Life on Lantau December/ January 2019

December 2018 / January 2019

WIN!

A Childs Farm toiletries set from Baby Basics and tickets to see Sigma and A Simple Space at Tai Kwun Centre for Heritage and Arts

MAXIMISE YOUR ANNUAL LEAVE WITH A 2019 HOLIDAY PLANNER

101 REASONS TO STAY HOME OVER THE CHRISTMAS BREAK HOW BALLET CLASS IS MORE HARDCORE THAN YOU THINK

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MEET MRS HONG KONG WORLD NATASHA CLAUSEN NEWS & EVENTS * PRIZES * COMMUNITY SNAPS * CLASSIFIEDS * THOUGHTS ON ISLAND LIFE

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December 2018 / January 2019

FEATURES 14

DISPATCH Holiday planner 2019!

20

PERSONA Meet Mrs Hong Kong World Natasha Clausen of Tung Chung, as she prepares to compete in the Mrs World final this month

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How to maximise your travel time while minimising the impact on your valuable annual leave

24

SPOTLIGHT Planning a Lantau

29

FITNESS Ballet class is more hardcore

staycation this Christmas? There are plenty of fun options on offer for families who choose to stay home and play than you think – you get an unbeatable leg-and-butt workout, while boosting your overall fitness profile

REGULARS 29

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Why experience gifting is the way to go 2017 / 2018

CO OL YULE How DBers do Christmas

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2 LIFE ON LANTAU December 2018 / January 2019

HK HAPPENINGS CLASSIFIEDS LOCAL NUMBERS

COVER

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 corinne@baymedia.com.hk For graphic design, email andrew@baymedia.com.hk

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Get altruistic through 3 apps for good

PUZZLER Mind games and conundrums

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20+ stocking fillers and under-the-tree presents

GIVEAWAYS Win great prizes LANTAU FACES Community snaps

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Mrs Hong Kong World Natasha Clausen To read the cover story, turn to page 20 Photo by Duey Tam

and www.lifeonlantau.com

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 & 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 SALES ACCOUNT MANAGERS Andrew Boschetti andrewb@baymedia.com.hk Monika Carruthers monika@baymedia.com.hk Nadika Van der Valk nadika@baymedia.com.hk OFFICE MANAGER Maxine Parry accountant@baymedia.com.hk PHOTOGRAPHERS Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com Andrew Spires Duey Tam CONTRIBUTORS Alex Grasic (intern) Elizabeth Kerr Ray Robertson Samantha Wong 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 Life on Lantau 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.

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esidents have taken to beaches across Lantau in recent weeks, notably on October 21 and 28 at Silvermine Bay and Nim Shue Wan, to protest against the proposed expansion of the East Lantau Metropolis (ELM).

Photo courtesy of the Mui Wo Kaifongs

Put forward to ‘solve the city’s housing crisis,’ the initial ELM proposal involved reclaiming 1,100 hectares of land. However, in a policy address on October 10, Chief Executive Carrie Lam unveiled a revised land reclamation scheme, Lantau Tomorrow Vision, which would involve reclaiming 1,700 hectares. This scheme would connect the islands of Peng Chau, Hei Ling Chau and Kau Yi Chau in order to make way for public housing to accommodate 1.1 million Hongkongers.

Lam has offered no explanation for the expansion plans but Lantau resident Dr Tom Yam of the ELM Concern Group says, “Circumstantial evidence points to the influence of former Chief Executive Tung Chee-wah and his developer-backed Our Hong Kong Foundation, who have been lobbying hard for such an enlarged scheme.

“The estimated cost of the project is HK$1 trillion, which will eat up 90% of the city’s current fiscal reserves,” Yam states. “Moreover, the proposed scheme does not address the immediate housing problem. In the long term, this will prove to be unnecessary as Hong Kong’s population will decline after peaking at 8.2 million in 2043, as studies show.”

Yam holds that the 1,700-hectare development will create a dead sea along the coast of South Lantau, which will be surrounded by reclaimed land. He warns of the severe impact on Lantau’s marine and shoreline ecosystems.

A government Land Supply task force report, revealing the public’s response to Lantau Tomorrow Vision, is due to be published this month. Lam claims that her proposal for an enlarged ELM has widespread support.

The government plans to request funding of about HK$300 million in 2019 to conduct a feasibility study on the Lantau Tomorrow Vision project. The aim is to begin construction in 2025 with the first intake of residents in 2032.

LANTAU NEWS

WHAT’S HAPPENING IS LA N D WIDE!

By Katrina Mercado

If you would like to see a news story or event featured in this section, email katrina@baymedia.com.hk

INCINERATOR EXPANSION UPDATE

I

n November 2017, Keppel Infrastructure Holdings Pte and China Harbour Engineering Company secured the contract to design, build and operate the Integrated Waste Management Facility (IWMF) next to Shek Kwu Chau, just south of Lantau.

Over the course of project planning, the group applied to increase the height of the main building by 5.5 metres from the maximum that had been approved in the Outline Zoning Plan, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Permit. The application, subject to one condition, was approved by the Town Planning Board (TPB) on November 2 this year. Environmental group Living Islands Movement (LIM) vice chairman Louise Preston says, “The details of that condition are not known to the public as the minutes have not yet been published.”

According to the tenderer, the additional bulk is to allow for off-site prefabrication processes of heat recovery boilers, plus reclamation works and infrastructure developments in order for the project to be completed by 2024. They have also claimed that the additional height will improve operational efficiency and enhance safety conditions for the staff.

In the planning application, the group provided 14 photomontages showing how the proposed building will look from 14 strategic

iwmfhk.com

locations. However, Preston says, “The group failed to explain that these photomontages show the facility after 10 years of mitigating, landscaping and screening, and were based on photographs taken 10 years ago.

“The request for the substantial increase is significant and discredits the many assurances about the IWMF given by the Environmental Protection Department to the public over many years,” Preston adds. “The request was made only four months after the competitive award which looks like a retrospective request to vary the tender conditions and breach the approved design criteria.”

In a position paper addressed to the TPB secretary in October, LIM wrote, “The Applicant has chosen to completely ignore and disregard the visual impact findings documented in some detail in the EIA.” LIM reports that 75 objections to the IWMF’s increased height and bulk have been received by the TPB.

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NEW SUBSIDIES ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT

imed at relieving the burden of public transport costs, the government’s Public Transport Fare Subsidy Scheme (PTFSS) will allow commuters to receive a subsidy of 25% from the government for monthly expenses on public transport that exceed HK$400. The reimbursement is capped at HK$300 per commuter.

Monthly public transport expenses, including MTR, bus, green minibus, ferry and tram fares, will be taken into account in the calculation of the monthly public transport expenses, and payments using Octopus cards.

www.spacious.hk

The subsidy will apply to people of all ages, and there is no need to apply in advance. Rebates will be administered via dedicated Octopus card readers at designated locations, including MTR stations and Octopus Service Points. The scheme will begin on January 1, 2019. www.lifeonlantau.com

December 2018 / January 2019

LIFE ON LANTAU 5

LANTAU NEWS

WHAT’S NEW

FROM FARM TO TABLE IN MUI WO

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rganised by the Land Education Foundation and the Lantau Society, and funded by the Environment and Conservation Fund, Mui Wo Farm to Table Agriculture Community aims to create an attractive market for farmto-table dining by boosting people’s understanding of the different types of community farms and local ecology. The programme includes farming workshops, cook-and-learn activities, periodic agro-ecology and farm-to-table guided tours.

species and the growing process of crops. They then get to enjoy a meal made with Mui Wo’s vegetables,” project representative Tiffany Lam says.

Eco tours and cook-and-learn activities, in English and Cantonese, will be available to the public from January. For more information, look to the Mui Wo Farm to Table Facebook page.

The Mui Wo Farm to Table Agriculture Community’s new ambassador training programme sees individuals learn about farmland ecology, biodiversity, plant and animal relationships and the history and culture of the rural village. After training, participants will serve as guides on the various tours and workshops.

Through its work, the Mui Wo Farm to Table Agriculture Community aims to encourage residents, as well as visitors from across Hong Kong, to know more about Lantau’s agriculture, ecology and rich biodiversity.

“Eco tours see participants visiting farmlands to learn about the ecological habitat, different

Photo courtesy of Miffy Ng

WAYS OF LIVING INSPIRED

BY NATURE

S

temming from the idea that everything deserves a second chance, Tung Chung resident Edy Ng’s new book on home design, Wood Soul, Ways of Living Inspired by Nature, is big on recycling.

downstream impacts, a domino effect, if you like, such as throwing out furniture that is still in good condition to make room for new furniture. But that’s not to say we can’t create a comfortable home.

“The essence of comfort is a collective result of our sensing experience, ranging from what we see, what we hear, what we smell, what we touch and what we taste,” Edy advises. “This book will inspire you to look inside yourself and express what you want!”

To purchase Wood Soul, visit www.ver-ed.com.

“It all started four years ago when I bought my apartment in Caribbean Coast,” Edy says. “My background is in design, so I did most of the renovation and decoration myself. I found that every week, residents dump their old belongings in the basement to make room for new ones, and I took my inspiration from that culture. I decided to repurpose furniture left in the dump and make new items from the old ones.”

Originally from Indonesia, Edy promotes a green and eco-friendly lifestyle that is inspired by nature.

“Now, living in a world of steel and glass, such as here in Hong Kong, you have to be creative in the midst of so many challenging aspects,” he says.

“The most damning aspect of all is, of course, the space limitation. This issue has created numerous 6 LIFE ON LANTAU December 2018 / January 2019

Photos courtesy of Edy Ng www.lifeonlantau.com

LANTAU NEWS

TOP STREET PHOTOGRAPHER: MAY JAMES

F

ive-year Tung Chung resident May James has been recognised for her unique photographic style in a list of top Hong Kong street photographers published by Time Out on October 10. The feature, Nine stunning Hong Kong street photographs you need to see, offers up a captivating set of images, highlighting the city’s diversity.

May’s featured photo, Sounds of Silence, is part of her Street Scene (HK) collection, which is shot in black and white. The collection is inspired by London street photographer Alan Schaller’s Instagram page and makes clever use of light and shadow. “Whenever I apply this style to my story, it really adds another layer of emotion to it,” she says.

May’s focus on local people and their day-to-day lives is clearly depicted in the Street Scene (HK) collection. “I’ve always loved photographing people – details like their facial expressions and gestures,” she says.

“I feel somehow connected with them and it genuinely helps me understand the world around me.”

“I love photographing Lantau,” May adds. “It is a beautiful, dynamic and multicultural island with gorgeous scenery and tremendous opportunity for exploration. You find thousands of emotions and interactions every day. It really is a very special place.”

DECEMBER EVENTS at a glance

May started out as a photographer in 1995 and set up her own business, May James Photography, in 1998. After taking an 11-year break, she got back to her passion four years ago, focusing on sports

8 LIFE ON LANTAU December 2018 / January 2019

www.lifeonlantau.com

www.siusingallery.com

and events photography. She is currently putting together a 2019 calendar featuring her photos.

“It’s an extension of the Sounds of Silence theme,” she explains.

“I want to share more of my work in a friendly and useful way.”

To order May’s calendar, visit www.siusingallery.com. While stocks last, Life on Lantau readers can use the promotion code LMR2019HK to enjoy a 50% discount.

Photo courtesy of May James

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Celebrating Christmas 2018 in Discovery Bay

T

here’s a festive feeling in the air in Discovery Bay this month, with eye-catching decorations in both plazas that have transformed the town into a glittering Christmas showcase.

Sure to enchant young and old alike, this year’s displays offer a modern twist on a traditional Christmas theme, with a brigade of friendly geometric snowmen welcoming commuters off the ferry and guiding them to a sparkling contemporary Christmas tree which lights up DB Plaza’s waterfront promenade, its twinkling snowflakes casting delicate, ever-changing patterns of light to evoke the true magic of the season.

But the decorations aren’t just a feast for the eyes. Head from the ferry pier to DB Plaza and you can enjoy the heart-warming smell of Christmas too, with a stunning, 15-foot pine tree adorned from top to bottom with glistening lights and colourful baubles.

10 LIFE ON LANTAU December 2018 / January 2019

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The vibrant theme continues up at DB North Plaza, where more bright snowmen are ready to welcome you to the Fantasia Christmas Cottage – a striking, multi-coloured, geometric structure with an impressive swirling Christmas tree and phenomenal lighting displays – and the Gracieux Christmas Cadre – the perfect place to snap a Christmas ‘elfie.’

Also adding to the enchanting vibe at DB North is the reimagined Love Lock Promenade, which has been transformed into a glistening spectacle with hundreds of fairy lights shimmering over the ocean.

Perhaps the biggest highlight this year, however, is the news that from December 23 to 26 DB Plaza will come to life with dazzling, specially-choreographed performances from Australian acrobatic troupe Bizurcus, in town for DB’s first-ever Christmas Acrobatic Parade Party.

Of course, if you’re looking for the ultimate indulgence this December, why not book a staycation at Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong, where a special festive package is on offer? From just HK$2,588, guests can enjoy a one-night stay for two in a Mountain View Room, with buffet breakfast and a festive dinner buffet. For those wanting to bring along a little one, a child can be added to the package for just HK$350, which includes access to a series of funfilled Christmas activities. And if you long for a view, an upgrade to an Ocean Front Room costs a mere HK$400.

As if all that wasn’t enough, the other great news is that this year, DB’s Christmas decorations have been designed so that they can be reused for both Valentine’s Day and Chinese New Year, with just a few tweaks here and there, meaning they’re more eco-friendly than ever before.

So, head on down to DB Plaza and DB North Plaza this December to check out the Christmas decorations and join in the festive fun.

Enjoy the holidays, and have a very merry Christmas.

de ta ils * Pr om ot io nlimited edition Discovery Bay

*Offer 1 - Receive a on of an original USB flash drive upon presentati HK$400 or over same-day receipt when spending in a single transaction.

tion Discovery Bay *Offer 2 - Receive a limited edi n pre sen tat ion wo ode n pho ne/ card hol der upo receipts when or of an original same-day receipt um two receipts). spending HK$800 or over (maxim ted by visiting the Promotional gifts can be collec DB Plaza, Monday in r nte Dine ’N Ride Service Cou 11. 45p m, and to Fri day bet we en 7.1 5pm and holidays between Saturdays, Sundays and public December 1. Gifts 12.45pm and 11.45pm, starting irs t-s erv ed bas is are offe red on a firs t-c om e-f while stocks last.

Prepare to be amazed as stilt walkers, magicians and dancers lead eight interactive shows across the four days, bringing an energetic carnival vibe to the town’s celebrations. Performances start at 6pm and 8pm each evening and will see the talented team enthral onlookers as they make their their way from DB Ferry Pier to DB Plaza via the waterfront promenade.

What’s more, the performers will be available each afternoon for two dedicated photo-taking sessions – a wonderful way to capture special memories of the festivities.

And if you’re eating out while enjoying the show, you’ll be happy to hear that a special winter redemption programme is running from December 1, offering diners a choice of special gifts when presenting a same-day receipt from designated D’Deck or DB North Plaza restaurants.*

Ch ri st m as Ac ro ba ti c Pa ra de Pa rt y sc he du le Dates: December 23 to 26

Photo-taking sessions: 3pm - 3.30 pm and 5pm - 5.30pm Show times: 6pm - 6.30pm and 8pm - 8.30pm (followed by 15 minutes for photo taking)

www.lifeonlantau.com

December 2018 / January 2019

LIFE ON LANTAU 11

GIVEAWAYS WIN A CHILDS FARM TOILETRIES SET FROM BABY BASICS

Here’s your chance to win great prizes!

Life on Lantau prizes are incredibly easy to get your hands on, and you have until Baby Basics is offering three readers a Childs December 10 to apply.

Simply scan the barcode, or go to Farm toiletries set consisting of strawberry www.lifeonlantau.com/giveaways, and organic mint shampoo and conditioner, and select the giveaway you want, unscented baby shampoo, wash and moisturiser and enter your details (worth HK$330 each). into the online form.

From its store in Central and online, Baby Basics supplies parents and parents-to-be with premier international childrelated products. The wide range of items on offer includes everything from maternity wear to baby essentials and toys for kids up to four years. Free delivery to Hong Kong Island is available for purchases over HK$500, and to the outlying islands for purchases over HK$800. Visit www.babybasicshk.com. www.babybasicshk.com

WIN TICKETS TO SEE SIGMA AND A SIMPLE SPACE Tai Kwun Circus Plays is is offering two readers a pair of tickets (worth HK$280 each) to see Sigma on December 24 at 8pm and A Simple Space on December 28 at 8pm at the Tai Kwun Centre for Heritage and Arts in Central.

Sigma, Gandini Juggling's beautifully choreographed new show, running from December 22 to 26, combines shadow play, a fun use of mirrors and breathtaking juggling. A Simple Space running from December 28 to 30, sees seven acrobats pushed to their limits in a captivating performance suitable for kids and adults alike.

For tickets, at HK$280, visit www.taikwun.hk www.taikwun.hk.

Congratulations to last issue’s winners Roger Fraser for a two-hour group SUP session and beach lunch at Treasure Island; and Kimberley Green for a Sunday mixed barbecue at Le Jardin de Sophie.

Carey,A member Suen Will Services Limited of the society of will writers H066050812/12

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Carey, Suen Will Services Limited, 8B, Wing Yee Commercial Building, 5 Wing Kut Street, Central Hong Kong +852 9160 7855 | annette@careysuen.com | www.careysuen.com

DISPATCH

Holiday planner 2019

Looking to make the most of your precious annual leave in 2019? Ray Robertson has it all worked out for you, with suggestions for an action-packed year-long itinerary to boot

M

Photos courtesy of www.wikimedia.org

any employers have a more enlightened attitude but, by law, the most paid leave we can expect per year is 14 days, and that only kicks in once we’ve been with the same company, on a continuous contract, for nine years.

This gives us plenty of time to work hard certainly, but what if we want to play hard too?

The solution is actually pretty simple – plan your holidays around Hong Kong’s wealth of public holidays (17 in total). If you’re on the ball with this, you’ll already have booked Christmas Eve (a Monday) as annual leave and be looking forward to a five-day festive break.

Better yet, you’ll have added on December 27, 28 and 31, giving you a total of 11 days off for the bargain price of four, and the opportunity to kick-back and relax all the way into 2019.

The trick is to maximise your travel time, while minimising the impact on your valuable annual leave… and here’s your guide to doing just that in 2019.

14 LIFE ON LANTAU December 2018 / January 2019

www.lifeonlantau.com

Sihanoukville

February 2019 – 9 days for 2 At Chinese New Year, you can enjoy a full nine-day escape, while cashing in just two days of your annual leave. 2019’s Lunar New Year holidays fall from February 5 to 7 (Tuesday through Thursday), so by taking leave on the Monday and Friday, you’ll have a generous amount of time to welcome in the Year of the Pig. In the first few months of the year, Cambodia enjoys low humidity and cool breezes, making February an ideal time to visit. While firsttime visitors can’t miss Siem Reap and its mind-blowing temple complex of Angkor, for anyone returning for a second or third visit, particularly with nine days to spare, the sleepy south-west coast beckons.

Heading south from Phnom Penh, take some time out in Kep-sur-Mer and Kampot, two tiny time-forgotten towns that were frequented by the French and Cambodian elite right up until the 1960s. Most of the elegant colonial villas are run down now and overgrown with bougainvillea but a couple have been turned into charming guesthouses.

A Kep highlight is to wake with the sun and walk to the market where the women of the town sort, dry and steam that morning’s catch. At Kampot, you can take a stroll along the promenade and watch the fishing boats bobbing lazily on the estuary, before making your way to the old-colonial hill station at Bokor and the outlying Buddhist cave temples.

Back on the coast, a little further to the west, you find yourself in sleepy, no-frills Sihanoukville, which has the whitest beaches on the mainland. In Koh Kong Province, even closer to the Thai border, you can round off your trip with a foray into the Cardamom Mountains to hike and kayak in the wildlife-rich rainforests.

Angkor Wat

Kampot Kep

Cardamom Mountains www.lifeonlantau.com

December 2018 / January 2019

LIFE ON LANTAU 15

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DISPATCH April 2019 – 10 days for 4 With the Easter public holidays falling on April 19 (Friday) and April 22 (Monday), you can enjoy a tasty long weekend without cashing in any annual leave at all. Alternatively, by booking holiday April 23, 24, 25 and 26, you can grab yourself a 10-day break for the price of four.

If the long Hong Kong winter has left you in in need of a steamy 30ºC beach holiday, the Philippines is a superb choice at this time of year. With four days in hand, you can indulge in some serious R&R in Cebu, while a 10-day break gives you ample time to get off the beaten track and head to Bohol Province, which is routinely listed as one of the top 10 dive destinations in the world.

Alona Beach on Bohol’s Panglao Island is an excellent place to base yourself. Numerous accredited dive operators offer PADI and SDI courses, as well as daily dive and dolphin-watching trips. The sea is generally calm and the currents manageable, coupled with excellent visibility.

At Balicasag Island, a 30-minute boat trip from Panglao, you’re guaranteed even more colourful coral and exotic marine life.

A shallow reef shelf surrounds the island, and over its edge a perpendicular wall sinks down to depths of 80 metres and more.

The shelf is home to a fantastic coral garden filled with all kinds of reef fish, anemones and clownfish. Added to which, this is your chance to swim with giant turtles.

Adventure divers combine this trip with a visit to Cervera Shoal, a sunken island, also known as Snake Island. Due to its mid-ocean location en route to Pamilacan, the currents are fierce, and big waves can make the dive entry and exit satisfyingly difficult. Brave this dive, and you’re likely to spot pelagic fish such as anchovies and trevally, as well as butterfly fish, scorpion fish, sturgeon and sea snakes.

Pushkar

October 2019 – 9 days for 4 Another great opportunity to maximise your annual leave presents itself in October, since National Day falls on October 1 (Tuesday) and the Chung Yeung Festival holiday on October 7 (Monday). Take four days leave (September 30, and October 2, 3 and 4) for a well-earned nine-day break.

With nine days at your disposal, you’re free to tick off a bucket-list destination, so why not make 2019 your year to explore Rajasthan?

October is a great time to visit – the air is fresh, temperatures are low (20ºC, and even cooler at night) and the monsoon rains (July to September) are over.

Making your way anti-clockwise from Delhi through Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Jaipur and Agra (which is incidentally just across the state line in Uttar Pradesh), Rajasthan’s magnificent sites are simply staggering.

Picture yourself in Jaisalmer, an ancient Mughal sandstone city that rises magically from the sand dunes; in the blue-painted medieval streets of Jodhpur; in Udaipur, an enchanting place where intricate medieval temples and palaces overlook shimmering lakes; in pinkpainted Jaipur with its Rajput- and Mughal-style palaces and forts; and of course, in Agra at sunrise, getting your first glimpse of the Taj Mahal.

You’re in the Thar Desert for much of your trip and if you find it to your liking, check out Bikaner and Pushkar. These holy, hippy desert towns see a lot less traffic than Jaisalmer. Bundi also often gets overlooked by tourists, yet it’s a captivating place to visit, with its lakes, markets, temples and blue-painted houses similar to Jodhpur.

Try too to include something of Shekhawati in your itinerary; this region, with its frescoed 18th century mansions, is often referred to as the world’s largest open-air art gallery. Find time to visit Rajasthan’s Ranthambore National Park and your chances of spotting a tiger in the wild are among the best in India.

Alona Beach

Balicasag Island

Cervera Shoal

16 LIFE ON LANTAU December 2018 / January 2019

www.lifeonlantau.com

Taj Mahal

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DISPATCH December 2019 – 12 days for 5 Get ready to enjoy a work-free Christmas and/ or New Year. While taking three days off (December 23, 24 and 27) gives you eight days leave, you can treat yourself to a 12-day holiday by also forgoing the office on December 30 and 31.

With this long a break on your hands, why not take the opportunity to get a real handle on China, beginning with its capital. The true Paris of the East, Beijing’s a romantic city all year round, and it’s particularly compelling when there’s snow on the ground and everyone’s bundled up against the bitter winter chill.

The Forbidden City

Beijing is, of course, a short taxi-ride from The Great Wall (best seen from Huang Hua rather than touristy Badaling), and it’s also your gateway to the Silk Road. If you’re enjoying a 12-day break, transfer to Xi’an. You can use the old walled city as a base from which to visit Lintong (where you’ll find the Terracotta Army) and Lanzhou, one of the oasis towns at which Silk Road traders watered on their way from Beijing to the Mediterranean. Safe travels!

Hong Kong Public Holidays 2019 Hutong

Temple fair

The first day of January

January 1 (Tuesday)

Rather surprisingly, Old Peking is holding its own against New Beijing’s onslaught of skyscrapers, luxury hotels, museums and shopping malls. Walk through the hutongs, small cobbled alleyways lined with traditional courtyard homes, and you find that life goes on much as it did in the 14th century. If you’re lucky, you’ll happen upon a temple fair, complete with an impromptu performance by ruddyfaced acrobats and lion dancers.

Lunar New Year's Day

February 5 (Tuesday)

The second day of Lunar New Year

February 6 (Wednesday)

The third day of Lunar New Year

February 7 (Thursday)

The Forbidden City (and nearby Tiananmen Square) get busy, especially on festival days, so choose carefully when you visit the evocative collection of homes of Emperors past. Let your imagination wander and bring classic Chinese movies to mind – like The Last Emperor. Another must-see is the Summer Palace, originally created in 1750 and rebuilt by Empress Dowager Cixi in the late 19th century. Designed for summer-use, it looks magical in the snow and you can usually skate on Kunming Lake in the winter months.

Good Friday

April 19 (Friday)

The day following Good Friday

April 20 (Saturday)

Ching Ming Festival April 5 (Friday)

Easter Monday

April 22 (Monday)

Labour Day

May 1 (Wednesday)

The day following Buddha’s Birthday

May 13 (Monday)

Tuen Ng Festival June 7 (Friday) HK SAR Establishment Day

July 1 (Monday)

The day following Mid-Autumn Festival September 14 (Saturday)

The Great Wall

18 LIFE ON LANTAU December 2018 / January 2019

www.lifeonlantau.com

National Day

October 1 (Tuesday)

Chung Yeung Festival

October 7 (Monday)

Christmas Day

December 25 (Wednesday)

The first weekday after Christmas Day

December 26 (Thursday)

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PERSONA

Queen Be e Mrs Hong Kong World Natasha Clausen takes contributing to a better world to new levels. Elizabeth Kerr reports

A

t this particular moment, Natasha Clausen’s behaviour isn’t becoming of a pageant contestant. We’re having a chat in a restroom in The Landmark so that she can do a quick change into a classic little black dress and get over to a Glow event at Verde Organic which, as Glow’s official ambassador, she’s been booked for. It’s all very high school, particularly when she asks for help with her zipper. But it’s also very typical of Natasha, a grounded Cape Town native on a mission to help us all live better, greener, more empowered lives, especially children.

“There’s greatness in each one of us. How do you unleash that potential? Sow the seed and nurture it, it will grow into something wonderful. The grass isn’t greener on the other side. It’s greener where you water it,” she begins by way of explaining her wellness seminars. “That’s what gets me out of bed in the morning. I get excited about spreading that message, starting with our kids. They are the change-makers.”

thoughts create your reality,” she says “What are you saying to yourself every day? Am I using basement thinking? You start with your inner dialogue. [Positive] self-talk encourages a growth mindset and helps in all aspects of life.

“I like to tell those around me to show themselves self-care, self-compassion and understanding,” she says. “We are human, we make mistakes in life. If we grow and learn then that’s what matters most.”

Farm girl Natasha has lived in Hong Kong 17 years, all of them with her pilot husband Richard and eventually their daughter Savanna, 15 and son Hunter, 11. A marketing and communications graduate, Natasha met Richard – an International Red Cross pilot at the time – at the airport, though she blew him off, entrenched as she was in a girlpower phase (he offered help with her baggage). They married two years later and jetted off to Hong Kong when he got offered a job.

Natasha was at a loss for support when they first arrived in the SAR. “Seventeen years ago, there weren’t many family-orientated workshops. Local families and expats interested in child-centred development practices would come to my seminars and I would show them how to deal with a brand-new baby,” she recalls. “I’ve helped thousands of families, from very humble people to the elite. It’s been a privilege. My first client was a policewoman who just wanted to know how to bond with her baby, how to do infant massage. It all comes down to the same thing – human connection.”

Photos by Duey Tam

Rewinding to a couple of hours before the bathroom escapade and a more relaxed tea at Robuchon (the café), the spookily youthful 43-year-old is excited to detail how she helps people live better – from new parents down to elementary school children. “Your

Natasha, ready to represent Hong Kong at Mrs World in March

20 LIFE ON LANTAU December 2018 / January 2019

www.lifeonlantau.com

And connection is something Natasha excels at. Though she lives in Tung Chung, her clan runs a bee farm and rescue in South Lantau, taking up the dying art of beekeeping from locals and creating something she considers meaningful for the community.

“The local farmers here are teaching us the culture and beekeeping from the Asian perspective and we’re learning so much… what vegetation is appropriate, what flowers,” she notes. “The farmer we’re dealing with has been doing this for 40 years, and because the generation he would be handing the craft over to isn’t interested, he’s sharing it with us. No, we’re not Chinese but we’ve adopted Hong Kong as our home in every way, investing our time, effort and energy into invigorating the land, and he’s happy someone cares.”

Change maker Natasha’s dance card is a packed one. Ask the simple question of what she does, and she replies with, “I’m a multi-potentialite. That’s a fancy way to say where there’s potential I tap into it. It would make more sense to say farmer but I guess I’d say wellness instructor.”

Natasha, the picture-perfect spokesmodel

In addition to running her regular seminars for new mothers and children at Flex Studio (previously at the YWCA), the bee farm and completing her MBA in economics and social enterprise, Natasha’s presenting a RTHK series focused on environmental issues (individual actions count), teaches yoga (she trained with Birthlight), and is a life coach and children’s book author.

As CEO and president of I CAN WORLD, a global movement and community outreach programme for kids, she follows the dreams and innovations of young children and encourages them to act, not observe. Together they explore solutions for the 17 global goals that were created by the United Nations for 2030.

Listening to Natasha could conjure images of SNL’s Daily Affirmations With Stuart Smalley. Smalley was a hilarious send-up of the burgeoning self-help/ yoga-mom movement, and Natasha gets the scepticism and rush to judge her personal wellness mantra.

Gwyneth Paltrow’s elitist Goop and its ilk don’t help, but she bristles at summary dismissal as an entitled white lady with too much time on her hands.

“For one, I’m multi-ethnic. I come from a humble background in South Africa. It was a divided, oppressive society, so I’ve seen hardship and families struggle,” she states. “People do have perceptions and the beauty is having a conversation and telling them, ‘It’s not what you think it is.’ I’ve been there, that’s my strength. I know I can sit with someone and understand they’re having a lousy day. Meeting people where they’re at makes a big difference.”

Mrs Hong Kong World Natasha’s going to be meeting a lot of people very soon, in March next year in fact, when she’ll be Hong Kong’s representative (among 40) in the Mrs World pageant being held in Zhangjiajie, Hunan.

Natasha at Bee Natural Honey Farm

“In a world that propagates youth with beauty, I feel incredibly honoured to have been given this title [Mrs Hong Kong World] in my forties,” Natasha says. “I want to prove that women who are married www.lifeonlantau.com

December 2018 / January 2019

LIFE ON LANTAU 21



PERSONA and middle aged should not be discounted. The outward appearance of a beauty queen is only skin deep, our age and wisdom is what defines our true beauty. It is what grows in our hearts as mothers, wives, daughters and role models.”

As it turns out, Natasha’s been down this road before – winning a contest while at Cape Peninsula University of Technology bought her a scholarship that paid her tuition the next year.

“I picked up along the way that there are benefits [to pageants] and that they open up doors,” she says. “There is a Barbie doll aspect some people are not comfortable with but I welcome it all – all sides of feminine power bring value to the table of success. After all, life is for living. I know that when you show up in life, life shows up for you.”

Mrs World is a chance for Natasha to spread her wellness message on a broader platform, which she has every intention of doing. w“I figured add the show-horse factor to the workhorse to explore more windows of possibility, though perhaps that’s not the right visual!” she says with a laugh.

Natasha’s son Hunter shares her passion

“Sure, we look different and we may sound different but there are commonalities that are undeniable, and figuring out where we overlap is rewarding,” she finishes. “We decided to make this home.

It’s been 17 years and counting of really growing and learning and creating something beautiful.”

Back in the bathroom, Natasha’s finishing up and looking the picture-perfect spokesmodel as she casts out some final reflections on what is essentially the second chapter of her life. She considers herself privileged to have been embraced by two cultures and welcomed by Lantau’s farmers.

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GIVING LIFE SHOULDN’T BE SO DEADLY Ramatoulaye, who lives in Burkina Faso, was about to give birth to her fourth child, but the boatman was nowhere to be found.

Unable to get to the health centre across the river, she gave birth alone on the river banks.

Maternal health is a human right — join Amnesty International to defend human rights for women like Ramatoulaye.

Learn more at www.amnesty.org.hk.

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SPOTLIGHT

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Photos by Andrew Spires and courtesy of www.wikimedia.org

Holidays W

Planning a Lantau staycation this Christmas? Ray Robertson outlines a few of the options on offer for families who are choosing to stay home and play

hile many Lantauers head overseas during the Christmas break, whether to visit family and friends ‘back home’ or simply to chase some sun (or snow), there’s always the possibility of staying put and enjoying the festivities right here.

cook Xmas lunch yourself, pop over to Epic Foods in DB (previously Chef’s Choice), which is brim-full of hams, turkeys… and all the trimmings.

What with Citygate decked out like a Christmas tree, plenty of carol services to enjoy at the local churches and poinsettias brightening up every flower shop, it’s surprisingly easy to enjoy a traditional celebration in Lantau. You can pick up presents at the school fairs as well as at the mall, and you’ll find everything you need to deck your halls at Inside in Mui Wo.

If you’ve got visitors in town or want to treat yourself to a super staycation, you can go all out by booking a luxury hotel stay at the Marriott, Regal or Novotel. Note too that all these hotels put on specially themed events in the lead-up to Christmas, notably caroling at the Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel lobby on December 24 (6pm to 6.30pm and 7pm to 7.30pm).

When it comes to making merry, we’re equally well catered to in Lantau. Order online at Value Vigilantes, and you can have crates of wine (and a litre of port for Santa) delivered right to your door. Local eateries all over the island are big on festive dining, notably A Tavola Bar & Grill, Resto and My Thai all in Tung Chung. Or, if you prefer to

But maybe it’s finally time to check out the Tai O Heritage Hotel?

The former Old Tai O Police Station built in 1902 was restored by the Hong Kong Heritage Conservation Foundation in 2009 and listed as a Grade II historic building by the Antiquities Advisory Board in 2010.

24 LIFE ON LANTAU December 2018 / January 2019

www.lifeonlantau.com

Home away from home

Lantau is chock-full of geocache locations

“Tai O Heritage hotel has been meticulously restored and refurbished to maintain its late 19th century character and historical details such as the cannons, searchlight, corner turrets, dry goods store and cells distinctive to the former police station. We hope guests will be able to visualise the beautiful colonial architecture of the olden days and at the same time experience elements of the still thriving fishing village,” says manager Karl Law. Since the glass-roofed restaurant, Tai O Lookout, hosts about 60 people, guests at the hotel over Christmas season can expect a good-sized crowd for a warm celebration. “A Christmas package will be available,” says Karl. “Tai O Lookout will be serving a festive tea set and desserts made with local ingredients, as well as a festive set lunch and dinner featuring roast turkey served with special local stuffing. The edifice of the hotel will be decked with Christmas ornaments inspired by the traditions and culture of Tai O.” Getting out and about Keeping everyone entertained over the holidays is also a no-brainer for those who choose to keep it local. The beaches beckon in the cooler weather, providing you with ample opportunity to take a bracing walk and feel the wind in your hair. Cheung Sha, Pui O and Mui Wo beaches are all great destinations on a wild winter’s day, but for something more remote, head to Shui Hau Wan on the Lantau Trail – you may well have it to yourself during the week as there are no facilities save for a rough camping area.

The holidays are a time to take it easy but that doesn’t mean you can’t treat yourself to some lazy sightseeing or active hiking… or both. For a day out that’s a little off the beaten track, hop aboard

an early Kai-to from Mui Wo to Chi Ma Wan, where, if you’re ready to stretch your legs, you can disembark for an excellent threehour hike back to the pier. Pak Fu Tin campsite makes for a good refuelling stop along the route, so pack some mince pies.

Pokémon may be out of favour, but Geocaching is still a huge hit with families when it comes to deploying their screens for good. This real-life treasure hunt game uses your phone’s GPS to guide you to a location where a geocache, or container is hidden. Played all over the world, Lantau is chock-full of geocache locations to explore. This is a fun, physical and free day out that will burn off any pent-up energy and ensure early nights all round.

Speaking of which, you may want to enrol the kids in a winter camp over the holidays. There’s plenty on offer across Lantau, from ballet to basketball, for every age and interest – turn to page 27 for our top picks.

Alternatively, head over to Discovery Bay and let the family loose at EpicLand in DB North Plaza. What’s great about this 14,000-squarefoot indoor playground is that there really is something for everyone, from soft play and ballistics to laser tag and rock climbing. There’s also the chance to escape reality through a series of thrilling virtualreality rides and games.

Fun for kids at the airport Still overwhelmed by the prospect of keeping the kids entertained this Christmas? Don’t be! Lantau offers up plenty of fun activities to keep boredom at bay, and you don’t have to splash out at Hong Kong Disneyland to find them.

www.lifeonlantau.com

December 2018 / January 2019

LIFE ON LANTAU 25



SPOTLIGHT A trip to the airport provides a surprisingly fun-packed family day out.

Located at Terminal Two, Dream Come True Education Park gives kids a family-friendly taster of real-world jobs, including police office, doctor, chef and, of course, pilot. Split into morning or afternoon sessions, there’s something for kids from three to 16 years to enjoy.

Next up, make your way to the UA IMAX theatre in the groundside departures area to catch a movie. The vast screen of this 350-seat cinema shows a regular programme of both 2D and 3D family films alongside made-for-IMAX shows, so grab your popcorn and settle in for the afternoon. Top Christmas movies showing this year include Aquaman, SpiderMan: Into the Spider-Verse and Ralph Breaks the Internet.

After your film, head next door to the Aviation Discovery Centre, a small but surprisingly fascinating exhibit, detailing Hong Kong’s development into a major international travel hub. Be sure to buy a couple of SkyDeck passes, so that you can wander up to the huge viewing area on the roof. From here you can watch planes take off and land at close quarters, something that’s a huge hit with kids of all ages.

Finally, if your family love to hit the fairway, but the weather’s not playing ball, GreenLive AIR offers nine and 18-hole golf-simulation games. As it’s right next door to the IMAX, you get to round-off your day of fun with a hole in one.

Stuff to do with the kids • Aviation Discovery Centre, www.hongkongairport.com • Dream Come True Education Park, www.dreamcometrue.com.hk • EpicLand, epiclandhk.com • Geocaching, www.geocaching.com • GreenLive AIR, www.green-live.hk • Inside, www.inside.com.hk • UA IMAX, www.uacinemas.com.hk

Hotels to check into • Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel, www.marriott.com • Novotel Citygate Hong Kong, www.novotelcitygate.com • Regal Airport Hotel, www.regalhotel.com • Tai O Heritage Hotel, www.taioheritagehotel.com

Something for foodies • A Tavola Bar & Grill, www.atavola.hk • My Thai, 2907 6918 • Resto, www.resto.com.hk • Value Vigilantes, www.vigilantforvalue.com Check out the Christmas movies at UA IMAX theatre

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Cool ways to keep your kids entertained over the Xmas break A.C.T WORLDWIDE

ARK EDEN

A.C.T Worldwide offers a drama-intensive, Christmas-themed extracurricular programme for kids aged 8 to 12 in DB and Tung Chung. Through various drama-based activities, students are empowered to speak confidently in front of others. One-to-one performance coaching in presentations, voice and acting are also available.

Ark Eden’s Christmas camps focus on nurturing kids’ love of the outdoors.

Surrounded by nature on a hillside in Mui Wo, the group is hosting five different camps for kids aged 5 to 11. Each camp offers up a range of activities, including campfire cooking, scavenger hunts, playing in a treehouse and nature crafts.

5996 0921, info.actworldwide@gmail.com, www.actworldwide.com

2984 5355, info@arkedenonlantau.org, www.arkedenonlantau.org.

December 18- 22

IGYM iGym’s Christmas camp, which takes a unique approach to teaching fluid gymnastics, is open to boys and girls aged 4 and up. Beginner and intermediate sessions include games, and arts and crafts to support healthy, happy children in a high-energy learning environment. iGym’s FOBISEA Gymnastics camp is also available to help gymnasts prepare for their upcoming international competition in January. igymhk@icloud.com

December 15-17

December 17-21

HK DRAGONS FOOTBALL CLUB HK Dragons Football Club’s Christmas and New Year camps at DB North Plaza Community Centre Pitch are suitable for Little Dragons (U4 to U5), Junior Dragons (U6 to U8) and Senior Dragons (U9 and up). Kids develop technique, improve skills and play matches in a fun and safe environment. Each participant receives a certificate at the end.

5322 5556, theoffice@dragons.hk, www.dragons.hk

December 17-21 & December 31-January 4

RUMPLE AND FRIENDS

YOGA UP

Rumple and Friends’ Crazy Christmas Camp in Sheung Wan transports kids aged 3 to 10 to the North Pole, where they help the Elves to fix Santa’s sleigh. Children can expect drama exercises and games, arts and crafts, Christmas carols and dances, and they get to perform in an original play for friends and family.

At Yoga Up’s aerial yoga kids camp in DB North Plaza, kids, aged 3 to 12, stretch and energise their bodies, while learning mindfulness and self-calming and relaxation techniques. Kids can also explore and relax their creativity through a variety of art materials in a harmonious, positive and non-competitive atmosphere.

9830 8287, info@rumpleandfriends.com, www.rumpleandfriends.com

8197 5591, hi@yogaup.com.hk

December 17-21

December 17-21 & December 31-January 4

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FITNESS

ss al

Lovely, lean muscle tone and perfect posture, who doesn’t want to look like a prima ballerina? Anthea Lau, company dancer at Edge ‘n Pointe Dance Centre in Tung Chung, talks fitness with Samantha Wong

c

e rr

a B

Getting a ballerina body

J Photos courtesy of Edge ‘n Pointe

ust 5.5-foot tall and weighing in at 55 kilogrammes, Anthea Lau, company dancer at Edge ‘n Pointe Dance Centre in Tung Chung, is small and perfectly formed. She’s also killer fit – she can jump higher than the ballet barre (3.44 foot), walk en pointe and do the splits. Now 22, she’s been learning ballet since she was five, and practices five times a week. Some classes last an hourand-a-half, others three hours.

Being a company dancer at Edge ‘n Pointe, Anthea represents the company in high-profile competitions like the Hong Kong Open Dance Contest, and she gets to join free classes and rehearsals with Edge ‘n Pointe director Verna Fajilan-Brazil. She’s a full-time physiotherapist and a part-time dance instructor, and she lives in Tai Wai. Anthea’s passion for ballet has been going strong since she first saw The Nutcracker, age five. “I love ballet; it’s fun and enjoyable,” she says. “It’s a way for my friends and I to dance and get fit together.

The fitness you get from ballet is not just physical, it’s good for your wellbeing too.”

The long and short of it is, if you want a dancer’s body you need to train like a dancer. Head to barre class and, over time, you will see improvements in your flexibility, balance, agility and coordination.

Mastering ballet’s complex movement combinations, quick turns, fast footwork and high leg extensions will further boost your fitness profile.

So how fit do you need to be to take up ballet? “It’s actually not as demanding as people think. And classes and rehearsals always start with barre exercises to warm up the body,” Anthea says. “It’s a safe form of exercise, even for older people, since it doesn’t put too much weight on your legs and it helps with your balance. Ballet is good for sedentary people, since it’s a workout in itself and it involves stretching and strengthening as well.”

At barre class, what you get is a leg-and-butt workout par excellence.

Barre movements boost flexibility and strength in your lower body, since one of your legs performs controlled and precise movements, while the other supports you.

“When practicing ballet, you work on all the muscles in your body, from your neck down to your toes,” says Anthea. “It takes years of work to get the right amount of ankle and foot flexibility combined with the strength to be able to stand en pointe. It is also important to be aware of all the muscles that are being worked to avoid injuries.

www.lifeonlantau.com

December 2018 / January 2019

LIFE ON LANTAU 29

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FITNESS

At barre class, you get a leg-and-butt workout par excellence

the barre. How then does ballet rate in terms of cardiovascular and aerobic fitness?

“Dance in itself is actually already cardio,” Anthea says. “Classes involve a long, high-intensity warm up and reps. When we are rehearsing, we do the dance numbers again and again, without too many breaks in between. And when we do get breaks or our teacher demonstrates a move, we don’t have too much time to rest.”

Anthea demonstrating her strength, flexibility and poise

“There’s a lot that ballet dancers could teach other athletes about jumping,” Anthea adds with a grin. “We put a lot of thought into it!

Unlike other athletes, dancers have to think about suspending or splitting in the air, while remaining poised. We also learn strategic ways to land to avoid injuries.”

When you consider that dancers are able to perform power activities, such as jumping, for long periods of time, it’s clear that ballet builds muscular endurance. Anthea, who sometimes performs for 30 minutes straight, points out that recitals last approximately two-anda-half hours, with various different numbers presented.

Ballet’s muscle-building benefits are largely limited to the lower body, so does Anthea work with free weights, or do yoga to gain upper-body strength and muscle mass?

“Female ballet dancers work on upper-body strength mainly for shoulder and back alignment,” says Anthea. “Ballet and Pilates work well together because we want our muscles to be strong, firm and elongated. Pilates also works muscle groups that we rarely use. It’s not about building muscle, because we need to stay light in order to be lifted.

“For male dancers, it’s a different story. They must build muscle mass and have a good amount of upper-body strength as they are the ones doing the lifting,” she adds.

“It’s important to stay active, whether simply through dance or by incorporating other activities you find enjoyable,” she adds. “Find ways to exercise that you like because this makes it easier to sustain the lifestyle. And there must also be a change in lifestyle, in terms of daily activities and food intake.”

And so to the thorny subject of diet. Dancers need to be super thin and they’ve been known to follow punitive diets to get that way, with many succumbing to eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia.

Anthea, however, is quick to point out that this is now less common.

“Traditionally, to be a ballerina, one should have a good physique with long limbs. However, the industry has become more accepting of different body types,” she says.

While she doesn’t necessarily stick to a diet, Anthea tries her best to eat healthily. “I need to have a big breakfast so I have energy for the day. I don’t really count calories, but I make sure my meals are very colourful with a variety of vegetables,” she says. During the day, Anthea brings packed meals and snacks with her so she can avoid eating fast food.

“On weekends, I sometimes pig out and have cheat meals. I’m not too strict or limited when it comes to food because eating is a big and important part of life,” she says with another megawatt smile.

Aerobic fitness and diet Picture a ballet class and you don’t immediately think of it as a hardcore workout. Certainly, there’s allegro, which involves fast movements, usually jumping steps and sequences, but all this is interspersed with time spent on slower movement combinations at 30 LIFE ON LANTAU December 2018 / January 2019

It has to be said that few people have more stamina than a prima ballerina, and that’s because they work at it. Improvements in alignment, endurance, flexibility and speed take time and consistency.

Anthea shares that ballet will get you fit if you regularly take three classes a week. “It’s critical that you pick the right level class,” she says.

www.lifeonlantau.com

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November 29-December 1

www.aba-productions.com

Join Father Christmas as he gets ready for his busiest day of the year – Christmas Eve. Watch as he prepares gift deliveries, feeds his reindeers and finally flies off into the snowy night.

This merry and heart-warming adaptation of Raymond Briggs’ classic tale features live music, singing and puppetry. For tickets, starting at HK$285, visit premier. hkticketing.com.

Like the Life on Lantau Facebook page for event reminders

WINTERFEST Across Hong Kong

CHRISTMAS PANTO

Hong Kong Arts Centre, Wanchai

December 1-January 1

November 30-December 2 & 6-9

www.pinterest.com fb.me/hongkongplayers

The Hong Kong Players is back for its 57th year staging Christmas pantos in the city. See the group’s re-imagining of the classic tale Snow White, with a totally original script packed with jokes for all ages. Follow Snow White, the seven dwarves and a dance-crazy prince as they go on a quest for justice against an evil queen. For tickets, starting at HK$220, visit ticket.urbtix.hk.

Hong Kong Winterfest offers up a number of holiday specials including festive menus, events, shopping and more. Watch the winter edition of multimedia and light and sound show A Symphony of Lights at the Statue Square Christmas Tree. For more information, visit www.discoverhongkong.com.

GERONIMO STILTON, LIVE IN THE KINGDOM OF FANTASY Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Wanchai

LONGINES HONG KONG Sha Tin Racecourse, Sha Tin

December 9

December 1-2

Photo courtesy of MEI LIVE

In this live, multi-media ‘fab-umouse’ adventure, based on the bestselling book series The Kingdom of Fantasy, Geronimo Stilton sets off on a fantastical quest to save the Queen of the Fairies. He walks through seven doors that transport him to different kingdoms, battling witches, mermaids, dragons and pixies to save the day.

For tickets, starting at HK$295, visit premier.hkticketing.com.

32 LIFE ON LANTAU December 2018 / January 2019

www.lifeonlantau.com

racingnews.hkjc.com

A top attraction in world racing, the Longines Hong Kong International Races sees horses and jockeys from every continent competing for HK$93 million in prize money, which is divided between the four main races: Cup, Mile, Sprint and Vase. For more information, visit www.hkjc.com.

PRESTIGE CHRISTMAS GIFT FESTIVAL Conrad Hotel, Admiralty

December 11

www.prestigefairs.hk

Get your last-minute gifts and stocking fillers at the last Prestige Fair of the holiday season. Find everything you could need for the big day under one roof, from jewellery and holiday decorations to treats for kids and delicious festive food. After a day of shopping, enjoy a 20% discount at the hotel’s select coffee shops and restaurants. Visit www.prestigefairs.hk.

Get your events listed @ www.lifeonlantau.com THE NUTCRACKER

Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui December 14-16, 19-23, 25-26

CREAMFIELDS AsiaWorld-Expo, Chek Lap Kok Creamfields, the iconic dance music festival series, is back for its second year, showcasing superstar DJs and artists from the worlds of EDM, house, trance, D&B, grime and more. Alongside the on-point line-up, you can expect epic stage production, visuals, light shows and pyrotechnics.

Headliners include Alesso, Armin Van Buuren and Diplo. For tickets, starting at HK$917, visit www.capitalfm.com www.universe.com.

December 15-16

HONG KONG FOOD FESTIVAL

www.hkballet.com

Follow little Clara’s journey up the Christmas tree as snowflakes swirl, flowers dance and the heroic Nutcracker battles the wicked Rat King to reunite with his love, the Ballerina. There’s no better way to embrace the magic of the holiday season than through this timeless classic presented by Hong Kong Ballet. For tickets, starting at HK$180, visit ticket.urbtix.hk.

NEW YEAR COUNTDOWN

Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wanchai

Victoria Harbour

December 31

December 22-26

newyearsevehongkong2019.blogspot.com

aircrewlifestyle.es

Celebrating food and wine from around the world, with a special focus on South East Asia, the Hong Kong Food Festival attracts top local and international chefs. Enjoy food and wine tastings, cooking demonstrations and shopping opportunities in a fun atmosphere. To know more, visit food-expo.com.hk.

Ready to ring in 2019? Catch the stunning fireworks and pyrotechnics show that lights up Victoria Harbour as the clock strikes midnight.

Prime spots from which to view the display include Central Harbourfront and Tsim Sha Tsui Pier. For more information, visit www.discoverhongkong.com.

www.lifeonlantau.com

December 2018 / January 2019

LIFE ON LANTAU 33

LANTAU FACES

e ould lik If you w tured os fea t o h p your to see email page, is h t on m.hk dia.co e m y a a@b katrin

COMMUNITY SNAPS Lantau 2 Peaks saw runners finish a 15-kilometre ‘half-peak’ hill climb and a 23-kilometre trail run over Lantau Peak and Sunset Peak on October 7 Find more familiar faces @ www.lifeonlantau.com

Photos courtesy of www.actionasiaevents.com

34 LIFE ON LANTAU December 2018 / January 2019

www.lifeonlantau.com

Kids dressed up on October 31 for the Mui Wo Owls School Halloween party with food, games, activities and a parade

Find more familiar faces @ www.lifeonlantau.com

Photos by Natasha Ramsey, Jo Lorenz and Erik Davies

Members of the Mui Wo Filipino Community competed in a beach volleyball tournament, sponsored by South Lantau District Council, on October 21 at Silvermine Bay Beach Find more familiar faces @ www.lifeonlantau.com

Photos courtesy of Mirasol Baylosis www.lifeonlantau.com

December 2018 / January 2019

LIFE ON LANTAU  35

LANTAU FACES

COMMUNITY SNAPS

Treasure Island, in collaboration with Picada, celebrated Hong Kong's first Latin Beach Festival at Pui O Beach on November 17 and 18 Find more familiar faces @ www.lifeonlantau.com

e ould lik If you w tured os fea t o h p your to see email page, is h t n o m.hk dia.co e m y a a@b katrin

Photos courtesy of Treasure Island

36  LIFE ON LANTAU December 2018 / January 2019

www.lifeonlantau.com

LIFE ON LANTAU CLASSIFIEDS

•Counselling for individuals, couples, families & adolescents • Sliding fee scale; affordable options for all clients

Do you have a Will?

• English, Putonghua, Cantonese, Russian, Hindi, Marathi and Marwadi speaking counsellors

Have you appointed guardians for your children?

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

Contact us today for a free consultation www.phoenix-wills.com info@phoenix-wills.com 3100 0101

Greenland Pest Control Tailored Pest Control Solutions for Rodent, Cockroaches, Fleas, Mosquitoes, Termites, Ants, Ticks etc…

Christmas Holiday Camps 2018

For info please call Thomas 9871 0771 or Baguio 6776 8400 Email: baguiowong@hotmail.com

for ages 5 to 11 at Ark Eden!

December 17 to 21

Unleash the wild child!

Through Forest Play, our camps nurture children's adventurous nature and grow their compassionate spirits while the children discover their limitless possibilites.

Girls & Boys ages 4 & up

http://www.TCRC.org.hk

Pro coaches FUN Festivals

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

Like us on Facebook for event reminders: www.facebook.com/lifeonlantaumagazine

To advertise in CLASSIFIEDS email info@baymedia.com.hk or call 2987 0577 Deadline for February/ March issue CLASSIFIEDS January 15

TUNG CHUNG

LOCAL NUMBERS COMMUNITY SERVICES Tung Chung Man Tung Road Sports Centre Tung Chung Public Library Tung Chung Public Swimming Pool

2109 2421 2109 3011 2109 9107

EDUCATION Christian & Missionary Alliance Church Education Centre Discovery Mind Play Centre & Kindergarten Discovery Mind Primary School Greenfield International Kindergarten Han Xuan Language Education Centre Salala Kids’ House Soundwaves English Education Centre Sun Island Education Foundation Sunshine House International Preschool Tung Chung Catholic School YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College

3141 7319 2987 8070 2915 0666 2162 5538 2666 5905 2611 9193 2164 7210 2420 1068 2109 3873 2121 0884 2988 8123

ELECTRONIC REPAIRS So Nice Technologies (Onkar Singh)

6206 3497

EMERGENCY – FIRE/POLICE/AMBULANCE – 999 North Lantau Hospital Tung Chung Ambulance Depot Tung Chung Fire Station Tung Chung Police Station

3467 7000 2988 8282 2988 1898 3661 1694

FOOD & RESTAURANTS A Tavola Bar & Grill Curry Lounge Essence Restaurant - Novotel Citygate Handi Indian Restaurant McDonald’s Delivery Melody Thai Moccato Coffee Shop My Thai Olea Restaurant - Novotel Citygate Pizza Hut Delivery Resto Restaurant Velocity Bar and Grill - Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott

2321 5500 2960 1977 3602 8808 2988 8674 2338 2338 2988 8129 3602 8838 2907 6918 3602 8818 2330 0000 2886 3156 3969 1888

HEALTH & WELLBEING Freedas Max Beauty Spa OM Spa - Regal Airport Hotel Quan Spa - Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel Rainbow Voice and Soundhealing Spa by MTM Tung Chung Nail Ninjas

3483 8356 2162 5752 2286 6266 3969 2188 5178 5658 2923 6060 9551 6468

HOME REPAIRS & DESIGN Mega Power Engineering/Locksmiths New Look Design Shun Yu Engineering

2109 2330 9783 5840 2988 1488

HOTELS Novotel Citygate

3602 8888

Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel Regal Airport Hotel

3969 1888 2286 8888

KIDS 4 Dimensions+ (Dance, Gym, Drama, Art) Clement Art School Jumping Castles Kidznjoy Little Stars Playgroup Sakura Kids Soundwaves Tung Chung

9446 6013 9021 1502 9662 1747 6273 7347 6479 0390 6674 6194 2164 7210

38 LIFE ON LANTAU December 2018 / January 2019

www.lifeonlantau.com

MEDICAL Bayside Dental Essential Health Family Clinic Human Health Medical Centre Maternal & Child Health Centre North Lantau Hospital Quality HealthCare Medical Quality HealthCare Physiotherapy Raffles Medical Raffles Medical Emergency Skyline Physiotherapy

2185 6550 2109 9396 2109 2288 3575 8370 3467 7000 2403 6623 2403 6328 2261 2626 2261 0999 2194 4038

REAL ESTATE HomeSolutions

3483 5003

REMOVALS & RELOCATIONS Akash Removals FTC Relocations ReloSmart SwiftRelo

2421 8088 2814 1658 2561 3030 2363 4008

RESIDENTIAL ESTATE CONTACTS Caribbean Coast Club House Caribbean Coast Management Office Coastal Skyline Club House Coastal Skyline Management Office Seaview Crescent Club House Seaview Crescent Management Office Tung Chung Crescent Club House Tung Chung Crescent Management Office

2109 9277 2109 9288 2179 6678 2179 6621 3473 8700 3473 8833 2403 6770 2109 1222

SPORT & RECREATION Aqua Gym Asia Pacific Soccer Schools Canterano Futbol Club Dance for Joy Edge ’n Pointe Dance Centre ESF Sports HK Dragons Kinder Kicks Soccer KipMovin La Cantera Perun Fitness Rugbytots Tung Chung Rugby Club

2914 0658 2385 9677 5611 2490 9264 8597 6688 2167 2711 1280 2987 4274 2385 9677 6180 3256 2557 8007 6443 6597 5307 6677 6079 0825

USEFUL NUMBERS Alcoholics Anonymous Arrow Accounting Services FTC Apparel Phoenix Wills

9073 6922 6201 9710 2428 2566 3100 0101

VETERINARY & PET SITTING SERVICES Bon’s Mobile Pet Grooming Royal Pets Ltd - Pet Sitting Tung Chung Animal Clinic Tung Chung Vet Centre

9099 9959 6314 9887 2988 1534 2328 7282

ART & CULTURE Flanhardt Galerie und Atelier (FGUA)

2882 3390

EDUCATION Buddhist Fat Ho College Kind Hing Trinity International Kindergarten & Nursery Lantau International Kindergarten Lantau International School Lao Shi Lantau Mandarin lessons Little Lantau Montessori Kindergarten Mindfulness Matters Mui Wo Owls School & Kindergarten Mui Wo Language Cafe

2985 5365 2109 9886 2984 0302 2980 3676 5197 4647 3689 6709 9048 5425 2984 0006 5511 6107

FOOD, BEVERAGES & RESTAURANTS Bahçe Turkish Restaurant Bathers/ Beach House Cafe Isara Caffe Paradiso China Bear Deer Horn Restaurant & Bar Kebab Korner Lantau Grocer Lantana Italian Bistro Le Jardin de Sophie Loi Chan Frozen Meat Co. Long Island Mucho Gusto Natural Plus Robert’s Market Tai O Solo Café The Gallery The Kitchen The Stoep @ High Tide The Water Buffalo Value Vigilantes Treasure Island Restaurant

2984 0222 2504 4788 2470 1966 2984 0498 2984 9720 3484 3095 6429 3507 2702 0050 5465 5511 2997 9070 2984 8346 2320 2001 6422 5009 2984 2233 9193 2937 9153 7453 2980 2582 5991 6292 2980 2699 2109 3331 6132 9120 5236 7013

HEALTH & BEAUTY Greenstyle Organic and Healthcare Pause by the Banyan - health ∙ wellness Spa Ambiance Spa Puretouch Thai Palin Thai Sa Baai

9802 0553 9708 0187 2984 2488 2984 0088 9062 0148 5228 6552

HOME REPAIRS & DESIGN New Look Design Unitek

9783 5840 9156 0360

HOTELS Silvermine Beach Resort Tai O Heritage Hotel

6810 0111 2985 8383

REAL ESTATE HomeSolutions Findley Leung

3483 5003 2984 8334

RETAIL INSIDE Quay House VIBE Book & Music Shop

2890 8606 2882 8710 2984 9371

SPORT & RECREATION Lantau Base Camp Long Coast Seasports Pause by the River - pilates ∙ yoga ∙ dance Treasure Island Group

5463 6060 2980 3222 9708 0187 2546 3543

TRANSPORT New Lantau Bus Company

2984 9848

USEFUL NUMBERS Alcoholics Anonymous Phoenix Wills

9073 6922 6108 8471

VETERINARY SERVICES SPCA Mui Wo

2984 0060

DISCOVERY BAY

SOUTH LANTAU

LOCAL NUMBERS COMMUNITY Club Siena DB Recreation Club DB Fire & Ambulance DB Marina Club DB Management

2987 7382 2987 7381 2987 7502 2987 9591 2238 3601

EDUCATION DBIS Kindergarten DBIS Primary School 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 Epic Adventurers , North Plaza Eye Level Education Learning Centre, North Plaza Mandarin for Munchkins, North Plaza Mathemagic – home tutoring Mathnasium, North Plaza SKH Wei Lun Primary School Sunshine House International Preschool Zhi Zhi Chinese

2914 2142 2987 7331 3969 1000 2987 8088 2987 8088 2914 2202 2812 9206 2987 1201 2441 0098 9366 0000 2480 3909 9135 4724 2628 3362 2987 8608 2987 8143 9648 2966

FOOD & RESTAURANTS 22˚ North Coyote Mexican Cantina Epic Foods, North Plaza Gilmore’s by the Golden Pig, North Plaza Hemingway’s McSorley’s Ale House The Pier Bar Uncle Russ, North Plaza

2987 2298 2987 2848 2172 6111 2662 9168 2987 8855 2987 8280 2520 2166 2840 1188

HEALTH & BEAUTY Afflatus Hair Workshop, North Plaza Maximum Care Nailed It!

2987 0283 2987 2060 2987 2266

MEDICAL Bayside Dental Practice, North Plaza DB Medical Centre Health and Care Dental Clinic Island Health Quality Health Physiotherapy

2987 0855 2987 5633 2666 6183 2987 7575 2473 6200

RETAIL Bookazine P-Solution Wing On Star Mart, North Plaza

2987 1373 2987 1777 2987 9268 2366 6534

SPORT & RECREATION DB Pirates Rugby, Netball, Hockey & Dragonboat Greenwich Vinyasa, North Plaza HK Dragons Football Club Harry Wright International Island Dance Kapuhala Train-in-Space, North Plaza Yoga Bay, North Plaza Yoga Up, North Plaza

9255 6133 9685 8366 5322 5556 2575 6279 2987 1571 6101 8434 6704 9851 8197 5591

TRANSPORT Passenger Telephone Hotline

2987 0208

PROPERTY LISTINGS AND BOATS Headland Homes Okay.com Savills Hong Kong

2987 2088 2102 0888 2987 1919

USEFUL NUMBERS Alcoholics Anonymous Auberge Discovery Bay Hotel, North Plaza Island Veterinary Services

9073 6922 2295 8288 2987 9003

www.lifeonlantau.com

December 2018 / January 2019

LIFE ON LANTAU 39

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WWW.LIFEONLANTAU.COM/LIFE-ON-LANTAU-ARTICLES/PUZZLER-SOLUTIONS

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Two-year Lantau resident Trisha Hughes is an ardent puzzler. She is also a crime fiction writer, and the author of the best-selling memoir Daughters of Nazareth. Trisha’s V2V trilogy traces the British Monarchy from the Vikings through to Elizabeth The Virgin Queen and Queen Victoria, and back again. For more on Trisha, visit www.trishahughesauthor.com.

40 LIFE ON LANTAU December 2018 / January 2019

www.lifeonlantau.com