Finding Something Special
SOUR GRAPES COLUMNIST: This month Robert Rees sings the praises of a delicious red to add to your cellar.
One of the best surprises to be had in Piedmonte is discovering labels from the best producers that are not their most famous ones. Examples such as Angelo Gaja`s Langhe Chardonnay which brings tears to my ears every time somebody else orders it. Or the likes of Pecchenino’s Dolgi Dolcetto or Elio Altare`s Langhe Nebbiolo. When these lesser labels come from the best producers, that all important fine imprint and flourish of skill, shines through even the most humbly priced wines. Simply put – the producers have too much to lose by putting something out that is sub-standard to the brand. So it’s this sector that sometimes makes for clever buying – and this is what brings me to today’s blue-eyed-boy of a buy…
Pelissero Barbera d`Alba Piani 2014 comes off the back of a stunning 2013 vintage, which was kissed by Piedmonte angels. After something so delicious, I was steeling myself for a less impressive new release. However, we saw the 2014 at Vinitaly in Verona and I can safely it passed the test with flying colours. Tasting in Vinitaly is something akin to a Black Ops Call of Duty, where one dons fighting gear and an attitude to match. It’s the only way to survive covering about 500 wines in four days. So when a wine stands out in this milieu, there really is a story to tell.
Despite the rigours of battle back in Verona, the Pelissero Barbera d`Alba Piani 2014 stood out as fruit forward, kind of circular in the mid palate and a little short. Suffering from all three of these characteristics myself, it presented no challenge to the buying process as the wine is modestly priced, and after five successive years of making the grade, it’s a major seller in its own right.
My notes for the 2013 were that it was more about sweet and soft fruit than tannic structure. It’s these characteristics that probably explain why the 2013 was such a mammoth commercial success.
A second tasting back in the glass bubble when the 2014 sat next to the 2012 and 2013 was when I was sure that we were onto a good thing. The 2014 was confident but held its waters in a more dignified style. Once I got over my internal tantrum about why life in Piedmonte is so very much nicer than anywhere I care to think of, and my disbelief at how winemaker Giorgio Pelissero possibly managed to get through an enormous plate of pasta amatriciana without even creasing his spotlessly white shirt, my notes from that day seemed clear that 2014 was a major step-up.
This past week was my third run at the wine. It sat next to a bunch of other Italian reds at about $6 more expensive than the rest of the line-up. I believe you would have to look far and wide to find a stronger justification for pushing the boat just a little further out than usual.
The black fruit weaves seamlessly amongst sweet tobacco leaf, white pepper corns and what I can only tag as what coal should taste like if it tasted how it looks. Weird I know, but its glossy depths and silky form fits the bill. The tannic form is all grown up; it allows the fruit to sing to the rafters but also assures the drinker that this wine is no casual jaunt in the school bus. It’s radiantly impressive; with a bend of both whimsy and gravitas that deserves serious acclaim.
Robert Rees runs Sales and Marketing for wineexchangeasia.com. Originally South African, he lived in Sydney for a decade before moving to Singapore. (Views expressed do not reflect the views of the company).
Perimenopause: The Facts
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What is ‘perimenopause’?
Perimenopause means “around menopause.” It is a phase in a woman’s life marked by alterations in the quantity and frequency of oestrogen production, which is the main female hormone produced by the ovaries. As the ovaries become depleted of eggs and bleeding episodes become more erratic, perimenopausal woman may encounter numerous physical manifestations.
When does it happen?
Perimenopause occurs well before officially hitting menopause. In fact women enter this stage up to 8 to 10 years ahead of menopause. Women are most commonly in their 40s, but this can start as early as the late 30s.
Perimenopause has the potential to become a difficult period in a woman’s life. It is important that each woman attempts to understand the alterations that her body is undergoing and attempt to proactively manage these physiological changes. These symptoms can at times be intense, thus interfering with everyday activities and relationships.
Menopause officially marks the end of female reproduction and is recognized when a woman has not had a period for 12 consecutive months.
What are the symptoms?
- Irregular periods. Due to irregular production of oestrogen, periods tend to be heavier or lighter than normal as well as erratic.
- Hot flushes is an episodic sensation of heat rising over the neck and facial areas of a woman’s body, followed by profuse sweating..
- Breast tenderness. Oestrogen-induced fluid retention in the breasts increases due to the increased interval between ovulations.
- This can be caused by night sweats and disturbed sleep leads to irritability and fatigue during the day.
- Weight gain. The erratic production of oestrogen can lead to fluid retention as well as increased appetite leading to women gaining a significant amount of body fat.
- Fertility issues. There is a higher rate of miscarriages and difficulties conceiving. As a result of erratic menstrual cycles, women tend not to use contraception, leading to unplanned pregnancies.
- Loss of bone density. Oestrogen is involved in bone metabolism and diminished levels increases the risk of osteoporosis.
- Mood changes such as mood swings, depression and anxiety. This can put a strain on interpersonal relationships.
- Alterations in cholesterol levels may predispose a woman to heart disease.
- Decreased libido is usually due to diminished levels of testosterone produced by the ovaries.
- Vaginal pain during intercourse.
- Bladder problems including urinary frequency, incontinence and an increased rate of urinary tract infections.
What can you do?
Management of the perimenopause is largely dependent on the severity of symptoms. The following are seen as positive steps to alleviate symptoms:
- Stop smoking
- Get more sleep and try going to sleep and waking up at the same time each day
- Drink less alcohol
- Get to a healthy weight and stay there
- Get enough calcium in your diet
- Ask your doctor if you should take a multivitamins
Other treatments available to help with the various symptoms of perimenopause may include antidepressant medications for mood swings.
Talk to your doctor about your specific symptoms and goals of treatment. This will help him or her make a plan that is right for you. These may vary from conservative measures to pharmacological treatment.
Dr Vinu Sahlén is based at IMC Camden. Call 6733 4440 to make an appointment.
In Conversation With …
Often we need to be inspired by someone’s great story, how they overcame struggles and flourished. These uplifting tales either help us put our day-to-day woes into perspective or help us rise to the occasion when we’ve been hit by something truly life-changing.
One such story is going to be shared during next month’s In Conversation With event at the Hollandse Club. GEMS World Academy (Singapore) and ANZA Cycling will welcome Justin Morris – Athlete, Speaker, Mentor and Coach – as he shares his life experiences.
After receiving a diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes at age ten, Justin’s dreams and goals in life were threatened. Turning to cycling to help him cope quickly proved to not only be beneficial but also the start of a successful pro cycling career. Justin spent five years as a professional in road cycling, travelling the world racing his bike. Dealing with the challenges of sport and diabetes across five different continents has given Justin a wealth of stories and knowledge about dealing with challenges on and off the bike.
Justin continues to fuel his competitive streak with multi-day mountain bike racing for team Subaru-marathon MTB.com, having achieved podium finishes at The Crocodile Trophy, The Simpson Desert Bike Challenge, The Pioneer in New Zealand and The Mongolia Bike Challenge.
Since 2011 Justin has complemented his cycling career with sharing a message of hope, empowerment and overcoming adversity to audiences internationally.
In collaboration with GEMS World Academy (Singapore) and ANZA Cycling, we would like to invite you to a fascinating evening conversation with Justin Morris, a former professional cyclist with Team Novo Nordisk. An incredible story of perseverance and resilience in the face of Type 1 Diabetes, Justin’s journey will be enlightening.
Don’t miss this evening of good company, good food and great conversation with a truly inspiring speaker.
Friday 2 March, from 7pm at the Hollandse Club, Jax Bistro. Register your interest here.
ANZA Cycling Awards 2017
ANZA CYCLING: Megan Kinder reflects on the annual ANZA Cycling Awards.
Over 100 ANZA Cycling members and their families attended the 2017 awards event, celebrating a record number of 53 nominees across the various categories. Not only do the awards cover the different event disciplines, but it also recognises those members who exemplify the values of both the sport and the ANZA group. Congratulations to all those who have helped make ANZA Cycling a great sporting club!
MTB CYCLIST OF THE YEAR
Female Nominees: Yin Xiao Wu, Liesbeth Kanis, Hilke Rode and Stephanie Lim.
Each of the nominees got down and dirty hitting the trails, going out with the weekly MTB rides and also taking part in various events. It proved too hard to isolate an individual winner so the award was given to two equally talented women.
Winners: Hilke Rode & Liesbeth Kanis
Hilke was placed in the top 20 in the women’s cat at Cape-to-Cape, WA; whilst Liesbeth showed true determination by taking the yellow jersey and winning the Vietnam MTB women’s category.
Male Nominees: Nick Richmond, Jonas Trindler, Marcin Szot, Sef Campbell, Arran Pearson & Chris Rawlings.
This was a tightly contested field with some fantastic results from all the guys throughout the year!
Winner: Marcin Szot
Marcin has been a committed and regular rider of the ANZA Cycling MTB weekly rides and always keen to hit the trails with other members of the club or on his own. Throughout 2017 Marcin raced in Poland, Australia, Singapore and Malaysia, in races ranging from one-day to multi-day events. He did a great job in the Cycosports Jungle Cross Series with podium results there as well.
ROAD CYCLIST OF THE YEAR
Female Nominees: Lizzie Hodges, Vicki Goodwin, Shlomit Sorek, Andrea Ferschl & Gillian Hatch
Winner: Andrea Ferschl
Andrea’s 2017 results included: 1st in GC, QOM in GC; 1st in ITT; 3rd in Stage 2 & 1st in Stage 3 in Tour de Phuket; 1st Tour de Barelang; 1st OCBC TTT; and 2nd in the 2017 OCBC Cycle series (despite missing the last few races). Her results also helped ANZA Cycling claim fifth place in the team category. Andrea has now left Singapore but it did not stop her from taking this award. In true ANZA Cycling spirit, she’s now organising a 2018 offshore training camp in Spain for our members.
Male Nominees: Frank Raynaerts, Michael Koreneff, Steven Wong, Peter Williamson & Håkon Vestby
Winners: Frank Raynaerts & Steven Wong
Frank’s results; 3rd in Stage 2 of the Tour de Phuket; 2nd in cat for Tour de Bintan; 3rd in Tour De Barelang (6 Bridges); 1st in cat Nongsa Challenge; and 7th in the 2017 OCBC Cycle race series.
Steven was 1st in Nongsa; 2nd in the 2017 OCBC Cycle series; podium in multiple Crit races and was also named Singapore’s Mens’ Veteran National Road Champion 2017.
TRIATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Female Nominees: Shlomit Sorek, Kim Bradley, Petro Kuiper, Donna McWilliams, Liz Reynolds & Rachel DuBois.
The women nominated in this category covered events including Ironman, Ironman 70.3, Ultra Marathon (Comrades), road cycling and running races.
Winner: Rachel DuBois
Rachel had an amazing year not only cycling with ANZA but in competing in the following events; Cairns Ironman (her 1st), Cebu 70.3 – Age Group 8th place; and Langkawi 70.3 – Team 1st place.
Male Nominees: Jason DuBois, Rob Kelly, Haytham El-Ansary, Scott Leadbetter, Trent Standen, Dan Fay & Colin O’Shea
Our nominees competed in countless Ironman, Ironman 70.3, Olympic, Sprint and Duathlon events around the globe. On top of that, there have been marathons run, road events raced and ANZA getaways enjoyed.
Winner: Jason DuBois
Jason competed in; OCBC TTT Sport Masters Duo (awarded 1st with Dan Fay); Cairns Ironman, Cebu 70.3 – Age Group 10th place; Langkawi 70.3 – Age Group 2nd place; Phuket 70.3 and then finished off the year with an excellent run in the Standard Chartered Marathon. Jason has also very fittingly just joined the Committee as our new Triathlon Director!
MOST IMPROVED CYCLIST OF THE YEAR
Female Nominees: Claire Scott-Bardwell, Lisa Archbold, Carmen Fay & Shlomit Sorek
All of our nominees participated in races throughout the year and also joined in on many
of the weekday and weekend rides.
Winner: Lisa Archbold
Lisa has seen great improvements on her endurance and speed on the bike. 2017 saw Lisa enter her first race, The OCBC TTT in which she, along with her team, finished 3rd. She has also taken on some longer rides with an ANZA Cycing trip over to Bintan and numerous RTI’s throughout the year as well as appearing as a regular on the WC+, FFF and Kranji weekly rides.
Male Nominees: Ed Yue, Chris Hammond, Sofiane Behraoui, James Walls, Chris Bloch & Glenn Murphy
Each of these guys had come along leaps and bounds last year. Not only with skills, speeds and distances travelled but also in taking on new disciplines (triathlon and MTB).
Winner: Chris Bloch
Chris’ speed, power and endurance all significantly improved throughout 2017 and he really made an effort to get into every aspect of the club and the sport. He competed in Duathlons, ridden the Tour de Barelang and is a regular on weekday and weekend rides as well as putting in great appearances at all the social functions!
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO THE CLUB
Nominees: Mike Koreneff, Lizzie Hodges, Bruce Swales, Megan Kinder, Mark Onderwater & Trent Standon
This category was jam-packed with nominees who stepped up and made significant contributions to numerous rides, activities, trips and events throughout the year. A huge thanks to each and every one of these club members, who volunteered their time and enthusiasm, injecting a true sense of community and camaraderie into the Club, both on and off the road.
Winners: Lizzie Hodges & Mike Koreneff
Lizzie’s tireless efforts to open up the world of cycling and racing to more women are both admirable and inspiring. Leading by example, Lizzie is always the first to sign up for rides and events and gently persuade those around her to also give it a go. As capable as she is of racing off and gaining glory, she’s also incredibly attuned to imparting skills and encouraging those new to the sport and has been a frequent volunteer for the newcomer’s Induction Ride as well as a great conduit between the club, the SCF and local race organisers.
Mike was incredibly active throughout 2017, championing local cycling events, organising club trips and volunteering to run skills workshops, in addition to racing his way to success in many events across the region. His phenomenal enthusiasm and his encouragement and support for those who are new to the sport have made him a truly outstanding club contributor.
CLUB MEMBER OF THE YEAR
Nominees: Mike Koreneff, Megan Kinder, Peter Williamson, Tim Rixon & Chris Hammond
Much in the same vein as ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Club’, this award recognises members who have gone the extra mile in making our Club the great cycling and social community that it is.
Winner: Chris Hammond
Chris truly embodies the spirit of the club, having been an incredibly active member since joining. He is a regular attendee of the weekly rides, covering both the morning road routes and the night-time MTB trails. Whenever he can, he joins the bunch for the all-important post-ride coffee! He’s traveled on club trips, attended social drinks nights and club brekkies and competed in triathlon, MTB events and road events both locally and throughout the region. To top it off, he’s a ‘good all-round bloke’ making him the kind of fellow everyone wants to ride with!
Interested in coming out for a ride? ANZA Cycling runs a Newcomers’ Ride on the first Saturday of each month. Click here to register.
Soul Fuel
SOUL FUEL COLUMNIST: Introducing ANZA member and holistic wellbeing author, consultant and educator, Kim Forrester – ANZA Magazine’s brand new columnist.
In the coming months, I will be sharing a regular column with you, right here in the ANZA magazine. And I will be doing so for one, vital reason: to help you appreciate that you are not a machine.“Of course I’m not a machine!” you say. “I’m a living, breathing human being!” But the trouble is that much of what you have been taught about yourself – much of what you have come to believe is true – is based on this exact premise. That you are a machine; predictable, programmable and logically perfect.
The science we build our lives upon today arose around 400 years ago. This was the beginning of the Industrial Age and machines were starting to revolutionise the world. Perhaps not surprisingly, scientists of the time began to envision the universe as a giant clock, animals as mindless, mechanical objects and humans as nothing more than an intricate piece of engineering.
As this thinking progressed, anything that was not physical, tangible or explained by mechanics was deemed to be impossible or purely imagination. We learned to deny a vital part of ourselves; the intangible sense of self; the instinctive knowing; the connection with something grander and wiser. This may be known as the soul to many people, or perhaps chi, mana, prana or life force.
Thankfully, there is a new science emerging and it is not just dissolving all that we know about the universe, it is also urging us to reconnect with the non-physical side of ourselves; the soul or essence that was lost long ago. Put simply, quantum physics is revealing a universe that is not like a machine at all – it is not solid, not static and certainly not predictable!
In fact, physicists now know that our solid universe is only a tiny percentage of what is real. We can only see and measure 4.6% of what makes up the universe – more than 95% of the universe is made of energies and influences beyond our comprehension.
“What does this all mean?” you ask. It means that the side of you that you have been told doesn’t exist is more probable and more real than the limiting machine-like persona you have been turned into.
And it means that, while you attend to all the various challenges and demands of expatriate life – the banks, schools, social circles, and paperwork – it is also abundantly necessary for you to nurture the non-physical needs of yourself, and those you love.
For the past 16 years, I have lived the life of the nomad. I have struggled, searched, thrived, fallen apart and found myself numerous times, and I know that you will too. So, out of a deep compassion for you all, and a longing to help you live fully and heal deeply, I offer you my monthly column.
How are you? How can you find purpose? What does happiness mean to you? These are questions I aim to ponder with you in the months ahead. And so, to the Column…
There is something deeply compelling about the beginning of the year and the promise it brings for all things new – whether it be new projects, new resolutions, new homes, or new friendships. However, it’s important to acknowledge that for many expats, the New Year is often also a time of letting go of the old: of saying goodbye, of loss and sadness.
So, as you launch into 2018 and all the beginnings of the New Year, I also encourage you to pay attention to where you, or others around you, may be dealing with ‘endings’ and take simple steps to ensure this time of transition is as smooth, and healthy,
as possible.
BE OKAY WITH BEING LOW
Stiff upper lip. She’ll be right. We all know the phrases that imply that, if you’re feeling low, it’s best to just toughen up and get on with life. But, if you are dealing with some form of ending, it’s natural and perfectly okay for you to be experiencing a low mood and/or low energy. If you are in the midst of an ending, allow yourself the freedom to feel what you feel.
Note: If your low mood continues or deepens, you become unable to feel joy or happiness, or you develop anxiety or harmful thoughts, please seek help from a trusted medical practitioner. You are precious and deserve to be both happy
and healthy.
GIVE YOURSELF A SET TIME TO REBALANCE
If you have just completed something significant – perhaps you have farewell-ed (another) beloved friend, sent a child to school abroad or finished a long-term job or project – there will be a very real impact on your daily schedule and, probably, your daily sense of purpose. It’s okay if you want to retreat for a while and give yourself time to recalibrate … just don’t make the break indefinite. Set a timeframe (“I’m going to lie low ‘til Easter; I’m giving myself six months before I start again”) and, ideally, get a family member or friend to hold you accountable. By creating a finite period for personal retreat, you will be better able to make the most of this rest time and you will not wallow longer than is healthy for you.
START AGAIN
As with everything else in nature, our lives are often cyclical. So, as tiresome as it can feel, don’t resist the opportunity to start again. As soon as your retreat period is over, take bold steps to create something ‘new’ in your life. This may be as simple as inviting a new acquaintance for drinks, or launching an ambitious new project.
Every expat is familiar with ‘new beginnings’, but do remember that every beginning also involves an ending. Most importantly appreciate that we, as expats, rely on each other for support. If you have a child, friend or acquaintance that you know is dealing with an ending or loss, reach out. Be there for them, and help guide them through the healing process, outlined above.
Kim Forrester is a holistic wellbeing author, consultant and educator. kimforrester.net
5 Reasons why Air-conditioning Servicing is Important
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While many people are happy to make the investment into installing an air-conditioning unit in Singapore, many fail to make the right investment into maintaining it properly. Like a vehicle, air conditioning units have a lot of moving parts and they need to be maintained in order for them to function properly. To get the best out of your air conditioning unit in Singapore for years to come, you need to maintain it and herein we explore the five main reasons why servicing is important.
1 – Lower running costs
Very simply, an air conditioning unit will cost less to run when it is in good condition. When the unit is running properly and is correctly insulated it will cost less to cool your property because it will be more effective. Regular maintenance and cleaning will also help to prevent the need for major repairs and replacements that will massively increase your running costs.
2 – Healthy air
An air conditioning unit does more than keep your home cool and it will also help to improve the air quality in your home. By pushing the air through filters before it enters into your home the dirt and bacteria will be removed before you breathe it in. You will need to get the filters cleaned and maintained to stop them from developing mould and spreading bacteria, however.
3 – Prolonging life-span
A well-maintained air conditioning unit will last longer and they can keep running effectively for 10 years or more when they are properly maintained. When the installation costs of a new air conditioning unit are taken into account the maintenance costs to keep your unit running are tiny in comparison. Making a regular investment into prolonging the life of your unit will save you a great deal in the long run.
4 – Efficient running
A well-maintained unit will run more efficiently and studies have shown that they can become as much as 20% less efficient when they are not cleaned and maintained. Aside from the increased electricity costs of running a machine that is so much less efficient, this will also put more strain on the parts of the air conditioning unit as they will have to work harder to achieve the same result. All of this will combine to reduce the life-span of your air conditioning unit and drive your costs through the roof.
5 – Fewer and cheaper emergency repairs
All air conditioning units will need to undergo emergency repairs at one time or another, but a well-maintained unit will need to undergo fewer and they will be likely to be far cheaper. In the heavy months on usage during the summer repairs can be costly, but a well-maintained unit will often remain within warranty for longer and this can save you when repairs are needed. When you have your unit installed you should check the warranty conditions, which will often be extended if you have had a maintenance check carried out within a particular window of time.
Investing in the maintenance of your air conditioning unit in Singapore is essential in reducing your costs and ensuring that you are able to get the best from your unit. A well-maintained unit will be more efficient, cheaper to run and more effective at cooling your home too.
Looking for quality and affordable air conditioning service for your home or office? Contact Aircon Servicing Singapore for the latest AC servicing deals and promotions today!
Sartorial Nip & Tuck
MAD ABOUT FASHION COLUMNIST: Beck Dahl looks to start the year with a wardrobe cleanse – recommending tailors to make the old, new.
It’s that time of the year when we can regroup, hit refresh and breathe for a moment before the treadmill of life starts gathering pace. My aim is to keep a balanced stride this year. Any slower and I’ll struggle to gather momentum, any faster and I’ll feel like I’m going under. How am I going to achieve this steady, eight clicks on the running machine of life you ask? Mmm… by starting small I think.
First and foremost I’m starting with a To-Do List and a fairly large and comprehensive 2018 planner. It’s going to be broken into quarterly, monthly, weekly down to daily so I can visually see where my and the family’s year is headed. It’ll include all the important dates and events in the year. Like the global Spring/Summer Fashion Weeks, Fashion Revolution Events, ANZA’s ‘Mad About Fashion’ deadlines, fun runs I want to participate in… and of course, the long weekends, partner’s work trips (and fishing expeditions), school holidays, tennis comps and where the children need to be and when.
Next, is to rearrange my wardrobe – and I suggest you do a bit of a sartorial cleanse too to kick-start the year with good fashion intentions.
Group garments together (so you can see you don’t need five black t-shirts) and donate what you’ll never wear again; drop off everything that needs dry-cleaning; and finally go and have those garments altered that have been lingering in the back of the closet. I’ve made it nice and easy for you by offering up my list of recommended tailors in Singapore.
Finally, I’m going to get an idea of my weekly budget…this may not work for everyone but it’s my way of staying in control of money going out (the ‘coming in’ doesn’t seem to be half as buoyant). Those $10 notes I hand to the kids quickly add up, so I’ll be keeping track.
Right, I’m off to start my planner and I suggest you do the same… here’s to a fun, organised and productive 2018. Looking forward to the journey.
THE TAILORS THAT MEASURE UP
- May Tailors & Laundry
With 20 years’ experience and six branches scattered around Singapore you are sure to find someone to help. maytailor.com.sg - Michelle Alteration
For the maxi dress that you keep tripping on, here’s a convenient same-day, fuss-free service. #03-126 Far East Plaza - Jeansfix
Denim experts who know what to do to make those new jeans fit even better, fix your favourite pair and colour match the threads like new. jeansfix.com
NB: * A word of advice. Don’t take your favourite evening gown for alterations until you’ve tested the tailor with a ‘low risk’ garment.
Beck Dahl is a stylist and fashion lover living with her family here in Singapore.
Gong Xi Fa Cai!
TUCKERBOX COLUMNIST: Raelene Tan looks to the Chinese New Year – wherever you may be celebrating it this weekend.
The Lunar New Year of the Dog will be welcomed tomorrow, Friday 16 February. Many of us are conversant with Singapore-style activities, but what can we expect to see, and taste, at home in Australia and New Zealand on this auspicious occasion?
Universally, celebrations are similar, including spring-cleaning, decorating in red and gold colours, lion dances and firework displays, plus feasting with family and friends on traditional festive fare. Mandarins, or oranges, are exchanged between adults, while children look forward to receiving hongbao (red envelopes containing money).
Sizeable Chinese populations in Australia and New Zealand, dating back to the 1850s gold rush eras, mean that festivities are eagerly anticipated, even though Chinese New Year is not a public holiday in either country. Traditionally, celebrations continue for 15 days in the bigger Chinatown areas.
IN AUSTRALIA
Sydney’s Dixon Street precinct comes alive with outdoor markets featuring arts, crafts, calligraphy and food products, as well as food stalls. Martial arts, lion and dragon dances, a street parade and children’s activities are made even more festive by numerous colourful lanterns adorning shops and streets. Decorations include zodiac animals ingeniously formed using mahjong tiles.
Sydney Opera House was resplendent in red last year, the 21st anniversary of the celebrations, forming a wonderful backdrop to the firework display. Each year, a different Chinese province is represented, this year highlighting Henan, central China, with Shaolin monks, traditional opera and folk dancing.
In Little Bourke Street, Melbourne, a Great Dragon makes a majestic appearance, with a noisy and colourful lion dance following suit. Chinese New Year street markets are major attractions with traditional arts and crafts, cooking demonstrations, live music and dancing, with ‘mandatory’ lanterns adding to the scene, together with brilliant fireworks.
Other States also organise celebrations for everyone to enjoy. In an all-encompassing Aussie manner, festivities now also embrace Vietnamese, Korean and Thai cultures, among other Asian communities, making a wonderful cultural repertoire. This is reflected in supermarkets and shops by their stocks of food products and decorations.
At festive meals, customary dishes include yu sheng (raw fish salad), often using smoked salmon, chicken, whole steamed fish (representing abundance), noodles for long life, prawns (representing laughter), dumplings, roast pork and glutinous rice cakes. Crayfish makes it to many tables due to its auspicious red colour, blue swimmer crabs and mud crabs are popular, with Australian native herbs adding their unique flavours. Fusion fare is also gaining ground.
IN NEW ZEALAND
Auckland’s lantern festival has been a favourite for about 30 years, with hundreds of vibrant lanterns brightening the area around Sky Tower which is lit for the occasion in red and gold colours. Street stalls showcase produce, arts and crafts, alongside martial art displays, music, dancing, acrobats and lion dancers.
In Wellington, fireworks are looked forward to, plus a street parade, market stalls and sports.
In friendly Kiwi fashion, Lunar New Year also incorporates other Asian communities, making for diverse activities and tastes. Traditional festive food includes fish, chicken, noodles, oranges and vegetables, as well as sweet rice cakes. From Vietnam there may be banh chung and banh day (savoury rice cakes) and bamboo soup; from Korea rice cake soup and kimchi dumplings; plus Thai spring rolls, stuffed mushrooms, tea eggs and sweetly delicious desserts.
Gong Xi Fa Cai! Happy New Year!
Born in Adelaide, Raelene Tan is an etiquette consultant and food and travel writer. She has authored four books and has been a regular guest on radio and television.
Best Foot Forward
Christopher Bloch gives a non-runner’s recap of his maiden duathlon.
Nobody has ever accused me of being a ‘runner’ and to be honest, I know I’m not. I have been cycling for years, but running has never been my forte. Yet, I find myself on a perfect Singapore morning (i.e. not too hot or humid, yet), standing between the Kallang River and National Stadium on the starting line of my first ever duathlon – competing in the 30km category of the Metasport/Civil Service Club City60 Bike-Run Challenge.
After an old injury kept me in low-to-no impact sports for a decade, I resigned myself to staying out of the charity fun runs and 10kms that my friends were entering, and so my capacity for running dwindled more to the beer run variety. But after my wife raised the challenge to sign-up for a 5km earlier last year in Singapore (more than 10 years after my last ‘competitive’ run), I decided it was time to ease back into it.
At that time, a 3km run was a stretch, but within a few weeks, my legs remembered the rhythmic cadence and my breathing evened – though the profuse sweating in the Singapore heat may never disappear. I got myself around the course, and since then, have completed around half a dozen more 10kms. Hope was not lost. Confidence had been restored. All that good jazz.
Since joining ANZA Cycling back in 2016 and getting into a training regime with the club’s group rides, plus some chatty hill training sessions, my abilities on the bike have improved tenfold. Completing the Tour de Barelang in Batam earlier in 2017 and putting my sights on a few other regional events, I have become more accustomed to the feeling of getting myself to the threshold on the bike.
But what next? A triathlon? Nope. No. Uh-uh. Not ready for that. How about a duathlon? Hmm… that could work. Yes. I could do a duathlon.
D-DAY
Fast-forward to the starting line, and with the horn about to blow, I remind myself to check my ego and accept that half of my wave will leave me in their literal and figurative dust during the first 3.5km running leg. However, I will stick to my pace, make up as much time as I can during the 23km bike portion, and then do my best to hold my position for the final 3.5km run off the bike.
I manage to stick to my race plan for the first leg. I gulp down my pride as I watch 20+ runners stretch out ahead of me, but I feel good as we round the 1.7km mark at Rhu Cross, and pick up the pace ever so slightly, coming back over the Tanjong Rhu Footbridge and into the transition area at Arena Park in 24th position, with a 5:22/km average. Not too bad.
[18:47.39]
My first ever transition goes as smoothly (read: poorly) as I could expect. I swap my running shoes and hat for clipless cycling shoes and helmet as quickly as I can, grab my trusty steed from the rack, and awkwardly click-clack down the pavement to get out of the transition area and ride. I am on the bike after a clunky 2:58.81 transition.
[21:46.20]
The closed 23km road course from National Stadium to the Singapore Grand Prix F1 pit lane and back has several technical corners and a 1km sprint section providing some additional competition within the race. With this being my chance to gain some ground, I set a consistent pace for the two laps and reel in a number of other riders. I keep setting my sights on the next City30 bib number and focus on catching each person in turn. My strategy works, and I pull into the transition zone after the second lap with a time of 40:27.67 and an average speed of 34.1km/hr, putting me in sixth place on the bike. Now, I need to hold on for the final run.
[1:02:13.87]
My transition back into the running gear goes more smoothly than the first and I am back in stride in under two minutes.
[1:03:55.58]
The last segment, known (for obvious reasons) as the ‘run off the bike’, is something the veteran ANZA triathletes have warned me about. “Your legs will feel like tree stumps” and “It will take 1km for your legs to remember how to run” were a couple of the warnings I received. Unfortunately, due to work and other commitments in the run-up to the race, I had not actually had the chance to practice a ‘run off the bike’ – whoops.
Sure enough, not having experienced it before, a cramp emerges in my left calf just as I leave the transition area, leading to a very amusing trot while I try to stretch and shake out the cramp without stopping. With only 3.5km to go, I push through and go for it – tree stump-legs and all. My main focus is to try to keep as few runners from passing me, but with a much steadier pace of 6:06 min/km, I end up watching a couple of runners elude me. Coming back over the Tanjong Rhu Footbridge, I push myself to the finish line, and pull in with a final run time of 21:22.74, putting me in 27th for the second run.
[1:25:18.32]
After catching my breath and picking up my finisher’s medal, I shuffle over to the Live Results tent and print off my timing card to discover that I have managed to finish 11th. Very happy with the result, I treat myself to a complimentary massage and compression therapy from the sponsors and watch as the final participants came across the line.
If you told me a year ago that I would have competed in a duathlon, you would have garnered a few chuckles, but now I’m looking forward to the next one. Who knows? Maybe even a triathlon in 2018…
Interested in coming out for a ride? ANZA Cycling runs a Newcomers’ Ride on the first Saturday of each month. Register your interest here.
