kids, aged 7 to 12, competed against their peers. The HK$25,000 raised was donated to Heep Hong Society, a local charity providing education and support services to children with diverse abilities – and their families. [PHOTOS BY Andrew Spires.]
There was a place for everyone (including babies and pets) at the DB 10K Charity Run on November 1. Proceeds from this year’s race went to two local rescues: Hong Kong Paws Foundation and Tails of Lantau. [PHOTOS BY Andrew Spires.]
AT A BEACH TENNIS WORLD TOUR EVENT
Top international players competed in an ITF BT 100 / BT 10 Beach Tennis World Tour event on the weekend of November 22 at Tai Pak Beach. Spectators got to watch the matches – women’s and men’s, mixed and over 40s’ – for free. [PHOTOS BY Andrew Spires.]
DIRECTING THE SPOTLIGHT
A
passionate educator, Emma Tielus-Ward leads The Performer’s Studio Theatre Company with heart, imagination and – this month – a festive helping hand. Elizabeth Kerr reports
"S Shining Bright!
o I was sitting at home, and that’s not good for a cat,” begins Emma TielusWard of her partial exodus from Discovery Bay 10 years ago. Emma is hardly a traitor to the enclave she moved to in 2008 – she’s in DB every Wednesday, working with a semi-professional troupe of 30+ child actors. But she admits the change of address makes the rest of her life easier to navigate.
An actress and dancer, turned choreographerdirector-producer, originally from south London, Emma has been leading performing arts workshops for Hong Kong youth for 30 years. Homebase is The Performer’s Studio Theatre Company (www.theperformersstudio.com) in DB, where she provides semi-professional training and theatre experiences. She hosts additional workshops in Hung Hom and Aberdeen, and runs The Arts Factory (www.theartsfactoryhk.com) in Sai Kung, offering classes in everything from hip-hop dance to musical theatre.
Emma is the picture of a performer: hair tight and high off her face, heavy-duty trainers for running around in, substantial duffle bag with which to tote around the accessories of the stage – including a bottle of water that’s spilt inside. She brushes it off. Why worry about a wet notebook?
Like so many transplants, Emma originally landed in Hong Kong after responding to an advert – placed by a small performing arts school. “If I’m honest, I was a little bit lost, but at the same time a little bit arrogant,” she says. “I’d just got my masters in
drama [from the Royal Central School of Speech & Drama]. I was supposedly a professionally trained actor. I was young, I was naïve, and I thought, what can I do?” She took the job, thinking she’d pay off some student debt and get some real work experience. Then headed home after her 16-month contract ended.
“I grew up very working class, where if you wanted something, you had to fight for it,” Emma explains. “When I arrived here, that was my mentality. I’d never been to Asia, so it was a real shock that people were gentle, and there was that safety element. The first six months I had a wall up, and I was quite ‘London’, but that slowly melted away. My mindset changed.”
A self-described introvert, Emma points to herself as living proof that being loud and brash isn’t a prerequisite for being a performer, something she’s been doing since she was four (she had her first acting agent at age 11). “I was that kid,” she says with a laugh. “I was always going to be a performer. I was in every play at school. I was in the choir. I did drama, GCSE music, dance training, all of it.”
Her first industry job was in promotions for West End theatre before she bluffed her way into a choreographer’s gig at 18 with a youth theatre company. “I was awful. I was atrocious, but I did it.” She went on to appear on British TV (BBC and ITV), and onstage in London.
Emma began her second stint in Hong Kong in 1995 at a private art studio in Aberdeen that wanted to grow its performing arts business. She struck a bargain with the owner and agreed to work full time
PHOTOGRAPHY BY Andrew Spires
for a year, then scale back to have time, a place and the freedom to teach drama. That job lasted four years, and taught her all about the demands of running a creative business. Eventually though, she thought, “Now what?” Enter The Performer’s Studio Theatre Company.
The stars aligned when Emma moved to DB the year Discovery College opened: the school gave her a spot on its Extra Curricular Activities semester programme, which was the start of something much bigger. Schools like Japanese International and Renaissance College followed DC in running her performing arts classes – yet something was missing. That’s when the penny dropped.
“I could see that my kids, my students, would get to a certain age, and then move on, and I was wondering why that was. And I wasn’t totally fulfilled on a personal level. I realised I wasn’t actually making enough theatre,” Emma recalls. “I’m a director and a producer – all of my classes, all of my workshops, have a performance at the end. That’s the bit that drives me. So I decided to set up The Performer’s Studio Theatre Company in DB. We did our first production in 2008 and, in 2016, we launched the Semi-Professional Children’s Team with our first large show. I tell the students [aged 7 to 16] that they’re semi-professionals and I treat them like professionals.”
Emma loves igniting creativity in the children she thinks of as her own; she’s child-free. She admits to being a bit obsessed with how we treat each other (poorly) and she’s intrigued by when we learn to do that. “I work with children because their instincts and their words and what comes out is not just innocent, it’s real.”
The glowing feedback from The Performer’s Studio Theatre Company’s first-ever show, The Witches , lit a fire under Emma and she just knew: “this is what we should be doing.” And as it turns out, she was right.
The DB troupe expanded quickly and now numbers 37, with an additional 40 waitlisted. As of 2023, there’s also the Theatre in Education Touring Company, whereby Emma sends her charges into local schools to stage plays for their peers. Each performance ends with a Q&A aimed at inspiring budding, young thespians. The company currently performs twice yearly, reaching 1,000 local school children.
“Our ethos is to get up onstage, it is important to share what we are learning, make mistakes, grow in confidence and then do it all again,” Emma says. “What we do is challenging; we work for the good of the show and we have no drama queens. We learn by falling off our bike and getting back on and trying again!”
Next up is Belfast-born composer Paul Boyd’s The Snow Queen , set for February 2 to 7, 2026 at the
Hong Kong Arts Centre’s Shouson Theatre. “ The Snow Queen is Hans Christian Andersen. It’s very enchanting; you know, snow on stage, lots of white. I think it’s just beautiful and mystical and the music’s amazing. Boyd’s music is just so jolly; we decided to have a Latin-dance choreographer. It’s superexciting,” says Emma, who’s hoping to recreate the success of Madagascar from 2023, her first postpandemic live show.
“We invited some kids onto the stage, and I filmed it. I had tears in my eyes. There were 250 kids and their teachers and no one was sitting down,” she recalls. “It was like a rave. It was like a party, but it was theatre.”
EMMA TAKING A BREAK FROM REHEARSALS
THE PERFORMER’S STUDIO THEATRE COMPANY
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, NOVEMBER 22
CELEBRATING GOOD TIMES
It’s been a busy, brilliant year in Discovery Bay – one packed with standout events that brought neighbours together for fun, fitness, philanthropy and plenty of cultural exchange. Let’s take a look
f 2025 proved anything, it’s that Discovery Bay’s widely acclaimed community spirit is alive and thriving. Residents and management alike stepped up with a year-long, event-filled social calendar – a testament to a place filled with people who work hard, play hard and care deeply about connecting with one another.
It's been a remarkable year bursting with activity –and while it’s impossible to mention every event, here’s a look at some of the highlights.
CULTURAL EXCHANGE
DB is arguably the most culturally diverse residential neighbourhood in all of Hong Kong, and nothing showcases that better than its festival calendar. From
Chinese New Year to Halloween, Easter to Christmas, the plazas and promenades are – always – decorated, animated and alive with activity.
2025 kicked off with joyful celebrations for the Year of the Snake, featuring lion dances, festive workshops and a buzzing atmosphere across the plazas. The monthly DB Plant Market also continued to grow into an event in its own right, drawing crowds with its auspicious CNY offerings.
A major contributor to the cultural tapestry this year was DB-based NGO One World Spirit Association (OWS), which works tirelessly to promote Chinese and Western cultural exchange. In January, they hosted a Fai Chun Calligraphy Workshop and Competition at Midvale Village, followed by a lively
PHOTOS COURTESY OF Andrew Spires, Sanday Chongo Kabange, Xing Ni Liu & DBSML
CNY Village Party that featured Hanfu dress-ups, throw-pot games and paper-cutting workshops. OWS’ year-round efforts also included cultural tours to Guilin and Tibet, a series of Chinese etiquette seminars and this month’s St Nicholas visits.
On February 14, residents were invited to celebrate Valentine’s Day with Snoopy to mark the 75th anniversary of the Peanuts comic strip – couples gathered on Tai Pak Beach amid giant Snoopyinspired candle lights, with live music by The Flame adding sparkle to the night. The Easter break proved just as lively, with the 18th DB Easter Egg Hunt and Carnival drawing children aged three to 10 to Tai Pak Beach on April 18 and 19.
As Halloween approached, DB embraced the spook early with the annual night market on October 26 at DB South Plaza. Over 50 vendors dressed in their scariest best, while dogs stole the show at the ‘Hallo-Woof’ pet runway contest. On the big night itself, seemingly everyone in the community headed to Headland Drive to trick-or-treat.
A longstanding community favourite, and a true celebration of local culture, the DB Dragon Boat Gala – now in its 35th year – returned to Tai Pak Beach in November, drawing 800+ enthusiastic paddlers and supporting Hong Kong Cancer Fund.
And so to December 2025 – DB’s plazas have once again transformed into a European-inspired Winter Wonderland, complemented by Christmas markets, festive family activities and Cantopop performances. (For more on this month’s happenings, turn to page 4.)
BIG-TICKET EVENTS
With its open spaces and spectacular beachfront, DB continues to attract major city-wide and international events. A sporting highlight this year was the hosting of two ITF BT100 / BT10 Beach Tennis World Tour events at Tai Pak Beach, in April and November. These International Tennis Federationsanctioned tournaments brought top global players to DB to compete across men’s, women’s, mixed and over-40s categories – and DB residents got to enjoy the matches for free.
Music lovers were in for a treat in July as Nextwave XX25 Beach Music Festival returned to Tai Pak Beach on July 5 and 6, drawing some 4,000 attendees. With seven live performances each day and headliners including Eric Chou, Chung Ha and ITZY, the festival was supported by food stalls, a marketplace and a massive sea park.
Hot on its heels came DB Summer Splashtopia, in place from July 17 to August 31 – a perennial favourite among families. Hong Kong’s biggest beach waterpark featured eight giant inflatables, a 10-metre water slide and endless splash-tastic games.
Another high-profile sports event – the third DB Open Water Race Challenge – dropped on August 31 with Tai Pak and Sam Pak beaches packed to the gills. Organised by Open Water Swim Series HK, the event was open to swimmers of all ages and abilities, with race distances ranging from 400m to 3.8km.
October saw the Lantau Yacht Club Boat Show – Festa Nautica, which showcased Hong Kong’s growing profile as a yachting hub, and brought yacht owners, industry professionals and curious residents together.
NATURE EXPLORATION WORKSHOP, JANUARY18
HELPERAPPRECIATIONWORKSHOPIN
ECO & WELLNESS INITIATIVES
DB’s commitment to sustainability and wellness shone throughout 2025, kicking off with a Nature Exploration Workshop at Central Park on January 18, where families enjoyed outdoor workshops, games and a treasure hunt. September’s DB Wellness Day was another highlight at DB Plaza with dance performances, athletic demos, pet and parent-child yoga sessions, and a wellness-themed market.
Supported by management’s ongoing communitywide eco initiatives, homegrown environmental charities Plastic Free Seas and DB Green once again led the charge for sustainability, organising workshops, campaigns and monthly beach cleanups throughout 2025. Residents also benefited from management-led recycling events, blood-donation drives and pet-vaccination days.
JUST FOR KIDS
DB is nothing if not child-focused, and there’s a place for young residents at almost every community event. Beyond the family-centric seasonal events and year-round workshops at Discovery Bay Office Centre, two major youth sporting fixtures stand out – the HLG Kart Race and Team Fear Junior Challenge.
The HLG Kart Race on November 22 saw more than 100 young competitors, aged 7 to 12, race karts provided by Harvey Law Group down an eight-foothigh ramp set up on Discovery Bay Road cycle lane. The event, now in its 10th edition, has become a beloved annual spectacle with proceeds going to Heep Hong Society.
On November 30, nearly 600 youngsters, aged 8 to 17, took part in the Team Fear Junior Challenge, an adrenaline-packed race involving running, coasteering, kayaking and rock scrambling across DB. Racers competed in teams of two, with sponsorship funds directed to Youth Outreach.
RUNNING & SPORTS
With ‘traffic-free’ roads and easy access to the Lantau trails, DB is a haven for runners, and it follows that road and trail races are on offer year-round. The most high-profile annual event has to be the DB leg of Action Asia Events’ Action Sprint Trail Series, which headed out from DB Plaza on May 18 this year, with runners blitzing 9km and 12km courses.
Numerous races were organised by residents, for residents: in April, DB Runners hosted a backyard ultra with 22 participants doing twice hourly loops around DB North, until there was only one person left ‘standing’. November 1 brought the hugely popular DB10K Charity Run, open to runners, walkers, families and pets, with funds raised going to Hong Kong Paws Foundation and Tails of Lantau.
Sporting events from clubs across DB – including Lantau Boat Club, DB Yacht Club, DB Pirates, DB Football Club, DB Golf Club and more – kept the athletic spirit alive all year. And there was plenty on offer at DB Recreation Club, notably November’s fiercely contested 18th Tennis Charity Cup.
A COMMUNITY WITH HEART
While 2025 was filled with altruistic events, none captured DB’s spirit of giving back more than Helper Appreciation Month in May. Throughout the month, residents, schools and businesses offered free activities – including yoga, football, HYROX training, music lessons and beach tennis – to DB aunties to celebrate their incredible contributions.
Helper Appreciation Month was a reminder that at its core, DB is a community defined not just by activity, but by connection, kindness and shared celebration. Here’s to the people who planned, participated in and supported local events this year. And here’s to an even brighter, bolder, more event-filled 2026!
SKH WEI LUN SCHOOL HALL
Advent 1 Holy Communion
Nine Lessons and Carols
Advent 3 Holy Communion
Advent 4 Holy Communion
Nativity and Christingle
Christmas Holy Communion
WWW.DISCOVERYBAYCHURCH.ORG.HK
ITALY GOLDEN VISA
HARVEY LAW GROUP PRESENTS AN EFFICIENT
AND ACCESSIBLE EUROPEAN RESIDENCY BY INVESTMENT PROGRAM: YOUR TICKET TO LA DOLCE VITA
Weekends in the Tuscan hills, on the Venetian canals, or visiting Roman ruins can now become a reality for non-EU nationals, thanks to the Italy Golden Visa. Beyond the art, cuisine and lifestyle, Italy is also one of Europe’s most dynamic economies and its residency-by-investment program offers an accessible and family-friendly option for investors looking to establish European roots.
The Italy Golden Visa provides non-EU nationals and their families with the right to live, work and study in Italy; it offers a pathway to permanent residency (after five years) and eventually citizenship (after 10 years). The main applicant (investor) can include as dependents his/ her spouse and minor children: adult children and parents can be included, if justified by health conditions.
This program stands out for its efficiency: the applicant is required to make the investment only after approval of the investor visa, and the entire process can be completed within three to six months. There is no requirement for business experience, language, or even physical presence, making it a viable choice for a wide range of investors.
The minimum investment is EUR250,000 if in innovative local startups, EUR500,000 if in a local limited company, EUR1,000,000 if in the form of a donation supporting a public interest project, and EUR2,000,000 if in government bonds. The most popular option is the EUR500,000 investment – the investment can be made in shares in unlisted or even listed local limited companies.
The process starts with an application for a Nulla Osta (Certificate of No Impediment), usually granted within 30 days. Once granted, the applicant has up to six months to apply for the investor visa at an Italian embassy or consulate. Having entered Italy, the investor must apply for an investor residency permit ( Permesso di Soggiorno ) within eight days, and complete the qualifying investment within three months. It is important to note that if the holder of the Italy Golden Visa has not entered Italy and these steps are not completed within two years of visa issuance, the entire process will be considered void.
Once approved, investors receive an initial twoyear residency permit, which is renewable for a three-year period thereafter.
Although there is no physical residency requirement, those who do reside in Italy for over 183 days a year may benefit from one of Italy’s advantageous tax regimes, such as the EUR200,000 annual flat tax regime, the Southern/ Central Italy 7% tax rate on foreign income, or the impatriati tax regime which applies ordinary tax after a tax rebate of around 50% to 60% on taxable income.
Whether you are drawn to Italy’s rich history and culture, or seeking a base for global mobility and investment, the Italy Golden Visa offers a flexible, efficient and accessible route into one of Europe’s most iconic countries. If you would like to know more, you may contact Harvey Law Group for advice. We have over 32 years of experience in investment residency and citizenship programs all over the world.
5-DAY ITINERARY: ROME, CAPRI & FLORENCE
HARVEY LAW GROUP (HLG)
While you could spend months soaking up Italy’s charm, this five-day tour captures the essence: ancient glory, coastal splendour and Renaissance beauty
a worldwide presence expediating your immigration goals
Day 1 ⇢ Rome
� I f this is your first visit to Rome, s tart at the ancient city: take a guided tour of the Colosseum, R oman Forum and Palatine Hill – y ou’ll find it’s totally worth the h istory overload
� W alk in the footsteps of emperors a t the Colosseum, and explore t he underground complex, where g ladiators prepared themselves fo r battle
� R elax in the afternoon at Piazza N avona, Rome’s largest square. L ively with painters, fortune tellers a nd street performers, it’s best k nown for its jaw-dropping B aroque fountains: Fountain of the F our Rivers, Fountain of the Moor a nd Fountain of Neptune
Day 2 ⇢ Rome
Day 3 ⇢ Capri day trip
� Take the train to Naples (around 2 .5 hours), then a 50-minute ferry t o Capri. Catch an around-the i sland boat ride to see iconic rock f ormations (the Faraglioni sea s tacks), kaleidoscopic grottoes a nd grand coastline villas
� R ide the funicular up to the main to wn for a late lunch and more am azing Mediterranean views. S troll the picturesque botanical g ardens, then jump the last ferry b ack to Naples (around 7pm)
Day 4 ⇢ Florence
Foun de d in 1992, Ha rvey Law Grou p is a prem ie r m ultinatio nal la w fi rm, s pecial izing in Res idenc y by Investm en t (RBI) and Citiz en by Inves tm ent (C BI) fo r over 30 y ea rs. With over 20 offic es worl dw id e represen ti ng ove r 30 different co un trie s and th ei r res pect ive Investment Imm igrati on prog rams, Ha rvey Law Grou p has prov ide d its serv ice s to over 10,000 familie s from al l around the w orld . As th e demand fo r Investment Imm ig r atio n programs grows, var iou s emerging compan ie s have lat ched on to th e serv ic e offering, bu t Harvey Law Group remains the only legac y law fi rm tha t s pecial izes in Investment Imm igrati on a s a dis cipli ne.
� B e amazed by the size and m agnificence of St Peter’s S quare, St Peter’s Basilica (the l argest church in the world), and t he Vatican Museum. The R enaissance wow-factor carries t hrough to Michelangelo’s g lorious Sistine Chapel, and i ts world-famous frescoes
SHOUT-OUT TO READERS:
If you have a favourite Italian recipe to share, please email it to rachel@arounddb.com, along with photos of you preparing or eating the dish. You may find yourself featured in the next issue of the magazine, or in our upcoming ADB Around the World Cookbook
Residency by I nv estme nt in over 6 continents over 20 c ountri es
� S oak up the cinematic a tmosphere at the elegant b utterfly-shaped Spanish Steps – t hey’ve starred in numerous f ilms over the years including Roman Holiday (1953) and The Talented Mr Ripley (1999)
Our progra ms:
� C atch a high-speed train from N aples to Florence (about 1.5 h ours), drop your bags and head o ut into a living Renaissance p ainting. Visit palazzos, piazzas a nd the picture-perfect cathedral – Duomo di Firenze
� W ander flea markets, shop for l eather goods and cross the river A rno at Ponte Vecchio for iconic F lorentine views
Day 5 ⇢ Florence
Citizenship by Investment programs in the Caribbean, Europe and Asia Pacific
� V isit Galleria Degli Uffizi to see M edici-owned masterpieces, i ncluding Botticelli’s Birth of Venus , and Galleria dell’Accademia to v iew David , Michelangelo’s m ost famous sculpture
Retirement Visas
� E nd your day at the Trevi Fountain: t hrow a coin into the water and, l egend has it, you’ll be sure to r eturn to Rome
Citizenship by An cestry
� Take a taxi to the hillside town of F iesole to feast on signature F lorentine views… and meata nd-truffle dishes
Dominica Cambodia
Ho! Ho! Ho! CHASING THE MAGIC
Can you have too much festive cheer? Andrew Spires looks back on Christmases past, and discovers what really makes the season shine
Christmas time, mistletoe and wine, and brandy, and a big turkey, creamed onions, smoked salmon, ham hock, presents for the stockings, presents for the wife and kids, my nieces and nephews on both sides and the door staff.
Christmas is all about giving but I’m giving myself a hernia to ensure the big day is a magical success. Not that I mind. I adore Christmas. It ranks just behind my birthday and Halloween, but I have found myself wondering whether I should rein it in a bit.
The spirit of Christmas is a warm and fuzzy mulled wine afterglow. It’s a yearning for something just beyond reach; a tip of the tongue, fingertip stretch away that is always just out of grasp, like the memory of a vivid dream. I’m forever chasing the festive dragon from a time when all I had to worry about was double maths and Saturday evening television.
In the UK when I was little, Christmas was pure magic. It was tradition for my parents to take my sister and I to church on Christmas Eve for a sing-song before inviting everyone back to ours for a big party. The scent of cigars and musk perfume still transports me back to those late-night Christmas Eves. My parents would always have too much to drink and then have to lay out all the presents for Christmas morning (the ones Santa didn’t bring). And inevitably I’d end up with my sister’s gifts and she’d end up with an Action Man. Now I’ve been passed the baton of keeping the magic alive for my two kids.
There was a teenager in Scandinavia who sued his parents for emotional distress due to the lengths they went to keep him believing in Santa. Well into his teens, his family would set up a tableau deep in the Nordic woods of the Big Man in Red and his brightly lit sleigh. They’d then drive past it slowly,
THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS IS A WARM AND FUZZY MULLED WINE AFTERGLOW.
IT’S A
YEARNING FOR SOMETHING JUST BEYOND REACH
so their boy would see it. They did variations of this year on year. Genius parenting, but the kid clearly didn’t think so.
Whilst I’m not that neurotic (or inventive), I do go to some lengths to hide my role. I buy and hide wrapping paper that only gets used for Christmas presents from St Nick. I create a dusting of ‘snow’ from the balcony into the apartment embedded with footprints. The carrot that’s left out gets chewed by the dog, with scraps strewn over the balcony; the cookies are devoured by yours truly but I’m careful to leave some crumbs.
My two are 10 and 8 and whilst the eight-year old is still deep in the lore of Father Christmas, my eldest
now gives me a quizzical side-eye when I offer an explanation as to how a chap who lives in the North Pole can circumnavigate the globe in one night, carrying enough presents for all those on the ‘nice list’, whilst riding a flying sleigh powered by eight reindeer. Much like Jesus to his disciples, I tell her she has to have faith.
The big Christmas family gathering is always at our apartment. We only have a small countertop oven, so I usually prep most of the food the day before. Pigs in blankets, the bird – the biggest I can find that will fit in the oven – and a nut roast for my veggie family members can all be done in advance and reheated. Yorkshire puddings too. (Top tip for Yorkshire puddings: once they’re in the oven, under pain of death, do not open the oven door.) That leaves peeling and chopping for Christmas day, which can be done in between present opening and champagne quaffing. It’s imperative to get a glass of fizz in you by 10am. Don’t forget in all the chaos that people will still want breakfast, so have something ready to deploy that doesn’t consume too many pans and counter space.
Presents are a contentious issue in my house. How many is too many? One friend suggests you get the kids a maximum of three gifts: one they want, one they need and one they can wear. As much sense as that makes, I find it impossible to stop there. For one they have stockings that need filling. The tradition of hanging stockings stems from the 4th century when
year, I had just finished decorating the Christmas table and polishing the silverware, about to bring out the starters for the Christmas feast, when my father-in-law came in and said he wouldn’t be having lunch with us as he’d just been to Fairwood. I suddenly didn’t feel quite so Christmassy.
Christmassy is a hard feeling to quantify. Christmas in Hong Kong doesn’t feel that Christmassy in comparison to the UK. It took me a few years of living here to figure out why. The answer seems to be the weather and annual leave. People in the UK take a week off over the festive period. That extra time off results in family time. Christmas in Hong Kong is celebrated as a Hallmark afterthought. Things only feel Christmassy in Hong Kong at Chinese New Year, which must be due to family gatherings, feasts and gift giving. Just like Christmas in the UK but with better decorations.
I used to work at New Scotland Yard. I was in the office on a chilly and wet Christmas Eve when the then Commissioner of Police burst in at around 2pm and shouted, “What the &%$ are you still doing here? $#& off home, it’s Christmas Eve.” I don’t think you’d ever get that in an office in Hong Kong!
Through all the consumerism and faff, Christmas is a magical time. The lead-up to the big day is a cooking pot of shared nostalgia, upholding timehonoured traditions and a giddy anticipation for the excitement to come. It’s like looking forward to the
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he holidays bring to mind images of excited kids and slow-paced, lazy afternoons, of reunions and celebrations with loved ones. Many DB families choose to stay home over the Xmas break, and as much as we love the buzz of children in the apartment 24/7, it’s sometimes difficult to keep them engaged constructively. The winter break should not mean a complete end to the structured day… which is where holiday camps come in.
The best camps challenge kids every day. They come home tired from all the physical and mental activity and ready for a full meal and bed. They wake up looking forward to the day ahead and to giving it their best shot. Winter camp provides a carefree environment where kids work on ideas and learn to be responsible for their actions; it gives children a sense of purpose and direction.
With all the different winter activities on offer across Lantau, how do you decide which will benefit your child the most? First off, in choosing a summer camp for your children – with your children if they are old enough – making sure they are going to have lots of fun should be a priority. And that at least is easy enough to achieve. No
matter which type of camp you choose, your kids will be given the opportunity to be busy and social. Hopefully too, away from the pressures and social hierarchies of school, they’ll be able to make new friends and, with the guidance of adult mentors, discover new things about themselves.
Looked at one way the decision is simple. Sign them up for an activity they already enjoy and give them the chance to focus on it, and get seriously good at it. Game over, you might say; job done. But have you thought about alternatives? You might be tempted to go the other way… sign your kids up for a course in something new and unexpected, something that will expand their horizons.
Let’s say your children are homebodies, constantly hardwired to their computers. Any camp you choose will encourage them to unplug but one that’s based outdoors could be the way to go. To keep things interesting, you might also consider a classroom-based camp. Specialised, teacher-led winter courses make learning and problem-solving fun and interactive.
Fortunately, there are numerous options within DB and across Lantau – we’ve listed our top six here!
ENVIRONMENTAL
ARK EDEN
www.arkedenonlantau.org
Ark Eden’s eco-aware, naturebased Winter Holiday Camps run from December 15 to January 2 on a hillside in Mui Wo. Pick-up and drop-off in Tung Chung and Central is available Monday to Friday. Children, aged 5 to 11, can join for HK$790 per day with discounts on additional days booked! Kids who enrol with five friends or more get another 10% off.
WhatsApp: 5117 4537
Email: info@arkedenonlantau.org
OUTDOOR
FRIENDLY RIDES & GUIDES
www.friendlyridesandguides.com
Friendly Rides & Guides’ Winter Camps deliver an exciting experience adventuring around South Lantau. Kids aged 7+ enjoy skills-based activities, mountain biking, nature exploration, woodworking and team games. This year’s camps run from December 15 to January 10: pick-up and drop-off in Tung Chung and Central is available Monday to Friday.
Tel: 5117 0051
Email: info@friendlyridesandguides.com
FOOTBALL
HK DRAGONS
dragons.hk
HK Dragons Football Christmas Camps run from 9am to 10.30am at DB North Plaza Football Pitch. This year there’s a five-day camp from December 15 to 19, and a four-day camp from December 29 to January 2 (skipping January 1). The Dragons’ experienced coaches invite U5-U15 boys and girls, of all abilities, to learn new skills and have lots of fun!
WhatsApp: 6417 3303
Email: theoffice@dragons.com.hk
OUTDOOR
TREASURE ISLAND GROUP
www.treasureislandhk.com
Treasure Island’s Winter Camps – Surf, Adventure, Explorers, eXtreme and Little Kids Club – run from December 8 to January 30 at Pui O Beach and are bookable by the day. Kids, aged 4 to 14, get to experience a wide range of outdoor activities, including surfing, flying kiwi, wetland tours and waterfall hiking, while making new friends and developing eco-awareness and life skills.
Tel: 5236 7016
Email: inquiries@treasureislandhk.com
BAYVIEW HOUSE OF CHILDREN
www.bayview.hk
Bayview House of Children’s Holiday Camp runs from December 15 to 19 in DB North Plaza with a firm focus on festive fun! Children, aged 3 to 6, can enjoy arts & crafts, winter science, cookery, music and outdoor games, all with a special Christmas sparkle. Choose from morning or full-day options, daily or for the full week. Let the holiday magic begin!
Tel: 6114 2436
Email: info@bayview.hk
THEATRE FAUST
www.faustworld.com
Faust’s HK-wide Winter Holiday Programme runs from December 15 to 19 and December 29 to January 3, with courses in Holiday Theatre, ages 3 to 16; Musical Theatre, ages 8 to 12; and Creative Writing, ages 6 to 13. Children experience a fun-filled learning environment in which to develop leadership and teamwork skills, individual expression and confidence.
Tel: 2547 9114
Email: info@faustworld.com
Top Tips! PARTY SEASON SURVIVAL
Raise your glass! With a few clever pre- and post-party hacks, you can dodge the hangover and dance through December like a pro
The party season is upon us, with its endless invitations, late-night laughter and… dreaded morning-after misery. A throbbing headache, parched mouth and vague sense of regret can turn even the best of times into a foggy blur. The good news? A hangover isn’t inevitable. With a little preparation, some smart choices and a few recovery tricks, you can enjoy the festivities without paying the price.
Avoiding a hangover is really about looking after your body before, during and after you drink. The first rule is to stay hydrated. Alcohol acts as a diuretic, meaning it depletes the body of water and essential minerals. The simple habit of drinking
a full glass of water before your first cocktail sets a protective foundation. Throughout the evening, alternate each alcoholic drink with water – one for one – and you’ll drastically reduce the next day’s suffering. Electrolyte-rich drinks, such as coconut water, can also help maintain balance, keeping your system in better shape as the night unfolds.
The next essential step is food. Drinking on an empty stomach puts you on a fast track to disaster. A proper meal before you go out slows down the absorption of alcohol and cushions your stomach, preventing sharp drops in blood sugar. Meals that are rich in protein and healthy fats are your best defence – think eggs or avocado toast, chicken with vegetables, or a handful of nuts if you’re in a hurry. Skip sugary or greasy foods, as they tend to worsen inflammation and nausea later.
When it comes to what’s in your glass, not all alcohol is equal. Red wine and dark spirits (like whisky and brandy) contain a lot of congeners – toxic byproducts of fermentation that make hangovers more severe. Clear liquors such as vodka, gin and light rum are generally kinder to your body. It also pays to stick with one type of alcohol rather than experimenting with a mix of everything behind the bar. Add sugary mixers or carbonated sodas, and you’re effectively speeding up alcohol absorption and setting yourself up for a blood-sugar rollercoaster. A simple mixer like soda water with a twist of lime is lighter and easier on your system.
Pacing yourself is just as important. Your liver can only process about one standard drink per hour, so when you drink faster than that, the excess builds up in your system and turns into acetaldehyde, a toxic compound responsible for pounding heads and queasy stomachs. Sipping slowly, setting down your drink between sips and knowing your limits all give your body a fighting chance.
Another underrated hangover prevention strategy involves supplements. Alcohol depletes vital nutrients like magnesium, zinc, vitamin C and B vitamins – all of which play a key role in energy production and detoxification. Before heading out, take a high-quality multivitamin or, even better, a liver support supplement containing milk thistle, a plant known for protecting liver cells. Magnesium helps support relaxation and better sleep, while B vitamins keep your mood and energy stable. Boosting your vitamin C levels can help your body repair damage caused by alcohol. If you’re planning a big night, make sure your nutritional reserves are strong – give your body a safety net before you start celebrating.
And then there’s sleep, the unsung hero of hangover recovery. Alcohol may make you drowsy but it interferes with REM sleep, the restorative stage that
allows your body to repair and recharge. You might technically sleep for eight hours, but you’ll wake feeling unrested. Planning for extra rest after a night out can make a big difference to the way you feel.
Of course, even with the best intentions, sometimes the party wins and you wake with the mother of all hangovers: your head hurts, your mouth is dry and your stomach is unsettled. This is where the recovery plan kicks in. The first and most crucial step is rehydration. Drink plenty of water or reach for an electrolyte-rich sports drink, such as Pedialyte or Gatorade, to replace lost minerals. A warm, salty broth like chicken or miso soup is gentle on the stomach and helps restore sodium and potassium.
The stomach tends to take the brunt of the damage after a heavy night, so treat it kindly. A homeopathic remedy like Nux Vomica 30 can help ease the nausea, acidity and bloating that come from too much alcohol. A probiotic can also help rebalance your gut microbiome, which is disrupted by drinking.
When you’re ready for breakfast (or brunch), think balanced and restorative. Toast or oatmeal replenish carbohydrates and stabilise blood sugar, while bananas replace potassium. A drizzle of honey adds fructose, which speeds up alcohol metabolism and gives you an instant energy lift. If you can stomach something savoury, eggs are rich in cysteine, an amino acid that helps break down acetaldehyde, one of alcohol’s most toxic byproducts. But go with a grillup not a fry-up; the idea that a greasy fried breakfast helps cure a hangover is more myth than medicine.
Likewise, don’t be fooled by the so-called ‘hair of the dog’ hangover remedy: alcohol may give you a boost in the short-term but it only delays the inevitable. A Bloody Mary is not your friend the morning after, and neither is a triple-shot coffee – adding alcohol or caffeine into the mix only makes dehydration worse. Herbal teas like ginger or peppermint are gentler options that soothe nausea and calm the digestive tract – ginger helps with dizziness, while peppermint relieves bloating and discomfort.
If you’re battling a headache, ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce inflammation and muscle soreness but steer clear of acetaminophen, which can put extra strain on your liver while alcohol is still in your system. Once you’ve rehydrated and eaten, a short walk in the fresh air can do wonders. Movement boosts circulation and helps your body metabolise leftover alcohol, while sunlight and oxygen naturally lift your mood. Avoid strenuous exercise – or any kind of work out – until you’ve properly rehydrated; your body needs a break not a challenge.
Avoiding a hangover isn’t about being a saint – it’s about being smart. Hydrate well, eat before you
drink, choose your alcohol wisely and give your body the nutrients it needs to process what’s coming. When you do overindulge, rehydrate, refuel and rest. Treat your body kindly, and it will forgive you faster.
When it comes down to it, the party season isn’t about surviving – it’s about enjoying. With the right preparation and a little morning-after care, you can raise a glass, dance until dawn and greet the next day feeling (almost) as good as new.
Vacation Time! FINNISH LAPLAND
The homeland of Christmas
WITH ABUNDANT SNOW, ICY TEMPERATURES
and welcoming people, Finnish Lapland, in the country’s far north, is a magical place to spend Christmas. Stay in the capital, scenic Rovaniemi, the ‘official’ hometown of Santa Claus. It’s a picturesque and action-packed winter wonderland for kids of all ages: look forward to crisp days and peaceful polar nights.
YOUR VISIT STARTS AT SANTA CLAUS VILLAGE
right on top of the Arctic Circle marker in Rovaniemi. Snowman World, at the heart of the village, is where the fun is at with snow and ice rides, ice skating, snowmobiling and an on-ice disco. Accommodation includes wood cabins, glasssided apartments and an ice hotel complete with restaurant and bar.
NEXT UP IS SANTAPARK,
an action-packed indoor theme park, often referred to as the world’s top Christmas destination. It lies inside a mountain cavern, a couple of kilometres west of Santa Claus Village, and you get to meet elves, as well as Santa himself. Attractions include an ice sculpture gallery, carousel, magic sleigh ride, ice bar and theatre.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF Unsplash
REPORTING BY Inka Viirret
RANUA WILDLIFE PARK,
an hour’s drive from Rovaniemi, is another must-see. Around 200 animals, including wolves, lynx, musk oxen and Finland’s only two polar bears, are homed in natural-like enclosures. You can explore the park via a scenic 2.5km trail, and guides provide insights into the animals’ behaviours and habitats.
THE BREATHTAKING NORTHERN LIGHTS
(Aurora Borealis) are easy to spot against Lapland’s clear dark skies. Light pollution is minimal and here in the ‘aurora belt’, the lights shine with maximum vibrancy. Remote locations like Rovaniemi, Levi, Saariselkä and Inari offer excellent opportunities for viewing.
THERE ARE AN ESTIMATED 200,000 REINDEER (that’s more reindeer than residents) in Finnish Lapland. So be sure to head to one of the many reindeer farms to feed, pet and walk with the reindeer. Tours are available year-round at the farms in and around Rovaniemi and you can take a leisurely reindeer-pulled sleigh ride through the surrounding forests.
A PREMIER DESTINATION FOR SNOW SPORTS,
Finnish Lapland offers a wide range of activities for all skill levels with guaranteed snow cover by December. Head to Rovaniemi’s family-friendly winter parks or the high-quality slopes of Levi for downhill skiing and snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and even dog sledding,
INSPIRATIONS
Jolly, kind and obsessed by gift giving, Santa Claus is one cool dude. Best known for his attention-grabbing red suits and swishy, next-gen sleigh, he’s a confirmed status buyer, into designer labels, home tech and Damien Hirst. Be inspired by his style…
CLOTHES
Jeans: Diesel cut, elf-tailored Uniqlo. Underwear: Santa Collection optimised for rooftop landings Rolex (vintage) goggles. Jewellery: with plenty of bling Patagonia & Barbour; Bora for Mrs Claus Go-to high street store: stylish basics & mince pies mecca: The Elf Emporium, Inari Suit & hat: Bespoke by Mrs Claus Atelier Hermes (vintage
BEAUTY
Shampoo & conditioner: Shine
Colgate
La Prairie, kind to centuries-old skin
Body lotion: Gel that ‘just flew over Australia’ glow Foundation: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless in Snow Shimmer in Reindeer Red
. Favourite place in the Anywhere with a view of the Northern . Favourite place in The Ice . Charity: Woody Allen (don’t tell the elves, they prefer . Author: Zen and the Art by Paolo Red, naturally Kate Moss, on the Naughty List but a
IKEA (the elves love
Diptyque’s Pine Tree Reindeer (nine . Favourite
Anything by Damien Hirst, . Bed Tommy Hilfiger (red & white) Rimowa (sleigh-proof). Whiskey, neat (never Eggnog before take-off)
Minecraft (useful for toy-factory design) & No (delivering gifts across . Next tech Apple Smart Sleigh GPS.
If you’d like to see a friend (or yourself) featured as ADB’s Style Guru of the month, please email the editor: rachel@arounddb.com.
Recipe of the Month!
PEPPERMINT CREAMS
Makes 20
Whisk the egg white in a large bowl until fluffy but not stiff. Sift in half the icing sugar. Gradually mix in the peppermint extract and the remaining icing sugar to form a firm but pliable dough. Divide the mixture into 20 small balls, then flatten them gently with your fingertips into discs. Place the discs on a tray lined with baking parchment.
Next, tip the chocolate into a bowl and heat in 30 second intervals in the microwave until melted, stirring after each blast. Once melted, leave the chocolate to cool for 5-10 minutes then carefully dip the peppermint creams in the melted chocolate until they are half coated. Lay them back on the lined trays and refrigerate for 3-4 hours or overnight.
PHOTO COURTESY OF Adobe Stock
A Little Bit of Trivia! 20 QUESTIONS
How much do you know about the month of December?
BY Kayli Liebenberg
01. W hat do Christians celebrate on C hristmas Day, December 25?
A. T he birth of Jesus Christ
B. T he resurrection of Jesus Christ
C. T he end of Lent
02. W hich Grammy-award winning singer was b orn on December 18, 2001?
A. B illie Eilish
B. Taylor Swift
C. P hoebe Bridgers
03. W hat do Buddhists celebrate on Bodhi D ay, December 8?
A. B uddha’s teachings
B. B uddha’s enlightenment
C. B uddha’s birthday
04. W here was novelist Joseph Conrad born o n December 3, 1857?
A. U kraine
B. Po land
C. H ungary
05. W hat is December’s Jewish Festival of L ights known as?
A. R osh Hashana
B. Yom Kippur
C. H anukkah
06. W hich celebrated painter cut off his left e ar on December 23, 1888?
A. P aul Gauguin
B. H enri de Toulouse-Lautrec
C. V incent van Gogh
07. W hich Wiccan Sabbat falls in December?
A. M abon
B. Yule
C. I mbolc
08. W hich album did the Eagles release on December 8, 1976?
A. Desperado
B. Hotel California
C. The Long Run
09. B ritish novelist Jane Austen was born on December 16, 1775: which of the f ollowing novels didn’t she write?
A. Persuasion
B. Northanger Abbey
C. Vanity Fair
10. December brings the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere: what is it?
A. T he shortest day of the year
B. T he longest day of the year
C. T he coldest day of the year
11. W hat is December’s full moon called?
A. I ce Moon
B. C old Moon
C. B lue Moon
12. In Home Alone , where do the M cCallisters plan to spend Christmas?
A. Ro me
B. P rague
C. Pa ris
13. W hat are December’s zodiac signs?
A. S agittarius and Capricorn
B. S agittarius and Scorpio
C. C apricorn and Aquarius
14. W hich franchise released all of its m ovies in December (2001, 2002, 2003)?
A. F ifty Shades
B. Twilight Saga
C. L ord of the Rings
15. W hich British band released Second Coming on December 5, 1994?
A. T he Stone Roses
B. O asis
C. Jo y Division
16. W hat is December’s birthstone?
A. Turquoise
B. L apis Lazuli
C. Sa pphire
17. W hich classical composers were both b orn in December?
A. B ach and Schubert
B. M ozart and Beethoven
C. H aydn and Gluck
18. W hich British actresses share a December 2 8 birthday?
A. M aggie Smith and Sienna Miller
B. E mily Blunt and Emma Thompson
C. K eira Knightley and Kate Winslet
19. Permanent December is the seventh t rack on which Miley Cyrus album?
A. Breakout
B. Can’t be Tamed
C. Bangerz
20. On which day does Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker take place?
A. C hristmas Eve
B. C hristmas Day
C. N ew Year’s Eve
CONNECT WITH KRISTIN JIANG TO
REACH AN ENGAGED AND AFFLUENT
AUDIENCE IN DISCOVERY BAY!
Discovery Bayʼs original community magazine, Around DB is the trusted provider of local information for DB residents. The magazine is delivered to every village in DB, plus key local businesses and we now also have a very active online presence. Our website receives over 45,000 visitors per month, and the Around DB Facebook and Instagram pages have more than 25,000 followers.
We are currently offering special advertising packages (both print and digital) for 2025.
For tailor-made advertising packages to reach our unique readership, email our sales manager Kristin Jiang at kristin@arounddb.com
DISCOVERY BAY
Co-working Space@DB
Hybrid workspace encouraging interaction between members. The hi-tech, ergonomic interior is boosted by a spacious outdoor lounge area. Call 2426 8828
Guidepost Montessori
Authentic Montessori programme scientifically structured for children aged 6 months to 12 years. Seafront views & an outdoor play space at DB North Plaza. Call 2185 6134
Auberge Discovery Bay
Five-star hotel in DB North with 22 mountain/ ocean-view rooms & suites. Meetings & events, dining, wellness & recreation. 25 minutes from HKIA. Call 2295 8288
Harvey Law Group
International law firm offering a wide range of commercial & personal legal services, including investment residency programmes. Meeting facilities in DB. Call 2416 8618
HK Dragons Football Club
Coaching for girls & boys aged 2.5 to 14 years at DBIS & DB North pitches. The professional coaches (FA level 2 or above) are First Aid & CPR qualified. Call 2987 4274
Harry Wright
Trusted swim partner offering expert-led lessons at Club Siena with a structured progression system, small group sizes & international-standard coaching. Call 2575 6279
Tekkerz
Curriculum for U3 to U14 boys & girls designed to develop technical skills & overall game play by using a ‘maximum touch’ approach. Training at DB North pitch. Call 9770 4548
EPS Property Consultants Ltd
DB’s trusted property consultants for buying, selling & renting homes. Top listings & expert guidance provided for first-time buyers, seasoned sellers & renters. Call 2987 2023
il
JOO
Koh
Liang She Han Buy Good
McDonald’s
Pasha
Peony
4922
2626 3008
0903
0833 Pho Bay
3619 0932 PizzaExpress
Spotlight! XMAS SWEATER HALL
OF FAME
From festive to frightening: the rise of the Yuletide chest blanket
EVOLUTION TIMELINE
FUN STATS
9
Average number of awkward compliments received per party
47 Countries that celebrate Ugly Christmas Sweater Day
25 Most sweaters worn at once (on Jimmy Kimmel Live! 2014)
24,000 LED lights on the sparkliest sweater on record
SURVIVAL TIPS
Add a Santa hat or festive socks
Pair with jeans or leggings
Bring USB power pack to recharge LEDs
Always strike a pose for photos
HARVEY LAW GROUP (HLG)
Fo un ded in 19 92 , Har vey Law Group is a prem ier multinational law fir m, s peciali zing in Res idency by I nv es tment ( RB I) and Citize n by In v estme nt (CBI) for over 30 y ear s. W it h ove r 20 office s world w ide rep resen ting over 30 di ffe rent cou n tries and th eir res pecti ve In ves tme nt I mm igratio n progra ms , Harve y Law Group h as prov ided it s se rv ices to ov er 10 ,00 0 families from all aro un d the w orld. As the de m and for In ve stment I mm igration prog rams grows , var ious emergi ng co m pa n ies ha ve latc h ed on to the se rv ice offe rin g, but Ha rv ey La w Group remai ns the on ly legacy la w fir m that s peciali zes in I nv estment Im m igratio n as a di s cipline .
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Resi de n cy by I nve st me nt i n ov er 6 c on t in en ts o v er 2 0 c ountrie s
