Whether she’s leading classmates, dreaming of Harvard or designing a planner for her peers, 10-year-old Riona Carlin likes to stay one step ahead. Elizabeth Kerr reports It’s a sweltering June afternoon. The school year is just winding down and everyone seems to be moving in slow motion through the thick air. So when Riona Carlin logs on to Google Meet, her high-energy greeting and abundant enthusiasm are something of a surprise. “I’m 10 years old, and my favourite colour is light pink, and I go to Discovery College, and I’m from America,” she begins. The camera propped on top of the monitor moves around almost as relentlessly as she does, careening to take in the cat that walks past, which prompts her to show off the family SPCA membership card, a random sibling (Caia) who’s dropped in to see what’s going on, and her dad, Christopher, quietly sitting in the next chair. Operative word, “quietly”, because Riona doesn’t need his help making conversation. She boomerangs from one subject to the next, occasionally getting sidetracked but usually getting back to the main point. She insists she does have downtime – at 6am. The oldest of triplets by a matter of minutes, Riona is in the same grade at DC as her sisters Caia and Teagan. They all grew up in Hong Kong where Arizona native and research writer Christopher and his wife Lisa, a Long Island banker, settled nearly 20 years ago. The couple may have been surprised by triplets and Riona, naturally, has thoughts. “Being a triplet can sometimes be annoying, especially when you don’t get enough attention, but it’s fun to have a built-in friend. Teagan wants a brother but I heard lots of stories from friends at school that have brothers, and they say it’s chaotic.” She smirks a bit and her eyes widen at the thought. Riona is the embodiment of hyper-at tuned, gregarious confidence, the kind of bold personality that even in 2026 too many of us find charming in boys but “a bit much” in girls. Which is unfortunate because Riona, with her blonde tresses and disarming toothy grin, is also the kind of kid who will have a positive impact on the world one day – because she feels like it. She’s already been on student council because she thought she’d be a good leader. “I really do like to be in a leadership role. I want to be in charge of planning something so I know it goes well.” And she keeps her grades up because she has her eyes firmly fixed on Harvard and a career in medicine (preferably paediatric research), law or teaching. “Nowadays, they aren’t just looking for great scores. They’re looking for potential and compassion and being a good leader. I think I have all those qualities.” Riona may be mature for her age, but she walks the walk, boasting just a touch about besting her sisters by grades and dictation marks, which takes her to writing. She has a shout-out for a fourth grade teacher who encouraged her to finish a story about a princess on the Silk Road and submit it to the Hong Kong Young Writers Awards. “I wrote over 1,000 words, and my teacher said ‘You have to shorten it.’ But I did get an honour certificate, which only, like, 10 people got out of the 2,000 that submit ted applications.” Christopher and Lisa landed in Hong Kong after working in all corners of the globe, from Saudi Arabia to Australia, and when three daughters arrived made their way first to Discovery Bay and then Mui Wo eight months ago, which Riona admits took a bit of adjusting. She wasn’t crazy about leaving behind her army of friends and she changed schools at the same time: Christopher and Lisa couldn’t pass up three slots at DC. But she’s set tling in and finding time to be a “kid” – swimming, biking, listening to music (Sabrina Carpenter, Zara Larson) and get ting into a good book; her current reading list includes Katie Kirby and Elisabet ta Dami, perfect for “a nice and rainy day just curled up on the corner of my bed”. Here Christopher chimes in, saying his oldest has always been an active reader, and conceding there are first-middle-youngest traits among the girls. Riona agrees. “I like reading. I love doing sports. I really like baseball and softball. I think I’m definitely more the sporty type than my sisters, but I’m also more on the reading and writing side. Caia always has her mind on her next idea. What is she going to create? She’s always making stuff.” But Riona makes stuff too, and for now her self-published planner for pre-teens is her claim to fame. The idea evolved from her “pretty good English” skills and the daily planner she started posting on her bedroom door. She wanted to be more organised in her habits but when she started looking for some kind of journal to use instead, she couldn’t find one that met her “expectations”. So she decided to make her own. Riona is, if nothing, fastidious and sure of her own mind. The result was a day planner that worked for her – and would probably work for other kids like her. There was research (with help from dad), design, drawing, re-designing and re-drawing until Riona came up with The DAILY Pre-Teen Planner: A Fun Journal for Big Kids. The diary can be completely personalised, and it’s evergreen; it’s undated, so owners can use it for, say, eight months of the school year and skip organising themselves over summer break. Ultimately, The DAILY will help kids learn about time management, stick to routines, track habits, set goals and build confidence. Riona has kept it fun with factoids (a recent word of the day was bioluminescence) and a selection of carefully sourced inspirational quotes. “We added a mood for the day, little things to track yourself daily with, where you did well and what you want to improve on tomorrow to kind of set up for the next day. So it ’s like a planner, but not like a calendar. It ’s not like saying ‘I have this or that meeting’. I want to make sure I do everything before I go to sleep.” The DAILY is a word-of-mouth project right now; both Christopher and Riona admit they haven’t put a lot of marketing into what’s essentially a satisfying labour of love. There’s no reason it wouldn’t take off however, if Riona put her mind to it… after her upcoming summer grandparent tour across Arizona, Idaho and New York. But right now, The DAILY takes a back seat to a mention of how she and her sisters do regular beach clean-ups with the Brownies, and how she’d love to contribute to a cure for cancer. “Everybody should have the chance to not suffer from cancer, because I think it’s a really bad disease to die from.” Google is on a timer, so as the clock runs down Riona gets a thousand-yard stare, like she’s contemplating whether there’s more information she needs to dish out. “I think I gave you more than what you needed to know,” she says, finishing with a laugh, “You could basically be my biographer from early life all the way to 10.” Come 80 that’s going to be one long, fascinating book.

Dating and romance in DB: Edward Szekeres finds out what that looks like for singles, romantic partners and married couples PHOTOGRAPHY BY Andrew J.C. Spires & courtesy of Pam Wallace The picture is clear, the appeal obvious and inescapable. Discovery Bay is a prime venue for romance, a must-visit dating spot for love-struck couples walking hand-in-hand across Tai Pak Beach or posing for selfies at Love-Lock Promenade… At least that’s the message conveyed by major travel agencies and local authorities through regular romantic promotions and elaborate, annual Valentine’s packages. Most of us have seen the rose-tinted advertisements that tend to attract a weekend crowd of smitten couples. But what’s it really like for those living in DB – alone, with a partner, or a spouse – when it comes to the ins and outs of love, dating and romance? A quick glance at online discussion panels – and an informal collection of attitudes from across DB – reveals a two-sided outlook: DB is “great for families but boring for singles”. But that hasn’t been the experience of Elektra Leung, a resident in her mid-twenties who grew up in DB. As a singleton, who returned from her studies abroad a few years ago, life in DB was just great. “I hung out with my friends from the old days and I also started playing tennis with new friends I met in the community. DB is a small and friendly place, it’s easy to make friends fast,” she says. “If you live in DB, we all kind of know each other. The community vibe here makes you feel connected, whether you’re single or in a relationship.” It is thanks to this community that Elektra eventually met her boyfriend Ryan Mak, while playing tennis at the DBRC. They now both enjoy the “unique nature of DB, away from the crowds outside”. “Most of the time, we just walk around with our beagle, Snoopy. On weekend afternoons, we have a big dog playgroup, so we’ll just hang out there, chat with other dog owners, and let Snoopy run wild. That’s become our favourite kind of date – simple, relaxed and surrounded by green space and friendly faces,” Elektra says. “I don’t find the isolation limiting at all, it’s way more romantic than I ever expected,” Elektra adds. “We don’t need fancy date spots, DB has everything we need for a happy, romantic life together. The peaceful vibe and nature here make it feel like our own little bubble, and I love that.” But this “bubble” – a word often mentioned by DB residents when discussing dating – can be a barrier to some, especially those who are yet to meet their romantic match. “I’ve been living in DB for three years, and I haven’t met anyone single or available,” says Gianna Wong. In her early thirties, Gianna admits her focus on her career and hobbies has played a part in keeping her single. While she’s open to meeting someone who fits the bill, she finds the confines of DB limiting. “Most people here have families or long-term relationships,” she says. “If I really wanted to meet someone, I’d probably look outside DB.” Being single doesn’t keep Gianna from having a happy life in DB however, and she hopes to share that one day with a long-term partner. “Couples have a good life here,” she says. “It’s a small place, but there are lots of romantic places and nice restaurants to choose from for dates. You can walk along the beach, do hikes… and it’s only 25 minutes from Central.” Distance from town, however, plays a big part in the love life of MJ Bejerano, a domestic helper from the Philippines who moved to DB three years ago. “It’s very different from everywhere else in Hong Kong,” MJ says, hinting at the dense concentration of families within a small area – and the apparent lack of singletons. MJ, who’s in her early forties, hasn’t met any romantic partners in DB. She prefers to meet people further from her workplace to enjoy more privacy – a sentiment she shares with many of her DB friends. But this presents its own challenges, particularly for a community whose working hours stretch far beyond a typical 9am to 6pm workday and which, in most cases, only has a limited amount of free time. “That’s why it’s really hard for me to meet people. Transport takes a long time, and the ferry is expensive. I also have a lot of other activities and sports. But if I met someone who can accept the limited time I can make for them, then maybe that could work,” MJ says. “My mentality is that if there’s someone out there for you, they’ll eventually come along,” she adds. “And if somebody really likes you, then it doesn’t matter that there’s a 25-minute ferry. If I really liked that person, I’d cancel plans for them and dedicate my small amount of free time to them.” Gianna and MJ agree that while DB’s dating pool might be narrow, the place itself offers a great life for those who are happy being single – or don’t mind meeting people outside the “bubble”. But what about those who are not looking to meet anyone else, with their hearts and minds already married to the one? “At first, it seemed a bit like The Truman Show,” chuckle Diya and Anant Bakre, a married couple who moved to DB 10 months ago from the Netherlands. “You meet the same people, and the same things happen everywhere, like in a quiet village. “It’s a lovely place in a controlled environment that’s optimal for getting to know people. It’s got a good balance of people who have come recently and those who have really set up homes here,” Anant adds. “Most people have been very inviting and super friendly, and they also find the time for a quick chat,” Diya says. “And I’m deliriously happy Anant found the DBRC tennis community; all the social opportunities keep us active.” For Pam and Brent Wallace, a married couple of 32 years – half of which they’ve spent in DB – the feeling is mutual. “Moving here from the US, we just started making friends right away. We landed on a Monday, and were at church the next Sunday,” Pam says. “Our kids, aged 12 and 14 at the time, were at church retreat a week later with the youth group. So it was a great decision to move here.” The children have since moved out, and DB has undoubtedly evolved. But so has Pam and Brent’s relationship. “We wanted to make sure we had a healthy mix of friends and together-time,” Brent says. To this day, the couple try and carve out a night in their weekly schedules to focus on each other. “Friday nights are date nights,” Brent says, with DB being the ideal playground. Whether it’s going out for dinner or having a glass of wine out on their patio with their phones switched off, Pam and Brent take the time to “just sit, catch up and solve the world’s problems, no matter how crazy the day has been”. “It’s so easy to grow apart,” Pam says, emphasising the importance of “doing things together”. One of those things is dragon boating, with both being long-time members of the DB-based Sea Cucumbers. “It really helps our relationship and keeps it alive, especially now that the kids have left,” Pam says. “We’ve made brilliant friends there, they’re like family.” At the end of the day, whether in DB or not, staying together comes down to choice, hard work and being there for each other. “People can choose to let the spark go out,” Pam concludes, “or they can choose to do what it takes to keep it going. Just be purposeful.”

Every summer, Hong Kong waits for the storms that pause the city and reshape daily life. Ray Au takes a look PHOTOS COURTESY OF Adobe Stock & Kayli Liebenberg Typhoon season in Hong Kong does not arrive quietly. It announces itself in stages: first through heat thick enough to feel electrical, then through weather maps glowing red and orange on mobile apps, then finally through the peculiar collective vigilance that settles over the city whenever the Hong Kong Observatory begins issuing warnings. For newcomers, typhoons, a type of tropical cyclone, can seem dramatic but abstract – distant spirals moving slowly across the South China Sea. Long-term Hong Kong residents understand them differently. Typhoons are not isolated weather events here; they are part of the rhythm of the city itself. They shape architecture, routines, transportation, work culture, even social behaviour. Every summer, usually between June and October, Hong Kong enters a period where daily life can suddenly pivot around wind signals and rain bands. For residents of Discovery Bay, typhoon season can feel especially isolating. Ferries are suspended during higher storm signals, buses become limited, and the exposed waterfront location means winds often feel far stronger than in denser parts of Hong Kong, turning our usually tranquil seaside community into one of the city’s most dramatic vantage points for approaching storms. Unlike in many places where severe weather feels exceptional, Hong Kong has turned typhoon season into something strangely organised. The city braces, adapts, pauses and resumes with remarkable speed. There is a particular atmosphere before a typhoon hits. Supermarkets become crowded with panic buyers anticipating a two-day closure. Outdoor workers move quickly to secure bamboo scaffolding that climbs the sides of skyscrapers like temporary skeletons. Residents tape windows, charge battery packs, and secure outdoor items to prevent them from becoming airborne projectiles in gale-force winds. We check whether the Observatory will raise the T8 signal – the threshold that effectively shuts down much of the city. Even after years in Hong Kong, many people still feel a small thrill when a T8 is announced. Part of that thrill comes from rarity within routine. Hong Kong is one of the world’s most densely scheduled cities. Workdays are long and movement through the city is highly structured. A typhoon interrupts that machinery. Offices close. Schools suspend classes. Meetings disappear from calendars. Commuters stop rushing. The city becomes temporarily suspended. For many of us, typhoon signals are tied to nostalgia. A T8 once meant waking early to watch television in the hope of school cancellation announcements scrolling across the screen. Today the alerts arrive instantly on phones, but the emotional pattern remains the same. Whole families wake repeatedly during stormy nights to check Observatory updates. The Observatory itself occupies an unusually prominent role in public life. In many cities, weather forecasting operates quietly in the background. In Hong Kong, the Observatory’s warning system shapes collective behaviour in real time. Residents casually discuss T1, T3, T8, T9 and T10 signals with the fluency of traffic conditions, or stock prices. Here’s what we know: a typhoon is a rapidly rotating storm system characterised by a low-pressure centre or ‘eye,’ surrounded by a ring of intense thunderstorms called the eyewall. They form over warm ocean waters (typically 26.5°C or warmer), bringing low pressure, strong winds and rain. A further spiralling arrangement of thunderstorms can extend for hundreds of miles. T1 signal means a tropical cyclone is within 800km of Hong Kong and may affect the territory. T3 brings stronger winds and signals caution. But T8 changes everything: gale- or storm-force winds are expected within 12 hours. Public transport begins scaling back. Businesses close. Financial markets may suspend trading. Restaurants shut their doors early. Taxi demand spikes instantly. By T10 – the highest warning, indicating that the eye of a typhoon is very close – the city is effectively in lockdown against nature. Hong Kong averages around five to seven tropical cyclones requiring warning signals each year. Storm winds usually last only a few hours unless the eye of the typhoon passes close by. In such cases, high winds may persist for about eight hours. Tropical cyclone names in the western North Pacific are assigned by the regional Typhoon Committee under the World Meteorological Organisation to facilitate communication and tracking. Unlike Atlantic hurricanes, western Pacific typhoon names do not alternate between male and female names. Instead, they are contributed by countries and territories across the region and often reference animals, flowers, mythological figures, places or cultural symbols. Despite sitting in a region habitually af fected by typhoons, Hong Kong’s T10 hurricane signal — the highest tropical cyclone warning level — has been issued only 19 times since official post-war records began in 1946, making it relatively rare but culturally iconic. Between the 1980s and 2000s, Hong Kong experienced only two T10s (1983 and 1999). But since 2010, there have been several more (2012, 2017, 2018, 2023 and two in 2025). Many storms have left a lasting mark on Hong Kong’s history. In 1962, Typhoon Wanda (T10) battered the city with peak gusts exceeding 260km/h. Decades later in 2018, Super Typhoon Mangkhut (T10) stunned the world with peak sustained winds near 285km/h over open waters, making it one of the strongest and most photographed storms ever to af fect Hong Kong. More recently in 2023, Typhoon Saola (T10) passed extraordinarily close to the city – roughly 40km south of the Observatory – while Typhoon Haikui (T8) brought record-breaking rainfall, dumping 641.1mm of rain on the city. Meanwhile 2025 proved to be a record-breaking typhoon season for Hong Kong. While 14 tropical cyclones required warning signals – the highest annual number since records began in 1946 – Hong Kong also issued two T10s (for Typhoon Wipha and Super Typhoon Ragasa), tying the previous record set in 1964. At Ragasa’s peak intensity, maximum sustained winds near its eye reached 270km/h, making it the world’s most powerful Category 5-equivalent tropical cyclone of 2025. During a typhoon, strong winds can cause structural damage, uproot trees and generate dangerous flying debris. Heavy rainfall can lead to flooding and landslides. Storm surge (a rise in sea level) can inundate coastal areas. But what makes typhoon season in Hong Kong fascinating is that life does not fully stop. It transforms. Inside apartment towers, residents settle into rituals. Some cook elaborate comfort meals. Others stand at windows watching palm trees bend almost horizontally in the wind. Families gather around televisions while rain lashes against glass. Social media fills with photos of empty streets in Central, waves crashing over promenades in Stanley, and supermarket shelves stripped of produce. The visual drama of typhoons is amplified by Hong Kong’s geography. Mountains rise directly behind dense clusters of skyscrapers. Narrow streets create wind tunnels. Victoria Harbour becomes steel-grey and turbulent. The city’s verticality makes storms feel theatrical. Clouds move low across peaks, while neon reflections shimmer through rain-slick streets. For many, however, the defining memory of typhoon season is sound. Hong Kong during a major storm is extraordinarily loud. Windows rattle continuously. Wind whistles through tiny architectural gaps. Rain strikes buildings with astonishing force. In older apartments, air-conditioner units shake through the night. The city’s usual soundtrack – traffic, construction, crowds – is replaced by pure weather.

Eight DBIS students share how learning Mandarin led them beyond the classroom and into the physical, collaborative world of lion dance. Martin Wray reports PHOTOS COURTESY OF DBIS The 2025/ 2026 Discovery Bay International School Lion Dance team consists of eight dancers (Anri, Curtis, Gaius, Lodé, Lukas, Matthew, Parthiv and Yoonwoo), supported by two drummers (James and Thalia). What makes this group unique is that their journey began in the classroom. Through learning Mandarin, they developed a genuine appreciation for Chinese culture, and seven of the eight dancers have continued their studies through to IGCSE level. Representing five countries (Australia, Hong Kong, India, Korea and South Africa) within a student body of nearly 50 nationalities, these students are a wonderful example of how language learning can build cultural understanding. Brought together by their passion for Mandarin, they have performed at numerous school events, including the annual CNY celebration and International Food Fair, and they have shown remarkable dedication in designing and perfecting their routines. While every student at DBIS has the opportunity to learn languages and engage with Chinese culture, these students have distinguished themselves by embracing lion dance, a tradition that demands athleticism, discipline and teamwork. Let’s hear what they have to say. Matthew, who was born in America and spent his formative years there, speaks up first. “I wasn’t close to my culture when my parents moved back to Hong Kong… Lion dancing introduced me to a new side of my culture, and helped me to explore it.” Next Lodé chimes in, explaining that she picked up Mandarin “because the characters are so beautiful, and because when you learn Chinese, you learn about the culture”. For Par thiv, the driver was more about connecting with the people around him. “My friends are locals, and they speak Mandarin. So just trying to learn how they speak was my main goal. But what really made me choose Mandar in over the other languages is that every time we were learning about a specific story or characters, Miss Mi would bring in the origin story behind it.” Myra Mi, their Mandarin teacher and DBIS’ Head of Chinese and Modern Foreign Languages, reintroduced lion dancing to her classroom af ter the pandemic to encourage interest in Chinese culture. She began by teaching herself the choreography and passing that knowledge to her students. Anri explains, “We had that experience of choreography from previous years. It was a lot of research into seeing what other people do, mostly on YouTube, how playful the lion has to be and how it has to move.” Preparation was intense, and the physical demands quickly became apparent. Lodé describes the strain of performing in costume: “It’s really heavy, but after a month or two, when you pick it up, it’s light. Our performance was 10 minutes long, so keeping the heavy head up then bending down for that large amount of time, it’s difficult. And it’s hot, like a sauna.” For Lukas, one of the biggest challenges was staying in sync. “Since you can’t see anything, you’ve got to be aware of what the next step is; you’ve got to follow the steps of the person in front. Holding that position is really, really painful; my lower back was stretched, really stretched.” Gaius points to another layer of difficulty, and the subsequent admiration he has developed for professional lion dancers. “This year, the playfight was really beautiful. When you get pushed, you have to roll as a whole lion, and that’s really hard to do, especially in a big costume. The more you do lion dances, the more you respect the people that actually perform every year.” Reflecting on the experience’s broader significance, Thalia says, “There aren’t many opportunities to do something like this, to have the equipment, the time, the chance to perform. It’s a chance to try things out, engage with the culture, and also strengthen our relationship with our cul tural ident i ty. Because we’re graduating this year, it was our last chance to do something like this. We decided to go for it, do the best we can, and hand it over so that next year, hopefully, they can top it or build on it.” Curtis concurs, “I’m really glad that I decided to participate. It was meaningful, interesting to learn the dances, and I found it quite fun as well.” “It’s just an amazing feeling,” Anri finishes. “When you’re in the light, and you start hearing the drums, and then your heart is also like yeah, yeah, yeah, going really fast. The excitement. It’s just amazing.”

Courgette & Feta Fritters Serves 4 Place the grated courgette in a flat layer on sheets of paper towel. Cover with another layer of paper towel and press to remove the excess water. Place the courgettes, eggs, crumbled feta, flour, baking powder, and chopped herbs in a bowl. Season well and mix to combine. Heat a little oil in a large, non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of the mixture to the pan and flatten with a spatula. Repeat and cook, in batches, for 2 to 3 minutes each side or until golden. Serve with tomato salad and tzatziki.

Hong Kong International Airport

Play・Think・Create in Discovery Bay! YOUR CHALLENGE THIS MONTH Draw the World's Craziest Summer Holiday! Surfing dinosaurs, flying ice creams, mermaids on rollercoasters – anything goes! Use paints, crayons, pencils, or anything you like. Any size, any style – just have fun! We can't wait to see your colourful creations! 📫Ask a grown-up to email your picture to rachel@arounddb.com by July 20. You might see it in the next issue or on our Instagram and Facebook pages! LAST MONTH’S WINNER Last month we asked you to draw a picture of your dad for Father’s Day and share it with us. Our favourite was this drawing by Mia Ng, aged 8. STORY TIME Ben and the Sneaky Surfboard Ben was ready for his first surf camp. He had his swimsuit, his towel and a giant blob of sunscreen on his nose. At the beach, Coach Jun handed him a surfboard. “Easy!” said Ben confidently. But the surfboard had other ideas. When Ben tried to carry it, the board spun sideways. BONK! It tapped him on the head. When he put it on the sand, a gust of wind pushed it away. “Hey! Come back!” Ben laughed, chasing after it. Finally, it was time to surf. Ben paddled out and spotted a small wave. “Go, Ben!” shouted the campers. Ben popped up to his feet. For three whole seconds, he surfed like a pro! Then a wave splashed him right in the face. SPLOOSH! Ben tumbled into the water, laughing so hard he nearly swallowed a mouthful of sea. “This is the best camp ever!” he said with a grin. MAKE IT! PEBBLES’ CRAFT PICK This month, let’s make a BEACH-IN-A-BOTTLE! You’ll need: Small clear glass bottle Sand Small shells or pebbles Blue food colouring Water How to make it: Pour a layer of sand into the bottle Drop in shells and pebbles Fill with water Seal tightly

The Golden City REPORTING BY Elena M. Zepeda ONE OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA’S most vibrant coastal cities, San Francisco delivers world-famous landmarks, diverse neighbourhoods and standout cuisine. Built on steep hills, the city never feels flat or predictable. Victorian homes cling to near-vertical roads, cable cars negotiate tight corners, and nearly every turn reveals a different view of the bay. REACH ALCATRAZ ISLAND by crossing the cold waters of San Francisco Bay. Once home to some of the nation’s most infamous criminals, Alcatraz has become one of America’s most haunting landmarks. Walk through the narrow cellblocks, get to know the former inmates’ life stories, and learn about their most daring (though always unsuccessful) escape attempts. SAN FRANCISCO’S CHINATOWN is one of the city’s oldest and most vibrant neighbourhoods, established in the 1850s. Enter through Dragon Gate to explore streets hung with lanterns, and lined with shops, markets and, of course, restaurants. From historic temples to bustling food spots, Chinatown is a wonderful area to explore at your own pace while experiencing a strong sense of culture. ESCAPE TO GOLDEN GATE PARK: San Francisco’s largest at 1,000 acres, it offers a mix of gardens, walking paths and open green spaces. The Japanese Tea Garden is a highpoint known for its koi ponds, curved bridges and traditional tea houses, as is the Botanical Garden featuring plant collections from all around the world. VISIT THE PAINTED LADIES on Steiner Street, one of San Francisco’s most photographed and film-featured landmarks. Colourfully painted Victorian homes crop up throughout the city but the ‘ladies’ on ‘postcard row’ are a must-see, fronted by picturesque Alamo Square Park and backed by the city’s ultramodern skyline. FISHERMAN’S WHARF is where all the fun happens, complete with shops and arcades, historic ships and scenic bay views, seafood restaurants and street performers. Make your way to Pier 39 to watch sea lions lounging on floating docks, and ride the two-storey carousel. This is the place to try San Francisco’s famous and comforting clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl. THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE, built in 1933, is best experienced up close. Rent a bike and ride across it, passing beneath the iconic red towers, and enjoying the fresh ocean breeze. You can stop at scenic viewpoints to watch the fog roll beneath your feet, before continuing on to the charming coastal town of Sausalito for a relaxed waterfront break.

Six survival stories where extreme weather changes everything ISLAND OF THE BLUE DOLPHINS: SCOTT O'DELL (1960) Karana’s tribe leaves the island, and she is accidentally left behind and forced to survive alone for years. Isolated by storms and harsh weather, she develops courage, independence and a deep connection to the natural world. O’Dell presents nature as both dangerous and sustaining, shaping Karana into a resilient and compassionate survivor. LIFE OF PI: YANN MARTEL (2001) When his ship sinks during a tempest, Pi Patel is stranded on a lifeboat with Richard Parker, a Bengal tiger. The sea immediately becomes both his jailor and teacher. Martel describes the storm with terrifying beauty, showing nature as unpredictable, overwhelming and strangely spiritual: an extraordinary survival adventure ensues. THE PERFECT STORM: SEBASTIAN JUNGER (1997) The terrifying force of a real Atlantic mega-storm traps the crew of the Andrea Gail at sea. Junger combines real-life research with vivid storytelling to depict towering waves, hurricane winds and the helplessness of humans against nature. The storm is depicted with brutal realism, creating tension, tragedy and awe through its relentless, destructive power. THE STORM: ARIF ANWAR (2018) Shahryar reflects upon his family’s history, beginning in a village on the Bay of Bengal, where a poor fisherman, Jamir, and his wife Honufa, prepare to face a cyclone of historic proportions. Anwar’s far-reaching historical fiction interlaces multiple storylines across continents and decades, with a narrative sweep that mirror the storm’s devastating path. THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ: L. FRANK BAUM (1900) A violent cyclone transports Dorothy and her dog Toto from the prosaic world of Kansas into the magical land of Oz. Baum presents the cyclone as a symbol of both danger and transformation – it launches Dorothy into a technicolour, often terrifying world and, despite all her adventures and newfound friendships, she soon realises there’s no place like home. TYPHOON: JOSEPH CONRAD (1902) A steamship sails directly into a devastating typhoon in the South China Sea. Conrad creates intense suspense as Captain MacWhirr and his crew struggle against massive swells and violent winds – the typhoon dominates the story, symbolising nature’s overwhelming force and testing the courage, endurance and sanity of everyone on board.

With the long school break around the corner, many parents are wondering how to keep their kids connected and entertained. Find out where summer camps come in – and check out our top picks YIFAN MANDARIN yifancamps.com The Yifan Mandarin Summer Camp at DB North is fully immersive and features themed, activity-based sessions. The week-long camps run through August 6, Monday to Friday, 9.15am to 12.15pm, for kids aged 3.5 to 5.5 years. Multi-week discounts are available. 一帆中文夏令營在愉景灣開展已逾十七年, 致力於為孩子們創造沉浸式語言環境，全面提升中文能力！！ WhatsApp: 9208 7611 Email: admin@yifanmandarin.com GUIDEPOST MONTESSORI guidepost.hk Stories come to life in the Guidepost Montessori Storybook Adventure Camp, where each week is inspired by the imaginative worlds of well-known children’s authors. Young campers, aged 2 to 6 years, explore these stories through creative art, hands-on building, science experiments and playful problem-solving. Weekly camps are on offer through July 31 at the school’s DB North campus. WhatsApp: 9126 6211 Email: admissions@guidepost.hk BAYVIEW HOUSE OF CHILDREN bayview.hk Bayview’s Ultimate Summer Fun programme runs through August 14 at DB North. The camp is open for kids aged 3 to 5 years and 6 to 8 years for morning or full-day sessions. The morning programme includes music and movement, S.T.E.M., arts and crafts, outdoor games, cookery and gardening. In the afternoons, the multi-sport programme features fun physical games and access to Bayview’s bouncy castle, trampoline and swimming pools. Tel: 6114 2436 Email: info@bayview.hk HK SURFING LESSON hongkongsurfinglesson.com Hong Kong Surfing Lesson’s one- or three-day, non-overnight camps run through August 26 at Lower Cheung Sha Beach. Children, aged 5 to 14 years, get their own surfboard to maximise their surfing time. Camps are run by professional ISA-qualified instructors, who help kids progress by making surfing fun and safe. Lessons are also available daily for kids aged 3 to 17 years, families and adults – from beginner to intermediate levels. WhatsApp: 6199 0904 Email: info@hongkongsurfinglesson.com HARRY WRIGHT harrywright.com.hk Harry Wright Swim School’s Summer Holiday Programme runs at Club Siena through August 15 for swimmers of all ages, including adults. Choose from the Daily Programme (Monday to Saturday, 6 days), or Weekly Camps (3-day and 5-day options, June 29 to August 14). With 50+ years of excellence, low ratios and internationally accredited coaches, swimmers are in expert hands. Both club members and non-members are welcome – enrol at Club Siena or DBRC reception. Tel: 2575 6279 Email: swimming@harrywright.com.hk

With the long school break around the corner, many parents are wondering how to keep their kids connected and entertained. Find out where summer camps come in – and check out our top picks As the school year ends and summer begins, many families in Discovery Bay look for ways to keep children active, engaged and happy during the long break. In a community known for its close-knit, family-friendly atmosphere, summer day camps have become an important part of childhood. Unlike traditional overnight camps, local camps are usually shorter, closer to home and centred around specific activities such as watersports, outdoor adventures, language learning and creative arts. Beyond simply filling time, these camps offer lasting developmental benefits. One of the greatest advantages of summer camps is the chance for children to try new activities in a relaxed and supportive environment. During the school year, academic schedules of ten leave little room for experimentation, but camps encourage curiosity, creativity and fun. Whether learning to swim, practising conversational Mandarin or discovering painting, children can immerse themselves in a single interest. These experiences may even inspire lifelong passions. Camps can also support learning in enjoyable ways. Language camps encourage conversational practice without the pressure of grades, while creative and problem-solving activities build curiosity and critical thinking. Because this type of education feels more like play, children often develop a more positive attitude toward learning. Although local camps do not usually involve overnight stays, they still help children build independence. Spending time in a new environment, meeting new people and participating in activities without parents nearby all contribute to greater self-reliance. Small successes, such as reciting the alphabet for the first time, or standing on a surfboard, can significantly boost confidence. For younger children especially, day camps provide a gentle balance between independence and the comfort of returning home each evening. Summer camps also play an important social role in DB, where children attend many different Hong Kong-wide schools. Camps bring local children together, helping them form friendships outside their usual circles. Through teamwork and shared activities, children develop communication, cooperation and conflict-resolution skills in a relaxed setting. For shy children, shared interests often make social interaction easier and more natural. Emotionally, camps help children develop resilience and empathy. Trying new activities an d f acing challenges teaches them that progress takes time and mistakes are part of learning. Being part of a group also encourages children to support one another and celebrate shared achievements. At a time when screen use continues to increase, camps provide valuable opportunities for physical activity and outdoor play. Regular movement supports physical health, improves mood and boosts energy. Outdoor camps also expose children to nature, which has been linked to reduced stress and improved wellbeing – especially important for children growing up in a busy city like Hong Kong. Ultimately, summer day camps help create a balanced childhood that includes creativity, social connection, physical activity and personal growth. They offer DB kids opportunities to discover new interests, gain confidence and build lasting friendships, making summer a season of joy, growth and discovery. YIFAN MANDARIN yifancamps.com The Yifan Mandarin Summer Camp at DB North is fully immersive and features themed, activity-based sessions. The week-long camps run through August 6, Monday to Friday, 9.15am to 12.15pm, for kids aged 3.5 to 5.5 years. Multi-week discounts are available. 一帆中文夏令營在愉景灣開展已逾十七年， 致力於為孩子們創造沉浸式語言環境， 全面提升中文能力! ! WhatsApp: 9208 7611 Email: admin@yifanmandarin.com GUIDEPOST MONTESSORI guidepost.hk Stories come to life in the Guidepost Montessori Storybook Adventure Camp, where each week is inspired by the imaginative worlds of well-known children’s authors. Young campers, aged 2 to 6 years, explore these stories through creative art, hands-on building, science experiments and playful problem-solving. Weekly camps are on offer through July 31 at the school’s DB North campus. WhatsApp: 9126 6211 Email: admissions@guidepost.hk BAYVIEW HOUSE OF CHILDREN bayview.hk Bayview’s Ultimate Summer Fun programme runs through August 14 at DB North. The camp is open for kids aged 3 to 5 years and 6 to 8 years for morning or full-day sessions. The morning programme includes music and movement, S.T.E.M., arts and crafts, outdoor games, cookery and gardening. In the afternoons, the multi-sport programme features fun physical games and access to Bayview’s bouncy castle, trampoline and swimming pools. Tel: 6114 2436 Email: info@bayview.hk HK SURFING LESSON hongkongsurfinglesson.com Hong Kong Surfing Lesson’s one- or three-day, non-overnight camps run through August 26 at Lower Cheung Sha Beach. Children, aged 5 to 14 years, get their own surfboard to maximise their surfing time. Camps are run by professional ISA-qualified instructors, who help kids progress by making surfing fun and safe. Lessons are also available daily for kids aged 3 to 17 years, families and adults – from beginner to intermediate levels. WhatsApp: 6199 0904 Email: info@hongkongsurfinglesson.com HARRY WRIGHT harrywright.com.hk Harry Wright Swim School’s Summer Holiday Programme runs at Club Siena through August 15 for swimmers of all ages, including adults. Choose from the Daily Programme (Monday to Saturday, 6 days), or Weekly Camps (3-day and 5-day options, June 29 to August 14). With 50+ years of excellence, low ratios and internationally accredited coaches, swimmers are in expert hands. Both club members and non-members are welcome – enrol at Club Siena or DBRC reception. Tel: 2575 6279 Email: swimming@harrywright.com.hk