Around DB July Issue 2018

Discovery Bay’s original community magazine

JULY 2018

Feelgood investment opportunities to enrich your life Out and about in Bangkok with the kids

Go vegan! Create change by changing the way you eat

Passion!

Why teens hunger for fitness and health

ISLAND-WIDE EVENTS * PRIZES * COMMUNITY SNAPS * CLASSIFIEDS * THOUGHTS ON ISLAND LIFE

FREE

RENTALS/SALES

蘅峯 PENINSULA 2

Gross: 628’ Saleable: 545’

18K

Gross: 713’ Saleable: 588’

明翠台 PARKRIDGE 2

Bright and airy apartment with lots of natural light. Panoramic sea views. Must see!

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July 2018

Nicely renovated apartment with stunning sea views. Easy access to all transport.

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Gross: 876’ Saleable: 689’

21K 津堤 AMALFI 2 1

33K

Beautifully renovated high rise apartment, balcony with amazing sea views and 24hr concierge service.

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IO AT LU VA NT NK E BA AG W EAD O L L

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畔山徑 MIDDLE LANE 3

Gross: 1616’ Saleable: 1547’

54.8K/19.8M

Low rise apartment with a large modern kitchen and in a gorgeous area of DB. Must see!

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逸澄閣 PEACEFUL Gross: 2276’

Saleable: 1723’

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Company sale. Fantastic renovation, very bright and amazing views. Great for entertaining. Excellent Investment opportunity.

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朝暉徑 HEADLAND 4

Gross: 2585’ Saleable: 2566’

$160K

Gorgeous garden house with private pool. Stunning modern interior perfect for a large family.

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75K/28M

G EA

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哥爾夫球車 GOLF CART

2.15M

Well maintained EZGO golf cart. Call Charles 6140 7971.

津堤 1

AMALFI

Gross: 661’ Saleable: 527’

6.2M

2

Nicely renovated apartment with balcony.

24hr concierge service. Convenient location!

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康慧台 1

HILLGROVE

Gross: 699’ Saleable: 591

6.5M

Cosy apartment and walking distance to DB plaza and pier. Perfect for a couple or a single professional.

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海澄湖畔二段 SIENA TWO 2 1

Gross: 858’ Saleable: 629’

7.7M

Lovely high rise apartment, balcony with great views. Must see!

海澄湖畔一段 SIENA ONE 3 2

Gross: 1248’ Saleable: 966’

13.5M

Renovated lowrise apartment. Balcony with great veiws. Close to schools and club Siena.

寶峰 PARKVALE 3 2

www.headlandhomes.hk

Gross: 1213’ Saleable: 1138’

13.8M

Modern apartment with a unique layout and open kitchen. Great views!

2987 2088

EAA LIC C-033418

Enjoy a fun-filled summer staycation at Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong with spectacular room and dining offers!

Special buffet discount for DB Resident Octopus Card holders!

For Details and Reservations

2295 8288

Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong 88 Siena Avenue, Discovery Bay, Lantau Island, Hong Kong T: (852) 2295 8288 F: (852) 2295 8188 E: enquiry@aubergediscoverybay.com

www.aubergediscoverybay.com

CONTENTS July 2018

PROFILE Music maestro Derek Anthony

24

IN FOCUS

28

FAMILY MATTERS

TALKING POINTS

What teens gain from keeping fit

Is everyone going vegan?

32 ESCAPES Best in Bangkok

REGULARS

Feelgood investment opportunities

40 For the latest Around DB updates, find us on:

20

IN BRIEF Alain Sama

22

GIVEAWAYS Win big prizes

48

RECIPES Soufflé surprise

57

DB FACES Community snaps

64

OUT THERE Island life

AGENDA 08

DB EVENTS

53

HK HAPPENINGS

58

CLASSIFIEDS

60

PROPERTY

61

LOCAL NUMBERS

ON THE COVER DB fitness enthusiasts Hannah Olsen, Hugo Mas and Emily Stanhope

To read the cover story, turn to page 32

Discovery Bay’s original community magazine

JULY 2018

44

www.arounddb.com Publishers in Lantau since 2002

Feelgood investment opportunities to enrich your life Out and about in Bangkok with the kids

Go vegan! Create change by changing the way you eat

Passion!

Why teens hunger for fitness and health

ISLAND-WIDE EVENTS * PRIZES * COMMUNITY SNAPS * CLASSIFIEDS * THOUGHTS ON ISLAND LIFE

FREE

Photo by Baljit Gidwani www.evoqueportraits.com

We also publish…

June/ July 2018

WIN!

A place at a Treasure Island summer camp and tickets to Road to Ultra

If you have a story idea, email rachel@baymedia.com.hk To publicise a local event, email katrina@baymedia.com.hk For general enquiries, email info@baymedia.com.hk To advertise, email connie@baymedia.com.hk For graphic design, email andrew@baymedia.com.hk Call 2987 0577/ 2787 0886 Fax 2987 0533

Join your community online

THE LATEST ON WETLAND FILLING AND SPEEDING IN SOUTH LANTAU TWO LANTAU ARTISTS CREATING TREASURE FROM TRASH

2017 / 2018

WHY SURFERS ARE FITTER AND MORE RIPPED THAN YOU

Young Blood!

Writers Competition winner Kayla Adara Lee

NEWS & EVENTS * PRIZES * COMMUNITY SNAPS * CLASSIFIEDS * THOUGHTS ON ISLAND LIFE

Publishers in Lantau since 2002

DINING • LIVING • PETS • SPORTS • PASTIMES • EDUCATION • HEALTH • BEAUTY • SERVICES • TRAVEL • EXCURSIONS • COMMUNITY

PUBLISHER Corinne Jedwood corinne@baymedia.com.hk MANAGING EDITOR Rachel Ainsley rachel@baymedia.com.hk SPECIAL PUBLICATIONS & ONLINE EDITOR Claire Severn claire@baymedia.com.hk DIGITAL & SALES ASSISTANT Patricia Jover patricia@baymedia.com.hk DIGITAL & EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Katrina Mercado katrina@baymedia.com.hk SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Andrew Spires andrew@baymedia.com.hk ASSISTANT GRAPHIC DESIGNER Duey Tam duey@baymedia.com.hk ADVERTISING & SALES MANAGER Connie Cottam connie@baymedia.com.hk SALES ACCOUNT MANAGER Monika Carruthers monika@baymedia.com.hk OFFICE MANAGER Maxine Parry accountant@baymedia.com.hk PHOTOGRAPHER Baljit Gidwani www.evoqueportraits.com CONTRIBUTORS Henry Benjamin Jennifer Durbridge Kate Farr Elizabeth Kerr Peter Sherwood Suveera Sharma Sophie Woolf (intern) PRINTING Champion Design & Production Company Ltd. Flat D, 18/F, Sing Teck Factory Building, 44 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Hong Kong.

DISCLAIMER The views expressed in AroundDB are not necessarily those of the publisher, editor or contributors. The publisher and editor cannot be held responsible for differences of opinion or statements published in good faith. The publisher, contributors, their employees and partners are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors or omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication and expressly disclaim all and any liability for any such action of any person.

The mention of specific companies or products in articles or advertisements does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by this magazine or its publisher in preference to others of a similar nature which are not mentioned or advertised. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without permission.

© BAY MEDIA GROUP LTD

www.evoqueportraits.com

DB DRAGON BOAT DAY

Tai Pak Wan was full of DB locals and visitors for the 29th edition of the Discovery Bay Dragon Boat Races & Carnival on June 17. Over 40 teams battled it out on the water and there was a Father’s Day-themed father-and-child kayak race.

s t n e v e y t i n u rece nt c om m

THE HOTTEST

IN DISCOVERY BAY

www.arounddb.com July 2018

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DB EVENTS

DB PIRATES END-OF-SEASON PARTY

The DB Pirates hosted an end-of-season party with a sumptuous dinner, free-flow wines and fabulous prizes at the Auberge on May 26.

www.colsimphotography.com

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July 2018 www.arounddb.com

SPLASH SWIMMERS GRADUATION

Over 50 helpers finished their 12-week swimming course with Splash on June 3.

They went to Tai Pak Wan for a graduation celebration comprising a sea swim, certificate giving and food sharing.

www.colsimphotography.com

WORLD OCEANS DAY The Vibe Tribe, Plastic Oceans Foundation, Sea Shepherd Hong Kong, PacSafe, Coola and Seven Brews organised a World Oceans Day event at Hemingway’s on June 9. Attendees enjoyed a sand-art competition, panel discussion and screening of Plastic Oceans.

www.colsimphotography.com

www.arounddb.com July 2018

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DB EVENTS

ACTION ASIA KAYAK N RUN

Competing teams of two, in family and adult categories, completed the Action Asia Kayak n Run on June 2. Racers enjoyed the beautiful scenery off the main trails as they made their way from Nim Shue Wan to Man Kok Tsui.

Photos courtesy of Action Asia Events

LANTAU LIZARDS THANK KAYLENE ADCOCK

Photo by Warwick Kendall

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July 2018 www.arounddb.com

As co-treasurer, chief fundraiser, coach, committee member and Auskick league committee delegate, DB resident Kaylene Adcock has made a huge contribution to local Australian Football (AFL) club the Lantau Lizards, since its formation in 2011. Members of the club paid tribute to Kaylene on June 3 with a custom-made Lizards charm, as she is moving to Perth with her family.

SPONSORED CONTENT

n u f r e m m u S in Discovery Bay

giant water walkers, inflatable paddle boats and a thrilling dinosaur slide.

Helping beachgoers to stay cool will be a refreshing misting arch, as well as beach umbrellas and deckchairs – all free of charge.

And at weekends, the fun doubles, with carnival activities also taking place at DB North Plaza.

Photos courtesy of HKR and Starbucks

Of course, with so much going on around town, you're bound to work up an appetite, and DB’s many F&B outlets are ready to help you refuel, including the town’s newest offering, Starbucks.

Located in DB North Plaza, the large, airy restaurant serves up a wide range of hot and cold drinks, with food options including delicious sandwiches, salads and, of course, yummy sweet treats!

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W

h en it comes t o s u m m e r entertainment, DB really has got it all.

From delicious dining offerings to live sports screenings and superfun beach games – whatever you’re into, DB is the place to be!

This year the action got underway early, with the 2018 FIFA World Cup kicking off in June. Football fans can sit back and enjoy a refreshing drink while watching their favourite teams live on

the big screen at The Bounty Entertainment & Sports Bar right through to the final on July 15.

But the action doesn’t stop there!

Over on Tai Pak Wan, big and little kids alike will love the Funtastic Summer games festival from July 20 to August 12 (DB residents exclusively on July 20).

Open every day from 11am to 6pm, the festival will feature a number of exciting game booths and inflatable games, including

July 2018 www.arounddb.com

“Starbucks continually strives to offer the world’s best coffee and create the finest coffee experience,” says a company representative. “We are incredibly humbled by how our customers have come to embrace our store as a community gathering place, and we’ve been working relentlessly to take this experience to more neighbourhoods in Hong Kong. We are delighted to be extending the ‘Third Place’ experience to customers at Discovery Bay, creating the perfect place for them to relax, recharge and enjoy their favourite taste of coffee outside their homes and workplace.

“Residents and visitors at Discovery Bay can expect the same exceptional beverage innovation and craft in this store, including Starbucks’ signature coffee beverages, a modern tea experience with the Teavana™ range, creative frappuccino blended beverages and delicious food options to cater to different needs.

“This summer, we're also introducing the 14-hour slowsteeped Starbucks Cold Brew, offering customers a smooth and refreshing beverage to enjoy in the sizzling summer, as well as the delightful Milk Tea Panna Cotta Frappuccino and Pistachio Bon Bon Frappuccino.

“When it comes to food, we are launching new light delicacies featuring fruity pomelo and aromatic matcha, including the Shrimp and Pomelo Konjac Noodle Salad, perfectly refreshing in this stifling heat.

“Starbucks Rewards™ members can also enjoy different promotions from time to time, including free beverage upgrades and bonus stars to thank them for their continuous support.”

Also new at DB North is TigerLily, the latest restaurant from Castelo Concepts. Serving a wide range of Asian-influenced dishes, such as sushi tacos and steamed pork buns, as well as hearty western fare, the new kid on the Castelo block is already a firm favourite with locals.

“Tigerlily is an Asian-inspired restaurant featuring dishes from all over the region, as well as a few western classics to ensure everybody is catered for,” explains Matthew Wilcock, general manager of the group’s DB outlets. “With our sister restaurant MooFish just down the road, we wanted to give DB residents

more variety in their North Plaza dining destinations.

“What used to be Jaspa’s has now been freshened up with tropical rainforest wallpaper and lime green walls, which give off a relaxing vibe. New chairs and table settings along with new lighting and bird cages add to the Asian theme.

“We're getting great feedback from customers so far, particularly on our sharing plates. Happy hour is popular too, and we’re looking forward to launching a second menu this summer.”

Another great summer dining option is Cafe bord de Mer & Lounge, at Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong. With sweeping views across the South China sea, it’s the perfect place to indulge in some exquisite seasonal dishes.

This year’s sumptuous Summer

Buffet runs from July 13 to September 2 and costs just HK$348 for lunch and HK$428 for dinner. Even better, DB Residents Octopus Card Holders can enjoy 15% off on weekdays and 10% off at weekends.

And for those with a sweet tooth, the Summer Afternoon Tea set comes in at a very reasonable HK$398 for two.

Elsewhere in DB, foodies can also enjoy the Peking duck at Peony from Discovery Bay Recreation Club - a must for meat lovers.

BBQ summer packages and 12 choices of Asian temptations will also be on offer at Club Siena, so head along to gaze at the view from the balcony while you enjoy a sundowner or two.

All in all, it looks like it’s shaping up to be a funtastic summer here in DB!

www.arounddb.com July 2018

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DB EVENTS

YOUR GUIDE

L A I T N E S S E E H T O T UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS

Throughout July

Throughout July

TO ADOPT A PET through Protection of Animals Lantau South (PALS), call Jacqui Green on 9197 4371, for Hong Kong Paws Foundation (PAWS), call Kat Cheung on 9485 5188.

Through July 15

CATCH A WORLD CUP LIVE BROADCAST at The

yogabay.hk

FREE YOGA FOR HELPERS Yoga Bay, DB North Plaza Yoga Bay offers free yoga classes for helpers every Sunday morning, from 7am to 8am, at its DB North Plaza studio. Several dedicated teachers take the time to share their passion for yoga as they guide students through the practice. To register for a class, visit yogabay.hk.

July 4, 11, 18 & 25

HAVE YOUR PRE-LOVED FURNITURE, clothes, books and

more collected at your home every Wednesday from 2pm to 4pm, or bring them to the Environmental Toy House collection bins at Brilliance Court, Costa Court and Midvale bus stop.

WhatsApp Nikki Boot at 9677 6676.

July 7

STOCK UP AT THE PLANT MARKET across from Haven Court,

2pm to 4.45pm. For more information, call 2238 3617.

Bounty Entertainment and Sports Bar. To check broadcast times and make a reservation, call the Auberge on 2295 8299. 3617.

July 5

DB ENTREPRENEURS NETWORKING BREAKFAST at Zak’s kicks off at 8am. For more information and registration, visit www.t8events.com.

GIFT-A-DEED LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS The Gift-A-Deed (GAD) mobile app is now live on both the Android and iPhone platforms and can be downloaded for free as ‘giftadeed.’ GAD, founded by DB resident Navin Soni, aims to ensure the needy receive essentials such as food, water and clothing. The GAD team invites volunteers to help with marketing, finance, fundraising and more. To get in touch, visit www.giftadeed.com.

Photo courtesy of Navin Soni

www.arounddb.com July 2018

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DB EVENTS

July 13

TEE OFF WITH THE DB RESIDENTS GOLF SOCIETY at the Discovery Bay Golf Club. To get connected, email dbrgsevents@gmail.com.

LANTAU HIGHLIGHT YHKCC’S 15TH ANNIVERSARY BASH Regal Airport Hotel, Chep Lap Kok

July 4

AUBERGE SUMMER SPECIALS Cafe bord de Mer & Lounge Through September 2, Cafe bord de Mer & Lounge is serving a summer lunch buffet, Friday to Sunday, and a nightly dinner buffet big on mussels, snowcrab legs and sashimi.

Summer afternoon tea, with savouries and sweet treats, is also on offer. To make a reservation, call 2295 8299.

Starts July 13 www.yhkcc.edu.hk

www.aubergediscoverybay.com

To promote whole-person education and sports development, YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a sports night. The event highlights the success and outstanding performance of students in 14 sports teams, including cheerleading, hockey and rugby. To know more, visit www.yhkcc.edu.hk.

SAVE the DATE BACK TO SCHOOL FAIR DBIS

DB residents have expressed sadness and anger at the news that Fresh Fruit Juice Paradise in DB Plaza is to close after serving the community for 20 years.

Customers became aware of the closure when a handwritten notice was placed in the shop window, stating, ‘According to the inflation and tenancy agreement expired. We will close our business in mid-July. Thank you for your kind support in the past years.’

August 25

Photo by Claire Severn

The Back to School Fair, running from 9am to 1pm, features many DB businesses and education providers.

Residents can check out over 30 local sports, education, arts, social and health organisations all in one place.

To find out more, email Kim at kimwhiley@tamcoholdings.com.

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FRESH FRUIT JUICE PARADISE TO CLOSE

Responding to suggestions by some residents that the shop was closing due to a rental increase, a spokesperson for Hong Kong Resort (HKR) said, “HKR was informed by the tenant that owing to operation difficulties, she has decided not to renew the lease upon its expiry. In this regard, no negotiation on lease terms has ever taken place. Hence, the accusation that the closure of the shop is forced by HKR is not true.”

www.arounddb.com

Hatty Kwok, who has run Fresh Fruit Juice Paradise since her husband Sam died in 2016, has declined to comment. Hatty, you and your wonderful juices will be missed!

July 2018 www.arounddb.com

IN BRIEF

Be inspired by Alain Sama Head of Year 12/ 13 at DBIS

Y

our career trajectory at DBIS has been something to behold – tell us about that? I went from a three-month maternity cover in August last year, to an extended contract and to being made Head of Year 12/ 13 – all within four months.

You’re doing great things with the new DBIS Senior School. What are your responsibilities? In the main, I’m raising the profile of the Senior School as a desirable and inclusive post-16 route for students wishing to gain A-Level qualifications in Hong Kong.

What do you love about teaching at DBIS? I love the students. They still say ‘thank you’ at the end of a lesson. And the parents have been great to me. My colleagues are kind, dedicated and committed to the students in their care. I love how supportive they are of one another.

Photo by Andrew Spires

What makes you a success with students? I have come to the realisation that all students want is for you to care for them, make learning enjoyable, avoid patronising them, praise them and forgive them. It’s not that complicated.

What new opportunities can senior students expect in the coming year?

Various leadership opportunities – mentoring younger peers and supporting major events in the community. We are working hard to secure work experience placements for them locally, and there is a drive to develop a theme of service, whereby they can give back to the community.

Where are you from? Why did you decide to move to Hong Kong? I was born in Cameroon, West Africa and moved to West London aged three. After 27 years in London, I found myself teaching in an outstanding school, earning a good salary, driving a nice car, paying a mortgage and yet still feeling as if I was barely keeping my head above water. A friend invited me to Bangkok, and I realised there’s more to life! My wife Melanie and I – she’s a psychology teacher – soon started applying for overseas opportunities.

Before DBIS, I was Assistant Head of Senior School at ELCHK Lutheran Academy in Yuen Long.

How do you find living in DB after Yuen Long? The transition to DB is well timed. Our children – NialaElle, Ria-Elise and Jonah-Earl – are growing up and are extremely social and active, making DB ideal. I love how personable DB people are, they are connected, entrepreneurial and invested in the community.

Generally speaking, I’m inspired by people who care. People who speak positively and seek solutions even through hard times. My wife is a perfect example of this.

You can contact Alain Sama at asama@dbis.edu.hk.

Find more local heroes @ www.arounddb.com

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What drew you to teaching in the first instance? My degree is in Criminology and Socio-Legal studies, and I had ambitions of working in prison reform and probation. But I started out at the Times Education Supplement (TES) as a sales executive. One day, a client pulled me aside and said she thought I’d be very good at mentoring. I remember laughing and saying thanks but working with young people is not for me.

The irony!

July 2018 www.arounddb.com

OFFICE 3483 5003

www.homesolutions.hk

Kelly Merrick Sharon Riley Misako Takato Kim Jomar

9331 8141 9664 4749 9757 0927 9748 2367

(S-365384) (S-415475) (S-287062) (E-352962)

SOUTH LANTAU AND TUNG CHUNG PROPERTIES

$18M

CARIBBEAN COAST - TUNG CHUNG 1626’ Net + 68’ Net Bay Window

Fantastic fully renovated flat combining 2 units into 1, available in desirable Caribbean Coast Complex. 4 Beds, 2 Baths. Open living/dining area adjacent to a Western style open plan kitchen with modern appliances.

Shared facilities includes a club house, tennis courts and 3 swimming pools!

$32K 1/F & 2/F PUI O VILLAGE HOUSE 1400’ + 700’ Rooftop

Modern renovated duplex, perfect for a family. 3 Beds, 2 Baths. Well designed with an open plan kitchen/dining area. Gorgeous sea and mountain views from the large rooftop. Decorated in neutral palette with tiles throughout. Close to the beach, viewing highly recommended!

$4.55M

G/F PUI O VILLAGE HOUSE 650’

Lovely flat situated in Pui O. 2 Beds, 1 Bath. Modern renovated western style kitchen that opens out into a spacious living/dining room area.

Conveniently located, close to beach, schools and public transport.

Beautiful mountain and sea views from communal outdoor area.

$30K 1/F & 2/F SHUI HAU VILLAGE HOUSE 1400’ + 700’ Rooftop

Highly desirable village house in Shui Hau. 3 Beds, 2 Baths. 1/F has a spacious kitchen with modern appliances, open plan living/dining area and bathroom. 2/F great size bedrooms with storage. Short distance to beautiful beaches.

$12K MUI WO FLAT 392’ + Rooftop

Lovely home in the heart of Mui Wo. 1 Bed, 1 Bath. Open plan kitchen, 1 bedroom with fitted bed and wardrobes. Close to ferry pier, perfect for commuters! Close to beach, shops and restaurants.

Making you feel at home is our business

Call us any time at 3483 5003 or Email PROPERTY@HOMESOLUTIONS.HK

C-044849

GIVEAWAYS

HERE’S YOUR CHANCE TO WIN PRIZES! Around DB prizes are incredibly easy to get your hands on, and you have until the 10th of the month to apply.

Simply scan the barcode, or go to www.arounddb.com/giveaways, select the giveaway you want, and enter your details into the online form.

Win a gift hamper from The South African Shop The South African Shop is offering one reader a gift hamper containing biltong, rusks, chutney and other goodies (worth HK$1,200). The prize will be delivered to your doorstep anywhere in Hong Kong.

The South African Shop is an online family business born out of the excitement of receiving much-anticipated goodies from South Africa. Stocking biltong, droëwors, boerewors, cereals, condiments and all your favourite South African snacks, the owners also accept product requests. Call 9457 0639 or visit the online store at www.thesouthafricanshop.com.

www.thesouthafricanshop.com

Win a place at DB Self Defence’s Krav Win a class at Kapuhala Train-inMaga Junior Self Defence programme Space’s summer programme

Photo courtesy of DB Self Defence

DB Self Defence is offering one child, aged eight to 15, a fiveday place at its Krav Maga Junior Self Defence programme (worth HK$2,500). At the end of the camp, running from July 30 to August 10, students, who pass the grading, receive a Level 1 Krav Maga Junior certification.

DB Self Defence provides Krav Maga for kids and adults, with the aim of developing courage, discipline, confidence and respect. Krav Maga is an effective, modern and dynamic selfdefence and fighting system designed to help participants overcome challenges such as personal safety, bullying and low self-esteem. For more information, call 6208 0039/ 9197 1431, email info@dbselfdefence.com, or visit the DB Self Defence Facebook page.

www.kapuhalaspace.com

Kapuhala Train-in-Space is offering one child, aged five to 13, a week’s place at its summer programme – five, two-and-a-half hour classes (worth HK$1,200) – plus a waterproof swim bag (worth HK$150).

Dedicated to helping athletes pursue life-balance, Kapuhala Train-In-Space is holding a summer programme for kids, aged five to 13, from July 23 to August 10. Little Warriors teaches kids about their bodies, spirits and minds through indoor and outdoor activities including including team games, boot camps and food and sustainability sessions. In each two-and-a-halfhour class, campers are grouped by age. For more information, visit www.kapuhalaspace.com.

Congratulations to last month’s winners Nathalie Mauroo for a place at Asia Pacific’s Summer Programme; Lucas Torresi and Fiona Hall for two weeks of unlimited classes at Yoga Bay; Raphaelle Koch for a place at Bayview House of Children’s Creative Programme; Nicole Izsak for a place at Faust’s Summer Theatre or Creative Writing programme; and Peter Ong for a double pass to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow.

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July 2018 www.arounddb.com

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PROFILE

A UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE

Photo by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com

Putting songs in Hong Kong hearts for a quarter century, Norwegian transplant Dr Derek Anthony is now taking Hongkongers to the song. Elizabeth Kerr reports

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ï‚„ July 2018 www.arounddb.com

I

f you found yourself in DB Plaza one Sunday afternoon in May, you may have been treated to an impromptu performance of O Sole Mio by classical vocalist and teacher Dr Derek Anthony – actually a doctor of vocal performance – after a photo shoot. It may not be a Florentine piazza, but it was still a refreshing bit of fearlessness that reminds us that humanity really does have the ability to create beauty. Heads indeed turned as Derek’s voice boomed over to Fusion. Fancy that: a little bit of high culture in the middle of Discovery Bay. A week later, Derek, a 25-year Hong Kong resident, with roughly five of those in DB, relaxes in his new Wanchai school library, the operatic voice lowered – for now. The sound really carries in this space, officially The Music & Drama Institute, as Derek demonstrates later on.

On being discovered Soft spoken and old-school gentlemanly, it’s easy to see how Derek has ushered over 1,000 students to either greatness or simple pleasure. “There are all kinds of reasons why people want to sing and there are all ages for learning vocal performance,” he says. His youngest student was a five-yearold who was having fun learning songs in four languages, and his oldest was a retired, 83-year-old lawyer who survived the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong.

Dr Derek Anthony serenading the locals in DB Plaza

Over the years, Derek has prepared numerous students for some of the world’s top music schools, including Juilliard in New York, Bloomington in Indiana, The Royal Academy of Arts in London, and his own alma mater, The University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna. “This year I have a local student entering The Royal Danish Academy of Music in Copenhagen,” Derek says. “Seeing  www.arounddb.com July 2018

25

PROFILE

my students succeed is a special kind of pleasure. But I don’t mind your reasons – I’m happy to work with anyone.”

Born in South Africa and raised in Norway, Derek stumbled into his calling while working in the food industry. A labour-office aptitude test told him he was destined for a career in culture and languages.

The singing bug bit when he first heard La traviata performed live, and he was talent-spotted soon after that.

“I had quit high school and was working in a sausage factory,” Derek recalls. “I went to a singalong for a male voice choir and the conductor heard me through all the other voices. That’s when the idea popped up that maybe I could do this. I was 17.”

While studying motivational psychology at The University of Oslo, Derek trained for two years under big-name Wagnerian tenor Egil Frostmann, and he went on to join The Vienna State Opera. “I didn’t know I had ‘it,’” he says. “It was all about lucky coincidences, and now as a teacher, it’s my job to recognise talent in others. A lot of people have talent without being able to discover it.”

Derek himself has learnt from some of the best (Austrian legend Otto Edelmann and his French counterpart Martial Singher), at some of the world’s best schools (universities of Oslo, Vienna, and California at Santa Barbara, and The Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University). He’s also performed at some of the world’s best theatres (he prefers the old houses, like La

Scala and Teatro Colón) in over 60 operas in 13 languages. He settled in Hong Kong in 1992.

lawyers, academics and actors, both locally and internationally,” Derek says with pride.

Settling in Hong Kong

Performer and expert guide

“I thought ‘Wow, this is interesting, as soon as I landed in Hong Kong,’” Derek says. “Friendly and dynamic people, great food and warm weather, plus superb international opportunities. I already had a career in Europe, I’d studied, worked and won many competitions in the US, so I gave myself a year here to see what might happen.”

Last month saw Derek in Ho Chi Minh City playing Sarastro in The Magic Flute at the Saigon Opera House. This marked his fourth return in the role, and his third time performing it in a local language. (The Flute is sung in German but a full production requires dialogue.) The company asked if Derek would consider being shadowed by a Vietnamese actor, dressed in black, speaking the lines. He declined… and took the time to learn the dialogue in Vietnamese instead.

As it turns out, not much initially.

Derek rented a room and a piano, and performed in an opera at the University of Hong Kong, whilst teaching himself to speak and read Cantonese. But when he connected with the Hong Kong Singers in 1993 – the company needed a Tevye for Fiddler on the Roof – his fortunes turned.

As the only professional singer in the cast, Derek soon found himself with 50 students and a new career phase. This lead to him heading up the Vocal Department at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and becoming the leading bass on the Hong Kong opera scene.

In 2000, Derek founded The Music & Drama Institute, where he draws on his singing and stage experience (and his training in psychology) to coach students. The vocal, speech and presentation-skills training covers breathing, articulation, support, resonance, and ways to conquer stage fright and learn to project confidently. “My client list now includes TV presenters, business and government leaders,

“I’m glad I chose not to follow their suggestion, because they assigned a female actor to the main baritone,” Derek says with a smile.

“And I was playing this authoritative high priest with a booming bass voice.” Uh, no.

Next on the agenda are plans for a luxury working trip to the European stomping ground of opera’s greats – Vienna, Bavaria, Verona, Milan – loaded up with history, food and, of course, music. Derek may have had his fill of academia, but he is a music professor, and in going along as an expert guide, he is committed to providing plenty of opera education in between castle visits, performances and fancy overnight stays.

The tour, the first of its kind, is provided by Jebsen Holidays and follows Derek’s shorter Vietnam jaunt for The Flute… just without the singing this time.

You can contact Derek Anthony through The Music & Drama Institute, www.drderekanthony.com.

Find more local heroes @ www.arounddb.com

26

July 2018 www.arounddb.com

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IN FOCUS

d o o g l e Fe

investing

Photos by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com, and courtesy of Zachys

Are you looking for an alternative way to invest, something that will appeal to your heart as well as your head?

Henry Benjamin suggests you enrich your portfolio with fine wine and (hydroponically grown) lettuce

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I

nvesting isn’t something most of us do for fun. There is, of course, the risk aspect that can make it a thrilling pursuit, but for the everyday investor playing the long game, it’s not exactly an edge-of-yourseat ride. But never fear, if shares, term deposits or extra mortgages aren’t your thing, or if you are looking to spice up an established investment portfolio, your options may be more varied than you think.

Have you ever, for instance, considered investing in your passions? This can be extremely rewarding. Not only can it help you to enjoy your wealth, but it also provides diversification and return potential.

Investing in something that will enrich your life (not just your wallet) is becoming more and more popular at a time when wellness and work-life balance are the buzz

July 2018 www.arounddb.com

words. That’s one of the reasons Hong Kong has a burgeoning high-end wine market – one that Ching Wong of wine realtor Zachys says is surprisingly easy to get involved in.

Socially responsible investing is, of course, another way to put your money where your heart is. This involves selecting companies or mutual funds for your portfolio based on your own ethical beliefs.

produces high quality, organically fertilised ‘Living Lettuces’ in environmentally controlled greenhouses 365 days per year.

FourEverGreen chooses to engage outside partners as part of its sustainable business expansion model, giving those keen to diversify their personal portfolio a chance to be part of something meaningful.

“People commit to the purchase of a flatbed table, in fact most are buying two or three. This by its very nature will produce an income stream from the sale of the produce,” opens FourEverGreen sales director Annette Houlihan, a 22-year DB resident.

“Hydroponic farming is the future of agriculture given the continued pressure on the Earth’s limited resources,” Annette adds. “It is an efficient, modern, eco-friendly way to grow healthy, tasty lettuces in limited growing areas. With land and water becoming increasingly scarce, we are doing our part while taking care of the environment.

We find that people like the idea of helping the world become a bit greener.”

FourEverGreen sales director Annette Houlihan

And it’s something you can get into right here in DB by selling ecologically grown lettuce – well, by investing in hydroponics to be more precise!

Hydroponics FourEverGreen is a Hong Kong-based, European-owned and managed hydroponic farming company, operating in Liangkouzhen, Southern China. It

Utlilising seeds, nutrients, fertilisers and technologies from Europe and Australia, FourEverGreen’s flagship greenhouse boasts 78 flatbed tables which are capable of producing 260 kilogrammes of fresh lettuce per day. Its Living Lettuces and Living Herbs ranges are marketed to highend food retailers, wholesalers, restaurateurs and hoteliers, and the aim is to get the lettuces to clients within 24 hours of harvest.

“FourEverGreen is focused on Living Lettuces (supplied with their roots intact), because our hydroponic growing technique enables us to grow fresh lettuces every day,” Annette says. “This gives us a growth cycle from

seed to harvest of around 25 to 30 days, which is 300% faster than traditional farming methods.”

The difference between hydroponic farming and traditional arable farming is very simple.

Hydroponically farmed lettuces are grown in nutrient controlled water, enabling the plants to feed and grow quickly, as the nutrients can be absorbed directly into the plants’ roots. This method uses 90% less water than the arable farming process, where plants are traditionally grown in soil.

“The chemicals and pesticides associated with traditional farming are not used in the growing process,” Annette says. “The lettuces are fed with nutrients and organic fertilisers, which means they are healthy, tasty and big.”

Eco-minded readers will also want to note that FourEverGreen’s farm is set across 12 acres of land, which provides a cost-efficient operating base with huge potential for future expansion. Due to the farm’s high elevation, the water, in which the lettuces are grown, is sourced direct from clean mountain springs, which is tested for purity by SGS. “Through every aspect of our business we follow the FourEverGreen philosophy: Healthy, Sustainable, Ethical and Eco-friendly,” Annette concludes.

Fine wine Zachys, a family owned company that originated as a wine retailer in New York and has a number of Discovery Bay-based clients, has had a presence in Hong Kong since 2008 and runs both live and online auctions here.

It sold over US$26,000,000 of wine in live auctions in Hong Kong in 2017, with burgundy wine picking up significantly in recent times and 

www.arounddb.com July 2018

29

IN FOCUS

Ching Wong, a private accounts manager at Zachys

wines from the Bordeaux region continuing to be popular. Prices can start at less than HK$1,000 a bottle, while the sky is the limit for the ceiling, with wines up to 100 years old often on the table.

“People are buying wine to drink and they are storing some away, whether they decide to sell it or drink it later,” says Ching Wong, a wine specialist and private accounts manager at Zachys. “We find a lot of wine lovers tend to buy a lot without realising it, and they accumulate this massive collection. They love wine and they then realise they can’t drink it all, so they love to share it with other wine lovers around the world, not necessarily to make a profit but purely because wine has a sell by date and it hits a peak.”

There are, of course, real profits to be made from investing in fine wine, with three/ six/ 12 bottles often fetching better prices at auction than a single bottle. “The best wines for investment are produced in small quantities (a maximum of 25,000 cases). Finite supply coupled with overwhelming demand and

consumption over time will drive prices up over time,” Ching explains.

“Burgundy wines, first-growth Bordeaux, fine Champagnes, cult Californian wines and Super Tuscans from exceptional vintages have brought good returns in recent years,” she adds.

The best returns often come from medium- to long-term investments, with investors prepared to wait at least five years.

“Invest in quality wines that are meant for aging, know your prices and get to know your wine merchant(s) and/ or fine wine auction house,” Ching says. “It is important to deal with reputable vendors to ensure that your wines come from sound provenance.”

Professional storage is also a must. “It is important to keep

FIND IT

• •

your investment in a professional, secure, temperature- and humiditycontrolled facility, so that the wines are maintained in the best condition until the day you sell.”

While Hong Kong is not traditionally known as a wine stronghold due to its distance from the world’s best wine regions, Ching says that the Asian wine market is thriving.

About half of what Zachys sells in Hong Kong remains here, 30% heads to China and 20% finds its way out into wider Asia.

“Hong Kong is the place to be – the zero tax is a great perk and the logistics are good,” Ching concludes. “Hong Kong has great facilities and services for wine lovers, whether to store their wine, enjoy their wine or, in the case of expats, ship wine back to their home countries.”

FourEverGreen, annette@fourever.green, www.fourever.green Zachys, auction.zachys.com

Find more monetary advice @ www.arounddb.com

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July 2018 www.arounddb.com

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FAMILY MATTERS

Photos by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com

Chasing the elixir

32

Suveera Sharma talks to three DB teens for whom fitness is a passion, and something that is setting them up for life

July 2018 www.arounddb.com

Hannah Olsen

I

f there is a phase of life that brings about the strongest memories in anyone, it has to be the teenage years.

An age of physical and emotional growth as well as turmoil, of confusion and heartbreaks, of sorrows and celebrations. It is the age when you try to cross the shaky bridge towards adulthood and away from immaturity, trying hard not to miss a foothold.

school of fencing in Madrid, he began competing in the National Championships age nine, and consistently came first or second in his category.”

Combat sports demand a lot from the participants. Apart from a high level of physical prowess, they also demand a great deal of discipline and mental agility.

During these turbulent years, the importance of having a hobby to provide grounding can never be overemphasised. A passion, once found, can act as an anchor, stabilising teens as they navigate a sea of emotions and energy. And what could be more rewarding than finding that stability in striving for fitness and health?

Teenage fitness is paramount, though with increasing academic demands and a suddenly active social life, it can often take a back seat. Children, who were otherwise storehouses of energy, suddenly show a dip and lose interest in organised sports and physical activity during their teens. However, it is imperative to establish a regular fitness routine, as habits formed during these years often last a lifetime.

Discipline and mental agility Sixteen-year-old Hugo Mas looks like any other quiet, unassuming DB teenager. But he has found his passion in the competitive sport of fencing, avidly pursuing it since he was just eight years old.

So how did Hugo’s family introduce him to the sport at such a young age? “We all went and tried it out as a family when we were living in Madrid,” his mother Mar recalls.

“He gradually showed keen interest and he exhibited a talent for the sport, clearly rising above his peers. Enrolled at SASLE

Emily Stanhope

“Such invaluable exposure in a national-level championship was very good for my confidence,” says Hugo proudly. “It improved my technique, stamina and fitness level. I learnt perseverance and it made me more resilient. It taught me to never give up.

“We have to be extremely alert and intuitive,” adds Hugo, a Discovery Bay International School student. “We must anticipate the next move of the opponent and act accordingly. It requires concentration. The training in fencing has also helped me improve my game in other sports like soccer, as I already have a certain level of fitness and can think rationally.”

Drive and motivation Emily Stanhope, 15, is another fitness enthusiast living in DB. As with Hugo, her entire family is motivated towards fitness and health.

“My mum was a fitness instructor and introduced me to the benefits of regular exercise. Even now, I go to the gym often with my parents. It is nice to exchange notes and motivate each other. I do different activities like boxing, Spinning and Bodypump. This provides variety and makes sure that I am always challenged. If my whole family is doing it, I have no excuse not to enjoy and join in too,” says Emily, a Discovery College student, who trains at Kapuhala Train-in-Space in DB, with Cindy Reid of The HIT Room.

“Emily is a dedicated and diligent young lady,” says Cindy. “She came to my boxing classes a few years ago with a group of friends, and then continued in Teen Spinning and subsequently participated weekly in Bodypump classes.

When her friends dropped off, Emily continued to attend the training on her own – rain or shine, before or after school.

“Emily works hard, is fiercely independent and is incredibly driven, in the way that she takes her training seriously,” Cindy adds. “I have every confidence she is going to go far in life as she translates these notable qualities to her studies and career choices. I am very proud of her development.”

Passion and creativity Hannah Olsen, 17, a student at Island School, has been pursuing dance ever since she was four years old. It is her passion. She performs regularly with Island Dance at Ocean Park and at the  Chinese New Year Parade.

www.arounddb.com July 2018

33

FAMILY MATTERS the screen, I head out to the gym and work out.”

This is true, there are ways of getting all that you want out of your day if you want to, it just needs prioritising and planning. It is important to focus on downtime as much as actual work so that you can maximise your performance in every aspect.

Hannah agrees. “I choose to finish my studies on time so that I get to dance. It helps me to concentrate and then come back to my books rejuvenated.”

Likewise, fencing helps Hugo focus. “For me it is like meditation.

It helps me relax. Fencing teaches us skills for life. We learn physical fitness and mental resilience, how to get knocked down but then get back up again.”

Promoting a positive self-image

Hugo Mas

“Dance is more than just physical exercise,” Hannah says. “For me it is a medium to express myself.

I am a creative person, and I just pour my emotions into my dancing and let go.

excel quicker in terms of technique and performance quality.”

Striking a balance

“Fitness routines are incorporated into the lessons. We do core strengthening exercises and stretching in our warm up routines.

Even the actual dancing provides a good cardio workout.”

During the teenage years, pressures from school increase and studies slowly get more and more intensive.

The demands grow and it is easy to buckle under the weight if you don’t strike the right balance. So how do these talented teenagers walk the tight rope?

Hannah’s teacher at Island Dance, Nimisha Kashyap, is all praise for her. “I have taught Hannah for six years now and she has always been a keen dancer and a hard worker.

However, it was when she was old enough to join my senior class that I saw a change in her. She started to take dance more seriously and made it a priority, which helped her

Emily explains, “Balance is important. I have realised that I can study more effectively only if I break away from it and have that time apart from actual studies. Just studying all the time can get very boring and will make me lose interest.

Even when at home, I procrastinate before reaching out for my books, so instead of wasting time watching

It is important that teenagers control the decision about what activity they want to pursue. If they like what they are doing they will not give up.

“Help your child to commit to fitness by being a positive role model yourself. Not only do you both grow stronger together, but also get time to stay connected with each other,” says Mar. That is indeed true; it might even be a good idea to use a family exercise chart and place it somewhere where it reminds you to keep up the good effort together.

Of course, for an all-round healthy lifestyle, exercise should also be accompanied by good eating habits.

Eating less is not always good and eating more is not always bad – eating right is the key. Nutrition and exercise need to go hand in hand.

Healthy, energetic conduct promotes a positive self-image and the rewards overflow into all aspects of a teenager’s life.

Find more family-oriented stories @ www.arounddb.com

34

July 2018 www.arounddb.com

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Summer Camp Fun!

Drama, sport, eco-adventure, Mandarin and plenty more besides! Check out these action-packed summer courses designed to keep the kids entertained and off their screens!

DANCE

DRAMA

Twinkle Dance Company

Faust International Youth Theatre

This summer, Twinkle Dance Company is offering fun-packed dance classes for kids aged 18 months to nine+ years.

While young ballerinas dance to themes like Moana, Barbie and Unicorns, older students are introduced to classical repertoires. For jazz students, classes include Popstar Contemporary Jazz and Film Favourites. All Twinkle Dance studios are conveniently located close to MTR stations.

At Faust’s Summer Theatre programmes in DB, Sheung Wan and Kowloon, children, aged three to 14, enjoy fun activities to encourage creativity, selfexpression and confidence. Guided by experienced leaders, they explore different themes and plays. Faust’s Creative Writing programmes in Sheung Wan see kids, aged six to 13, produce a portfolio of written work. Faust’s 20th season of weekly drama workshops begins in September at DBIS.

Through August

Visit www.twinkledance.com, email info@twinkledance.com or call 6608 6689/ 6608 6929 (Central), 6608 1699 (Causeway Bay), 6608 1928 (Wong Chuk Hang).

ECO-ADVENTURE

Ark Eden

Through August 17 Ark Eden’s nature camps bring out the adventurous, curious and compassionate side of children, aged five to 11. Outdoor camps are held deep in the forests of Lantau, with different activities each day.

Activities include treehouse building, campfire cooking, swimming in waterfalls and fun water fights.

Visit www.arkedenonlantau.org, email info@arkedenonlantau.org or call 2988 5355.

Through August 24

DRAMA

Rumple & Friends Through August 24

Rumple and Friends is hosting nine weeks of fun for young performers aged three to 10. Its signature course, Magic and Circus, sees students performing magic and circus tricks, while other courses include Treasure Hunters, Comic Book Crazy and Around the World in 80 Days. Morning and afternoon classes are held in Sheung Wan. Visit rumpleandfriends.com, email info@rumpleandfriends.com or call 9830 8287.

Visit www.faustworld.com, email tess.polo@faustworld.com or call 2547 9114.

KINDERGARTEN & PRIMARY

Bayview House of Children

July 2 to August 10

KINDERGARTEN & PRIMARY

Playtime Kids

July 3 to August 17

Bayview House of Children provides six weeks of summer fun for children aged three to six in DB. The Creative programme, held in the mornings, includes arts and crafts, musical movement, gardening, science and cookery. At the afternoon Multi-Sport programme, kids learn various sports and play fun, physical games.

At Playtime Kids’ summer playgroup in DB, mums can drop off their kids or stay and enjoy mum-and-baby sessions.

There’s a special emphasis on creativity with themed activities each week such as marble and canvas painting, making picture frames, working with nature, preparing healthy snacks and baking.

Kids, aged six months to four years, also enjoy supervised play, beading, sand and water play, singing and dancing, circle time and story time.

Visit www.bayview.hk, email ramesha@bayview. hk or call 6114 2436.

Visit www.playtimekidsdb.com, email playtimekidsdb@yahoo.com or call 9054 0565.

KINDERGARTEN & PRIMARY

Tree of Joy

July 3 to August 17 Tree of Joy’s summer school programme offers a fun and enjoyable learning experience for children, aged two to three-and-a-half, who can choose to attend classes three or five days a week.

A wide range of creative activities are on offer from lemonade-making, baking and puppet shows to sand play, bubble parties and water-splash days. Children get to take home their special crafts each week too.

Visit www.treeofjoydb.com, email info@treeofjoydb.com or call 9787 2755.

MATHS

Eye Level Education Centre

July 16-20 & 23-27, July 30 to August 3 & August 6-10 Eye Level is running a series of four fiveday summer camps in DB North Plaza to get kids ready for the coming school year. Designed for children aged three to 14, the camp aims to nurture maths skills from basic thinking through to advanced concepts and applications. Activities include Mathematical Olympiad questions and word problems, quick calculation methods for multiplying large numbers and mental arithmetic.

MANDARIN

Dr Bear Education Centre July 2 to August 10

Dr Bear Education Centre is offering a six-week Mandarin immersive summer camp in DB for children aged two and up. Activities, including singing, dancing and painting, allow students to develop their language skills in a creative and motivating environment. Classroombased learning includes topics such as cooking, science, nature and sports.

Email drbearschool@gmail.com or WhatsApp 6762 6264.

Call or Whatsapp 9366 0000.

MANDARIN

Zhizhi Chinese Education

July 2 to August 10 Zhizhi Chinese Education’s summer classes in DB are designed for primary, secondary and adult students of all language backgrounds and levels.

Students can be flexible about the dates and times they attend. Programmes include a foundation intensive class, intermediate intensive class, reading and writing class, calligraphy class and one-on-one individual classes. Everyone in Zhizhi’s highly professional teaching team has Chinese-language teaching credentials.

Visit zhizhichinese.com, email info@zhizhichinese.com or call 9648 2966.

SPORTS

SPORTS

Asia Pacific Adventure

HK Dragons

As Hong Kong’s leading provider in outdoor education, Asia Pacific Adventure is offering water-based summer courses for kids aged seven to 15. Programmes include Environmental Explorers, Marine Adventures and Coast to Coast. All programmes are led by an international team of experienced outdoor professionals around the beautiful Hong Kong coastline. Activities include kayaking, snorkelling, SUP and gorge walking.

HK Dragons is offering football camps in DB, Pui O and Stanley for kids, aged three and above, of all abilities.

Children learn teamwork, fair play and a competitive spirit in a fun and safe environment. Professional coaching from UEFA/ FA qualified coaches ensures an improvement in skills, match awareness and fitness.

Through August 3

Visit www.summer.asiapacificadventure.com, email summer@apa.co or call 2792 7160.

July 3-6 & 9-13, August 6-10

Visit dragons.hk, email theoffice@dragons.hk or call 5322 5556.

SPORTS

Kapuhala Train-in-Space

July 16-20 & 23-27, July 30 to August 3 & August 6-10 Kapuhala’s Little Warriors summer camp teaches kids, aged five to 13, about their bodies, spirits and minds. Each two-anda-half-hour programme involves team games, speed games, boot camps and spinning. During the break, kids are given a small induction session on food and sustainability, complemented by healthy snacks. Campers are grouped by age and taught interesting indoor and outdoor routines. Part of the camp proceeds go to charity.

Visit www.kapuhalaspace.com, email tribe@kapuhala.com or call 9480 5949.

SPORTS

SPORTS

SURF HONG KONG

Vikings Football Club

Surf Hong Kong, part of experiential learning and leadership programme provider A-Team Edventures, offers action-packed water-sports summer camps with surfing, SUP, kayaking, canyoning and slacklining. The threeday, two-night camps are held at Tai Long Sai Wan and are open to kids aged eight to 18. Family adventure programmes are also available with camping, barbecue cooking, and fun and games on the beach.

Vikings Football Club’s summer camps at DC cater to Mini Vikings (aged two to four) and Pro Vikings (five to 13). With structured and progressive programmes, students learn skills and drills, and take part in competitive matches. Vikings’ coaches have all played at a professional or semi-professional level, and provide the highest level of coaching for children of all abilities and mindsets.

Through August

Visit ateamedventures.com, email info@ateamedventures.com or call 2560 8838.

July 2-6 & 9-13, July 30 to August 3 & August 6-10

Visit vikings.hk, email enquiry@vikings.hk or call 9533 2600.

Plant Life

TALKING POINTS

Is everyone going vegan? Kate Farr chats to two DB entrepreneurs who are spearheading the community’s increased interest in a healthier way of eating

Photos by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com

Gary Stokes

40

I

n our increasingly health-conscious and environmentally aware society, one of the biggest challenges that the planet faces is the fair division of global resources and, in particular, food. According to the Vegetarian Society, 70% of all agricultural land is currently used for rearing farmed animals, with a meat-eater’s diet using two-and-a-half times the amount of land compared to a vegetarian

Hemingway’s meat-free Beyond Burger

diet, and up to five times more than a vegan diet.

As such, the number of us choosing to change the way we eat is increasing. Around 22% of Hong Kongers now choose to follow predominantly plant-based diets, with the number of vegetarian and vegan restaurants in the city more than doubling over the past three years. Even among those who are not ready to give up meat entirely,

July 2018 www.arounddb.com

increased enthusiasm for initiatives like Veganuary (where participants observe a plant-based diet for a month), and Green Mondays, which encourages people to cut meat from their diet for one day per week, marks the rise of a more ‘flexitarian’ approach to eating.

Glance into a few supermarket trolleys in Fusion, DB and, from the amount of vegetables contained therein, it’s clear that many of us

residents are striving to change up the way we eat. DB entrepreneurs are very much on board too, with Gary Stokes of Hemingway’s and Sarah Lee of Sweet Secrets leading the ethicalfoodie charge.

You are what you eat Beloved by many a DB mum for her indulgent and inventive birthday cakes, Sarah Lee has just expanded her range to satisfy our (and her own) more noble dietary cravings. She is enthusiastic about offering healthy food choices and believes everyone can eat well without feeling deprived of treats.

“The story started seven years ago when we were asked by a returning customer to make a gluten-free cake for her daughter’s fifth birthday,” Sarah opens. “I had to turn her down at first, as it was the first time I had even heard of the word ‘gluten!’

She told me her daughter would cry every year after cutting her cake, as she was unable to have even a bite of it. Of course, the mum in me had to say yes, despite being clueless, and we made her daughter a specially designed cake made from the boxes of gluten-free pre-mix that she supplied.”

Sweet Secrets’ selection has come a long way since that initial request, with the bakery now offering a full range of goodies that are glutenfree, vegan and refined sugarfree, with nut-free cakes available to order. Sarah explains that, far from being an inferior option, her healthier treats are actually almost impossible to distinguish from their traditional counterparts.

“The feedback we have received from customers is that most can’t tell the difference!” she says with a smile. “We try to offer ‘blind’ tastings

ret Sarah Lee of Sweet Sec

unless one has food intolerances.

Two of our latest creations are a turmeric, ginger and lime cake, and a beetroot chocolate cake. Most of our tasters said that the turmeric cake is so light and moist, and the beetroot is just so pretty and an interesting combo. No one guessed that they are vegan!”

What about the pickiest customers of all? “Kids are happy to eat vegan or healthy… if, and only if the treats taste good! Kids are our best judges, because their faces tell you the real story instantly. I recently saw a little boy gobbling up our turmeric cake and licking the frosting off his daddy’s hand. It was such a joy to see!”

In creating their cakes, Sarah and her team skilfully substitute natural ingredients – with impressive results. “Common substitutes for eggs include apple sauce, banana, dates, chia and flax seeds,” Sarah says.

“There are lots of choices for milk substitutes, without too much difference in how they behave in baking, such as nut milks, seed milks, and even coconut, oat, soy or rice milks.”

s at home in DB

So, are there any cakes that simply can’t be adapted to a healthier version? “We can always adapt,” says Sarah. “Our aim is always for our free-from cakes to be healthy and wholesome, but to taste like conventional cakes too. If I had to say that there’s one cake we haven’t quite got to be gluten-free, vegan, healthy and delicious yet, it would be a chiffon, or sponge fruit cream cake.”

What would Sarah say to those of us who relax the rules a little when it comes to occasional treats? “To me, it’s a balance between what we eat and how it serves our health and wellness. Food is fuel. Food is medicine. That’s my belief – even for sweet treats. We all need our treats. We all want to indulge. Do it but do it consciously. When cakes are made to be just as delicious [as conventional treats], but with added nutrients, why would you say no?”

Practice what you preach Equally willing to create change by changing the way people eat is Gary Stokes, ocean conservationist and co-founder of Hemingway’s. “We live in a world

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

41

TALKING POINTS

of 7.6 billion people, many of whom eat meat or seafood three times a day. This is unsustainable,” Gary opens. Referencing his work with international NGO Sea Shepherd, he continues, “While most people cannot go to sea for several months to save whales, sharks, turtles or fish, we can all make a huge difference by simply looking at what we decide to put on our dinner plates. The ‘easy’ solution is a plant-based diet – going vegan.”

Such is Gary’s commitment to ‘walk the talk,’ that under his guidance Hemingway’s recently took the bold – and some might say, risky – step of converting to a full vegan food menu, creating meat-free versions of pub food classics such as nachos, spaghetti bolognese, and even pizza. So far, reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with the DB community embracing the opportunity to enjoy what Gary describes as “normal food” in a casual setting.

Sarah Lee’s

BEST-EVER

ice cream

Gluten-free, vegan, egg-free, nut-free, dairy-free, soy-free, refined sugar-free, paleo, raw. Makes 8 scoops • • • • •

4 large ripe bananas, sliced and frozen ½ cup coconut cream, liquid, cool 2 tbsp coconut oil, liquid, cool 1 tbsp coconut nectar 2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Purée all the ingredients together, with a pinch of sea salt, until the mixture is super creamy. Pour into a chilled container, then either freeze for 3 to 4 hours, or serve right away as a soft ice cream.

For berry-flavoured ice cream, add a few chopped frozen berries before blending. For chocolate ice cream, add 4 to 5 tablespoons of raw cacao powder. Decorate with berries, nuts, raw cacao nibs or shaved chocolate.

Not content to leave ethics to the chefs, Hemingway’s drinks list is also now clearly marked as either vegetarian or vegan, (many commercially-produced beers and wines use isinglass, a fish-derived additive, and animal gelatine in their production).

Such is the success of Hemingway’s new approach that it was recently awarded Asia’s first ever Compassionate Business Award by PETA, the world’s largest animal rights organisation, further underscoring that meatfree eating is no longer thought of as an alternative lifestyle choice.

• Hemingway’s, 2987 8855 • Sweet Secrets, 2545 8886, www.sweetsecrets.com.hk

Find more topical local topics @ www.arounddb.com

42

July 2018 www.arounddb.com

CAN YOU ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS? If not, you should consider a review or start your estate planning

• Why is a Will necessary?

• What are the advantages of having a Will?

• What happens to my children if both parents die?

• What is probate?

• When is probate necessary?

• Is a Living Trust more private than a Will?

• Will my estate be subject to taxes?

• How my other dependant relatives maintain their rights?

• If I have a blended family, how do I ensure that everyone entitled receives?

• What happens if I don’t die but become mentally incapacitated?

We can help you build a detailed estate plan for peace of mind and future generations.

“It’s not about having time, but making time.

If it’s important, you’ll make time.”

Carey, Suen Will Services Ltd 8B Wing Yee Commercial Building 5 Wing Kut Street Central

Tel: +852 9160 7855 email: annette@careysuen.com website: www.careysuen.com

ESCAPES

What’s hot in

Bangkok Where to eat, stay, shop and play: DB-based Flight Centre representative Jennifer Durbridge reveals 10 top destinations in Krung Thep, the City of Angels

WILDEST RIDE The kids went wild at Siam Park City, a world-class amusement and water park in the Khan Na Yao district. They loved the Vortex, an amazing suspended roller coaster (allegedly one of the world’s largest), and the Giant Drop, a thrilling free-fall tower (you fall within just a few seconds from a height of 75 metres). Visit www.siampark.net.

Photos courtesy of www.wikimedia.org

Ayutthaya

44

BEST BUDDHA HEAD

COOLEST MARKET

e hopped on a boat to Ayutthaya – the UNESCO -listed ancient capital of Siam – to explore the temple ruins, palaces, monasteries and Buddha statues. A Buddha’s head resting in the tree roots overtaking Mahathat temple was a definite highlight, as was the well-preserved summer palace of King Rama IV, with its mixture of Thai, Chinese and Gothic architecture.

I shopped ‘til I dropped at Chatuchak Weekend Market on Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road. It’s 1-kilometre long, and there are 15,000 different outdoor stalls, selling just about anything you can imagine from every corner of Thailand. Expect to get hot and sticky, and claustrophobic – the market draws over 200,000 visitors a day. If you’re worried about getting lost, stick to the main walkway that encircles the entire market.

W

July 2018 www.arounddb.com

Penthouse Bar + Grill

TOP VIEW

MUST-VISIT SITE

HIPPEST BAR

For a night of fine dining, bar hopping and sweeping city views, head to Penthouse Bar + Grill in Lumphini.

The hip complex is styled to resemble a bachelor pad (complete with boys’ toys) and occupies the top three floors of the Park Hyatt Bangkok. Visit www.hyatt.com.

The Grand Palace on Maha Rat Road, once the royal palace of the kings, is an ancient complex now used for ceremonial occasions.

We toured the many lavish halls and pavillions that have been built and embellished by successive reigning kings over 200 years of history. The Emerald Buddha Temple houses a beautiful, if tiny, emerald Buddha statue.

Rabbit Hole is a super-cool speakeasy spread over three floors of a converted shophouse in Thonglor. I loved the funky industrial vibe, and the way it attracts a hip laidback crowd, who love their craft beer and cocktails. Try the Cosa Nostra, an Old Fashioned-inspired drink with cherry-infused cognac served in a cigar-smoked rock glass. Visit rabbitholebkk.com.

Chatuchak Weekend Market

ď‚„

The Grand Palace

www.arounddb.com July 2018

45

ESCAPES

Kanchanaburi

UNMISSABLE DAY TRIP It’s a three-hour drive to Kanchanaburi, where we boarded the Death Railway and crossed the infamous Bridge on the River Kwai. Displays at the JEATH War Museum honour the Allied prisoners of war who died building the bridge during the Second World War; the ThailandBurma Railway Centre explores the wider history of the railway.

FRIENDLIEST HOTEL With two large outdoor pools, a health club, tennis courts, a gym and spa, Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok provides a fun time for the whole family. During Sunday brunch, kids under 13 can head to a dedicated playroom. The hotel’s prime location on the Chao Phraya River gave us easy access to all the main sightseeing spots and business venues. Visit www.shangri-la.com.

Siam Center

MEGA MALL

YUMMIEST RESTAURANT

Siam Center is a fashion-lover's paradise. The first thing you see upon walking in the entrance closest to Siam Paragon is a Forever 21 but keep going. When you venture further into the mall, the stores and designs get much more interesting. Look out for boutiques owned by up-andcoming local designers, as well as renowned Thai couturiers.

Up there in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list for three consecutive years, Gaggan on Langsuan Road is known for its constantly evolving tasting menu. We were wowed by conversation-starting bites like spherified Yoghurt Explosion and Indian sushi. Book your table now because Chef Gaggan Anand plans to close the restaurant in 2020. Visit eatatgaggan.com.

Gaggan

Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok

Flight Centre Hong Kong specialises in tailor-made travel experiences; the widest choice of airfares, accommodation and tours; plus 24-hour emergency assistance. To book your getaway, call 2830 2776 or visit www.flightcentre.com.hk. For a local consultation, contact DB-based Flight Centre representative Jennifer Durbridge on jennifer.durbridge@flightcentre.com.hk.

Find more exciting holiday destinations @ www.arounddb.com

46

July 2018 www.arounddb.com

STAY 4 PAY 3

KOH SAM UI , T HAI LAN D STAY 5 PAY 4

LAN GKAWI , M ALAYSI A STAY 4 PAY 3

ONE STOP SHOP

KOH YAO NOI (PHUKET), T HAI LAN D MULTI LINGUAL

STAY 5 PAY 4

MOBILE CONSULTING

B ALI , I N DON ESI A

2830 2776

flightcentre.com.hk

enquiry@flightcentre.com.hk

Terms & conditions apply, visit our website www.flightcentre.com.hk for full details.Written quote must be presented prior to booking. # Price is per person and applicable when two people are travelling together. *Travel restrictions and conditions apply. Prices are per person in HKD, exclude taxes & subject to availability, and only applicable when two people are travelling together. Prices are correct at time of print and subject to change without notice. Flight Centre (Hong Kong) Limited trading as Flight Centre.Travel Agent licence no. 350062

t

Going together or going solo we provide tailored help to make everyone’s relocation as successful as can be.

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é l f f u So Surprise!

RECIPES

Spicy crab soufflé Serves 4 • 1 ½ oz butter • 1 ½ oz flour • 5 fl oz single cream • 5 fl oz milk

• 1 tbsp onion, grated • 2 tbsp parmesan cheese, grated • ½ tsp dry mustard powder • 3 tbsp parsley, chopped • 1 ½ tsp anchovy essence • 2 tsp lemon juice • Cayenne pepper to taste • 5 egg yolks • 8oz cooked crabmeat

Photos courtesy of www.wikimedia.org

• 6 egg whites

48

Place a baking sheet in the oven and preheat to 200ºC. Melt the butter in a saucepan and stir in the flour, cook for 2 minutes. Add the cream and milk a little at a time, stirring after each addition. Bring to the boil and, still stirring, simmer for a minute or two. Remove from the heat and stir in the rest of the ingredients except for the egg whites. Next, whisk the egg whites until stiff, and fold them into the crab mixture with a metal spoon.

Then, pour the mixture into a buttered 4-pint soufflé dish, and place the dish on the preheated baking sheet. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes – if the soufflé is getting too brown after 30 minutes, cover it with foil.

July 2018 www.arounddb.com

Springy oozy soufflés are easier to make than you think – follow these instructions to the letter and you won’t go wrong

If you would like to see your favourite recipes featured in this section, email rachel@baymedia.com.hk

Broccoli cheese soufflé Serves 4 • 1 lb broccoli • 1 oz butter • 2 tbsp plain flour • 5 fl oz milk • 2 oz cheddar cheese, grated • ¼ whole nutmeg, grated • Cayenne pepper to taste • 2 large eggs • 4 egg whites • 1 tbsp parmesan cheese, grated

Place a large roasting tin, filled with 1½ inches of water, in the oven and preheat to 200ºC. Simmer the broccoli in a pan until soft. Drain, then mash to a pulp with a large fork. Melt the butter in a saucepan and stir in the flour. Once it’s smooth, gradually add the milk, stirring after each addition, to form a thick, glossy paste. Turn down the heat and mix in the cheddar.

Empty the cheese mixture into the broccoli pulp, season, and add the nutmeg and cayenne. Separate the eggs, then mix the 2 yolks into the broccoli. Whisk the 4 egg whites until they stand up in peaks. Gently fold 1 tablespoon into the broccoli mixture with a metal spoon, then fold in the rest, a quarter at a time.

Spoon the mixture into a buttered 2-pint soufflé dish and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Place the dish in the preheated roasting tin and bake for 30 to 35 minutes.  www.arounddb.com July 2018

49

RECIPES

Chocolate rum soufflé Serves 2

• 4 oz plain chocolate • 2 tbsp rum • 4 egg yolks • 6 large egg whites • Icing sugar to garnish • 10 fl oz double cream

Place a baking sheet in the oven and preheat to 200ºC. Break the chocolate into a mixing bowl and add the rum. Place the bowl over a saucepan of water that has just boiled. Once the chocolate is soft, beat with a wooden spoon until smooth. In a small basin, whisk the egg yolks and stir into the chocolate.

In another bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff, then fold them gently into the chocolate mixture with a metal spoon. Pour into a buttered 2-pint soufflé dish and bake on the preheated baking sheet for 20 minutes, until the soufflé is springy to the touch. Dust with icing sugar and serve with the cream in a jug to pour on separately.

Find more classic recipes @ www.arounddb.com

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July 2018 www.arounddb.com

ISL

ISLAND

EXOTICS

We’re the only veterinary clinic on Hong Kong island dedicated exclusively to care for your exotic pets ISL

www.taiwaiexotic.com Tel: 2858 9388

Open 9am -7pm, 7 days a week

2/F Hing Tai Building, 139-140 Connaught Road West, Sai Ying Pun A few minutes taxi ride from Central Ferry Pier

HK HAPPENINGS

21ST ANNIVERSARY OF THE HKSAR Across Hong Kong

July 1

10 FUN THINGS TO DO IN HK THIS MONTH! Like the Around DB Facebook page for event reminders

www.bbc.com

There are various activities lined up to celebrate the 21st anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Events, organised by state offices and community groups, include flag-raising ceremonies, carnivals, exhibitions and guided tours. For more information, visit www.hong-kong-traveller.com.

SUMMER CARNIMAL

LIVING FOSSILS EXHIBITION

Stephen Hui Geological Museum, University of Hong Kong Through November 4

Ocean Park, Wong Chuk Hang Ocean Park presents its brand new summer celebration Summer Carnimal! Catch day and night animal-themed grand parades, hourly Caribbean and Brazilian cultural shows, and a DJ party at Aqua City Lagoon.

Make the most of a host of summertime-limited activities perfect for the whole family. For tickets, starting HK$480, visit www.oceanpark.com.hk ticketing.oceanpark.com.hk.

Through September 2

INTERNATIONAL ARTS CARNIVAL Across Hong Kong

July 6-August 12

www.hkiac.gov.hk

Covering theatre, dance, music, film and magic, the International Arts Carnival showcases a varied lineup of overseas and local shows. Highlights this year include Hansel & Gretel by the Scottish Ballet, and the first HandPainted Film Workshop, where you can create your own animation. For tickets, starting at HK$60, visit ticket.urbtix.hk.

Photo courtesy of Petra Bach

Hong Kong’s Living Fossils exhibition features horseshoe crabs, the primitive brachiopod Lingula and the small eel-like Amphioxus. See well-preserved fossils together with their modern counterparts, plus an exhibit of living baby horseshoe crabs. The exhibition is open on weekdays from 1pm to 6pm, and this month’s special weekend opening is July 7 to 8.

Admission is free.

SALON DU CHOCOLAT

Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wanchai Created in France in 1995, the world’s largest event dedicated to chocolate and cocoa showcases the craftsmanship that goes into creating chocolate. Making its Hong Kong debut, Salon du Chocolat features chocolatiers, pastry chefs and cocoa producers, and offers a series of activities including tastings, workshops and even a chocolate fashion show.

For tickets, starting at HK$65, visit localfoodandwine.blogspot.com www.hkticketing.com.  July 6-8

www.arounddb.com July 2018

53

HK HAPPENINGS

BAKERY CARNIVAL Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wanchai July 6-8

Get your events listed @ www.arounddb.com

SHEK-O CHALLENGE Start: Big Wave Bay July 7

www.travelandleisure.com

The Hong Kong Bakery Carnival, put on for industry professionals as well as pastry lovers, is the first-ever largescale, all-inclusive public bakery show to hit the territory.

Expect workshops, tastings and playful competitions, plus demonstrations by top chefs. For tickets, starting at HK$65, visit www.hkticketing.com.

HONG KONG BOOK FAIR

Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wanchai July 18-24

outdoorswimmer.com

Race across Big Wave Bay to Shek O Back Beach by signing up for either a 2.2-kilometre swim, 8.5-kilometre run or 9-kilometre paddle. This year, kids get to join in the fun with a 600-metre swim. At the after-party, participants and supporters can enjoy a barbecue, beach water polo and live music. For more details and registration, starting at HK$250, visit openwaterasia.com.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST ON ICE Kowloon Bay International Trade & Exhibition Centre, Kowloon Bay www.readersland.com

Every summer, hundreds of thousands of bookworms flock to the Hong Kong Book Fair. Major exhibit categories include children’s and teens’ books, e-books and e-learning resources and multimedia products. Tickets, starting at HK$25, are available at the door.

July 21-22

LAN KWAI FONG BEER & MUSIC FEST Lan Kwai Fong, Central July 21-22

www.eventbrite.hk

54

Head over to Lan Kwai Fong for the summer’s biggest beer festival, featuring different beer brands from all over the world. Expect a day of non-stop fun and entertainment with booths offering food, drinks and interactive games. And the good news is admission is free.

July 2018 www.arounddb.com

concerteurope.hu

The Russian Ice Stars present a dazzling interpretation of Beauty and the Beast, combining an original musical score, breathtaking choreography, and stunning sets and costumes. Watch some of the world’s finest ice skaters and aerial acrobats bring the enchanting story to life. For tickets, starting at HK$280, visit www.hkticketing.com.

YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO LANTAU LIVING THE BEST OF LANTAU 2018/19 Contact us NOW for fantastic advertising opportunities and lock in your spot before it’s too late.

Call: 2987 0577

WORSHIP SERVICE Discovery College Sundays @ 10am CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP PRACTICAL BIBLE TEACHING KIDS CHURCH & TEENS

Alcoholics Anonymous •Counselling for individuals, couples, families & adolescents • Sliding fee scale; affordable options for all clients • English, Putonghua, Cantonese, Russian, Hindi, Marathi and Marwadi speaking counsellors

Pastor James Buckner Tel: 2987 7061 www.dbicc.org

www.resourcecounselling.org Serving the community over 40 years A Member Agency of the Community Chest

If you want to drink, that’s your business.

If you want to stop, we can help.

Alcoholics No dues or fees.

Anonymous

24hr hotline:9073 6922 www.aa-hk.org

DB FACES

COMMUNITY SNAPS! Who do you know?

Find more familiar faces @ www.arounddb.com

Photos by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com

Win prizes from Uncle Russ Coffee and The Pier Bar! Congratulations to last month’s winner: Ritesh Tripathy (@focuslocked)

T

he best snap wins! Your mission this month is to share a photo taken in DB or Lantau on our @around_db Instagram page and hashtag it #arounddb. You have until the 10th of this month to enter – so get tagging.

This is your chance to win a complimentary coffee from Uncle Russ, or a beer from The Pier Bar every day for a week.

We will contact the winner via Instagram. Good luck!

www.arounddb.com July 2018

57

View local business directories @ www.arounddb.com EMPLOYMENT

DELIVERY PERSON/ MESSENGER

Michael, a HK resident, is available to deliver documents & small parcels around HK. Available full- or part-time.

Call 9145 6731 to leave a message

HEALTH & WELLBEING

VR, HYPNOSIS: INDIVIDUAL &/ OR COUPLES THERAPY Virtual reality programmes for PTSD, addictions, phobias (fear of flying/ public speaking/ bridges/ enclosed spaces/ storms). * Couples’ conflicts * Overeating * Career/relationship stress * Anger management * Nail biting * Exam jitters Divorce/ post-divorce/ career coaching.

Quit smoking quickly.

Dr Melanie Bryan, Psy.D. Clinical psychologist, hypnotherapist 2575 7707, www.mindmatters.hk

HEALTH & WELLBEING

HOME SERVICES

THERAPY FROM GROWING UP GREAT

• Local & international moves • Long/ short-term storage • Handyman services • World-class service – competitive rates Operating on DB & Lantau.

• Professional therapy & counselling for children, adolescents & adults • Based in Discovery Bay • Office, online & home visits available Email contact@growingupgreathongkong.com, or call Lorraine Cook at 6182 0959, Liz Hemmings at 9387 5305

HOME SERVICES

AKASH MOVING & HANDYMAN SERVICES

• Packing, moving & storage service • Interior painting & patch-up work • Appliance installation • Hanging pictures & mirrors • Blinds, curtains & shelves installation • Lights & ceiling fan installation • LCD TV mounting & switch replacement Contact 2421 8088, info@akash.hk, www.akash.hk

TUITION & COURSES

FTC RELOCATIONS

Contact 2814 1658, sales@ftc.hk, www.ftc.hk

FLAT PAINTING & HANDYMAN WORK

• Painting & handyman work, interior & exterior • PU waterproof injection for external walls • Astro-turfing, tiling & electrics Contact Roger at 9156 0360, drscompanyhk@gmail.com

ENGLISH TUTOR/TEACHER • BA degree in English from a US university • Over 10 years’ teaching & tutoring experience • Flexible schedule & reasonable rates • Based in DB Children, teens & adults at all levels of fluency

• Learn to understand, speak & write English well • Gain confidence & a wider vocabulary • Write better essays & improve schoolwork

Call, text or WhatsApp Charles on 9406 8342

SPORTS PRIVATE SQUASH COACH

The Squash Pulse is an authentic squash coaching brand founded by a former HK Squash representative.

Professional, tailor-made training programmes are provided. Players of all levels are welcome.

MANDARIN CHINESE CLASSROOM

Lessons for adults & children, individually & in small groups.

Any level/ time/ purpose.

In the Greens.

Call 6071 9643, or visit www.dbmandarin.com

Call/Whatsapp 6688 8994, or visit www.thesquashpulse.com

Yoga Therapy Class for Senior Citizens

Tuesday mornings 11:30am at DB North Plaza.

Slow and gentle yoga, taught by a qualified yoga instructor.

English-speaking and easily accessible from Sunny Bay MTR station.

9685 8366 www.g reenwi ch- v i nyas a.com.hk

DEADLINE FOR AUGUST ISSUE CLASSIFIEDS JULY 15

View local business directories @ www.arounddb.com

Ark Eden eco camps are designed to bring out the adventurous, curious and compassionate side of children.

www.arkedenonlantau.org Facebook.com/ArkEden info@arkedenonlantau.org Telephone: 2988 5355

Greenland Pest Control Tailored Pest Control Solutions for Rodent, Cockroaches, Fleas, Mosquitoes, Termites, Ants, Ticks etc‌ For info please call Thomas 9871 0771 or Baguio 6776 8400 Email: baguiowong@hotmail.com

Read the magazine online!

For all the latest community news.

www.arounddb.com

Find short-term rentals @ www.arounddb.com DB PROPERTY FOR RENT

LUXURY APARTMENTS IN SIENA 2, DB

Spacious 600 square-foot apartments – quiet with sea views over park, near Club Siena & DB Tunnel. Fully furnished with washer/ drier, bed linen, kitchenware, 55” TVs, wi-fi, blu-ray home theatre. Contact the owner on 9317 0624, nialady2011@gmail.com

2-BED IN CHERISH COURT, DB

Fully furnished, 2-bedroom flat with wi-fi & Now TV. Full sea view & Disneyland-firework view. Photos available.

Contact Jacqueline on 9811 0718, jacquelinedb@gmail.com

LUXURY DB 2-BED

Newly renovated, 2-bed flat with balcony.

Luxuriously furnished, with TV, cable & broadband. Panoramic harbour views & short walk to pier. Contact Charles on 6140 7971, charles@headlandhomes.hk. Contact Katie on 9150 7319, katie@headlandhomes.hk

FULLY FURNISHED DB 1-BED

Smart apartment on a high floor with sea view.

Close to pier & DB Plaza. Available fully furnished.

Call Tiareti on 9732 8985

OVERSEAS PROPERTY

HAWKS NEST THAILAND FOR RENT Fully equipped 2-bedroom villa for rent, including rooftop patio with outdoor kitchen, Jacuzzi, pool & internet. Situated just south of Hua Hin, with optional Bangkok pick-up. Contact villa@hawksnestthailand.com, or visit www.hawksnestthailand.com

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“Bay Media helped me on a project to create a full website. They knows their onions, have that rare ability to speak in layman’s terms, have oodles of patience for us non-digital folk and have created a fantastic site which has been complimented by peers and clients alike.” Paul Redmayne-Mourad BayMediaStudio

www.baymediastudio.com/websites

CLOT HING & ACCESSORIES

FTC Apparel

2428 2566 FOOD, RES TAUR A N T S & BA RS

A Tavola Bar & Grill Airport Izakaya Andante Café Aficionado Chef’s Choice China Coast Bar & Grill Curry Lounge Dosirak House Essence Restaurant - Novotel Citygate Federal Palace Restaurant Kimos Mansarover Indian Cuisine McDonald’s Delivery Melody Thai Moccato Coffee Shop My Thai Olea Restaurant - Novotel Citygate PizzaExpress Pizza Hut Delivery Regala Café & Dessert Bar Resto Restaurant Rouge - Regal Airport Hotel Skycity Bistro Tung Chung Pizza Zentro Garden

2321 5500 2286 6668 3602 8828 2286 6238 6504 4208 2286 6898 2960 1977 3520 0848 3602 8808 2626 0181 2886 3646 2109 1927 2338 2338 2988 8129 3602 8838 2907 6918 3602 8818 2297 3588 2330 0000 2286 6618 2886 3156 2286 6868 3969 2500 2466 1010 2802 8000

2185 6550 9099 9959 2109 9396 2109 2288 2194 0020 2988 1534 2328 7282 3575 8370 2403 6613 2403 6623 2261 2626 5178 5658

HOME & REPA IRS

Akash Removals Mega Power Engineering/Locksmiths Shun Yu Engineering

2421 8088 2109 2330 2988 1488

HOT EL S

Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel Novotel Citygate Hong Kong Regal Airport Hotel

3969 1888 3602 8888 2286 8888

L E A RNING CEN T RES Clement Art School Discovery Mind International Play Centre Greenfield International Kindergarten Kidznjoy Sakura Kids Salala Kids House Soundwaves English Education Centre Sun Island Education Foundation Sunshine House International Preschool Tung Chung Catholic School (Yat Tung) YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College

9021 1502 2987 8070 2162 5538 6273 7347 6674 6194 2611 9193 2164 7210 2420 1068 2109 3873 2121 0884 2988 8123

SOCI A L , SP OR T S & EQUIPMEN T

Asia Pacific Soccer Schools Caribbean Coast Club House Coastal Skyline Club House Dance for Joy Edge ’n Pointe Dance Centre Jumping Castles Perun Fitness Seaview Crescent Club House Smash Cricket Tung Chung Crescent Club House

2385 9677 2109 9277 2179 6678 9264 8597 6688 2167 9662 1747 6443 6597 3473 8700 5400 4109 2403 6770

U T IL I T Y, SERV ICES & E MERGENC Y HOT L INES

Tung Chung Ambulance Depot Tung Chung Fire Station Tung Chung Police Station

FOOD, RES TAUR A N T S & BA RS

Bahce - Turkish Restaurant Café Bar Bathers Caffe Paradiso (Tom’s Café) Cafe Isara China Bear Deer Horn Restaurant & Bar Kebab Korner La Pizzeria Lantana Italian Bistro Long Island Mucho Gusto Robert’s Market Stoep @ High Tide Restaurant The China Beach Club The Gallery The Kitchen The Water Buffalo

2984 0222 2504 4788 2984 0498 2470 1966 2984 9720 3484 3095 6429 3507 2984 8933 5465 5511 2320 2001 6422 5009 9193 2937 2980 2699 2983 8931 2980 2582 5991 6292 2109 3331

HE A LT H & W EL L BEING

Pause by the Banyan - health ∙ wellness South Lantau Paddle Club Thai Palin Massage Thai Sa Baai Tony’s Salon Treasure Island

9708 0187 9688 9112 9062 0148 5228 6552 2984 0990 2546 3543

HOME & REPA IRS

HE A LT H & W EL L BEING

Bayside Dental Bon’s Mobile Pet Grooming Essential Health Family Clinic Human Health Medical Centre North Lantau Physiotherapy Tung Chung Animal Clinic Tung Chung Vet Centre Tung Chung Maternal & Child Health Centre Quality Health Dental Quality Health Medical Raffles Medical Rainbow Voice and Soundhealing

SOUTH LANTAU

TUNG CHUNG

LANTAU NUMBERS

2988 8282 2988 1898 3661 1999

Findley Leung Group Koon Wah Hardware Lee Wo Construction Engineering Man Shun Construction & Engineering New Look Design

2984 8334 2984 8487 2984 1802 2984 9833 9783 5840

HOT EL S

Mui Wo Inn Silvermine Beach Resort Tai O Heritage Hotel

2984 7225 6810 0111 2985 8383 L E A RNING CEN T RES

Kind Hing Trinity International Kindergarten & Nursery Lantau International Kindergarten Lantau International School Lao Shi Lantau Mandarin lessons Little Lantau Montessori Kindergarten Mui Wo Owls School & Kindergarten

2109 9886 2984 0302 2980 3676 5197 4647 3689 6709 2984 0006

PROPER T Y AGENCIES

Findley Leung Real Estate Home Solutions Real Estate Proper Trip Real Estate

2984 8334 3483 5003 2984 1666 RE TA IL

Friendly Bike Shop Greenstyle Organic & Healthcare INSIDE Island Wines Lantau Base Camp Lantau Grocer Quay House Red Hall Chinese Antiques Value Vigilantes ZenvarA

2984 2278 9802 0553 2890 8606 9521 8481 2983 8428 2702 0050 2882 8710 2988 1368 6132 9120 9586 3459

SERV ICES & OT HERS

Jumping Castles SPCA Miriam Safadi Photography Parteezi Phoenix Wills

9662 1747 2984 0060 5145 0227 6112 9842 6108 8471 T R A NSP OR TAT ION

Lee Hing Loong Hon Kee Transportation Company Lantau Tours New Lantao Bus Company

2984 2268 2984 8494 2984 8255 2984 9848

DB NUMBERS

Bayside Dental Practice, North Plaza BMSE, North Plaza DB Alliance Church Community Centre DB Anglican Church DB International Community Church Discovery Bay Medical Centre Health & Care Dental Clinic Herbal Health Care IMI (Natural Medicine Clinic), North Plaza Island Health Island Veterinary Services OT&P Healthcare The Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council, North Plaza Trinity Chapel

2987 2259 2987 2987 2987 2987 2666 2834 2537 2987 2987 2468 2259 2987

0855 3422 8136 4210 7061 5633 6183 7276 1087 7575 9003 3577 3422 9909

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES Action X, North Plaza Nomadic

The Beat

Tree of Joy Tree of Joy provides children with a fun, engaging and supportive environment to play and learn. Programs include: Dropoff Nursery Class, Parent-Toddler Class, Afternoon Camp and a Cooking Class.

Tel: 9787 2755, info@treeofjoydb.com, www.treeofjoydb.com

4401 7486 1180 4089 9092

Woodentots is a Montessori playgroup providing a caring and nurturing environment in the Plaza. Run by a qualified Montessori teacher for children aged 2 1/2 - 5 years.

6108 9131 woodentotsdb@gmail.com

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Parsons White Wealth Management Partner Practice of St. James’s Place Wealth Management An expert financial service of distinct quality, integrity and excellence located at DB North Plaza.

2433 6981, 5664 7614 www.sjpp.asia/pwwm

The Stephen Putnam Practice Private Client Wealth Management Tel: 2914 0388 www.sjpp.asia/tspp 2160 8585 2233 3000

HOME

62

Quality dry cleaning at affordable prices. Pick-up and delivery from DB every Wednesday and Friday.

2812 2400 drycleaning@goodwinsoflondon.com

5194 9630 | info@thebeat.com.hk | www.thebeat.com.hk

2987 2987 2448 2987 2947

d-clutter DRS Company Good Luck Engineering Hoi Yu Transportation Hung Kee Co Japan Home Centre May’s furniture & curtain design Rapee-living Rich Point Hardware Materials Tactful Design & Build Tai Fat Hardware Store Wing On Department Store Yours Electrical Centre

GOODWINS OF LONDON

Dance classes based on the ISTD requirements conducted in a fun, disciplined and safe environment.

2987 6867 melissa@futurestarsdanceacademy.com

Dance and fitness classes for adults and children, personal training. BODYPUMP, BODYBALANCE, GRIT, BODYSTEP, ZUMBA Fitness, ZUMBA Toning, ZUMBA Kids, PILOXING, YOGA, PILATES, LATIN DANCE, BELLY DANCE, IRISH DANCE, WEDDING DANCE

DAILY NECESSITIES

Bank of China HSBC

Future Stars Dance Academy

Harvey Law Group

3102 2977 2987 8460

7-Eleven Convenience Store Fusion by PARKnSHOP Just Green Watson’s Pharmacy Wellcome, North Plaza

OTHER SERVICES

LEARNING CENTRES

COMMUNITY & HEALTH

6323 9156 2987 2987 2987 2987 2987 2987 2987 2886 2987 2987 2987

1417 0360 1313 4488 5087 1041 0222 7082 0789 8555 0789 9268 4428

7 + 1 Creative Club Bayview House of Children DB International School (Kindergarten) DB International School (Pri / Sec) Discovery College Discovery Mind International Play Centre Discovery Mind Kindergarten Discovery Mind Primary School, North Plaza Discovery Montessori Academy, North Plaza Discovery Montessori School, North Plaza DMR School of Ballet Dr. Bear Education Centre Early Adventures Playgroup Eye Level Education Learning Centre Funfit HK International Learning Academy, North Plaza Island Dance Kumon, North Plaza L’Ecole Française de Discovery, North Plaza Links Parenting, North Plaza Little Explorers English For Kids Mandarin for Munchkins, North Plaza Mathnasium SKH Wei Lun Primary School Treasure House Zhi Zhi Chinese

3709 6114 2914 2987 3969 2987 2987 2914 2812 2987 2987 6762 2987 9366 6302 2416 2987 2459 8191 6114 9327 2480 2628 2987 2987 9648

8466 2436 2142 7331 1000 8088 8088 2202 9206 1201 4338 6264 9644 0000 6327 3088 1571 8808 0813 2436 0507 3909 3362 8608 4217 2966

MULTIMEDIA Bookazine Fotomax (F.E.) Ltd

June 2018 www.arounddb.com

2987 1373 2914 2378

An International Law Firm in DB North Plaza providing a wide range of commercial and personal legal services.

2416 8618 dboffice@harveylawcorporation.com www.harveylawcorporation.com DB Party Time Gillian florist, North Plaza P-Solution Pen’n Paper The Optical House Well Supreme Laundry Services

9502 2529 2987 2987 2987 2987

2381 8256 1777 8898 1368 5151

PETS Kristy’s Paradise - Cat Sitter in Discovery Bay Mypetshop, North Plaza Pets Gallery

6201 7749 2987 8873 2987 0428

PROPERTY LISTINGS & BOATS Centaline Property Agency EPS Property Consultants Headland Homes Kingsland DB Land Master Property

2987 2987 2987 2987 2987

8484 2023 2088 2987 6238

FOOD & BEVERAGE, HOTELS 22º North Auberge Discovery Bay (Hotel), North Plaza Café Bord de Mer & Lounge Café Duvet Caffe Pascucci Cali-Mex Coyote Mexican Cantina Chef’s Choice, North Plaza Ebeneezer’s Figos Seaside Café First Korean Restaurant Fresh Fruit Juice Paradise Hemingway’s il Bel Paese Island Café Koh Tomyums La Creation & Châteraisé McSorley’s Ale House Mirch Masala, North Plaza Moofish, North Plaza Pacific Coffee Paisano’s, North Plaza Peony Chinese Restaurant PizzaExpress Solera Subway The Pier Bar TigerLily Uncle Russ, North Plaza Zak’s

2987 2298 2295 8288 2295 8299 2987 0966 2591 1426 2904 7698 2987 2848 2172 6111 2987 0036 2987 2915 2987 9123 2987 4768 2987 8855 2987 0202 2987 9311 2987 0767 2987 1829 2987 8280 2987 1337 2987 6318 2987 1662 2673 4445 2500 1950 2465 2426 2555 0772 2914 0005 2520 2166 2997 8688 2840 1188 2987 6232

DB NUMBERS SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT

UTILITIES, SERVICES & EMERGENCY HOTLINES

Greenwich Greenwich specialises in Hatha Yoga at DB North Plaza.

Gentle flow. Suitable for busy air flying crew.

9685 8366 www.greenwich-vinyasa.com.hk.

HK Dragons Football Club Football for 2.5 - to 14 - year old girls and boys 2987 4274 www.dragons.hk

Professional Soccer Coaching From ages 18 months to 12 years Tel: 9533 2600 vikingshk@hotmail.com www.vikings.hk 2911 2987 6473 2517 2987 2987 2987 6624 2441 9680 6101 9387 6704 8197

4833 7382 4277 8248 9591 7273 7381 8712 0098 7665 8434 0735 9851 5591

TOYS & KIDS’ PARTIES Bo Bo House Little Whale, North Plaza Toysland

2987 4230 5690 4960 2987 7859

TRANSPORT SERVICES DB Golf Cart Services DB Transportation Services Limousine Rental Passenger Telephone Hotline Wiselink Golf Cart Services

2914 2987 5303 2987 2987

3651 2728 2678 2987 2987 3651 2238 2238 2987 2435 3661 3467 2987 2835 2811 2824

2345 8333 2678 4242 7502 2345 3601 3388 6046 4511 1694 7000 6738 1473 0788 5000

WELLBEING

Vikings Football Club

Action X, North Plaza Club Siena DBees Ice Hockey DB Pirates Rugby Football Club Discovery Bay Marina Club Discovery Bay Golf Club Discovery Bay Recreation Club Embody EpicLand FIT 852 Kapuhala Train-in-Space MAS FIT YogaBay YogaUp

24-hour Customer Service Hotline China Light & Power Emergency China Light & Power Information Line Discovery Bay Commercial Services Discovery Bay Fire & Ambulance Discovery Bay Lost & Found Discovery Bay Management Discovery Bay Office Centre Discovery Bay Post Office Gas Leakage Emergency Hotline Lantau North Report Room North Lantau Hospital San Hing Gas Co Typhoon Signal Enquiries Water Fault Reports Water Supplies Department

2727 7351 3489 0208 9368

VIEW THE BUSINESS DIRECTORY @ www.arounddb.com

DB Pure Spa Beauty begins from within.

Body massages available at HK$198 and up. Open 9am to 9pm at DB Plaza, for ladies only.

Facebook: DB PURE SPA Whatsapp: 9794 0918

Elly House of Beauty As DB’s very own highly-skilled skincare specialist, Elly House of Beauty is committed to providing the most effective skincare services to the community. fb.me/ellyAvbeauty/ www.ellyhouseofbeauty.com 6131 9039

Ingredients of Wellness – Mindfulness Training Teaching young people skills to direct attention, to be calmer and concentrate better. angie@ingredientsofwellness.com 9048 5425 www.ingredientsofwellness.com

M Spa Provides door-to-door treatment service. Conveniently located in the Plaza. Reflexology, massage, pedicure/manicure.

2987 0614

To add your own directory listing box, call the Bay Media office on 2987 0577, or email info@baymedia.com.hk Afflatus Hair Workshop, North Plaza Freedas Maximum Care Nest Care, North Plaza Salon De Coiffure

2987 2987 2987 2499 2987

0283 4555 2060 8826 4112

www.arounddb.com

www.arounddb.com June 2018

63

OUT THERE

N

ot a lot of giggles here. We begin with a conversation stopper: The extinction of life on earth is underway in earnest. Not much hilarity and jolly optimism there. With such dystopian news, we need a few distractions.

Earlier this year, we watched as a multi-billionaire launched his car into outer space, and the Sixth Extinction went into overdrive.

In a few billion years, this is the first elimination of life on Earth by a single species – creative, inspirational (and deadly) Homo sapiens. No massive asteroid impact or volcanic eruption, just us, pumping oil and coal, stored safely for millions of years, into the atmosphere at frightening speed.

Like all anthropogenic fiascos, millions of acts both anodyne and gratuitously stupid have combined for a calamitous outcome (like the election of Donald Trump).

Rather than feeling overwhelmed, it’s less depressing to examine impending doom one ecological spoonful at a time. And reflect on a pithy Professor Stephen Hawking axiom: “We are in danger of destroying ourselves by our greed and stupidity. We cannot remain looking inwards at ourselves on a small and increasingly polluted and overcrowded planet.”

Illustration by pexels.com

Overpopulation begat the madness. Those with their heroic visions fixed on Mars insist technology will fix it. They forget that technology enabled our species to become, in the words of naturalist Sir David Attenborough, “a plague on the

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Sixth extinction

The end is nigh! Elon Musk’s antics in outer space, Dubai’s indoor ski resort and DB’s plans for an ice rink fill Peter Sherwood with a sense of impending doom earth.” A space-obsessed crowd is led by the pop entrepreneurial genius of Richard Branson and Elon Musk. Both operate the environmentally dirty businesses of cars and planes. Meanwhile, they gaze heavenward to squeeze a dollar from space tourism.

Earth to Musk and Branson: The ‘garbage patch’ in the Pacific Ocean now measures 1.6 million square kilometres, three times the size of France. The British Antarctic Survey estimates that in a decade there will be three tonnes of plastic in our oceans for every one tonne of fish. Given your entrepreneurial zeal, is there any hope of you developing a brilliant biodegradable plastic substitute?

In the name of mass tourism For minor ecological silliness, try the proposal of an ice skating rink right here in DB (an ecoabomination that would give the nitwit extravagance of Victoria Harbour’s Symphony of Lights a run for its money). Then scale it up to the frozen wastes of…

Dubai, and the dumbest idea of the century – an indoor Alpine ski resort in 50ºC heat.

Ski Dubai owes its existence to massive desalination, a filthy, energy-intense process that fires romantic clouds of CO² into the desert sky. The wastes of desalination are devastating for the environment, marine life and human health (Google it), added to which there’s the stratospheric mess from the thousands of planes hauling in punters to experience the snowy extravaganza.

Like the Dubai disaster, Symphony of Lights and DB’s loony ice rink scheme are central to the worst of the ‘isms’ – mass tourism.

Next to botulism, cannibalism and Fascism, it’s right up there.

They’ll be here in droves from across Asia, crashing around on the slippery stuff taking selfies of broken limbs, smashed heads and crushed vertebrae – people whose only prior experience with ice was the cubes in the welcome drinks at their hotels.

Peter Sherwood has lived in DB for 19 years. The former head of an international public relations firm, Peter is the author of 15 books and has written around 400 satirical columns for the South China Morning Post.

Find more from Peter @ www.arounddb.com July 2018 www.arounddb.com