January 2012 issue

Parahawking in Nepal Fly like a bird for the ultimate high

University of Life How far would you go to educate your kids?

Kung Hei Fat Choy!

Celebrating Dragon Year

JANUARY

2 0 12

Publishers in DB since 2002

CONTENTS FEATURES

16

26

DEAR READER

38

16

PROFILE DB entrepreneurs Christine and Brian King

20

IN FOCUS New Year’s greetings from some familiar former DBers

26

FAMILY MATTERS Teaching life lessons to your kids

33

MONEY MATTERS Investing in art

38

TALKING POINTS How to reinvent your look for 2012

44

ESCAPES Taking some time out in Hangzhou

48

ACTION Parahawking in Nepal, at 1,500 metres

54

STYLE Decorating tips for Dragon Year

REGULARS 8

IN & AROUND DB Catch up with the latest community news

42

TECH TREND Award-winning 2011 technology, plus what’s new in 2012

60

HOTSPOTS Hip happenings around Hong Kong

62

DB FACES Community snaps

66

CLASSIFIEDS Great deals!

68

PROPERTY Hot local listings

70

DB NUMBERS Your ultimate guide in DB

72

HEALTH Q&A Dealing with eating disorders

First off, I’d like to wish you a very happy 2012 on behalf of the entire team here at Around DB. We’re putting this issue together in the lead up to Xmas and there’s a real buzz in the DB office as we look forward to a fantastic year ahead. For me of course, one of the thrills each New Year is to consider just how long I’ve been putting out DB’s top community magazine – as of 2012, it’s 10 years and counting!

At a time when everyone’s discussing New Year’s resolutions, let me fill you in on a few of the plans we have for Around DB. In 2012, we are looking forward to upping the ante by providing you with yet more DB news, more DB personalities and more DB-focused stories. You only have to browse this issue to see just where we are going with that!

This year, you can also anticipate the launch of the Around DB community website, which promises to be a fully interactive DBcentric experience with plenty of event listings and special interest

stories to keep you entertained. In print and online, we are also looking forward to focusing more on the DB business community. So if any of you local entrepreneurs would like to be featured, please drop me an email.

Of course we are also celebrating Chinese New Year this month, which means that as well as listing plenty of fun things to do over the lunar break, we’ve placed a special focus on China. Kung Hei Fat Choy!

EVENTS EVENTS EVENTSEV Team FEAR adventure race – best yet Photos by Lissa Morris & James Branch Parahawking in Nepal Fly like a bird for the ultimate high

University of Life How far would you go to educate your kids?

Kung Hei Fat Choy!

JANUARY

Celebrating Dragon Year

2 0 12

The original DB-community magazine since 2002

ADB-Jan-2012-cover-A.indd 3

19/Dec/11 3:05:01 PM

On the cover: Scott Mason Photo by Catharine Nicol

Publisher

Corinne Jedwood corinne@arounddb.com Editor

Rachel Ainsley editor@arounddb.com Community news

Lise Dooling lise@arounddb.com Advertising

Lissa Morris lissa@arounddb.com Art direction

Terry Chow Novembe

Photography

Tracey van Geest tracey@inspiredimages.co Accounts

accountant@arounddb.com Contributors this month

Andrew Dembina Dr Barry Connell Catharine Nicol Elizabeth Kerr Karmel Schreyer Lauren Gordon Lorraine Cook Mary Singer Paula Lepore Burrough General enquiries

info@arounddb.com Published by

Bay Media Limited Flat 230, Block D, DB Plaza Discovery Bay, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2987 0577 Fax: (852) 2987 0533 Disclaimer 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.

There was an amazing turnout for the DB Angels’ tournament on December 4. DB’s all-girl footballers (age 6 to 14) gave parents and other spectators alike an amazing show of strength, courage and determination.

As Lissa Morris, our very own advertising genie and chairman of the DB Angels explains, “Our girls were unstoppable. Their games were even more entertaining than the English Premier League matches.” For more on the club and to find out about enrolment, visit www.dbangelsfc.hk.

r 2001

To say that the Team FEAR adventure race has gone from strength to strength is no exaggeration. 10 years ago: 40 participants with 20 volunteers; on November 27: 650 participants and 280 volunteers.

Race founder Steve Corbin would like to thank all participants, sponsors and volunteers. “It was the best race ever. Interest was so keen, we had to turn down a lot of kids who wanted to participate. We were so amazed that on the day, we had no injuries or serious emergencies and the weather was fantastic.” For the full list of results, visit www.team-fear.com.

Angelic football fans Photos by Lissa Morris

DB Tigers roaring success Photos courtesy of DB Tigers

Start-up baseball club, the DB Tigers is inviting players aged 4 to 14 to learn more about the game. DB residents can try their first session for free. You can register and get more information by emailing info@dbtigers.com or visiting www.dbtigers.com.

VENTSEVENTS EVENTSEVENTSEVE DBIS Food Fair update Photos by Ben Loran

On December 3 a record number of DB residents turned out to enjoy the annual Discovery Bay International School (DBIS) Food Fair. Aside from the delicious selection of food and the chance to shop for fabulous gifts, those attending also saw some great performances by DMR School of Ballet and Island Dance, plus a gymnastic display by Sportsmanship. Matthew Collingwood and his band entertained until late in the afternoon – by which time all 18 food stalls were sold out.

Curtain call for Cindy panto Photos by Barbara So

The Cindy panto put on by Youthful Productions at Discovery College was one of the highlights of the Xmas holidays.

After four months of dedication from the production team and 27 cast members, the end result was spectacular. The company’s founder Berni Crockford says, “I am very proud of them all and feel privileged that so many people gave up their spare time to ensure that the children could put on the best show. A big thanks too to Pat Romano and Pat Leung at Discovery College who supported this production allowing us to rehearse and use the school facilities sometimes at short notice. I also must add a big thank you to my husband who not only stepped in to replace a lead cast member but was so patient with me over the past few months!”

Piratical players Photos by Lissa Morris

Discovery Bay Pirates Rugby Football Club hosted a wellattended bash on December 2 to celebrate a great year. This season many DB players have been selected for trials for the national development squads.

For more details turn to page 14.

January 2012

9

JANUARY 2012

IN & AROUND DB

Compiled by Lorraine Cook

JANUARY AT A GLANCE WHEN

WHAT

WHERE

January 1

Celebrate The Nutcracker

D Deck

January 10-29

KidsFest

Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts

January 14, 10am-12pm

Open Day

Discovery Mind Kindergarten / Play Centre

January 24

Chinese New Year Fireworks

Victoria Harbour

January 24, 10-11.30am

Lion and dragon dancing

Discovery Bay Recreation Centre

January 24, 12-1.30pm

Lion and dragon dancing

Club Siena

January 28

Lunar New Year Dinner

Club Siena

If you organise an event, club or charity that you would like to see featured in this section, please contact communitynews@arounddb.com.

Win tickets to Kidsfest

COMPETITION

Three live theatre adaptations of best-selling children’s picture books — The Tiger Who Came To Tea, Stick Man and We’re Going on a Bear Hunt — make their way to the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts in ABA Productions’ action-packed and whimsical KidsFest’s debut.

The fun-filled show is hot from London’s West End and features singa-long interactive segments.

ABA Productions are offering two readers three A-reserved tickets valued at HK$395 each for the show running January 1029. To have a chance to win, simply name two authors from which the plays were inspired. For clues, turn to page 4. The first two readers to answer correctly will win three tickets each. Email your answer to info@arounddb.com (subject line: Kidsfest). Good luck!

Ring in Chinese New Year On January 24 you can bring in the Year of the Dragon by watching the lion and dragon dances and enjoying complimentary tea and cakes.

Head to the Discovery Bay Recreation Club from 10-11.30am, and Club Siena from 12-1.30pm.

On January 28 Club Siena is also hosting a Lunar New Year Giant Basin Dinner Party which will feature traditional Chinese mask changing and Gi Kung Fu. Call 2987 7382 for more information or to make a reservation.

Congratulations to last month’s winners Linda Barnes, Shonagh Ryan, Julia Minsberg, Wendy Thomson and Leigh Ann Garnier for an iPhone travel charger from Hong Kong Broadband Network; Elaine Martyn and Megan Sterling for Andrew Woodward’s book The Water Dragon; Emma Griffiths and Sandra Wyatt for panto tickets to see Cindy; Kal Heathe and Sabrina Dumont for treats from Treat; and Marion Udall, Camilla Tousig, Julie Mexted, Kitty Fung, Amit Narayan, Maria v. H, Nicole Takano, LingLing Wang, Micheline Stockton, Leonie Fillingham and Megan McIntyre for prizes from Bumps to Babes.

10

January 2012

JANUARY 2012

IN & AROUND DB

Celebrate The Nutcracker on D Deck On January 1 The Nutcracker ballet comes to D Deck in the form of six, two-metre wooden Nutcrackers placed along the waterfront promenade. Kids can relive the fantastic journey enjoyed by the ballet’s main protagonist, Clara, as D Deck is transformed into a magical wonderland illuminated by vintage streetlamps.

Fireworks fiesta on the harbour Always a popular way to celebrate Chinese New Year – on January 24 cruise Victoria Harbour to view Hong Kong’s amazing annual fireworks’ display. Tickets include a dinner buffet and two non-alcoholic drinks. To find out more and book your seat call 2500 1820.

Organic skincare giveaway

COMPETITION

Hong Kong’s dry winter can feel particularly harsh on DB, leaving skin dry and itchy. So why not get your hands on some Avalon Organics; all products are free of harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances and colourings. The content of each signature green bottle is guaranteed to be 70% organic. Look out for the promotion on www.facebook.com/avalonorganics.hk.

Avalon Organics is offering five lucky readers a set comprising Nourishing Lavender Hand and Body Lotion and Hand Soap in a chic eco-friendly canvas bag, valued at HK$159.90. Simply answer the following question correctly: ‘What is the percentage of organic content in an Avalon Organics' product?’ The first five readers to email the correct answer to info@arounddb.com (subject line: Avalon organics) will win.

Discover the dragon at DMK Come and see all that is on offer at Discovery Mind International Play Centre (DB Plaza) and Discovery Mind Kindergarten (2-8 Coastline) on January 14 from 10am-2pm. There’ll be plenty of activities to entertain your kids including face painting, cooking, games and art. For more information, call 2987 8028 or 2987 8088.

Ice hockey for young DBers The DBees is a non-profit, DB community-based, ice hockey team open to boys and girls age 7 to 13 years old. The club has been running successfully for five years thanks to the dedicated volunteers and club sponsors. Many DBees are now part of the Selects Programme meaning they get to train with some of the best players in Hong Kong, and travel to tournaments all over Asia. The DBees practice at Elements Ice Rink in Kowloon every Saturday morning. If you are interested in joining Freshness Burgers, Air Canada, Sports World and Around DB as club sponsors, contact club spokesman Fabio Lavarone at flavarone@netvigator.com.

January 2012

11

JANUARY 2012

IN & AROUND DB

Take home Philippe Joly’s book

Spa Siena

COMPETITION

We are very fortunate to have so many talented writers in DB. This month, we want to introduce you to Philippe Joly and his book POTEMKIN, Inc, which takes a novel look at start-up businesses. Adapting the legend of the Potemkin villages to modern entrepreneurship, Philippe provides a fascinating insight into the Samson and Goliath battles that many small businesses win every day by inventing their own rules and finding creative ways to seize opportunities.

POTEMKIN, Inc is available at Dymocks and The Bookshop in DB Plaza.

To win a copy of Philippe’s book, simply tell us the only 80/20 rule that matters to the author. (Clue: visit www.potemkininc. com). Be one of the first four readers to email us the correct answer to info@arounddb.com (subject line: Potemkin).

DB kid sisters publish first book

12

January 2012

DB’s own karate kid At nine years old, Rafi Joss is the youngest student ever to be awarded a Black Belt 1st Dan in Discovery Bay, and currently one of the youngest black belts in the world in Shotokan Karate.

Rafi started karate in 2008, aged 6.

He has trained three times a week for the past three years at the DB Residents Club (Dojo Club) in order to work through the grading syllabus, leading up to this achievement. You can read more about DB’s very own karate kid in the February issue of Around DB.

Resort basketball

Photo by Deelee

Not only do we have talented adult writers, DB is also home to young talented authors.

DB sisters Emi (12) and Blaise (9) Kingan's first children's book has just been published, thanks to the Hong Kong Arts Development Council. Joy to the World: 20 ways kids can show kindness to others… and find luck for themselves is a book showcasing gratitude and friendship as well as English language learning. An accompanying blog site provides a teaching guide and colouring pages to download. Proceeds will go to the Siem Reap School of Arts, where Cambodian children are taught traditional folk dancing and classical Apsara dancing. Joy to the World is available at Dymocks. For more information, please check www.moonstarbooks. blogspot.com

New in DB, a ladies-only day spa is opening on January 16. Spa Siena, located in Club Siena, has what it takes to provide you with a relaxing and indulgent sensory experience. Check out the massage rooms, lined in Thai silk, and try one of the many massages ranging from Herbal and Aroma to Sports.

For further details, call 2987 7382.

Teams from Peng Chau and Discovery Bay are competing in a Hong Kongwide basketball tournament that started on November 27 and will finish up next month, on February 19. If you love the game, you can watch the heats every Sunday at various local venues. This tournament is organised by the Filipino Basketball League and the Peng Chau DBay Group. We hope you will give your support to our very own Around DB team!

For more information, contact Arnel Usero on 9014 4459.

JANUARY 2012

IN & AROUND DB

DB Pirates Discovery Bay Pirates Rugby Football Club continues to go from strength to strength, and is now a powerful force on Hong Kong’s rugby scene. Over the years, the club has been proud to have a number of players selected for trials for the national development squads in both girls and boys sections. This season the following players have been selected for trials. Under-14s: Zachary Baldwin, Carver Wong, Aiden Trent, Manuel Marques, Takamasa Hoshiyama, James Karton, Brandon Orleans and Owen Turner. Under-16s: Angel Kimura (1), Alessandro Nardoni (2), Geoffrey Hoffman (3), Joshua Clery (4) and Sjors Laurijsen (5).

1

2

3

4

5

Photos supplied by DB Pirates

Boxed up hope Box of Hope has completed its most successful year ever by sending out more than 12,600 beautifully decorated boxes filled with useful and educational gifts to children in need in Hong Kong and Asia. Box of Hope would like to thank the sponsors, the volunteers and all the children in over 40 Hong Kong schools for their incredible effort which brought so much joy to others over the holidays.

Sanskrit club for DB kids Brilliant Learning has been providing Hindi language and culture classes in Hong Kong since 2006. The Sanskrit Club programme has enjoyed tremendous popularity and it is now being offered at Discovery Bay International Kindergarten. See what’s on offer at www.facebook.com/Sanskriti.Brilliant.Learning or www.brilliantlearning.com.hk.

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January 2012

DB’s friendly welcome group It’s the New Year and if you are new to DB, there is help at hand. For the past 18 years, volunteers of the Newcomers Group have been providing practical support for people new to Discovery Bay and Hong Kong. Every Wednesday morning from 10am-12pm, you’ll find the group in the Discovery Bay Recreation Club lobby offering information on ‘who to, where to and how to’ for anyone who drops by.

South Lantau incinerator alert Being a DB resident, you probably go to South Lantau’s Cheung Sha Beach for weekend entertainment and a spot of sunbathing. So it will interest you to know that the Hong Kong Government intends to build an integrated waste management facility at Shek Kwu Chau Island, just five kilometres off shore.

The super-incinerator would process up to 3,000 tons of municipal solid waste per day at an estimated cost of HK$13 billion. While a public consultation was held on December 5, following a vocal community protest, the government’s final decision is pending.

Visit www.edb.gov.hk to find out more.

Photo courtesy of htc.edu.hk

PROFILE

entrepreneurial

Photos by Tracey van Geest

spirit

Christine and Brian King flanked by two of their kids Katie and Charles

Among Discovery Bay’s earliest residents, the Kings took an interest in local real estate and developed it into a thriving business.

Lauren Gordon talks with this enterprising DB family 16

January 2012

PROFILE

W

hen the King family moved to DB in 1986

pilots back then and they were committed to staying here

there were only around 2,000 residents,

for years.

no tunnel, and the only place to eat was the Discovery Bay Residents’ Club. Apart

“I wanted to get the message across that if you are here for

from an eight-year stint in Australia, Brian and Christine

the long term, why rent if you could buy? I’d say to friends,

King have lived here ever since, watching the resort grow

‘If you were back in Australia, the UK, Canada – wherever

and their property agency expand with it.

you are from – you’d buy. Why not here?’ I’d show them the figures. I got a lot of pilot friends to buy and all of them have

Brian and Christine have six children. From previous

made money. Back in 1989, a Headland home cost HK$2

marriages Brian has two daughters – Gemma, 33 and

million. I encouraged people to buy to live in, and also to

Francesca, 27 – and Christine has Scott, 39 and Katie, 38.

buy to invest and rent a property out. It made sense.”

Together they have Rachel, 24 and Charles, 21.

When Christine first started her real-estate venture Brian Christine first came to Hong Kong from Britain with her

was busy working as a pilot with Cathay. But she is quick

then eight-year-old daughter, Katie, in 1980. Disenchanted

to say how she and her husband complement each other

with England, the young recruitment consultant soon took

in business. “He always thought what I was doing was

a job with Cathay, liaising with major travel agents.

risky. He is more conservative and cautious. He thinks of worst-case scenarios and handles the nitty-gritty side of

“I’ll never forget the day a Rolls Royce turned up to collect

the business, like the legal side and insurance.”

me for a job interview,” Christine recalls with a laugh. “It was amazing to be in Hong Kong at that time. I loved it.”

Christine and Brian rode the Hong Kong property boom of the early to mid 1990s and built up a property portfolio for

Brian, meanwhile, grew up in Kowloon Tong, attending

themselves and, through Headland Homes, their friends

Kowloon Junior School and King George V School. “Have

and clients.

you read the book Gweilo?” Brian asks. “That was my life – playing on the railway tracks in Kowloon, growing up in

While their eldest son, Scott, has his own burgeoning

Hong Kong as it was back then.” In 1976, Brian, following

empire – the luxury jewellery brand, Carat, with 25

in his father’s footsteps, became a Cathay pilot.

boutiques across Hong Kong, Shanghai, UK, Dubai and Australia – Katie and Charles are working with their

In 1984 Christine met Brian when, one Cathay flight, she

parents. Katie (now Jepson) lives in DB and, as she did,

was seated in the jump seat. Brian was the pilot. The

her three children are growing up here.



two married and, when Christine became pregnant with Rachel, decided to move to DB.

Building an empire A full-time mum, moonlighting as a hairdresser out of her garage at Headland, Christine became increasingly interested in Hong Kong’s property market. And in 1988, she started Headland Homes property agency, noting that there were few agents in DB – only Midland, Centaline and Kaman – and no one focusing on the potential expatriate market.

“I developed a real passion for property and saw a niche in the market,” Christine says. “At the time Cathay people rented. Most never considered buying a place in Hong Kong, even though there were no overseas basings for

Katie King – now Jepson – at home in DB

January 2012

17

PROFILE

Remembering old DB

and Harvards. Christine continued to work in real estate, buying and selling properties on Queensland’s

“When we arrived in DB in 1986 there was only Beach

Sunshine Coast.

Village, Headland and the Hospital Block,” Katie says.

“There were no secondary schools; Scott and I went to

But, the Kings missed Hong Kong and say they never

Island School. I remember my handwriting in my homework

felt settled in Queensland. “Hong Kong is such a ‘can

was so bad from doing it on the old ferries. I also remember

do’ city,” Brian says. “It’s run like a business – it can

a teacher commenting that all the DB girls had messy hair,

adapt and evolve. We decided that as soon as the kids

from sitting outside in the wind on the ferry on the way in

had finished school, we would come back to DB.” Brian

to school.”

and Christine re-launched Headland Homes on their return in 2009, adding to their real-estate business an

Katie recalls being stuck on the old ferries when the

international relocation service.

debris-entangled boats got stranded mid-journey.

“We’d sometimes sit there for around 45 minutes, then

Brian, with Headland Homes’ colleague Sadie Roberts,

another DB ferry would pull up alongside ours and we’d

is now working on a new enterprise, ‘Red Door’ – an on-

all have to ‘walk the plank’ to get from one boat to the

line property management system that “thinks for you”,

other,” she says.

replacing the “old-fashioned” databases currently used by property agents. Once developed, the database is

Back then of course DB Plaza was the bus terminus.

designed to store property records and remove a lot of

“Fusion was ParknShop, and very small, and located

the paperwork from property sales and rentals.

where Ebeneezer’s is now,” Christine adds. “There was no tunnel and no refrigeration on the ferries, so buying meats

“We are building this business for the kids,” Brian says.

and dairy products in Park N Shop was dodgy. A lot of the

“Our plan is for them to eventually run it.” Christine

early DB properties were ‘weekenders’ so it was very quiet

adds, “We’ll continue to live here. DB is such a great

during the week.”

base. We can be near our family and we can travel.”

“DB had such a holiday feel and a fun atmosphere,” Katie says. “There used to be a fountain in the centre of the plaza and kids would put soap powder in it. Suds would be going all over the place. It drove the security guards mad.”

To Queensland and back When Brian retired from Cathay in 2000, he and Christine moved to Noosa in Queensland, Australia,

with

youngest

their

children

Rachel and Charles.

Having

run

Katie’s

Kindie in the Greens for seven years, Katie also relocated to Sydney, then Australia’s Gold Coast.

In Queensland Brian set up a business restoring and flying old war planes, such as Mustangs

18

January 2012

Christine and Brian King set up Headland Homes in 1988

INFOCUS

friends of

years past

Karmel Schreyer passes on some New Year’s greetings from former DBers featured in the pages of Around DB’s predecessor Inside DB – along with their latest news and thoughts on what Discovery Bay has meant to them

Anne-Marie Morison living it up with friends and family in Cortona, Tuscany

20

January 2012

INFOCUS

L

ife after Discovery Bay. For some of us the concept is foreign, for others it has always been the plan. At a time when the majority of DBers seem to be choosing to remain

overseas for the long haul, we talk to five who have moved on to seek new opportunities overseas.

Unsurprisingly, DB still has a special place in these ex-expats hearts. What’s more, all of them maintain a real connection with the resort – either because of their rental properties and businesses or simply for fun via Facebook.

Anne-Marie Morison: Founder, Island Dance Anne-Marie Morison was featured in an early Inside DB article on ‘local heroes’ – many of us still remember how she and her friend Julie Petkovich helped deliver a new DB resident at the Star Ferry Pier – but AnneMarie is also remembered as the founder of Island Dance School. Three years ago, she and her family relocated to Cortona, Tuscany, where Frances Mayes, author of Under the Tuscan Sun, is their neighbour.

“We pick, press and eat our own olive oil from our 60 trees,” says Anne-Marie. “We also have a barrel of Merlot-Sangiovese in the barn from our little vineyard.

We have one barrel, about 200 litres, enough for a year or two!”

With her children ensconced at an Italian school, Anne-Marie began looking for new challenges. Soon she was teaching dance at the Tuscan Sun Festival and at three local state schools (including her children Francesca and Arthur’s). Cortona is a gem; and it is also one of Italy’s top wedding destinations. So AnneMarie recently re-trained in professional make-up artistry in London, launched Blush@Cortonaweddings. com, and says she is as busy as she ever was running Island Dance.

“I love DB, our home for 16 years,” she says. “I love seeing my friends, and my students grown up. We're also lucky that Tuscany is a place many DB friends love to visit, so we can catch up in Siena and Chianti on both sides of the world! Felice Anno Nuovo!”

January 2012



21

INFOCUS Armida Azada: ‘Back to school’ mum

Chef, and a bonafide celebrity in the world of antipodean cookery. It hasn’t all been a bowl of cherries since his admirable win, however; his brand-new kitchen, fitted with appliances that were part of his Master Chef prize, was damaged in the Christchurch earthquake.

But the good news is that Brett’s first cookbook is now out. Called Taste of a Traveller, the book is a compilation of recipes and stories from Brett and his family’s peregrinations. Of his memories of DB, Brett says, “It

Armida Azada with her husband Benj in London

was a pleasure teaching some of the most well-rounded, interested kids I have ever had the pleasure of teaching.

Armida Azada was featured in an Inside DB article about

The attitude to do better was simply amazing, and the

mums who go ‘back to school’ and is now working on a

school spirit fantastic. I believe that kids at DBIS get the

PhD in literature studies at Roehampton University, in

best start to life.

London with her daughter Sophia, while her husband, Benj, commutes from Beijing. “After doing a course at LAMDA

“The simple fact is I am now living the dream,” Brett adds,

(London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) and putting

“coming home to New Zealand was a great idea, and life

up a production, I figured that I really wanted to get back into

has never been better. We do miss Hong Kong though.

the academe,” she says. “Roehampton University offered

Happy New Year to the team at DBIS and all our friends in

me a PhD tuition grant. Benj and I still have a flat in DB, but

Disco Bay!”

I love Roehampton. I love London's research culture; people share information and ideas so openly.”

Jerri Wiseman: Founder, Witness Productions

What does Armida miss about Hong Kong and Manila?

Jerri Wiseman has been featured in Inside DB numerous

“Food. Though I can't feel too deprived in London. For my

times over the years in conjunction with

adobo (popular filipino dish), for instance, there are places

Witness Productions and its many musicals, as well as Picnic in

in Earl's Court where I can get cane vinegar; for Chinese tea, I go to Covent Garden.” When Armida completes

the Park (PiP). She returned to

her PhD she wants to return to Asia and teach literature

Virginia in July 2009, but was

or philosophy. “Happy New Year, one and all!”

back in DB as recently as November to attend PiP 2011.

Brett McGregor: former DBIS teacher

“I’m still one of the organisers.

I write the sponsorship letters.

Jerri Wiseman now living in Virginia

I sort out the marketing tables – I am the only one who writes the cheques,” she says with a laugh.

After a few months spent “changing the house back to us”, Jerri and her daughter Kyra began attending local theatre productions. Soon Jerri had roles in an original Christmas show called The Elf Who Came to Christmas, and in a murder-mystery theatre production, playing a “Spock-like character”. She and the director of the murder-mystery Brett McGregor in Christchurch

Brett McGregor used to teach at Discovery Bay

formed Stagecoach Theatre Company in May 2011, specialising in theatre performances, workshops and production services.

International School (DBIS), but things changed when wife

22

Tracey encouraged him to audition for a reality TV show

The success of Jerri’s endeavours gives her the energy

in New Zealand. Brett is now New Zealand’s First Master

to maintain a bi-continental life. “This year’s PiP was the 

January 2012

INFOCUS biggest and the best. We had close to 9,000 people,”

Miss Naughton says Chinese New Year is her big chance

she says. Jerri has just returned to Virginia but will be

to shine. “In true Hong Kong style, my decorations are

back soon. “DB is family. Happy New Year to all my

fantastic and completely over the top.”

dear friends,” she says. “I miss you a lot!”

What does she remember most about DB? “Without a

Anne-Marie Naughton: Founder, DBIS

doubt, it is the strong sense of community that I recall most, and the way there was always a smile and a friendly

Many of Discovery Bay’s students of longstanding

(and

grown-ups,

too)

will

greeting as you walked through the plaza or travelled on the ferry. When I first returned to Adelaide, I

remember the beloved Miss Naughton,

found it very strange to go to the supermarket

who steered the ship of DBIS on

and not hear ‘Hello Miss Naughton’.” A loyal

an even course for 20 years. Now

cohort of former students and parents still

back in Australia, she is enjoying

stay in touch, though.

a “leisurely retirement”. “I have always been close to my family

“We can thank Facebook for this ease

so it is lovely to see more of them,

of communication,” she says. “I dip in

especially as I now have four-year-

every now and again and enjoy catching

old great nephews.” She stays busy

up on the activities of so many from DB. I

keeping fit “with a lively bunch of

always switch off with a smile on my face

seniors”, and is a fan of the Australian

and, sometimes, a shake of the head! It's

Chamber Orchestra. She has also recently visited Sri Lanka.

Anne-Marie Naughton in Australia

always fun! Very best wishes for all that’s good in 2012.”

FAMILY MATTERS

life lessons L

ife is out to teach our kids a lesson one way or

If you are considering going radically extra-curricular, be

the other and most parents agree that not all

inspired by these DB parents, who have proactively signed

learning is done in the classroom. The School

their kids up for the University of Life rather than have them

of Hard Knocks is an unappealing prospect

await tougher lessons from the School of Hard Knocks.

meaning the (sometimes painful) education one gets from life's experiences, often contrasted with formal education.

Run your own business to earn pocket money

The University of Life however has much more positive

26

connotations. It is a phrase which is most typically used

Marie Marchand is a well-known DB schoolteacher, who

by a person to claim a level of wisdom imparted by life

has also taught quite a few of us DB older folk how to parent

experience, which should be considered at least equal in

better. But in between all that, Marie has been teaching her

merit to academic knowledge.

own three kids, Ni Si 19, Long Tim 17 and Jean Pierre 16,

January 2012

Entrepeneurs Long Tim, Ni Si and Jean Pierre who created the iTAG game nixongames4kids

Photos compiled by Mary Singer

FAMILY MATTERS

How far would you go to educate your kids? Mary Singer talks to four DB parents who have gone that extra mile how to start their own business – after inventing their own

“I lent them money, helped them source and create

sport, that is. The business, nixongames4kids – offering their

materials, and taught them how to market their business,”

original iTAG game as well as themed parties – is booming.

she says. “I then gave them lots of strategies to deal with groups and different situations. I found their first client for

Marie says the concept was born when the children started

them and the rest is history!”

wanting pocket money. “We thought, ‘What can we do that we would like?’ Brainstorming included something to do

Marie’s children now run the business, but she is still

with sports, something outside, something fun, something

involved. “I taught them how to manage their finances

with kids.” Marie’s role was to help encourage ideas and

and I am the bookkeeper,” she says. “I help create the

to let the kids know that anything they put their minds to

themed parties. I taught them to say ‘yes’ to everything

was possible.

and then to create, produce and deliver.”

January 2012



27

FAMILY MATTERS And what else was on the ‘MumBA’ curriculum? “They

to become the youngest person to summit the mountain

have learned what it is to work hard to succeed, how

added extra excitement to our trip,” says Ryan.

to save and put money back into the business,” Marie says. “They are learning to communicate with clients

Zanskar experienced his first snowstorm, too, a real

and children. They deal with situations on the spot and

learning experience for someone raised in Hong Kong.

think on their feet, and are becoming more creative.”

Upcoming projects include heading into the remote

And no doubt Marie’s kids are applying these skills

Zanskar region in western India to discover the place for

elsewhere in their productive lives.

which Ryan’s son is named.

The classroom or Mount Everest base camp

French immersion in a one-room school Susan Warner’s daughter Elizabeth, 11, was born in Belgium, and began her school career in a totally French environment.

When the family moved to Hong Kong, Elizabeth was schooled in a bilingual programme, even though neither of her parents are native-French speakers. Eventually, Susan decided that some immersion was a good idea, and she took Elizabeth out of school one month early, at the end of Year 5, to give it a go. The destination was a village with a

Zanskar and Ryan Blair in Tibet

one-room schoolhouse in the Burgundy countryside.

“Within a week she was dreaming in French,” says Susan.

“And when we would ask her a question in English, she’d respond in French. It’s amazing what immersion can do.”

The school bus picked Elizabeth up and brought her back for the requisite two-hour French lunch-break, then took her back to class, which she shared with about 20 children, making up Years 4, 5 and 6.

Zanskar soaking up some life lessons

Outdoor enthusiast Ryan Blair wanted to teach his son, Zanskar, 15, how to travel independently and to know that with a little research and planning and of course a spirit of adventure, the world was his oyster. But there’s more.

“Travelling in new places on your own requires the ability to read people and personalities and also make judgments as to who you can trust,” says Ryan. “It’s easy for a young person growing up in Hong Kong, a relatively safe city, to think that it’s the same everywhere in the world, but it’s

The school Elizabeth attended in Burgundy

not.” And so off the boys went to the Roof of the World.

Susan’s friends had expressed concern about the bold “Zanskar was surprised to see what an important part

summer-long experiment, and Susan also had some

Buddhism plays in Tibetans’ lives and the lengths they will go

reservations about how her daughter would fit in. But

to respect traditions and generate good karma,” says Ryan.

these fears were quickly shown to be unfounded. Play dates soon followed, giving Elizabeth a chance to make

28

Ryan’s friends were climbing Mount Everest while he and

new friends in French as well. On their return to Hong

his son were travelling across the Tibetan Plateau from

Kong, Susan says, “Elizabeth’s teachers were amazed at

Lhasa, and they made plans to meet up at base camp.

how her language skills had improved. It was the most

“The fact that Jordan Romero, Zanskar's friend, was trying

wonderful experience for all of us.”

January 2012



FAMILY MATTERS Enthusiastic scribbler to self-published author

jewels in seven continents to save their dying grandfather.

The book sales from that launch went to typhoon relief

Rita De Ramos and her husband have firm ideas of what

efforts in the Philippines and the Discovery College Parent

their role is in their child’s education. “As parents, we see

Teachers’ Association.

ourselves as her primary role models in terms of values and as a source of encouragement for her more formal education,” explains Rita. “We view education as more than academics. We provide her with stimuli and experiences that would help sustain her appetite for learning and selfdiscovery, such as giving her books to read, exposing her to different cultures through travel, and providing her with the tools for her creative pursuits.”

Writer Gari de Ramos with her parents

The De Ramos’ efforts paid off! By the time daughter Gari

Says proud mum Rita, “Gari even received some fan mail

was 10 she had written her third book, and Rita knew she

from students who said that they were inspired by her book

needed to step up her own efforts to nurture and support

and would like to write their own.”

this creativity. Based on encouragement from the school principal for Gari’s earlier works, Rita decided to take this

One thing all these far-reaching parents agree on is that

latest book to the public and self-publish. Her school,

their kids now think anything is possible. Perhaps it’s

Discovery College, was very supportive and offered to

subliminal but the lesson they have taken home from these

hold a book launch for Jewel Quest, Gari’s book about

extra-curricular escapades is that ‘where there’s a will,

a brother and sister who go around the world to collect

there’s a way’.

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MONEYMATTERS

artful assets In Hong Kong we are well placed to invest in both Asian and western art.

Andrew Dembina looks into profiting from a passion

Some of the Sources of Pop Art by Peter Blake, Cat Street Gallery

F

ine art, like antique furniture, artefacts and

Record-breaking Asian art sales

jewellery is one of those rare areas of investment where there is a possibility of bringing

Last November, the 14th Asian Art in London event,

something enjoyable into one’s life through a

a premier fixture on the international art calendar,

purchase. Wine or rare alcoholic drinks share the quality

reported some big spending. Within days of opening, one

– but with a more limited lifespan; they will probably be

participating dealer, Eskenazi, had sold all but two of its 14

drunk eventually, enjoyed and then gone.

pieces of Chinese huanghuali wood furniture, with prices ranging from £40,000 (HK$487,500) to more than £1 million

Artworks from Europe have been commanding higher and

(HK$12.06 million). All pieces sold will be returning to Asia.

higher prices at auction, or through galleries or private

Simon Ray Indian & Islamic Works of Art sold artefacts at

sales since the second half of the last century, while Asian

the event priced up to £250,000 (HK$3 million).

art really only began to spark the interest of seriously monied investors in the 1980s, when prices were relatively

Auction houses took part too. Christie's concluded Asian

low. From the early 1990s until now, give or take a pause

sales at a combined total of £28.6 million (HK$343.9

for the odd economic crisis, prices for fine art from Asia

million); Bonhams broke world records for inro and netsuke

have rocketed. In the area of Chinese art and antiques

decorative-style art, and sold an 18th century Imperial

specifically, wealthy classes particularly from the mainland

Chinese vase for more than £9 million (HK$108.2 million).

have driven prices to recent record highs.

Sotheby's notable porcelain sale was a landscape-

January 2012



33

MONEYMATTERS embellished dish, sold for a little over £1 million (HK$12.6

ethos from the beginning, which is why most of his works

million) after a tense four-strong telephone bidding battle.

are prints with high print runs and the unit cost comparably low. He's a prolific artist, still working well into his late 70s.

In Hong Kong, the big auction houses also hold regular

Peter Blake’s prints start at HK$6,000.

sales and the annual Hong Kong art fair, ART HK, held in May, draws interest from global exhibitors and collectors.

“Guy Maestri is a much younger Australian artist who we've watched take off,” Mandy continues. “His

At the October Sotheby’s Hong Kong auction,

shows always sell out and there is a waiting

mainland Chinese bidders, pushed the price

list for his next show years in advance. The

of an abstract painting by Zao Wou-ki to

thing that makes his work so collectable

an auction-record price for the artist of

is that he never paints the same way

HK$68.98 million. This helped Sotheby’s

twice. He's such a confident artist, with

nudge its sales of modern and contemporary

so much skill across different mediums

Asian art up to HK$647 million.

and styles that if you see something of his that you love, you have to get it

The largest local auction house is Treasure Auctioneer,

founded

in

1999,

regularly

conducting sales in Chinese ceramics, works of art and furniture, jewellery, jadeite and timepieces.

because his next show will be completely Rare pear-shaped vase from the Qing Dynasty, Treasure Auctioneer

It recently hammered a rare underglazed blue and red and

different.” You can pick up a print by Guy Maestri for around HK$8,000.

Tips for the collector of Asian art

overglazed rose enamelled pear-shaped vase, from the Qing Dynasty at over HK$15.5 million.

Terence Wu, business development manager at Treasure Auctioneer has these basic golden rules for anyone who

Collecting western art in Hong Kong

wants to start collecting Chinese works of art.

Contemporary western art is still sought by collectors in

“Focus first on a piece’s artistic value – its history, cultural

Hong Kong – and numerous local galleries offer a regular

significance, but not the monetary or investment value,”

roster of well-known international names and some lesser

says Terence. “Start with a specific [collecting] category

known ones.

before moving on to learning a variety of types. Consult industry professionals such as auctioneers, curators and

Cat Street Gallery owner Mandy d'Abo says, “If you are

antique collectors on their experience but trust yourself

new to collecting art, prints and photographic works

when making a purchase decision.”

tend to be more affordable and a good way to start out a collection. Sometimes it takes a while to develop an

Terence reckons China is a safer source of investment

understanding of your own personal style and that first big

art than some other parts of the world. “According to the

art purchase can be a nerve-wracking experience if you

[PRC] State Administration of Cultural Heritage,” he says,

haven't already experimented a little.

“the demand for Chinese works of art from the mainland is escalating rapidly. Patriotism contributes to the current

“It sounds obvious but always buy what you love,” Mandy

trend of Chinese buying back antiques from overseas in

continues. “It is possible to buy art as an investment but

recent decades.”

nothing in life is a sure thing, a piece of art is something that you live with every day and should in some way be a

For the would-be Hong Kong art investor certain mediums

reflection of your personality so try not to think too much

of art are more likely to increase in value. Terence notes,

about the resale value.”

“Ceramics in general yield better value than Chinese paintings as westerners have been more interested in

34

Mandy adds some advice on a couple of her gallery’s

Chinese ceramics and pottery for centuries. However, the

featured artists that might be worth considering. “An

price level of Chinese paintings has risen drastically since

established [British] artist like Peter Blake is extremely

the last century and the upwards growth does not look

collectable, he is credited with creating British Pop Art.

likely to stop. One of Qi Baishi’s ink-wash paintings, A Long

Making affordable art for the people has been part of his

Life, A Peaceful World, recently soared to a record US$65

January 2012



MONEYMATTERS million (HK$505.6 million) at an auction in Beijing.”

Find it Anna Ning of Anna Ning Fine Art, represents collectable

Eskenazi, www.eskenazi.co.uk

modern mainland and Taiwan masters, who generally use oil on canvas. “Art from countries where there is a large

Simon Ray Indian & Islamic Works of Art, www.simonray.com

domestic market such as China, Indonesia and the Middle

Christie's, www.christies.com

East tend to do better [in terms of holding or increasing

Bonhams, www.bonhams.com

their value],” she says, “but it is all about the individual

Sotheby’s, www.sothebys.com

talent at the end of the day.”

Treasure Auctioneer, www.treasure-auction.com

One of Anna’s small stable, whose works have risen notably is Qinghai native Jing Kewen, who captures what look like (surreally heightened) moments in ordinary people’s lives.

Cat Street Gallery, www.thecatstreetgallery.com Art Futures Group, www.artfuturesgroup.com Anna Ning Fine Art, www.annaningfineart.com

In fact, the inspiration comes from old photographs he

Art investment maintenance

sources – many of them reflecting China of the 1960s and

In Hong Kong’s heavily humid summers and contrasting dry winters, it is a good idea to try to keep artwork in a constant climate that is quite dry – especially for works on paper (which can easily buckle) and oil paintings (which can easily crack). And as we all know, any material can get attacked by mould or fungus. Check that collectable pieces are archivequality to avoid rapid deterioration.

1970s. Jing Kewen’s oils start at around HK$400,000.

Anna’s advice for new art collectors is, “Meet as many art dealers and gallery owners as you can, compare advice, read art publications, don’t trust any buzz, and ultimately follow your heart. Always enjoy your purchase; art should be bought for pleasure first.”

Legal expertise wherever you are

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TALKINGPOINTS

how to look your best in

2012 Do you feel like a new look for the New Year? There are several things you can do to enhance what your genes and lifestyle have given you.

Around DB reports

DB resident Sandy Jenner

38

January 2012

TALKINGPOINTS

F

ighting the encroaching tell-tale signs of age

“Eat organic fruits and vegetables to raise anti-oxidants,”

has become a fixation for many in our youth-

she adds. “And avoid using antibiotics as they suppress

obsessed modern-day society. But there is

your healing powers.”

nothing superficial about the self-confidence

and attractiveness of radiating a healthy glow. Luckily there

Exercise

are several ways, both gradual and short cut, to work on your appearance.

We all know we should exercise more – keeping the body active ensures all our systems work optimally, leading to

Just in time for the New Year, here are some new habits to

better health, and therefore a radiant look.

add into your routine.

Thomas Kiprotich, founder of KIPMOVIN in DB and one

Diet

of Hong Kong’s top runners explains, “Take some time to record how you feel about your energy, mood, confidence

It’s not about slimming, it’s about eating foods that

and fitness levels. Then each week add one or two new

provide the optimum nutrition. Feed your body with the

healthy habits to your routine. The more connected you are

correct quality foods and it will show up in a glowing skin,

to how much better you feel, the greater chance of your

clear eyes, shiny hair and an abundance of energy. Chan

sticking with a new behaviour.”

Cudennec, founding CEO of SOL Wellness in Central, a centre providing holistic consultations for healing through

At Embody, the boutique Pilates studio in DB, Sandy

detox and nutrition, suggests focusing on leafy green

Jenner (pictured) is also renowned for her philosophy of

veggies – the darker the better for the maximum amount of

incorporating exercise into everyday life. “Pilates is a form

phyto-nutrients, blood cleansing chlorophyll and vitamins

of exercise that challenges the mind and body, improves

A and D – oily nuts for their protein content, and oily fish for

posture, can make you look thinner, and helps with overall

the Omega 3s.

health and wellbeing,” she says. “A healthy spine equals a healthy life!”

Chan also recommends drinking at least two litres a day of alkaline water (i.e. not distilled), staying away from sugar

Skincare

which acts as an inflammatory and ages the body faster, and doing a regular detox.

Hong Kong is full of environmental pollutants so it’s essential to look after your skin on a daily basis. Brigitte Weber of

At IMI (Integrated Medicine Institute), a holistic health clinic

The Strand in SoHo says, “It’s important to have a regular

in Central, founded by DB residents Carole and Graeme

cleansing routine, especially in Hong Kong with the humidity

Bradshaw, a major focus must be on immunity boosting –

and pollution.” Brigitte recommends regular exfoliation to

something that will help you fight off infections and allergies

keep pores clear and remove dead skin cells, a regular clay

naturally. Carole suggests taking a quality Vitamin D

mask to clear impurities from congested areas and a good

supplement 1000 IU daily to protect against inflammation,

moisturiser to combat the effect of air-conditioning and

plus potent probiotics to help maintain a healthy gut.

weather. “Consistency is key,” she emphasises.

January 2012

39

TALKINGPOINTS

Justine Grier, manager of the Beautiful Skin Centre in

your lifestyle needs, and then listen to their suggestions

Pacific Place, suggests you get into the habit of applying

and take that risk.

eye cream daily, or doubling up on a serum and antiaging cream to blitz dark circles and wrinkles. “This is

Professional hairdresser and DB resident Emmanuel

definitely a winner for those with extreme dryness or

Faipoux, who owns Central hair studio and beauty institute

allergies,” she says.

Emmanuel F confirms, “It’s critical to combine a hairstyle that suits your lifestyle with one that’s in balance with

Make-up

your face. If you like your hairstyle, feeling great is almost guaranteed.”

We can’t all leave the house happy with the face that Mother Nature has given us and make-up is genius at camouflaging

And finally? Fall in love! It’s the best tonic for lifting the

some of the blemishes and wrinkles our complexions

body, mind and spirit.

develop. At the Landmark Mandarin Oriental in Central, new make-up artist Jaime Smith has a whole host of tips.

Find it (DB) Choose light foundation or tinted moisturisers with skinbrightening light-reflecting formals to help your skin glow.

Add a dusting of ultra-fine reflecting powder and a gentle-

Cambridge Weight Plan, cambridgeweightplan.hk KIPMOVIN, www.kipmovin.com

peach or warm-bronze cream blush to add luminosity.

Embody, www.embody.com.hk

Open your eyes by applying concealer to your eyelid and

I hate my weight, www.ihatemyweight.com

underlining the eye with a neutral or white liner. And use a

Nutrition +, www.nutritionplushk.com

lip stain rather than a lipstick to create the most flattering

The Skincare Therapy Centre, www.theskintherapycentrehk.com

look. “Most importantly,” Jaime adds, “keep skin hydrated, drink tones of water and wear at least an SPF 15 daily.”

Back here in DB, Gillian Elsworth from the Skin Therapy

Rouge Photography Studio, www.rougephotohk.com

Centre advocates make-up and colour-analysis programme

Find it (HK)

Colour Me Beautiful© to help you reinvent your appearance.

IMI (Integrated Medicine Institute),

Gillian explains, “Colour Me Beautiful can show you how

www.imi.com.hk

easy it is to enhance your personal image. When you look

SOL Wellness, www.sol-wellness.com

good, you feel good!”

The Beautiful Skincare Centre, www.beautifulskincentre.com.hk

And this is exactly what Rouge, the new photography studio in North Plaza, is all about. As owner Dee explains, “Rouge

The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, www.mandarinoriental.com/landmark

wants to show women that they are just as gorgeous as

The Strand, www.thestrandhk.com

any model, in any magazine. We coach clients every step of

Emmanuel F, www.emmanuelf.com

the way, from outfit selection, through make-up, to posing and expression, providing an experience that is both comfortable and fabulous!”

More tips on immunity boosting

Hair Our ‘do’s say a lot about us, they express elements of our character whether we like it or not, so you really want to get this element right. Professional hairdressers are invested in helping you look your very best and eradicating any insecurities you have about your looks. Find a hairdresser who ‘gets’ you if you’re looking for a change of style, discuss

40

January 2012

Sign up for the Immunity Boosting Seminar being presented by Graeme Bradshaw on January 18, at 7pm at IMI (Integrated Medicine Institute).

It’s essential to book ahead, call 2523 7121 or email helen@imi.com.hk

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TECHTREND

glittering prizes What were the top technologies of 2011, and what can we look forward to in 2012? Paula Lepore Burrough reports

T

he New Year reminds us to reflect on the past and consider new resolutions for the year ahead.

The notion is good, as we are encouraged to think about the year that has passed and predict what might be required for a successful future. With 2012 upon us, it seems appropriate then, to review some of the most popular technologies of 2011 and look forward to some truly ground-breaking new inventions. For instance are you ready for ‘bendy’ phones and cars that ‘talk’?

Let’s take a look at a few of T3’s 2011 award winners and roll out some predictions.

42

1

2

4

3

Award-winner Mark Zuckerberg

1 Phone of the Year

2 Tablet of the Year

3 Digital Media of the Year

4 Gadget of the Year

The Phone of Year Award went to the Samsung Galaxy S2; an ultra-thin, super-light (116g) phone with a whopping 4.3-inch super-amoled screen.

Meanwhile, Nokia unveiled its first smartphone running a Windows Operating System, and Apple released the iPhone 4S which comes with a personal assistant, named Siri, a tempting feature. Looking forward, both Samsung and Nokia are working on a new technology, to release the first ‘bendy’ phones early in 2012. Nokia’s prototype Kinectic, demoed a screen that bends to control functions such as music and video, while Samsung demoed a 0.3mm-thick transparent OLDE screen that can be folded over.

Apple’s iPad2 was T3’s Tablet of the Year award winner. Other worthy tablet options included the Motorola Xoom, HP Touchpad, LG-G Slate and the BlackBerry Playbook.

Tablets have become a popular tool to deploy to employees; their design is better for travelling and presenting. They are also becoming popular in primary education, as the interactive touch screen is intuitively easy to navigate. Techradar. com correctly predicted that 20 million iPads would be sold by 2012, and with Apple’s new IOS5 cloudbased operating system, sales could go higher this year. However, due to affordability, the Amazon Kindle Fire will likely provide strong competition.

In 2011, Twitter surpassed 200 million tweets per day, helping it claim T3’s Digital Media Service of the Year Award. In a study of 125 students, those who used Twitter for educational purposes in the classroom scored higher results and were notably more engaged than those who did not use the social-media site.

On a similar note, T3’s Gadget Personality Award was taken by Facebook founder, Mark Zuckerberg, perhaps due to exposure gained through hit movie The Social Network.

Currently, there are more than 800 million active users of Facebook. The statistics site, Social Bakers, predicts that there will be one billion Facebook users by 2012.

Gadget of the Year was awarded to Razer Switchblade, an intelligent gaming device for on the go gaming. Its sensitive, multi-touch screen and dynamic keyboard can transpose its command icons and control schemes depending on the game situation: a hit for the MTR and/or ferry gamer.

Looking ahead to best gadget of 2012, how about a system that broadcasts information to other cars using a combination of GPS and wi-fi? Cars would be capable of ‘talking’ to each other to identify safety issues, and provide traffic information and advice to the driver. This system has already been trialled in the US, Europe and Australia.

January 2012

Who am I? KayeKaye Khemlani, a native English speaker with a strong presence in Discovery Bay.

My thoughts: Greetings to all DB residents.

As we are now celebrating the beginning of 2012, I understand we all go through different stages of life and so do our insurance needs.

Besides work, we also have to think about Mandatory insurances which are absolutely required by HK Government, Domestic Helper Insurance for our helpers, including those helpers who live on houseboats in the Marina, coverage on Automobile, Office Package Employee Compensation & Home Owner Public Liability. In addition, we should also think of having Renters, Home Owners Insurance, Houseboat Public Liability & Medical Insurance (individual or group) for our own peace of mind. Though optional, it is also good to have a travel insurance, accident, and education and savings plan for your kids, term life for breadwinner etc..etc.. So overwhelming!

That’s why I am here for you with a large variety of plans, options and quotations that will help you achieve your goals faster and easier. Feel free to call or email me at your own convenience.

My offer: I can do a comparison shop for you free of charge, to ensure that you make the right choice and check that you have the right product at the right price.

ESCAPES

Hanging out in

Hangzhou Photos by Catharine Nicol

From biking around beautiful West Lake to sipping tea and savouring some local delicacies, Catharine Nicol has the lowdown on the largest city in Zhejiang Province

44

The best way to explore beautiful West Lake is by bicycle

January 2012

ESCAPES

O

verlooking the calm water of West Lake,

only 15 kilometres in circumference. But there is so much

from below the pale green, wispy fronds of

to haul on the brakes for as you pedal around, you need

the weeping willows, is where Hangzhou

a whole day. While Chinese ID card holders can use one

citizens start their day. Tracing tai chi moves,

of the city’s 40,000 bikes at points around the city, there

swinging partners through ballroom dancing waltzes,

are numerous cheap and efficient private rental spots for

taking their birds for a breath of fresh air or simply watching

foreigners – just take your bike for a little test drive before

the sun rise while catching up on the gossip, West Lake is

heading out, to check the brakes and gears are working.

their daily physical, mental and spiritual awakening.

Setting off from the north-east corner, and pedalling Poets, politicians, scholars and artists have been drawn

south, boat trips head out on the right, while a couple of

to West Lake’s beauty since the Tang Dynasty (618-

streets inland is Yan’an Road and its high-end shopping.

907 BCE), discussing arts, Buddhism and diplomacy

But for more atmosphere take a detour to Qinghefang

over cups of the famous Longjin tea. So important were

Street, a historic pedestrianised road of shops, cafes and

the intelligentsia back then that poet Su Shi was made

restaurants. This is souvenir central – hopefully your bike

governor, and bequeathed his name to the causeway he

has a basket because some of the items are quality –

built during his reign.

where the city’s specialities of tea, silk, chopsticks, fans and parasols sell faster than hot dumplings. It’s touristy but

The city was founded in the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE)

lively, and don’t miss the Drum Tower antique market.

and became one of the seven ancient capitals of China.

Set at the southern end of the 1,776 kilometre-long Grand

From gazing to grazing

Canal that led from Beijing, from the 12th to the 14th century it was at various times the largest city in the world.

Cycling back to the lake, park up and take some time to

Famous explorers, Marco Polo in the 13th and Moroccan

stroll the walkways of the south-western area, unfortunately

Ibn Battuta in the 14th century, were amazed by its size and

prohibited to bikes. Poetic names highlight the various

beauty, as are today’s visitors. On visiting the city, you’ll be

views and sights, from Orioles Singing in the Ripples of

one among 20 million tourists a year, a figure which will rise

Willows, to Three Pools Mirroring the Moon and Leifeng

since its recent UNESCO World Heritage Site membership.

Pagoda Standing in the Sunset. It’s a tranquil area (depending on how many tourists you’re sharing it with)

West Lake by bicycle

and well worth finding a spot to sit and gaze.

The perfect way to explore Hangzhou is on two wheels.

Once you start feeling peckish, there are lots of restaurants

At first glance the lake looks like an easy ride – it’s flat and

with lakeside views and fascinating local delicacies to

January 2012



45

ESCAPES

Longjing Tea is grown to the east near Dragon Well Village

Atmospheric teahouses line West Lake

sample – how does 'grilled meat gold', 'jumping taste in

At the causeway's end, the Temple of Yue Fei is a good

bone' or 'Wild Jane Liu bacteria burst partridge', perhaps

stopping off point before you pedal the last leg along the Bai

with a side of 'vegetable cultivation' grab you? You’ll be

Causeway, past the perennially popular (for domestic tourists)

playing safer if you search out Fotoyard on Nanshan Lu, a

Louwailou restaurant, well deserving of a beer or five.

cute cafe overlooking Qian Wang Ci Temple (the Memorial Hall of the Emperor Qian), which hosts rolling exhibitions

by Chinese photographers.

Sampling tea and flying kites If you’re feeling energetic post lunch, you could cycle along the south of the lake, past the Red Carp Pond, and out east to Longjing Road. This will take you past the Chinese Tea Museum, which offers up a very detailed and fascinating insight into Chinese tea, especially the local green-leafed hero Longjing. Dragon Well (Longjing) Village a few kilometres further is a great place to stroll the tea plantations, where locals are only too happy to share their knowledge, and their tea. Tiny teahouses line the street and have done since 230 AD when Emperor Quianlong took one sip and declared the tea Imperial.

Back lakeside, and the Su Causeway is a straight, willowlined road with occasional arched bridges that is a magnet for cyclists, walkers and opportunistic sellers. Best are the kite salesmen, who stand nonchalantly making kite flying look extremely easy. Try taking over the reins to get a feel for it before buying your own typically Chinese string of kites, in a dragonfly or goldfish shape.

46

January 2012

Where to stay Amanfayun has taken over an ancient Chinese village and is next door to the Lingyin Temple meaning Temple of the Soul’s retreat, www.amanresorts.com Banyan Tree Hangzhou is a little out of town in the Xixi Wetlands, a new tourism area, www.banyantree.com Hyatt Regency Hangzhou is the perfect place for early morning exploration in the parks on the north-east banks of West Lake, www.hyatt.com The Tea Boutique hotel is stylish and modern, www.teaboutiquehotel.com

Where to eat Eudora Station’s great weekend brunch on West Lake includes a roof terrace Grandma’s Kitchen cafes for affordable Hangzhou cuisine are found all over the city Shou Kangyong Vegetarian restaurant is run by Buddhists on South Yan’an Lu

Where to drink Fotoyard is a must for great coffee and photo art JZ Club on Liuying plays sensational jazz and blues Maya Bar on Baishaiquan dishes up great tex-mex, in a bustling nightlife area Mint boasts a stylish and up-scale terrace at the glamorous Tea Boutique hotel Reggae Bar on Yueyuan Road imports a nonstop procession of Djs

ACTION

bird’s eye

view Paragliding with a bird of prey on your arm may well be the ultimate high, says Catharine Nicol

Scott Mason, the brains behind parahawking, in Pokhara Nepal

48

January 2012

ď‚„

Photos by Catharine Nicol

ACTION

January 2012

49

ACTION

I

Paragliding in tandem with Scott and Bob

’m flying 1,500 metres above the lakeside town of Pokhara in Nepal. Looking down between my feet the carved landscape dotted with villages rises from Phewa Tal Lake up to Sarangkot Peak in a landscape of dusty

“When we are in the air we are in their domain,” says Scott.

greens. The Annapurna Range cuts a jagged skyline above.

“We’re just visitors practicing what they do on a daily basis.”

Looking straight up there’s the colourful canopy of the tandem paraglider that’s swooping up on a thermal, expertly handled

The birds

by parahawking mastermind, Scott Mason, right behind me.

Just over half-an-hour later and we’re all back down on Scott suddenly blows two sharp blasts on his whistle and

solid ground. Bob resumes his punky, uncoordinated walk.

a few seconds later a beautiful bird of prey, Bob, leaves his

He and his vulture colleague Kevin, plus numerous hawks,

own thermal to swoop down and land on my outstretched

kites and other birds, live at Maya Devi, a few kilometres

arm. My falconer’s glove protects me from the sharp claws

along the lake’s shores from Pokhara, with Scott and his

that dig in to get good purchase, and the beak that knows I

partner Anita. Injured by humans or by accident, or suffering

have a cube of juicy buffalo meat. He pecks it up, looks up

from stress, the birds recuperate under Scott’s care,

and surveys his realm for a few seconds, then leans forward

before being let back in the wild. “We give them another

and pushes off, up, up and away.

go at being birds,” he says. If, however, they are given to him too young he can’t teach the essential fear of humans

The flight

they need to survive, and these birds become long-term feathered friends trained to fly with the paragliders.

Scott is first and foremost a falconer who learned his skills in his native Britain. Travelling through Nepal in the middle of

“One of the arts of flying is to train birds to be our partners

a round-the-world break from his graphic design business

in the air,” emphasises Scott. They respect us and it’s our

took him to Pokhara, back in 2001. A mad idea over a

responsibility to protect them.

good few beers following a paragliding flight with Frontiers Paragliding founder Adam Hill gave birth to parahawking.

“I can tell by looking at a bird if it’s going to be a good

Scott returned to Pokhara to live, to rescue injured birds of

one,” Scott adds. “Those with a nice head and a nice look

prey and to train them to fly with the gliders.

will likely have a good personality.” Bob, Brad the kite, and especially Kevin are his favourites. “Kevin thinks he’s

Running off the edge of Sarangkot and flying like a bird on

human. He comes back to us, not because he’s hungry

a tandem paragliding flight gives you a full-on, adrenaline-

but because he’s greedy. In the wild he can easily go days

rushing, gravity-defying, grin-inducing high that lasts hours

without food, but life with us is easy. He flies with us, he

after your 45-minute flight is over. But driving up to the peak

gets fed, he sleeps in an aviary; nice and safe.”

in a beat-up local taxi with Bob the Egyptian vulture in the back looking out of the window like a regular commuter, is

The cause

surreal. And flying with him, watching all three feet of his

50

wing span soar up and land on your arm, sharing his world

While Pokhara’s clean air, huge skies and wild terrain

up close, is another thing altogether. You can’t help but

seem the perfect home for birds of prey, they are actually

wish you had the freedom of the sky too.

endangered here. In fact Asia has lost almost 99 percent

January 2012



ACTION

of some of its vulture species in the last 15 years. Vultures clear up dead carcasses; in Nepal that’s especially those of sacred cows. But sick cows are given diclofenac or ketoprofen medicines, which are fatal to the birds, who without realising it literally risk their lives while doing their job. To highlight their plight, and those of other birds of prey, Scott founded Himalayan Raptor Rescue, and he has been working to clear Pokhara and the surrounding area of

PADI Bubblemaker at CSI Samui

the deadly drugs.

Vultures may have a bloodthirsty reputation but it is a sobering thought that in five years they may be extinct.

Vultures Bob and Kevin

“Vultures play a vital role in the eco system,” explains

Useful info

Scott. “Without them millions of tons of rotting animal

• Take a look at Himalayan Raptor Rescue: www.himalayanraptorrescue.org.

The foundation is in dire need of funds, and every little bit helps • Check out Bob and Kevin’s Facebook pages: www.facebook.com/#!/ kevinthevulture; www.facebook.com/#!/bobthevulture • Scott has two new recruits, the two Harris hawks Heckle and Jeckle, who make up his parahawking team in a new location Alicante, Spain. Visit www.parahawking.com • Simulate the experience by watching Scott’s DVD Flight for Survival, which has already won a special merit award at The Missoula International Wildlife Film Festival

carcasses could cause risk to human health and safety through pollution, rabies and feral dogs.”

Every time he takes someone up in to the air to fly with Bob, Kevin or Brad, Scott is showing the birds off to their greatest advantage. It’s impossible not to be in awe of their majestic beauty and their power.

THANK YOU To all of our valued SPONSORS, VOLUNTEERS & COMPETITORS

Title Sponsor

For making our 10th anniversary event truly spectacular

From the organisers of the Team FEAR Junior Challenge held on 27th November 2011 on our 10th Anniversary We look forward to seeing you next year

Raising money for:

STYLE

dens and

Home decorators need to inform themselves about auspicious feng shui placing in the Year of the Dragon

54

STYLE

dragons What does the Dragon have to say about your home design this year? Two of Hong Kong’s top feng shui masters share top tips with Elizabeth Kerr

L

ike many ancient traditions, the art – or science – of feng shui has its proponents as well as its share of detractors. Some still see it as a superstition but there’s no denying it’s

a serious industry in Hong Kong. Can anything that can cause years-long legal battles and romantic scandals be brushed off that easily?

Though it’s a complex series of concepts that rely on stars, time, directionality and elements, feng shui at its core is a system of geomancy that orients buildings and interiors in such a way as to maximise good energy, known as qi. Yes it’s been co-opted by new-agey types in recent years, but the simplest ideals still dominate.

The first thing a feng shui master will do is identify the

locations of good energies that promote health and prosperity in your home, and the bad energies that do the opposite.

Auspicious room positioning Entrances and master bedrooms seem to carry the day for importance. As Master Raymond Lo describes it,“The master bedroom decides a person’s health and household harmony; it must be situated in a location of good energy to support human aspects. In feng shui terms this position is called good mountain stars. Entrances and activity areas such as living rooms are related to prosperity, so they must be located in areas of prosperous feng shui energy to generate money, called good  

water stars.”

January 2012

55

STYLE

Clearly it’s worth consulting a feng shui master when you

Redecorating in Dragon Year

move into a new home, well before you decide where to position key rooms. That said if you find yourself unable to

So what’s up for the coming Year of the Dragon? The

redo the floor plan to fit in with the existing qi, there are a

Dragon is one of the Chinese zodiac’s most vivid animals

number of tricks you can employ to dispel bad energies. A

(who wants to be a rabbit when you can be a dragon?)

feng shui master can advise you on simple strategies like

and sure enough it’s going to be something of a fiery year.

reworking the colour scheme, positioning ‘lucky objects’

Raymond and Hon-chu agree 2012 will be dominated by

and introducing mirrors and plants.

bad energy in the south-east and sick energy in the north.

Once again, doorways, master bedrooms and cooking

Common misconceptions

spaces are key.

Master Hon-chu Li goes into more detail when reflecting

Hon-chu emphasises the importance of a simple kitchen,

on common feng shui mistakes. “Most people would like to

the pole for a home’s qi. “It is generally regarded as the

have a grand view of water – a beach, a harbour. But only

health sector for residents, yet it also carries the monetary

accredited water positions are prosperous to a particular

wise feng shui of the home at the same time.” Which brings

house. In most cases the wrong water positioning for feng

new meaning to the phrase, ‘You are what you eat’.

shui could cause harm in no time,” he cautions. On top of that, the common belief that the diagonal from a door

If you are redecorating this year, any random time is as

entrance is a money spot is misguided, as is the idea that

good as the next to start. The direction the home faces

the back of the house is a health spot.

and the resident’s birth year have some influence, but for Raymond, the only reality to bear in mind is the sun.

“These sorts of advice make feng shui tactics look

Days where the sun is shining on the home are better

somewhat ridiculous,” Hon-chu says. “What feng shui

bets. “The sun will drive away bad energies,” he says.

techniques enable us to do is act according to and coincide

“To apply this formula, one must know the direction of

with the trends of nature… not to use our minute energy to

the house to choose the appropriate time range to start a

counteract and confront the enormous power of nature for

renovation project.”

the bad! Nature will go mercilessly its own way as ever.”

But what’s the bottom line? Hon-chu states simply, “One golden tip for home redecoration in 2012 is to start renovation work in the west portion of your house. A good start will often result in sound endings.”

Design tips for Dragons So you’re a Dragon – born in the years 1928, ’40, ’52, ’64, ’76 or ’88 – and you’re thinking of re-doing the house this 

There are a numerous feng shui ‘tricks’ you can employ to dispel bad energies, like lighting candles

56

January 2012

STYLE

year. Well, you may want to put those plans on hold for

tendency to self-penalising decisions. “[Such decisions] in

just a bit. Like a year. Raymond predicts this year will not

the Dragon Year will cause worries, irritation and sickness,”

be a favourable one for Dragons. “Firstly, Dragon people

he says. “So Dragon people should carry a pendant of a

are offending the grand duke of Dragon Year, which is not

Rooster to repel the [effects of the] Dragon year in 2012.”

auspicious and brings more turbulence and obstacles,” he says. As if remodelling a home isn’t turbulent enough in itself.

Dragons are one of the zodiac’s most powerful signs: famous Dragons include American suffragette Susan B. Anthony, Austrian psychologist Sigmund Freud, prototype sexpot Mae West and elfin British actor Orlando Bloom. Traditionally magnanimous, proud, intellectual and decisive, Dragons can be hot-headed and so once a Dragon puts his mind to a complete

Entrances relate in feng shui terms to residents' prosperity

kitchen redesign, he’s unlikely to change it. Tell him about the grand duke dragon and he’ll probably poohpooh it as superstitious nonsense.

Aside from unforeseen obstacles, Raymond believes the more serious aspect influencing Dragon Year people is a

Contacts • Li Hon-chu, www.lihonchufengshui.com • Raymond Lo, www.raymond-lo.com

HOTSPOTS

What's

new

around

Hong

Kong

c o m p i l e d b y A n d re w D e m b i n a

Roll up for KidsFest Adapted from the picture book written by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt takes to the stage at the Drama Theatre, Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts from January 11 till 26 as part of KidsFest. The award-winning book is brought vividly to life by director Sally Cookson and set to a lively score by Benji Bower. Expect catchy songs and plenty of audience-actor interaction. Two other shows will also perform as part of this month’s mini-festival: The Tiger Who Came to Tea and Stick Man. For more details go to www.kidsfest.com.hk.

Chic enough Festival of the arts to eat

Pastries go down best with a piping hot coffee, chocolate or tea in Hong Kong’s short winter.

Agnès b Café LPG in Central recently introduced some new varieties to its chic little menu. Parisian puffs or chouquettes – that use light chou pastry are available, and best eaten when warm. Two southern French-style fruit tarts are now offered: apple with almond, and pear – both of which are best enjoyed with an optional scoop of vanilla ice-cream. Finally, there is a new chocolate tart, with a smooth milk-chocolate paste filling and crumbly pastry. Call 2915 2382 to make a reservation.

60

January 2012

Starting at the end of the month (spanning January 28 till March 8 to be precise), the 40th Hong Kong Arts Festival presents an international culture fix that’s arguably the best we get all year. If you haven’t booked tickets for the numerous concerts and plays on offer, there are still some left for local or visiting productions. One of the classics of British comedy theatre is performing – The Importance of Being Earnest (February 2-5), a social satire by Oscar Wilde, directed by the founder of the Royal Shakespeare Company, Sir Peter Hall. Or for something a little more surreal – consider World of WearableArt – a melange of dance, movement and music from New Zealand that brings to life some of the world’s bestknown fine-art pieces. Visit www.hk.artsfestival.org.

HOTSPOTS

German brut Having recently featured British bubbly in these pages, let’s take a look at a German variety newly available here: Geldermann Sekt Brut, German sparkling wine, as in other producing countries can get its bubbles from either fermentation in tanks or in the bottle. Geldermann Brut, a non-vintage, is the latter, produced in a process which is similar to that of the Champagne region in France.

In fact, the winery, founded in 1838, has its origins in Ay in Champagne. Three grape types are used – chardonnay, and pinot noir, as in Champagne; but pineau de Loire – also known as chenin blanc, replaces the traditional pinot meunier. A little more fruity than many French bruts, it has won a handful of industry awards.

Available exclusively through S&D German Wines at HK$369 per bottle. Visit www.sd-germanwines.com.

Enter the dragon

Chinese New Year, with its mix of family and public celebrations always presents a few colourful and fun diversions. From January 17-22 special flower markets spring up selling perennial favourites such as peach blossom, pussy willow and gladioli.

Victoria Park has the largest selection. The Lunar New Year Parade (8.00-9.30pm), something like a cross between a Brazilian carnival and a kids’ comic character display, starts at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza in Tsim Sha Tsui and ends in front of Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel and Towers. Spectator stands open to ticket holders at 7pm. On January 24 at 8pm, one of the best public fireworks displays in the calendar lights up Victoria Harbour. Find out more at www.discoverhongkong.com.

Shanghai delights Wanchai has a new nightspot, The Tonno, vying for attention. Sprawling over a few floors, there’s plenty of bling about this bar, café, lounge terrace and karaoke-room complex. A live band plays in the main bar which also has a dance floor. The food is wellpresented casual Shanghainese cuisine: think dumplings and noodles. But the bar goes for a more lavish twist. Alongside wine, beer and premium spirits, there is an ultra-long cocktail list. House special mixes include the Vodka Tonno – vodka, tonic, chambord, framboise and cranberry liqueur; and the Tonnolini – fresh raspberries, crème de cassis, cranberry juice and champagne. Call 3125 3888.

January 2012

61

Photos by Tracey van Geest

DBFACES

62

January 2012

Mui Wo

Photo by Terry Chow

THE RED LANTERN Genuine antiques, small pieces of delightful furniture from the late Ching Dynasty.

4 minutes' walk from the ferry in Mui Wo in the direction of the Silvermine Beach Hotel.

Free Delivery to DB Tel: 2987 0099 Fax: 2980 4833 glandam@netvigator.com

FERRY SCHEDULES From DB

From Mui Wo

Mon-Sat (except PH) 7:15am

7:45am

Sun and PH only

9:15am

8:45am

Sat, Sun and PH

10:45am 11:15am

Mon-Fri (except PH)

11:00am 11:30am

Sun and PH only

11:45am 12:15pm

From DB

From Mui Wo

Sat, Sun and PH

1:15pm

1:45pm

Daily except Sat

3:00pm 3:30pm

Daily

4:15pm

4:45pm

Daily

6:15pm

6:45pm

Sat, Sun and PH

8:05pm 8:30pm

Feijoada, Seafood Muqueca, Cheese Bread and many more..

Private Bookings - Kit for parties - Takeaway - Catering Shop A, G / F, Silver Centre Building, Mui Wo - Lantau Island Open: Monday to Friday 2 pm to 10:30 pm Saturday and Sunday 12 pm to 10:30 pm

Tel: 2984 7471

casabrasil.hk @ gmail.com

January 2012

63

COMPETITION

Photos by Claire Fraser & Wouter Has

DBFACES

Great prizes from Uncle Russ!

A

B

C

Congratulations to last month’s winner Anthea Fu who correctly identified picture A featured on page 20 of our December issue. Please contact our office on 2987 0577 to collect your prize.

W

e have a fun photo challenge for you this month. While the three pictures above appear the same, if you look closely you will find they are not exact replicas. Your challenge is to identify which of the three photos is the exact copy of a photograph featured elsewhere in this issue of Around DB. You need to list the page number the photo appears on, as well as which of the three pictures is the exact copy. The first person to send us the correct answer will win a complementary drink at Uncle Russ in DB Plaza every day for a week.

Email your answer to info@arounddb.com (subject line: Uncle Russ competition) or fax us at 2987 0533. Good luck!

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Free Consultation Available.

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Colourful assortments of seasonal flowers and beautiful orchids artfully arranged, right here in DB Tel: 2987 0802 Mobile: 9150 7165 dotcaddis@me.com

NEED A HELPER? CONTACT

MIKE

mc.employment@tp3ltd.com

DORIS

cs@tp3ltd.com

14/F MIRAGE TOWER 13-15 THOMSON ROAD, WANCHAI TEL: 2542 0588 / 2542 0589 / 2542 0500

COMMUNITY

DB ANGELS FOOTBALL CLUB

The first girls-only football club in DB. For more information visit www.dbangelsfc.hk

DBEES ICE HOCKEY Committed to developing ice hockey in Hong Kong the DBees are looking for new players – visit www.dbeeshockey.com DB PIRATES RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB Offering under-6 rugby through to a new senior team, the DB Pirates has grown rapidly into a powerful force in Hong Kong. The club has more teams & age groups than ever before in its rugby section. To join visit www.dbpirates.com DB TIGERS BASEBALL CLUB Play baseball on Saturday afternoons – the club is accepting players age 5 to 13. If you are interested please contact the club on info@dbtigers.com or visit www.dbtigers.com

EMPLOYMENT SECRETARIAL & ADMINISTRATION Seeking a good typist, fluent in Word & Excel. Prior experience in general admin required, plus fluent English.Full-time preferred but long annual leave negotiable.

Start date: January 2012. Email your CV to catherineIB@hotmail.com

66

January 2012

EMPLOYMENT ACCOUNTS / ADMINISTRATION Seeking an administrative accountant to handle full-set books, plus accounts system data entry. Fluent in English & Excel. Full-time preferred. Start date: January 2012. Email your CV to catherineSTBC@gmail.com ARE YOU A LICENSED SALESPERSON WITH EAA? Dynamic new property agency is looking for an administrator, sales consultant & sales managers. Excellent remuneration – basic + commission. More opportunities with local & international property sales. Send your CV & call for a confidential interview at our Central office on 3115 7617

HEALTH & WELL-BEING

HEALTH & WELL-BEING

COUNSELLING

THE SKIN THERAPY CENTRE IN DB

For grown-ups who want to keep growing. Stress, anxiety, anger, depression, or relationship problems?

These issues present an opportunity for personal growth & development.

Authenticity Counselling helps adults deal with issues of living in an empowered, authentic & growthful way.

Contact Stephen at 9630 2385, stephen@authenticitycounselling.com or visit www.authenticitycounselling.com

HYPNOSIS &/OR SHORT- TERM THERAPY

Quit smoking quickly.

Resolve: • Fear of flying/ public speaking • Overeating • Couples’ conflicts • Career & command-training stress • Anger management • Phobias • Nail biting • Insomnia Dr Melanie Bryan, Psy.D. Clinical Psychologist & Hypnotherapist. Post-divorce coaching at 2575 7707, www.mindmatters.hk

Fully qualified, UK-trained beauty therapist with over 16-years’ experience.

• C.A.C.I. – the new CACI ultimate, incorp MICRO-DERMABRASION, L.E.D LIGHT THERAPY, to treat lines & wrinkles plus facial toning using micro-current exclusive to C.A.C.I • FACIALS – Nobel-prize winning SKEYNDOR stem plant system cell facials & homecare, DERMATOLOGICA products & Dr Murad VIT C, Glycolic peels & anti-aging treats GUINOT HYDRADERMIE with Lifting Plus treatment • AROMATHERAPY - using 100%-certified organic oils • BODY MASSAGE / BODY SCRUBS/ WRAPS for slimming & detoxifying • REFLEXOLOGY • WAXING & EYELASH TINTING • COLOUR ME BEAUTIFUL make-over & colour analysis • GIFT VOUCHERS Call Gillian on 9604 6920/ 2987 0764

Looking for a place to stay?

Check out our property listings

HOME & REPAIRS DPK MOVERS

• Cheap, friendly movers to get the job done on time • Airport & sightseeing services around Hong Kong Call Jacky on 6182 1284 or Billy on 9787 9015

BIOCYCLE (HK) LTD

Safe & Ecological Pest & Termite Management. ISO14001 & ISO9001 Certified. Unique biocide, BioKill®, ‘poison’ label exemption.

Contact 3575 2575, info@biocycle.hk, or visit www.biocycle.hk

HOME & REPAIRS ALL-ROUND HELP! Trustworthy, reliable male available to help. Pet sitter, cleaner, lawn care, handyman & cleaner. Very flexible hours. Please call 6203 2840 for references. Or talk to Marvin/ Reynaldo 6332 3355

KIDS MIDGET GEMS RENTAL

Have an idea for a children’s business? We have a clubroom available for rent, afternoon time slots.

Please contact Koren on 9176 2990

GEMS OCCASIONS

FTC LOGISTICS

Local & international movers.

• Packing, moving, storage • Handyman services • Home-repair services • Inbound shipment clearance DB moves: one call does it all.

Call 2814 1658, or visit www.ftc.hk

AKASH MOVERS

For all your moving needs, including packing materials, & full packing & moving services. Plus small deliveries & handyman services.

Payment upon complete satisfaction.

Best move - best rates.

Call 2421 8088, or visit www.akash.hk

Looking for that perfect party venue for your little gem? A colourful, safe & fun environment with toys & dress-up clothes. We have an entertainer upon request. We also tidy up!

Please contact 9176 2990, info@midgetgemskidsclub.com, or visit www.midgetgemskidsclub.com

MOUNTAINVIEW MONTESSORI

The Montessori method nurtures every child’s natural curiosity for learning. It ignites creativity and builds self worth.

For children 33 months to 6 years.

Email mountainview_montessori @hotmail.com

PETS

KIDS

MIDGET GEMS KIDS’ CLUB

Established playgroup for children from 2-4 years. Morning sessions with afternoons coming soon.

A wonderful environment where children learn through play with our qualified & experienced teachers.

Also offering Bilingual Gems, afternoon sessions in German & Mandarin.

Please contact 2987 0272, info@midgetgemskidsclub.com, or visit www.midgetgemskidsclub.com

GROOMING & DOG SERVICES Patient, caring & loving, Japanese/ English speaking. Welcome Graduate of Petco Grooming School & Tokyo Pet Business School. Please contact Peter Tse on 9360 3048, or visit www.petcoDB.com

QUO QUO CLUB DOG SERVICES

Grooming, boarding & behaviour classes. Responsible, patient & detail-conscious in a hygienic & relaxed environment. Call Dave Chan, Associate Member of The Animal Care College, Berkshire, UK, on 9872 5439, or visit http://quoquoclub.com

EARLY ADVENTURES PARTY TIME!

Need a venue for a party? Ideal playgroup environment with toys & activities. For further information, please call 9511 2107

EARLY ADVENTURES PLAYGROUP

A dedicated playgroup with the emphasis on learning through play.

Activities to stimulate all areas of development.

Come & look at our facilities.

Classes from 20 months to 4 years.

Morning & afternoon sessions.

Call 9511 2107, or visit www.earlyadventures.net

The deadline for the February issue of the Classifieds section is

January 10!

January 2012

67

PROPERTY DB SHORT-TERM 3-BED RENTAL

Fully furnished, 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom flat in Jovial Court. Linen & fluffy towels provided, baby items available. LCD TV, DVD, wi-fi, telephone, washer & dryer. Fabulous views. Non-smoking flat. Call 6905 3765 evenings & weekends or email jovialflat@gmail.com

LUXURIOUS 1-BED APARTMENT

Newly renovated, 550’ flat on a high floor with split-type air conditioning. Fully equipped with DVD & free wi-fi. Bedding & towels provided. Weekly cleaning available. Email dbaygreenish@gmail.com

NICE SHORT-TERM RENTAL

Comfortable, nicely decorated studio flat with fully equipped kitchen. TV, DVD, linens & towels provided. Contact 9159 2476 or sweet_castillo2001@yahoo.com

PROPERTY DB SHORT-TERM FLAT FOR RENT Comfortable, nicely decorated studio, close to plaza & pier. Fully equipped kitchen. 37” TV, DVD, wi-fi, linens & towels provided.

Contact 9190 7348, niceroom_db@yahoo.com.hk SHORT-TERM RENTAL Bright, fully furnished flat. Sleeps 4.

Fully equipped kitchen, plus wi-fi & broadband, towels & linen.

Minimum stay 1 month.

Email dbstay4@yahoo.com 2-BED APARTMENT FOR RENT Greenmont Court, nice & fully furnished.

Call 9108 5525

PROPERTY OVERSEAS

AUSTRALIAN PROPERTY

Everything you need to know about buying a property in Australia. Information on property markets, taxation, finance, migration & legal.

Free online at www.aussieproperty.com

LUXURY RENTAL FLATS SIENA 2

Short- & medium-term rentals. Near new plaza, Club Siena & tunnel. Quiet with sea view. 600’, fully furnished, with washer/ dryer, towels, linen, all kitchenware, broadband & wi-fi. Serviced as required. Call 9317 0624

SHORT-TERM LET, PENTHOUSES

From HK$700 per night. 2-3 beds & studios all with balcony. Luxuriously furnished, with TV, DVD, cable & broadband. Panoramic harbour views & short walk to pier. Contact Brian on 9098 6951, or brian@headlandhomes.hk

PHUKET LAGUNA VILLAGE VILLAS

3,200’, 4 bedrooms, big garden facing the lagoon. Available for sale HK$7.5M, or as a holiday rental. Both homes are fully furnished with private pools & beach shuttle.

Email kasumico.laguna@gmail.com

PHUKET LAGUNA LINKS TOWNHOUSE

2,200’, 3 bedrooms, on the golf course.

Available for sale HK$5.5M, or as a holiday rental.

Email kasumico.laguna@gmail.com

CHERISH COURT TO LET

Fully furnished 2-bedroom, newly renovated flat. Tranquil with sea & Disneyland view, & wi-fi. Photos available. Contact Jacqueline at 9811 0718, jacquelinedb@gmail.com

GREENDALE COURT RENTAL

Brand-new, fully furnished, 533’ 1-bed apartment. Deluxe renovation, on a high floor, with mountain view. Call 9108 5525

1-BED FULLY FURNISHED RENTAL

High floor with sea view. Close to pier & plaza.

Call Tiareti on 9732 8985

Advertise your business and get great results with Around DB

2987 0577

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January 2012

CNY VILLA RENTAL HUA HIN

Luxury 3-bed, 4-bath villa available for rent over Chinese New Year. HK$16,000 for 2 weeks, HK$10,000 for 1 week. For details & photos, & rates & dates, contact Nigel at 6743 3726 or nigelrbrooker@gmail.com

RETAIL CITI MART

Premium Indian groceries & spices.

Free delivery to DB, Lantau & Tung Chung.

Visit 9C Hei Ling Pei, Tung Chung.

Or contact 2988 1994/ 2988 1774, sales@citimart.hk, www.citimart.hk

TRAVEL

TUITION & COURSES

FLIGHT CENTRE

CHINESE MANDARIN LESSONS

We will always go out of our ways to find you the perfect trip at a great price, talk to our travel experts today!

Tel: 2830 2866 Email: enquiry@flightcentre.com.hk Web: www.flightcentre.com.hk

SERVICES & OTHERS PARTY PLANNERS We understand how important a really memorable themed party is! We will organise the venue, decoration, catering, entertainment, bands, DJs, florist, invitations, filming & photography. Contact 2815 7919, info@entertainingasia.com, or visit www.entertainingasia.com

AUSTRALIAN TAX RETURNS Need to lodge your Australian tax return? If you are an expat or collect rental from Australian property, you must lodge an annual return.

Let us do it for you here in Hong Kong. Contact Australasian Taxation Services on 3571 8700, or helen.wong@smats.net, or visit www.smats.net

TRAVEL CONCORDE TRAVEL CONSULTANTS

Leisure travel specialists since 1978.

Licence No. 350343. Call 2526 3391 or visit www.concorde-travel.com

TUITION & COURSES

MATHEMATICS (GCSE, AS, SAT, IB, GMAT, ETC.) & ENGLISH TUITION

DB Mandarin Room at Phase 1.

For Year 1-13 students: schedule on demand. Many groups of different levels to meet each student’s needs.

Help with homework, revision, exams & more.

For adults: beginners, intermediate & advanced classes every Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 10-11am.

Please call 6071 9643, or visit http://putonghua.isfun.net

Offered by a London University graduate (First-Class Honours).

Experienced in teaching adults, ESF & International School students.

Call 9121 0389

LOS PEQUES Clases de español para niños hispanohablantes de 2 a 12 años.

Por la mañana o por la tarde, y también los sábados.

En DB Plaza.

Con profesores cualificados y con experiencia. lospeques.db@gmail.com

January 2012

69

Your ultimate guide in DB

DBNUMBERS COMMUNITY & HEALTH

Bayside Dental Practice, North Plaza Catholic Church (Trinity Chapel) DB Alliance Church Community Centre Discovery Bay Community Hall DB International Community Church Discovery Bay Medical Centre Health & Care Dental Clinic Herbal Healthcare Island Health Island Veterinary Services The Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council

LEARNING CENTRES

LEARNING CENTRES

2987 0855 2988 1515 2987 8136 2852 4338 2987 7061 2987 5633 2666 6183 2834 7276 2987 7575 2987 9003 2259 3422

International Academy of Performing Arts Discovery College www.actingantics.com Contact deborah@actingantics.com 852 6842 8092 - 8122 9475

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

Discovery College Discovery Mind International Play Centre Discovery Mind Kindergarten Discovery Montessori School DMR School of Ballet Early Adventures Learning Centre HK International Learning Academy Les Petits Lascars de DB SKH Wei Lun Primary School Sunshine House Int’l Pre-School Sunshine House Kindergarten Treasure House MULTIMEDIA

First Friends DB’s largest & longest running playgroup Dian Clayton 9237 5411 or Iin Porter 9151 5545 firstsecondfriends@yahoo.com www.firstfriendshk.com

rush yoga ∙ fitness ∙ swim G/F, G35, DB Plaza, Discovery Bay Tel +852 2526 0720 www.rush.com.hk Mon – Sun: 10:30am to 7:30pm

DB Garden House Montessori Treat Boutique "Treat yourself, Treat your wallet"

US Depatment store handbags, jewelry, ladies wear, men's wear and more...

Tel: 6163 3421 In Style Little Whale Nomadic Start-rite shoes

2987 8226 3480 1348 2987 8460 2987 2098 DAILY NECESSITIES

7-Eleven Convenience Store 7-Eleven Food Kiosk Fusion by PARKnSHOP GNC Mannings Watson’s Pharmacy Wellcome

2987 4401 2914 1183 2987 7486 2987 9331 2987 1720 2987 4089 2947 9092

Quality Montessori programmes for 6m to 6y olds For details call Ramesha on 6114 2436 ramesha@gardenhousemontessori.com www.gardenhousemontessori.com

Kindergarten, French classes and tutorial services.

French kindergarten open for registrations for school year 2012-13.

Accepting registrations for 2011-12.

LG-05, 92 Siena Avenue, DB North Tel: 6710 0391 e-mail: info@la-petite-enfance.com

Freestyle, Jazz, Ballet & Tap Tel: 2987 1571 www.islanddance.com.hk

2233 3000 2822 3927 2682 1210 2987 1851

HOME

Bookazine, DB Ferry Dymocks & Gallery Fotomax (F.E.) Ltd Fun to Read Movieland Pen’n Paper P-Solution The Bookshop

2987 1373 2987 8494 2914 2378 3105 3588 2987 7111 2987 8898 2987 1777 2987 9372

OTHER SERVICES

Flowers from the Heart Flowers for all occasions Baskets, Bouquets, Orchids, Gifts and Luxury Chocolates Free Delivery in Discovery Bay T: 2987 0802 M: 9150 7165 Email: dotcaddis@me.com

PetcoDB Grooming & Pet Services Wth Trust, Love & Safe Care For the ones you love Tel: 2914 0382 Email: info@petcoDB.com www.petcoDB.com

Island Dance

FINANCIAL SERVICES

HSBC HSBC Expat TRAVELEX Money Exchange, North Plaza Luen Fat Securities Co. Ltd

3969 1000 2987 8028 2987 8088 2987 1201 2987 4338 9511 2107 2416 3088 2526 8892 2987 8608 2987 0813 2987 8143 2987 4217

Amity Shoe Care Apple Travel Co Pets Gallery The Optical House Well Supreme Laundry Services

2987 4538 2987 2626 2987 0428 2987 1368 2987 5151

REAL-ESTATE AGENCIES

Mandarin for Munchkins® For kids 1 year and up Call 24803909 www. mandarinformunchkins.com

Lifestyle Homes Butterfly Dreams Luxury Bed Linens Ltd. “Luxury that doesn’t cost the Earth” Tel. ( 852 ) 9770 4474 / 9779 9424 www.butterflydreams.com.hk Good Luck Engineering Hoi Yu Transportation Home Services Engineering Hung Kee Co Interior 18 Japan Home Centre Marc James Design, North Plaza Next Furniture Rapee-living Rich Point Hardware Materials Season Art Kitchen Perfection Tai Fat Hardware Store Wing On Department Store Yaali Designs Yours Electrical Centre

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January 2012

2987 1313 2987 4488 2987 0061 2987 5087 2987 7803 2987 1041 2765 5700 2987 0222 2987 7082 2987 0789 2987 1990 2987 0789 2987 9268 3482 5785 2987 4428

Midget Gems Kid’s Club Established playgroup for children 2-4 years Tel: 2987 0272 info@ midgetgemskidsclub.com www.midgetgemskidsclub.com

Tel: 2914 0888 info@lifestylehomes.com.hk www.lifestylehomes.com.hk Centaline Property Agency Limited Century 21 Newcourt Realty Headland Homes Kingsford DB Ltd Land Master Property Midland Realty

2987 8484 2987 9729 2987 2088 2987 6888 2987 6238 2987 2888

RESTAURANTS

Mountainview Montessori Run by Montessori trained teacher Come and Join the Fun! mountainview_montessori@hotmail.com DB International School (Kindergarten) DB International School (Pri. / Sec.)

2914 2142 2987 7331

22º North Berliner Café Duvet Caramba Mexican Cantina Ebeneezer’s First Korean Restaurant Fresh Fruit Juice Paradise Hemingway’s by the Bay il Bel Paese

2987 2298 2987 8203 2987 0966 2987 2848 2987 0036 2987 9123 2987 4768 2987 8855 2987 0202

DBNUMBERS RESTAURANTS

Ippu Japanese Restaurant Island Café Jaspa’s, North Plaza Koh Tomyums La Création Bakery McDonald’s & McCafé McSorley’s Ale House Mirch Masala, North Plaza Pacific Coffee Paisano’s, North Plaza Peony Chinese Restaurant Sopranos Subway Super Super Uncle Russ, DB Plaza Uncle Russ, North Plaza Wildfire Fresh Yogurtime Zak’s

SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT

2987 2886 2987 9311 2997 8688 2987 0767 2987 1829 2987 1033 2987 8280 2987 1337 2987 1662 2673 4445 2500 1950 2987 2915 2914 0005 2914 1308 2682 0068 2682 8108 2987 8202 2259 4511 2987 6232

UTILITIES, SERVICES & EMERGENCY HOTLINES

Lantau North Report Room Typhoon Signal Enquiries Water Fault Reports Water Supplies Department WELL-BEING

Sports World All your sporting needs right here in DB Tel: 2914 1323 Email: bruce@sportsworld.hk Club Siena Discovery Bay Marina Club Discovery Bay Golf Club Discovery Bay Residents Club

2987 7382 2987 9591 2987 7273 2987 7381

TOYS, ACCESSORIES & KIDS’ PARTIES

Aussie Organics The freshest place for organic produce!

Tel: 2293 2265 hongkong@aussieorganics.com www.aussieorganics.com

Body Talk Little Miss Green The Party Queen

SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT

Eco Party Supplies, Toys, Games & Gifts www.missgreenpartyqueen.com

Curves Women’s Fitness Centre Club Siena Discovery Bay Tel: 2987 0772 curvesdb@gmail.com www.curves.com

Holistic therapy for illness, stress, sports injury & learning disorders Tel: 6683 5755 angie@bodytalksystem.com.hk www.bodytalksystem.com.hk

Penny Scallan Design Embody Exercise for Energy for Life Tel: 2987 8923 / 9443 8333 Email: embody-hk@live.com www.embody.com.hk

Unique and individual Tel: 6015 4050 hk@pennyscallan.biz www.pennyscallan.biz

Planting Ideas, Growing Minds.

Tel: 2987 2608 soyhongkong@gmail.com www.seedling.com.hk

HK Dragons Football Club Football for 2.5yrs to 14yrs old girls and boys Tel: 2987 4274 www.dragons.hk

Training at Lantau Boat Club, Tai Pak beach www.liocc.com

Bo Bo House Toysland

2987 4230 2987 7859 TRANSPORT SERVICES

DB Golf Cart Services DB Transit Services DB Transportation Services Hire Car Bookings Passenger Telephone hotline Wiselink Golf Cart Services

Movement Improvement Pilates, yoga, posture & fitness 2987 5852 www.movementimprovement.com.hk

Sportsmanship Gymnastics Programs, Health Consultancy, Weight Management & Nutritional Supplements Tel: 2870 3524 www.sportsmanship.usana.com

2914 2727 2914 0186 2987 7351 2987 6348 2987 0208 2987 9368

UTILITIES, SERVICES & EMERGENCY HOTLINES

24-hour Customer Service hotline China Light & Power Emergency China Light & Power Information Line Discovery Bay Commercial Services Discovery Bay Fire & Ambulance Discovery Bay Management Discovery Bay Medical Services Discovery Bay Office Centre Discovery Bay Police Discovery Bay Post Office Gas Leakage Emergency hotline

Nailed It Professional artificial nail services in DB Tel: 2987 2266

The Skin Therapy Centre CIBTAC, ITEC, BABTAC, City & Guilds Facials, CACI-Face lifting, SKINCARE, Make-up & Colour analysis, Waxing & more!

Please contact Gillian : 9604 6920 / 2987 0764 www.theskintherapycentrehk.com

Sher Martelle-Climas, R.M.T.

Stuck on You Label It, Own It, Keep It! Tel: 2549 2245, 2987 2608 sales.hk@stuckonyou.biz www.stuckonyou.biz

Lantau Island Outrigging Canoe Club

2988 2369 2835 1473 2811 0788 2824 5000

3651 2345 2728 8333 2678 2678 2987 4242 2987 7502 2238 3601 2525 6798 2238 3388 2987 4052 2987 6046 2435 4511

DB’s Massage Therapist House calls, by appointment only Call for rates 9503 9117 Afflatus Hair Workshop Maximum Care Salon De Coiffure Sense of Touch

2987 0283 2987 2060 2987 4112 2987 9198

Around DB's February 2012 issue coming out

January 31 January 2012

71

HEALTH Q&A

Eating disorders typically develop in adolescence or early adulthood but they can start earlier. Dr Barry Connell, specialist in psychiatry at Central Health Medical Practice, provides an expert overview

What are the different kinds of eating disorder?

The two main eating disorders are anorexia nervosa and bulimia. But individuals can develop variations and less typical versions, which don’t satisfy the full criteria for a diagnosis. Research suggests that these less than full-blown conditions can cause just as much suffering and distress with the same need for treatment.

How common is this issue?

Worldwide, anorexia is rare. Even in the group which is most at risk, adolescent girls and young women, studies reveal rates of less than 0.9%, i.e.

1 in 100 are affected. For every 10 girls that develop the condition, one boy does. Bulimia is more common – 1-2%. Twenty years ago eating disorders were virtually unheard of in China and locally.

At what age do problems typically develop?

Anorexia typically starts in the teens as dieting which becomes progressively more extreme. Research around the world, particularly from the USA, is revealing that anorexia is being seen in younger and younger children even down to the age of six.

Bulimia usually starts later; it is very rare before 14 years.

What causes an eating disorder?

There is a genetic predisposition to these conditions, and also a range of environmental factors; such as social, peer, and media pressure. However, it is as yet unknown how these individual factors interact with each other across the development of these illnesses. A great deal of current scientific effort is being placed on how eating disorders affect a child’s brain and psychology. It is hoped that in time a clearer understanding of this will lead to the development of more focused and progressively more effective treatments.

How do I identify my child's eating disorder?

The core of all the eating disorders is the young person demonstrating an overvaluation or preoccupation with their shape and weight. They come to judge their self-worth

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January 2012

almost exclusively, in terms of their shape and weight, and ability to control them. This leads to the pursuit of weight loss and a coinciding fear of weight gain.

With anorexia, as the sufferer stops eating to a greater or lesser degree, weight typically drops away rapidly. The young person may take steps to hide this from the family, so you may only notice a less happy, more withdrawn and food-fussy child. Bulimia tends to involve an even more secretive process with periods of dieting interspersed with binge eating followed by self-induced vomiting. Here weight tends to be around normal. Again the family may detect a change in mood and vitality.

How can I help?

The best way to help a child that you suspect to be developing an eating problem is to visit your family doctor. Encouragingly there is growing evidence that the earlier these conditions are identified and treatment started, the better the prospects for complete recovery.

In younger children recovery rates can approach 75%.

What are the treatment options?

Treatment involves monitoring and managing the physical consequences of the disorder. This can be followed by a family doctor or a paediatrician in conjunction with a specialist who is trained and experienced in managing eating disorders. This will likely involve individual and/ or family therapy.

There is as yet no medication that specifically treats anorexia though it’s not uncommon for the sufferer to become depressed, and in some instances, antidepressant medicine may help. There is more evidence to support the use of medicines in the effective treatment of bulimia.