The Land of Fire and Ice ICELAND’S COMPACT CAPITAL is a captivating mix of old-world charm, creative culture and extraordinary natural landscapes. Reykjavík combines the energy of a modern Nordic city with geothermal pools, volcanic terrain and glorious North Atlantic views. Time your visit to coincide with aurora season (from late August through April), if you want to chase the Northern Lights. EXPLORE THE OLD TOWN with its red-roofed houses, quiet lanes and historic buildings. Start on Aðalstræti, the city’s oldest street, where Reykjavík’s first settlement began around 874 AD. Browse independent boutiques and galleries, pause for coffee, then wander up colourful Skólavörðustígur, the city’s famous ‘Rainbow Street’, towards towering Hallgrímskirkja church. DISCOVER REYKJAVÍK AFTER DARK, when the city really comes alive. Most nightlife is concentrated around Laugavegur in the old town, making it easy to wander between venues on foot. Start with a cocktail or local beer, catch some live music, then stay out late – Icelanders are renowned for their hardcore partying, particularly at weekends. SOAK IN GEOTHERMAL WATERS, one of the most quintessentially Icelandic experiences. Reykjavík’s outdoor pools are a beloved part of local life, offering warm water, hot tubs and a chance to unwind whatever the weather. For a luxurious spa experience, head to Sky Lagoon in nearby Kópavogur, where geothermal bathing comes with infinity views across the North Atlantic. SAMPLE ICELANDIC CUISINE, from freshly caught seafood and tender lamb to hear ty soups and traditional rye bread. Reykjavík’s restaurants range from sophisticated Nordic dining to relaxed cafés and bustling food halls, while local specialities offer plenty for the adventurous. Be sure to tr y the skyr (creamy curd yoghur t), harðfiskur (dried fish) and pylsur (hot dogs). DRIVE TO THE GOLDEN CIRCLE to watch Strokkur erupt at Geysir and explore spectacular Þingvellir National Park. Walk through Almannagjá gorge, a dramatic rift where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly pulling apart. Here, you can see continental drift happening beneath your feet, and even snorkel between continents in a water- filled fissure. STROLL ALONG THE WATERFRONT to discover two of Reykjavík’s most iconic sights. The dazzling Harpa Concert Hall with its distinctive coloured glass façade, and nearby Sun Voyager, a graceful steel sculpture inspired by a Viking ship. Continue towards the Old Harbour, where fishing boats and whale-watching vessels share the water and cafés provide a warm refuge from the sea air.

How much do you know about Meryl Streep and her movies?

Festival Opening: Trey Lee & English Chamber Orchestra Boasting Benjamin Britten as its first patron, the ECO maintains the highest international musical standards, attracting collaborations from such artists as Daniel Barenboim, Vladimir Ashkenazy, Hilary Hahn, Itzhak Perlman and Pinchas Zukerman. Under the patronage of the UK’s King Charles III, the orchestra has made regular appearances at royal events, including the first concert ever broadcast from Buckingham Palace. Furthermore, the ECO is the most recorded chamber orchestra in the world, with a portfolio of over 1,500 works by some 400 composers. Returning to Hong Kong after sold-out appearances last year, the ECO reunites with Musicus’s founding artistic director, the acclaimed cellist Trey Lee on November 1 at Hong Kong City Hall. Lee first collaborated with the ECO in 2024 for the release of Seasons Interrupted, a climate change-themed album published by Signum Records. The album was praised by BBC Music Magazine as ‘simply captivating,’ and led to Lee’s widely acclaimed performance in the ECO’s 2024 season opening concert at London’s Cadogan Hall. At Musicus Fest 2025, Lee and the ECO are back together performing his arrangement (for solo cello and chamber orchestra) of Piazzolla’s The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires, as featured on Seasons Interrupted. The concert also includes a string version of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6, Pastoral and Tchaikovsky’s Chant d’automne from The Seasons. Adding to the evening’s festivity, local students from the Ensemble Training programme are performing excerpts by Boccherini and Holst alongside the ECO. Musicus Society has been uniting outstanding artists from Hong Kong and across the world since its founding in 2010. The collaboration with ECO showcases Musicus’s commitment to nurturing young talent and fostering international artistic exchanges. “For the last 15 years, Musicus has consistently celebrated the cross-cultural collaboration of music, bringing artists from Hong Kong and around the world together for unforgettable concert experiences,” says Lee. “With our performers and audiences, I look forward to Musicus’s continued growth as an international meeting point for cultural exchange, celebrating timeless music from the repertoire.” In addition to the opening concert on November 1, Musicus Fest 2025 is delivering nine other concerts in November and December, including a special presentation at Shenzhen Concert Hall. Date & Time: November 1, 2025 (Saturday) 8pm Venue: Concert Hall, Hong Kong City Hall Tickets available at URBTIX Concert Programme The duration of the concert is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, with a 20-minute intermission. • Tchaikovsky (arr. Paul Sherman) Chant d’automne (October) from The Seasons, Op. 37a (arranged for string orchestra) • Beethoven Symphony No. 6 in F, Op. 68, Pastoral (arranged for string orchestra) • Piazzolla (arr. Trey Lee) The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires (arranged for cello and string orchestra) | Cello Solo: Trey Lee • Boccherini String Quintet in E, G. 275, Op.11 No. 5, III. Minuetto - Trio (arranged for string orchestra) • Holst St. Paul's Suite, Op. 29 No. 2, IV. Finale (The Dargason): Allegro

DBIS EARLY YEARS OPEN EVENT Discovery Bay International School is holding an Early Years Open Event on October 7 from 9.30am to 11.15am. The morning includes a tour of the Early Years Foundation Stage campus, an introduction to the curriculum and learning experiences, and guidance on the admissions process. DBIS is an all-through school, offering children continuity from EYFS through primary and secondary. The Open Event is suitable for families considering immediate entry to FS-1 or FS-2, as well as FS-1 entry in January or August 2027. Register to attend at dbis.hk/OpenEvents2026. To find out more, call 2987 7331, or visit www.dbis.edu.hk. 11TH HLG KART RACE Slots are filling up fast for the HLG Kart Race on November 21, so don’t get left in the dust – secure your spot on the 150-metre track today. Some 100 racers are expected to take part in DB’s ultimate high-speed showdown, with proceeds going to Heep Hong Society, the local non-profit that supports children with diverse learning needs. Youngsters, aged seven to 12 years, can enrol by visiting hlgkartrace.com. THE BIG PICNIC Get ready to be happy! After a seven-year wait, The BIG Picnic is finally back, scheduled to take place at Tai Pak Beach and DB South Plaza on November 21. The 2026 lineup is yet to be confirmed but expect local legends like Helium3, Don’t Panic and Jay-Walkers. Up to 5,000 people are expected to attend this year; to purchase tickets, head to thebigpicnichk.com. DRAGON BOAT GALA The 36th edition of the DB Dragon Boat Gala gets underway at Tai Pak Beach at 8am on October 25. Expect fiercely contested mixed, open, ladies, U23, A45 and community races, with some 40 teams participating from across Lantau and beyond. Head down to the beach to cheer on the crews and soak up the action from the shore. Find out more at FB @db.community.hk MUSIC AND MORE AT DC It’s all happening at Discovery College this month, starting with a Recital Evening on October 15 at 6pm in the school’s Performing Arts Theatre. Open to the whole community with free admission, the evening showcases advanced classical repertoire performed by primary and secondary students, from soloists to small chamber ensembles. On October 28, DC welcomes prospective families to an Open Day, from 8.30am to 10am. Register at https://shorturl.at/QHHjY. COSPLAY PARADE AND CHALLENGE Halloween looks set to be scary big in DB this year, with a highlight being the Cosplay Parade and Costume Contest at DB South Plaza from 3pm to 5pm on October 31. Enrol to compete in either the DB Residents Group (free-style) or Public Group (theme: Anime Cosplay), with finalists invited to join the parade and take to the stage. The judges are 2026 World Cosplay Summit Grand Champions AR Lu and Ronnie Kui. Plenty of prizes are on offer, and the best-dressed participant in each group could win a round-trip air ticket to Taipei sponsored by Hong Kong Airlines. Enrol now at https://bit.ly/3SXTm1G. DB 10K CHARITY RUN Organised by the community for the community, the DB 10K Charity Run takes place on November 7, with everyone invited to take part. The road race is open to runners, walkers and families alike, so bring your strollers – and your pets! This year’s proceeds go to non-profit animal welfare charity Hong Kong Paws Foundation. Enrol at www.db10k.com. TEAM FEAR CHALLENGE The Team FEAR Challenge returns on November 29, daring kids aged eight to 17 years to run, coasteer, canoe and rock scramble their way around DB. The event donates over HK$100,000 annually to Youth Outreach Hong Kong, with more than 400 racers expected to take part this year. Now is the time to enrol at team-fear.com. Dates For Your Diary OCT 10, 11 & 31 | SHOP THE DB WEEKEND MARKET in DB South Plaza from 11am to 6pm. Visit handmadehongkong.com. OCT 11 | JOIN A BEACH CLEAN-UP! Meet at the gate to Nim Shue Wan at 2pm. Email dana@plasticfreeseas.org. TUESDAYS | RECYCLE EVERYTHING at the Green@Community collection point from 10am to 1pm and 2.30pm to 5.30pm. ALL MONTH | DONATE PRELOVED FURNITURE to people in need through DB Mothers & Friends. To arrange for pick-up, visit FB @dbmf.collection. DMR SCHOOL OF BALLET: WHERE LITTLE DANCERS GROW BIG DREAMS For more than 40 years, DMR School of Ballet has been a beloved part of life in DB. Founded in 1984 by Ms Dawnna M. Wayburne, and now owned and run by Ms Rhianna and Ms Erica since 2021, DMR is much more than a dance school, it’s a place where generations of local children have put on their dance shoes, made friends and discovered the joy of movement. Through regular term classes at the DB North studio, Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) exam preparation and highlights like the Annual Performance and the Disneyland Parade, DMR offers many chances for young dancers to learn, shine and celebrate their progress together. “I want dance class to feel like the kids’ happy place – fun, friendly and full of good energy,” says Ms Rhianna, co-owner and ballet, modern and tap teacher. “At the same time, we gently build in focus and discipline because that’s how the children really grow. At DMR, it’s all about enjoying dance while learning to work hard and shine.” BE A STAR AT DMR DMR dancers have performance opportunities throughout the year: DANCE, LEARN, GROW DMR provides regular term classes in ballet, modern and tap for girls and boys aged 18 months to 18 years: LITTLE DANCERS For young movers (around 18 months to four years), DMR classes introduce ballet basics through play, music and imaginative movement, nurturing coordination, listening skills and a love of dance in a gentle setting. BALLET DMR’s ballet classes follow the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus, building strong technique, posture and artistry, with optional internationally recognised exams. MODERN The modern classes blend technique and creativity, helping children develop coordination, musicality and confidence through expressive, contemporary-style movement. TAP In DMR’s tap classes, students learn precise footwork, timing and musicality, building energy, coordination and stage presence while making music with their feet. To find out more, and enrol for class, email info@dmr-hk.com, or WhatsApp +852 5210 7208.

Achieving the maximum score in International Baccalaureate exams is no mean feat, Discovery College's Adi Sethi has some tips for students and parents While on a family trip to India last July, Adi Sethi sat alone staring at his computer screen and the words 'View Results' with his entire family waiting in the adjacent room. He felt a surge of excitement, eager to see two years of preparation and hard work unfold, yet the natural pressure of the moment weighed heavily on him. After taking a deep breath, he made the final click - and there it was, staring back at him: a flawless IB result, 45 out of 45. An instant rush of emotion took over as anticipation turned into profound relief and triumph. Tears of happiness quickly followed, bringing an immense sense of satisfaction knowing that every sacrifice, late night and gruelling study session had paid off. Hearing Adi's reaction, his family rushed into the room to share in a landmark milestone that few students worldwide ever reach. Today, Adi is taking his next big step at Hong Kong University, where he is pursuing the prestigious and highly competitive International Business and Global Management (IBGM) programme, with sights set on a future in finance or entrepreneurship. DC'S SUPPORTIVE CULTURE Achieving IB perfection requires extraordinary personal drive, but Adi is quick to credit Discovery College for laying the groundwork for his success. "Our teachers weren't just skilled - they genuinely gave every single student their full care and attention," he says. "That personal support made all the difference for my friends and me." While numerous educators shaped his journey, a few stand out for their transformational impact. Ms Blomfield from the Higher Education Counselling team played a vital role in mapping out his path to university, providing strategic direction, steady motivation and genuine support. In the classroom, Ms Virrett, his Film Studies teacher, was a constant source of encouragement. Though Adi was initially hesitant to take Film Studies, Ms Virrett recognised his potential and encouraged him to pursue it. Adi recalls the numerous times she stayed by his side, offering continuous help and support throughout both MYP and DP. DC provided Adi with more than just academic rigour; it offered a platform to develop as a holistic leader. Throughout his DP years, he actively took on key leadership roles - representing the school on various sports teams, serving as a School Ambassador, sitting on the Student Council and taking on the responsibility of House Captain. Recognising the importance of wellbeing, Adi also co-founded a peer-led mental health initiative and led several co-curricular activities. "The balance, discipline and soft skills (of collaboration, communication and leadership) that I developed through these roles are equipping me for my personal and professional life just as much as my academic results, " Adi notes. ADI'S FORMULA FOR SUCCESS Adi has some tips for students hoping to stay on top of the IB workload: Consistency beats hard work: "The most crucial advice to succeed in almost anything is not just to work hard but to be regular. Academics isn't a sprint, it's a marathon. For my demanding subjects, Math AAHL, Physics HL and Econ HL, cramming my review in the last few weeks would never have been enough. Being consistent is what matters: regular practice, dedicating two to three evenings to review content, attempting past papers, etc. That had the most impact." Stop waiting, do it: "Many folks wait for the 'perfect' time to do their work. There isn't one. Don't procrastinate, even if something is due a week later, instead of planning to do it all in a few hours, spread out your work - maybe 20 minutes a day. You'll get it done faster and with a higher quality, while leaving time to hang out." Ask for help early: "Even if reaching out feels uncomfortable, find a way to do it. Teachers want to see you succeed and are always eager to guide you." Adi also has some tips for parents: he shares what his parents did to help him stay focused, balanced and motivated: Give space and trust: "Trust your children to manage their workload without micromanaging. However, if you see them struggling to keep up, help them. Maybe arrange a decent timetable, where they can split their work, or get them a tutor." Prioritise, balance and sacrifice together: "To protect my focus, my parents made personal sacrifices - turning down social invitations, dinners and weekend events, so | never felt left out. At the same time, when I spent long hours studying, they encouraged me to take a break with them, going outdoors for an hour to play badminton, rugby, or take an evening walk. The exact action you take varies of course, but essentially, attempt to recognise what your kid needs - a break, physical activity, less distractions - and be encouraging but not very strict." Adi sums up with a final message for students currently taking the IB: His advice? "Have faith in yourself. No one regrets putting in hard work. Either you achieve something life-changing, or you learn something valuable that stays with you forever. Do the best you can with what you have, don't worry too much because life isn't always going to follow your plan, and that's okay. Be resilient but also stress-free. Good luck!" Adi is the latest in a long line of DC alumni to achieve outstanding academic results. For more on DC and its upcoming open days, visit www.joinus.discovery.edu.hk

Six books about asphalt, adventure and finding yourself on the highway FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS Journalist Raou Duke and his volatile attorney, Dr Gonzo, drive from Los Angeles to Las Vegas in a massive, red Chevy Impala convertible loaded with narcotics, stimulants and hallucinogens. The pair embark on a surreal, multi-day bender through the neon-soaked casinos, kitsch hotels and sun-baked desert highways of Nevada ON THE ROAD Sal Paradise, an aspiring young writer, and Dean Moriarty, a charismatic ex-con, crisscross North America in a manic search for freedom and authentic experience. The book emphasises the thrill of movement over the final destination; Kerouac's fast-paced 'spontaneous prose' mirrors the rhythm of a speeding car and changing landscapes. THE LEISURE SEEKER Ella, who has terminal cancer, and her husband John, who has advanced Alzheimer's, decide to 'kidnap' themselves from their adult children and doctors and flee Detroit. They hit the highway in their vintage Winnebago, and travel down Route 66, aiming for Disneyland where they plan to recreate a favourite family vacation. THE ROAD TRIP Addie is forced to share a tiny Mini Cooper with her ex-boyfriend, her sister and two other people as they travel to a wedding in Scotland. The agonisingly cramped, 400-mile road trip from Chichester to Scotland alternates with flashbacks detailing how Addie and Dylan first fell passionately in love - and how it all spectacularly fell apart. THE WANGS VS. THE WORLD After losing his cosmetics empire, Charles Wang packs his family into a station wagon to drive from Bel-Air to New York. Amidst roadside mishaps and intense arguments, the forced proximity transforms a disconnected group into a fiercely loyal unit. The story switches viewpoints, giving each character a distinct, memorable voice. ZEN AND THE ART OF MOTORCYCLE MAINTENANCE A father and son take a 17-day motorcycle trip from Minnesota to California. On the long highway ride, the dad explores the concept of 'quality as he tries to reconcile modern technology and human spirituality. Underneath the philosophising lies a moving story about a father battling past madness to reconnect with his son.

Toffee Apples Serves 8 Push the sharpest end of each twig into the stalk-end of each apple. Put a large piece of baking parchment onto a wooden board. Combine the sugar, lemon juice and 100ml water in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sugar has dissolved. Add the golden syrup and bubble the mixture until it reaches 150°C on a sugar thermometer. When it's ready, drip in some food colouring and swirl to combine. Turn off the heat. Working quickly, dip each apple into the toffee, tipping the pan to cover all the skin. Lift out and allow any excess to drip off before putting on the baking parchment. Leave to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes.

The Pink City ONE OF NORTHERN INDIA'S most colourful and captivating cities, Jaipur combines grand palaces, ancient forts and bustling bazaars with the energy of a modern metropolis. Founded in 1727, the Rajasthani capital is famed for its rich royal heritage and pink paintwork - since 1877, it has been illegal to paint buildings in the Old City any other colour. DISCOVER THE CITY PALACE in the heart of the walled city, a magnificent blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture, characterised by domed pavilions, ornate balconies, elegant courtyards and manicured gardens. Still partly home to Jaipur's former ruling family, the complex houses museums filled with royal costumes, textiles, paintings and historic weaponry. MAKE LIKE A MAHARAJA at Amber Fort, one of Jaipur's most spectacular sights, perched on a hill about 11 kilometres from the city. The sprawling palace complex is home to a dazzling Sheesh Mahal, or Hall of Mirrors decorated with thousands of tiny pieces of glass. Take time to explore the restored tunnels linking Amber with nearby Jaigarh Fort. WANDER THROUGH THE BAZAARS of the Old City, where Jaipur's traditional crafts and colours come alive. Browse for sparkling gemstones and silver jewellery, embroidered textiles and block-printed fabrics, while taking in the lively rhythm of everyday life. Pick up stacks of colourful resin bangles, hand-stitched leather juttis and the city's distinctive blue pottery. PAUSE AT JAL MAHAL, the elegant Water Palace seemingly floating in the middle of Man Sagar Lake. Built as a summer retreat and hunting lodge, the sandstone palace is now one of Jaipur's most atmospheric photo stops. When the lake is full, its lower floor is submerged, leaving only the upper storeys visible above the water. CLIMB TO MAHARGARH FORT, perched high on the Aravalli Hills overlooking Jaipur. Built in 1734 as part of the city's defensive fortifications, it later became a royal retreat. Explore the elegant Madhavendra Bhawan, a series of interconnected suites decorated with delicate frescoes and colourful murals, then take in sweeping views across the Pink City. GAZE UP AT HAWA MAHAL, Jaipurs unmistakable Palace of Winds, which connects to the outer wall of the City Palace, Built in 1799, the five-storey pink sandstone façade is covered with hundreds of delicate latticed windows, originally designed to allow royal women in purdah to watch city life while remaining unseen.

Owning a car in Hong Kong is expensive, frustrating and entirely illogical - but it might just be the best decision you ever make. Andrew J.C. Spires reports PHOTOGRAPHY BY Andrew J.C. Spires Having a car in Hong Kong is a bit like having a dog. They're expensive, you don't need one and they create extra work, but they make life exponentially better. Here is a quick guide to finding the best car, the best place to park it, and the exuberant costs and paperwork needed to live the petrolhead dream. Parking is the number one issue for car owners in Hong Kong, and especially DBers who aren't allowed private vehicles anywhere near their homes. Discovery Bay residents have two options - Sunny Bay and Tung Chung. Whilst Sunny Bay is the closest option with a HK$2,500 monthly fee and a regular bus service, Tung Chung is also a viable option. There are a smattering of parking spaces rented out by the owners of village houses on Tung Chung Road, with prices starting from just HK$1,500 a month. Consider jumping on a Hello Bike to make getting to the car quicker whilst adding in a little exercise! Once you've found the perfect parking spot, you then have to consider the car. Will you choose comfort over speed, fuel economy over fun, two or seven seats? Second-hand cars are incredibly cheap in Hong Kong and are definitely the best option. Take a look on Facebook Marketplace, 28 car.com (the website looks like it's been made by a partially sighted chimp, but it has a lot of vehicles) or carro.co/hk which provides warranties, a five-day money-back guarantee and peace of mind with cars that have undergone inspection. Whilst Facebook can offer up some incredible deals, I recommend getting an independent mechanic to look over any car before you hand over the money. Don't be put off by high mileage - if the car has been regularly serviced, anything that can go wrong probably already has and will have been fixed. If you're buying a car over seven years old, you'll need to factor in the yearly M.O.T. The inspection costs HK$585 and you can get this done yourself at one of the 20 Transport Department Designated Testing Centres dotted all over Hong Kong. If you think your car won't pass, you can request a garage to carry out a pre-inspection, and also give the car a service, which is always a good idea. The mechanic will also take your car for the M.O.T. inspection. Prices for this hover at around HK$2,500 to HK$3,000. Next up, once you take possession of the car, you have 72 hours to put it in your name. Before you do this, you'll need a Certificate of Insurance. There are lots of brokerages in Hong Kong to help you with this, or you can go directly to the insurer. Make sure you bring a copy of the Certificate of Insurance with you to the Transport Department Download form TD25 and get the existing owner to fill in their bit, you fill out yours, then you can simply walk into the governmental office (the big one is on Queensway but there are others) and pay the HK$1,000. The Transport Department says you both need to attend, but that's not the case. They will give you the new vehicle registration certificate there and then. As well as the M.O.T., you also have to pay annual vehicle road tax. The price for this varies on engine capacity. Anything lower than a 1.5 litre engine pays HK$5,074, rising to HK$7,498 for an engine up to 2.5 litres. Over that and fees can climb up to a whopping HK$14,694 per year. Electric cars don't escape the tax but are charged at a much lower rate, the highest of which is HK$5,114 for the biggest, beefiest battery. So now you own the car and are fully up to date with all the paperwork. You've paid the fees and you can start to enjoy yourself. Not quite... Hong Kong leads the world in having the priciest petrol at the pump. Gas currently sits at a staggering HK$31 to HK$33 per litre. A neat hack to lower these costs centres on aggressive competition among fuel retailers such as Shell, Caltex, Sinopec and PetroChina. Download their loyalty apps to receive substantial instant discounts at the pump. Just show the QR code screen when filling up. To give you an idea of how fuel costs can add up, my Mini Cooper S, with a little 44-litre fuel tank, costs HK$1,400 to fill up. | had to change my underwear the first time I saw the numbers climbing. If you plan to drive any great distances, you'll need to pay toll fees for the tunnels. The easiest way to do this is to apply online for the HKeToll sticker, which, once registered to your vehicle, can autopay any tolls linked to your credit card. This also carries a cost, albeit a small HK$50. Tolls in Hong Kong range from HK$20 to HK$60 depending on what time you use them. You're probably asking yourself why anyone would want to pay all that money, just to dodge dangerous taxi drivers and sit in traffic. If you're anything like me, driving is one of life's great joys. Get yourself a fun little car and you'll put a smile on your face and a skip in your step. If you've lived in Hong Kong for a decent amount of time, it can start to feel quite small but having a car can open up the city like a blossoming flower. We now take day trips to Kadoorie Farm, Tai Lam Chung Reservoir and beaches all over Hong Kong. There is no greater feeling than climbing back into your own car after a long day exploring, getting the aircon cranked up and knowing you, not the bus captain, are the master of your route and ETA! We have a dog, and previously needed to take a taxi if we wanted to take him anywhere exciting A trip to Kam Tin Country Club by a pet-friendly Uber runs to HK$600 for a return trip. Even without a pup in tow, taking public transport to beautiful spots like Sai Kung easily takes an hour-and-a-half and involves changing transportation. With your own wheels, you can be there in 50 minutes and have fun in the process - get the tunes turned up, the roof down and enjoy the ride. Sometimes, life isn't about being sensible. A sensible person wouldn't spend upwards of HK$40K a year just to go for an evening drive with the kids and dog. Car ownership in Hong Kong, and especially DB, is a foolhardy pursuit akin to boat ownership. But then so is owning a dog. You struggle to go on holiday, you can't leave them alone for extended periods, groomers are expensive, they need endless walks, high vet bills. The list is endless. But l adore my dog, and l wouldn't change him for the world. I also love my car, I just wish I could park it a bit closer to home.

He's eight, he loves maths and he's already a Hong Kong chess champion. Meet Shayne Meng Xiangyi, a young player with big ambitions and a world of chess ahead of him. Elizabeth Kerr reports PHOTOS BY Andrew J.C. Spires & courtesy of Shayne Meng Xiangyi There is nothing out of the ordinary about eight-year-old Shayne Meng Xiangyi. It's a normal weekday after school, and he's showing off his typical kids' bedroom in his Discovery Bay home. His desk and bookshelves are overflowing with trophies, medals and awards, and books are crammed into every nook. What is out of the ordinary is that Shayne's hardware is mostly chess prizes from nearly 100 tournaments he's been in since he started playing when he was just five. Well, chess and a few for maths. They go together after all. After the impromptu tour, which includes pointing out a framed photograph of his idol, Chinese grandmaster and 2023-24 World Chess Champion Ding Liren, he sits down at the dining table, not fidgety but maybe a little uncertain. Shayne is currently the Hong Kong SAR U8 Junior Chess Champion, a title he picked up in January. That win was his ticket to a summer spent flying all over for various prestige tournaments, starting with the FIDE World Cadets Cup U8 to U12 in Georgia last June. "The Georgia in Europe. Not the Georgia state," he says matter-of-factly. As Hong Kong's sole representative, Shayne placed 18th among 118 U8 players from around the world, setting a new best-ever result for a Hong Kong player in the event. Shayne was born in DB, where his parents relocated after years on Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, looking for a better pace of life. They're elsewhere in the flat, giving Shayne a little bit of space. His independence shows in how he warms up to a chat about just starting Grade 4 at Discovery College, his strong subjects (Chinese and maths), and how he's "horrible" at art. There's some ribbing about his disastrous singing and terrible drawing, which makes him giggle like the little boy he is. He talks about playing ping-pong when he hangs out with friends ("I'm okay at it, I guess") but ask him about chess and he sparks to even more life. "I learnt Chinese chess first, and really liked it. I was in the hospital, and my mom brought in some board games," he recalls (he had pneumonia). That led to what Shayne calls standard international chess, and the discovery of Ding online somewhere ("| think so, but I'm not sure."). He was instantly engrossed by the game. Next came Caissa Hong Kong Chess Club because, as Shayne says of his parents, "Oh, they don't know how to play." There's laughter of agreement from the next room. Mum and dad are big fans of staying out of Shayne's spotlight, admitting they support his passion in whatever way they can, at his request, and they will as long as he enjoys it. His love of chess is more crucial than winning medals. To say Shayne is out of the ordinary is inaccurate; it may be more like extraordinary. He talks like any eight-year-old. He "umms" and pauses, and frequently gives politely clipped "yes" responses but ask him what it is about a millennium-old strategy game that appeals to him and it opens the floodgates. "It's all calculations, which is why I like math too. And I like making my brain feel tired," he begins, before launching into an explanation of his preference for the standard game. "There's a big difference in the board and the pieces between Chinese chess and international chess. It has an extra piece. Chinese chess doesn't have a Queen at all, and the King has very limited squares. So does the bishop, and pawns move forward, but when they cross half the board, they can move sideways, but only one square." Barely taking a breath, he downplays the value of the Queen, and talks traps and stalemates. He prefers a slow game to flashy rapid and blitz styles. Shayne is very serious about his chess, but he has an understated sense of humour that makes it easy for him to poke fun at himself. The spoils of his victories from the summer just passed are on the table too, and he details what the medals represent: 18th place at the FIDE World Cadets Cup in Georgia; 10th place at the Asian Youth Chess Championships in Shenzhen; first place at Hong Kong's Asian Rapid Chess Championship; second place at the Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championship in Hainan with a third finish in rapid and a 10th in blitz. "See," he says, rolling his eyes. "I told you I'm not good at speed chess." Shayne may be young, but his ambitions are already firm. His goal is to be a chess grandmaster and world champion. He's taking some cues from Ding, who started his climb to chess dominance in U10 tournaments and who Shayne has met twice, in Singapore and in Hong Kong; but there are a lot of steps between where he is and where he wants to go. He's beaten countless players older and more experienced than he, but he brushes that off with a generous, "l beat an older man from Italy, at a tournament in Thailand, but older and experienced doesn't mean anything to your level of play." Shayne is playing with some of China's best, but knows he can be better. "I'm definitely not the type of person who just likes attacking on the board. I'm pretty defensive, but I'm also pretty alert. I still have to understand these positions, so my coach is working on it. We're also working on playing a little bit faster." His coach is Netherlands native and international master Matthew Tan, who ironically didn't want to place five-year-old Shayne in a regular class, arguing he was too young and should be having fun with the kindergarten-aged players. Scheduling made that tricky so he relented with "sink or swim" resignation, only to be amazed by Shayne's talent, drive and passion - which he indulges everywhere, including on family vacations. He's dragged his parents into more than one Barcelona bar or Melbourne park to play anyone who's around. Outside factors and opportunity will play roles, but Matthew has no doubt Shayne has the potential for grandmaster status. "He's way ahead of where I was at his age, and back then I was regarded as a big talent. He has more talent than | had," Matthew adds by telephone. "We're just going to keep working, and make sure that he enjoys the road that he's on. If he can stay motivated to continue, I have high hopes for him." For the time being, Shayne is focusing on defending his title, sort of. He'll be moving up to U10 at the Hong Kong Juniors in January, and this time he'll be on the younger end of the field. It's easy to forget he's eight when he talks chess, but then he gets a kid's gleam in his eye when he shows off a prized assortment of chess boards from different parts of the world. A South African edition with the Big Five for pieces, an Uzbek version constructed out of traditional clothing. Plenty of kids have plans brewing for the future at eight, be it for pop stardom, or medicine, or the classic firefighter. What are Shayne's? He barely pauses before replying. "I don't have any. Only chess." And checkmate.