M A G A Z I N E O F T H E M A R C O P O L O C L U B

QUARTER ONE 2009

Spin doctors: the custom-bike-makers + Treasure hunt in London + 24 hours in Beijing + Antique-map experts show the way + Cathay Pacifics new environment team

04 MESSAGE FROM THE CLUB

DEPARTMENTS

06 EXPLORE HONG KONG Mozart, movies and mementos

ASIAN IN-FLIGHT MEDIA LIMITEDManaging Director Peter Je ery +852 2850 4013 peterje ery@asianmedia.comHong Kong, Advertisement Director (Cathay Paci c) Teresa Ngai +852 3106 8133 teresa@asianmedia.com

ACP MAGAZINES ASIA LIMITEDUnit 604-5, 6/F, 625 Kings Road, Quarry Bay, Hong KongTel +852 3921 7000 Fax +852 3921 7099 Email cathay@acpmagazines.com.hkEditor in Chief William Fraser Chief Sub Editor Andy Gilbert Sub Editors Ellen Wong, Gloria Chow, Kathy Wang, Yam Yim Lan, Kylie Wong, John Cramer Designers Shaun Horrocks, Karen Chan, Gigi Lee Photo Editor Elisa Fu Production Manager Jimmy Tse Assistant Production Manager Chris Wong Chief Executive O cer Julie Sherborn Publishing Manager Alky Cheung

Printer: Paramount Printing Company Limited

The Club is published by Cathay Paci c Loyalty Programmes Ltd. (CPLP) Cathay Paci c The Marco Polo Club,PO Box 1024, Tsuen Wan Post O ce, Hong Kong. Tel +852 2747 5500 Fax +852 2537 9900. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of CPLP Ltd. All rights reserved. Copyright 2009 by CPLP Ltd. Opinions in The Club are the writers and not necessarily endorsed by CPLP Ltd. Manuscripts, photographs, drawings and other materials will not be returned unless they are accompanied by a self-addressed envelope and appropriate international postal coupons. The Club cannot be held responsible for unsolicited material.

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARDGrace Poon Mun Wong Ella Young

10 EXPLORE THE WORLD Perfumes, performances

and pampered pets

12 WHATS ON Rugby Sevens, fi lm festival

and botanical art

14 CHOICE Natural beauties: brown-chip

design classics

FEATURES

16 EXPERT ADVICE Find your way around the world

of antique maps

22 BESPOKE A properly fi tted customised

bike will take you a long way

28 24 HOURS From hutongs to hip hang-outs,

the once-forbidden city has it all

Phot

os. C

row

n: T

im G

raha

m

Get

ty Im

ages

; Map

:

Cour

tesy

of A

ltfi e

ld; S

culp

ture

: Mic

hael

Rey

nold

s

36 TRAVEL London treasure hunt:

Follow the money in the capital of capital

ON THE WING

44 INSIDE CX eStatements: the

greener, cleaner way to go

46 CLUB EVENTS The Marco Polo Club

Golf Classic and Christmas drinks with the Chairman

49 CX NEWS Mobile check-in, new amenity kits, Asia Miles award

2 THE CLUB

contents

MoMozazartrt, momovivieses a andnd m mememenentotoss

Get

ty Im

ages

; Map

:

: Mic

hael

Rey

nold

s

unt: n the

ub

w iles award

36

16

28

22

4 THE CLUB

M E SSAG E FROM TH E CLUB

I n my previous Message from the Club I mentioned that we continue to be com-mitted to improving our products and services at every opportunity. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step or so the saying goes. In these high-tech times it is quite likely that first step will be online. I would like to share with you some recent enhancements that we have made to our online services so that your journey can get off to the best start possible.

From 1 January we made Priority Awards available for instant online flights redemption. Redeemable for Economy Class seats on Cathay Pacific and Dragonair flights, the miles required to redeem a Priority Award are greater than for a normal Economy Class ticket, but then so is the priority of your confirmation. By redeeming a round-trip Priority Award or combining a one-way Priority Award with a Standard Award, you can enjoy added flexibility

when arranging your next redemption flight especially useful in peak travel periods.

Once your journey is booked, check-in is the next step. Online check-in continues to increase in popularity but now, when you travel with us, you no longer need to print out your check-in confirmation you can merely download it or email it to your mobile phone or PDA.

At airports equipped with Self Check-In Kiosks, simply scan your barcode to retrieve your boarding pass or, alternatively, show your confirmation to our check-in staff to be issued with your boarding pass.

We thought it would be even more conven-ient if you could print your own boarding pass before you come to the airport. Now you can. If youre flying from Hong Kong, London, Amster-dam, Paris, Frankfurt, Rome, San Francisco, Van-couver, Toronto, New York, Bahrain or Kuala Lumpur airports you can check-in online, choose your seat then print your boarding pass from any

computer with a printer. If you dont have check-in luggage you can go directly to your gate. If you do, just bring your bags to our Self Check-In Bag Drop Counter. I hope this helps to save you valu-able time when travelling with us.

We have also realised that it can sometimes be difficult to enjoy our online services when on the go so we have just introduced a new mobile site for Dragonair and enhanced the Cathay Pacific one.

Simply log on to m.dragonair.com or m.cathaypacific.com to check-in, check your mileage balance, access travel information, schedules, flight status and view important updates and special offers from your mobile phone or PDA. I hope these developments will enhance your journey with us.

May I take this opportunity to wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous Year of the Ox. Happy Chinese New Year.

Kung Hei Fat Choy!

e is for enhancementsKatie Rowen, Manager The Marco Polo Club

E XPLO R E H O N G KO N G

6 THE CLUB

Phot

os. T

his p

age.

Tic

ket:

EyeP

ress

New

s/Ey

ePre

ss. B

ruce

Lee

: AFP

/Get

ty Im

ages

. Fla

min

go: D

anny

Tong

.

Opp

osite

pag

e: O

rche

stra

: Cou

rtes

y of

HKP

O. O

ld H

K: P

oppe

rfot

o/G

etty

Imag

es

Mozart, movies and mementosTON UP FOR HONG KONG FILM Hong Kong cinema celebrates its 100th anniver-sary this year. The rst local movie was made in 1909, a comic short Stealing a Roast Duck. In the post-war years, Mandarin-speaking lms thrived in Hong Kong before Cantonese-language cinema came to the fore in the 1970s and Hong Kong cinema achieved international attention in the 1980s. Check out the Hong Kong Film Archive to see some of citys cinematic treasures. Hong Kong Film Archive, 50 Lei King Road, Sai Wan Ho, +852 2739 2139

www. lmarchive.gov.hk

CONSERVATION THE KEYKadoorie Farm and Botanic

Garden played an important role in educating local farmers about diversity and improving

their livelihood. The farm has shifted its focus to educate the

public about environmental issues. Its programmes include

nature appreciation, gardening and planting workshops and an

organic farmers market. The fl ora and fauna conservation activities include protecting

native orchids and rehabilitating birds of prey.

Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, Lam Kam Road,

Tai Po, New Territories+852 2483 7200

www.kfbg.org

FRAGRANCE OF THE REGIONThe fragrant owers of Michelia alba, which belongs to the magnolia family and is also known as white orchid tree, are blooming now. Originally from Southeast Asia, this evergreen tree has thrived in Hong Kong and can reach up to nine metres tall. In the past, women deco-rated their hair with the owers and pinned them on their clothes and taxi drivers sometimes still use them to scent their cars. The owers are also used as essential oils for the cosmetics industry. You can pick up some from street peddlers who often sell them in small packets.

Michelia alba

Bruce Lee takes on Chuck Norris in Way of the Dragon

Flamingo atKadoorie Farm

Ticket to the Tai Ping Theatre

THE CLUB 7

MOZART IN OUR CITY Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra continues its hugely popular Mozart in the City series with a concert sponsored by Cathay Paci c Airways. The programme centrepiece is Sinfonia Concertante K.364, Mozarts concerto for violin and viola. The performance, directed by concertmaster John Harding, also features Bachs Brandenburg Concerto No. 3, Bartks Divertimento and the Cantilena paci ca by contemporary Australian composer Richard Meale. Sinfonia Concertante, 10 and 11 April, Hong Kong City Hall, Central www.hkpo.com

LOCAL COLOURThe Hong Kong branch of the Royal AsiaticSociety regularly organises visits and lectures on cultural and historical topics. A lecture by Stanley Kwan on his recent book, The Dragon and the Crown: Hong Kong Memoirs, will be held on 6 March. Please visit the website for more events.

www.royalasiaticsociety.org.hk

FACETS OF LOVEJewellery has always been an expression of love and the

dazzling exhibition Le Grand Frisson, mounted by renowned Parisian jeweller Chaumet, includes national treasures, given

as declarations of love between royals, as well as sentimental items from private collections. Many pieces incorporate coded

messages. Le Grand Frisson, 31 March-30 April, Chaumet Boutique, St Georges Building,

2 Ice House Street, Central

www.chaumet.com

String theory: Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra

Pendant given by Elizabeth I to her cousin Lord Hunsdon cannon guard cupid (top)Diamond myrtle leaves, symbol of grace, love and virginity (far left)Ruby pendant created in the 1850s for Empress Eugnie (left)

Stanley Kwans The Dragon and the Crown

FABRIK OF SOCIETYEstablished by three private collectors in 2007, Fabrik Contemporary Art has brought the artworks of internationally known artists from around the world. It began with guerilla exhibitions, shows in tem-porary locations such as other private galleries and hotels, but it has now acquired its own gallery space.

Made in Japan, 4-15 March: Neo-pop Japanese artists Takashi Murakami, Chiho Aoshima, Aya Takano and Araki Tamana.

The Great British Show, 6-17 May: Damien Hirst, Chapman Brothers, Sam Taylor-Wood and Francis Bacon.

Room 412, 4/F Yip Fung Building, 2-18 DAguilar Street, Central +852 2525 4911

www.fabrik-gallery.com

Hong Kong old transport

Art work by Damien Hirst

aite

E XPLO R E H O N G KO N G

Phot

os. B

alle

t: Bi

ll Co

oper

. The

Tabl

e: L

. Gaw

rons

ki. O

rche

stra

: Mar

co B

orgg

reve

Karbido plays The Table

FESTIVAL OF ARTMusic, dance, theatre, opera. Contemporary and tradi-tional. Western and Eastern. The Hong Kong Arts Festi-val returns in February with a wide array of programmes, featuring 37 performing groups 29 from overseas and eight from Hong Kong. This is a rare chance for classical music- lovers

to enjoy performances by some of the worlds lead-ing orchestras: the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Britains Northern Sinfonia (considered Europes best chamber orchestra), the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra and the acclaimed Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, performing large-symphonic works by Austro-German masters.

A startling line-up of jazz and world music is also on offer: Chick Corea and John McLaughlin share the stage again four decades after playing in Miles Daviss band.

An outstanding array of contemporary dance is in store as well. Award-winning French actress Juliette Binoche and British star dancer-choreographer Akram Khan co-create, perform and direct In-I, exploring the universal topic of love and loving. Hong Kong Ballets All Bach is four numbers of sizzling modern ballet based on the music of Johann Sebastian Bach.

The Latvian National Opera stages two performances: Alcina, a baroque opera to commemorate its composer Handels 250th anniversary, and Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk, a 20th-century Russian masterpiece by Shostakovich.

Londons Lyric Hammersmith and Icelands Vesturport Theatre bring their eerie production of Kafkas Metamorphosis, which has enjoyed rave sold-out performances in Britain, Iceland and South Korea.

There are also choices for the family. The English National Ballet re-enacts Lewis Carrolls classical

surreal world with Alice in Wonderland. And the four-man group Karbido makes

music showing that a table is not only a piece of furniture but also can be an amazing wooden instrument that can produce a symphony of sounds drawing from African rhythms, Mongolian song and, yes, even Jimi Hendrix.

Hong Kong Arts Festival 6 February-8 Marchwww.hk.artsfestival.org

classical music- lovers by Austro-GermaA startling line-

offer: Chick Corea again four decade

An outstandingas well. Award-winand British star danco-create, performtopic of love and lofour numbers of simusic of Johann S

The Latvian NatAlcina, a baroque oHandels 250th ana 20th-century Rus

Londons Lyric HTheatre bring theiMetamorphosis, whperformances in B

There are also National Balle

surreal woAnd th

music sof furniwoodesymphrhythmJimi H

Hon6 Feww

Latvian National Operas Alcina

English National Ballets Alice in Wonderland

The Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra

8 THE CLUB

NEW LEASH OF LIFESince 1892, French luggage-maker Goyard has fashioned harnesses,

kennels and booties for dogs, cats and monkeys and has recently reconnected with its past. Just opposite the agship store, Goyards

new Parisian boutique is devoted to pets and picnics. Shoppers can nd a 24-piece picnic trunk alongside a diamant dog collar called

Diane (named after one of the Goyard familys hounds), a pet-carrying bag and travelling water or food bowls in a hard case.

www.goyard.fr

10 THE CLUB

E XPLO R EE XPLO R E TH E WO R LD

10 THE CLUB

E XPLO R E TH E WO R LDE XPLO R EE XPLO R E

Perfumes, performances & pets

CAPITAL IDEASPreviously the site of the American embassy

to the Qing Dynasty in the early 20th century, the 15,000-square-metre Legation Quarter in Beijing has been refurbished and rede-

veloped into a top dining, shopping and art venue. This is also where Michelin two-star chef Daniel Boulud opened his rst restau-

rant in Asia. The menu of Maison Boulud Beijing re ects the chefs French roots, with meats imported from suppliers worldwide but seasonal vegetables, herbs and mush-

rooms sourced locally.

www.legationquarter.comwww.danielnyc.com

PERFECT SCENTSGrasse is the centre of perfume-making in France, where the nest jasmines and

roses are grown, and home to a museum dedicated to perfume. Following four

years of renovation, the International Museum of Perfumery (Muse Inter-

national de la Parfumerie) has re-opened in this picturesque Provence town. The

display area has doubled and it has a beauti-ful new glass gallery and terrace gardens of botanicals used in fragrances. One centrepiece of the museums 50,000-piece collection is Marie-Antoinettes 80-kilogram

travel vanity case equipped with the many items necessary for the young queens

elaborate beauty regime.

www.museesdegrasse.com

The Bar at Maison Boulud Beijing

Lap dog of luxury

Old spice: Antiqueperfume flaconfrom Grassemuseum

Barr

ier r

eef p

hoto

: Mic

hael

Coy

ne

Axi

om R

M/G

etty

Imag

es

THE CLUB 11

BENCHMARK FOR A HOT SEAT Brahms sat on it to play his piano and Lenin perched on it writing his political manifestos. Millions of us are likely to spend hours on it drink-ing and chatting in cafs. Thonet No. 14 named after its inventor, German-born cabinetmaker Michael Thonet is believed to be the rst mass-produced chair and some 50 million had been sold by 1930. The bentwood chair was a favourite of Le Courbusier and remains a chair of choice for architects and interior designers. Celebrating the chairs 150th anniversary this year, Thonet GmbH in Germany is col-laborating with Japanese retailer Muji and contemporary designers to develop new interpretations of the classical model. The new collection will debut this spring.

www.thonet.de

ASLEEP ON THE REEFThe magic of the Great Barrier Reef doesnt stop when the sun goes down. Yet, due to its World Heritage listing, there is little opportunity for anyone to spend a night on the worlds greatest coral reef. Luckily, there is Reefsleep, part of Reefworld, a purpose-built pontoon moored at Hardy Reef. By day, its a launch pad for

Sleep on the reef

Caption caption caption caption

BEST SHOWS IN TOWNNothing is more quintessentially New York than watching a top-notch performer in an intimate setting in a famous cabaret room. Here are three legendary Manhattan rooms where you can get close to cool:

Located on the ground oor of the Carlyle Hotel, Caf Carlyle regularly stages jazz vocalist Steve Tyrell and German chanteuse Ute Lemper. On Mondays, lm-maker Woody Allen plays the clarinet with the Eddy Davis New Orleans Jazz Band.

www.thecarlyle.com/entertainment.cfm

Feinsteins on Park Avenue is a sophisti-cated cabaret club that mixes old-school cool and hipster appeal. The star is the great interpreter of the American song, Grammy nominee Michael Feinstein.

www.feinsteinsattheregency.com

The Oak Room Supper Club, opened in 1939, has been a launching pad for many stars, including Harry Connick Jr, Diana Krall and others. It is now home to entertainers such as jazz vocalist Paula West and cabaret performer Andrea Marcovicci.

www.algonquinhotel.com

Nice and easy:Michael Feinstein

Thonet No. 14 (unassembled,

below left)reserves a

seat in history

guided reef expeditions. But by night, it becomes a unique accommodation for six guests: a room for two with king-sized bed and a shared room with two sets of bunk beds.

www.fantasea.com.au/Reefworld/ReefSleep.aspx

WHAT S ON

Rugby Sevens, lm festival and botanical artUNTIL 13 APRIL LONDONANDREA PALLADIO: HIS LIFE AND LEGACY The Royal Academy of Arts in London celebrates the quincentenary of Italian architect Andrea Palladio with an exhibition of his original drawings, paintings and models. Hugely influential in Western architec-ture, Palladio (1508-1580) crafted a new architectural design derived from classical sources yet moulded it to meet the needs and aes-thetics of his age. His designs of town palaces and country villas influenced generations of Euro-pean and American architects.

www.royalacademy.org.uk

FEBRUARY/MARCH JAPANUME MATSURI (PLUM BLOSSOM FESTIVALS) Plum blossoms are among the first flowers to bloom in Japan and herald the start of spring. In February and March plum blossom (ume) festivals are held in parks, shrines and temples. The festival in Kairaku-en Garden in the town of Mito, an hour from Tokyo, is held between 20 February and 31 March.

http://gojapan.about.com/cs/japanesefestivals/a/umematsuri.htm

Phot

os. P

lum

: Get

ty Im

ages

. Pal

ladi

o: A

lber

to C

arol

o. W

arcr

aft:

Vaug

hn Yo

utz-

ZUM

A/Co

rbis.

Tige

r Woo

ds: T

imot

hy A

Cla

ry/A

FP-G

etty

Imag

es. R

ugby

Gal

lo Im

ages

/Get

ty Im

ages

.

Bota

nica

: Cou

rtes

y of

Frie

nds o

f the

Bot

anic

Gar

dens

.

2327 MARCH CALIFORNIAGAME DEVELOPERS CONFERENCEFrom its beginning as a meeting of 27 game designers in a Californian living room, the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco has become the worlds biggest event for

game industry professionals and insiders. More than 18,000 participants exchange ideas and network.

www.gdconf.com

22 MARCH13 APRIL HONG KONG THE 33RD HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL The Hong Kong International Film Festival not only screens exciting new films, but hosts special focus programmes. This year the focus is on Italian and Finnish cinema and the final part of the Ingmar Bergman retrospective which began last year. The festival also pays tribute to Film Workshop, a movie company founded by director

Tsui Hark and producer Nansun Shi that has produced classics such as A Better Tomorrow, A Chinese Ghost Story and

Once Upon a Time in China.

www.hki .org.hkBestseller World of Warcraft

Japanese plum

Once Upon A Time in China, The

Magic Flute and Moomins

Model of Villa Capra, known as Villa Rotunda

THE CLUB 13

2729 MARCH HONG KONGCATHAY PACIFIC/CREDIT SUISSEHONG KONG SEVENS The Hong Kong Sevens means party time. For three days, spectators from all corners of the globe will pack the 40,000-seat Hong Kong Stadium. Outrageous costumes, make-up in national colours and a determination to party hard during and after the games, are hallmarks of the Sevens. A total of 24 rugby teams, including defending champions New Zealand, will compete for the title. www.hksevens.com

21 APRIL15 JUNEHONG KONG LE FRENCH MAY Every year, Le French May brings French films, operas, music, dance and culture to Hong Kong. Organ-ised by the Consulate General of France and the Alliance Franaise, it has grown to be the largest French arts festival in the Asia-Pacific region. Since its inception in 1993, Le French May has presented more than 350 events.www.frenchmay.com

1726 APRIL SYDNEYBOTANICA 2009: FROM THE DESERT TO THE SEA Sydneys lush Royal Botanic Gardens is the perfect venue to showcase Botanica, an annual exhibi-tion dedicated to artworks of plants by Australias leading botanical artists. This years theme, From the Desert to the Sea, celebrates the diversity of plant life and habi-tats in Australia while focusing on the pressing issues of drought, water conservation and climate change. Entry is free and proceeds from the art-

work sales support the Botanic Gardens Trust.

www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au

APRIL UNITED STATES & CHINA THE US MASTERS/VOLVO CHINA OPEN

Many golf enthusiasts will argue that Georgia, USA, is the centre of their world. The Masters, held annually in Augusta, Georgia, is one of the four major championships. This years tournament, held from 9-12 April, will parade big stars such as Vijay Singh, Tiger Woods and Greg Norman. A

few days later, 16-19 April, Beijing will host the Volvo China Open, a mens golf tournament co-sanctioned by the European Tour and the Asian Tour.

Asian and European players will compete for USD2.2 million in prize money, one of the biggest prize pools in Asia.

www.masters.comwww.volvochinaopen.com

fg

THE CLUB 13

potanica, an annual exhibi-works of plants by Australias sts. This e Desert to e diversity

ing ter

matendrt-the

rust.

w.

Tiger Woods lines up at the US Masters

Protea sp dried seedhead by Elaine Musgrave

HONG KONG SEVENS The Hong Kong Sevens means party time. For three days,spectators from all corners of the globe will pack the 40,000-seat Hong Kong Stadium. Outrageous costumes, make-up in national colours and a determination to party hard during and after the games, are hallmarks of the Sevens. A total of 24 rugby teams, including defending champions NewZealand, will compete forthe title. www.hksevens.com

Sydneys lvenue to tion dedicleading byears thethe Sea, ceof plant liftats in Ausfocusing oissues of dconservatchange. Eproceeds

work saBotani

wwwgov.au

2008 champions New Zealand tackled by Wales

CH O I CE

14 THE CLUB

CH O I CE

14 THE CLUB

NATURALBEAUTIESDesigners are using wood in innovative ways to create everything from lighting to tableware.

HANG THE EXPENSEInject a dose of dynamism to your dining room with Luzifers new Onion lamp, an organically-inspired sculptural suspension bulb made out of layers of oak veneer strips.

www.lzf-lamps.com

CAPITAL IDEAMujis London-in-a-bag includes a wooden London Eye, Big Ben, BT Tower, a couple of skyscrapers and several cute-looking vehicles. Irresistible to adults and children.

www.muji.com

MEMORY GRAINAdd an idiosyncratic touch to your laptop with this memory stick handmade from pieces of wood selected for their natural beauty.

www.oooms.nl

THE CLUB 15THTHETHETHETHETHETHE CLCLCLCLCL CLCL CLCLCLUBUBUBUBUBUBUBUBUBUBUBUBUB 15

ONE FOR THE DOGSThis stylish dog bowl combines a square wooden frame with a stainless-steel, dishwasher-safe bowl inside.

www.mungoandmaud.com

THE X FACTORDesigned in 1958 using clean geometric lines, the X-frame table is a fi ne example of the work of Artek, the Finnish brand renowned for its durability and strong design. Choose from solid elm or oak or laminated birch and cherry woods.

www.artek.

HEAR THE WORLDWith built-in connection to the world wide web, Tivoli Audios Networks radio lets you tune in to any station in the world, near or far, mainstream or niche, in any language and in real time. It also comes in a choice of beautiful hardwood cabinets including cherry and walnut.

www.tivoliaudio.com

CLASSIC CHARMDesigned in 1946 and a classic in chair design, Eames moulded plywood lounge and dining chairs use thin sheets of lightweight veneer expertly sculpted to fi t the human body.

www.hermanmiller.com

E XPE R T ADV I CE

16 THE CLUB

THE CLUB 17

The four walls of Philip Doves office, high above Hong Kongs Victoria Harbour, offer an intriguing insight into the story of his life. You can explore his university town of Exeter in Britain, track his gap year travels through Africa and follow his international career stints in the United

States, Europe and Asia. But there isnt a photo or souvenir in sight. Instead, the walls are lined with the most beautiful and detailed antique maps. Doves lasting passion for such items is one hes quietly cultivated over the past two decades and was sparked by a chance graduation gift.

Since then, Ive made a point of collecting maps from places that hold an emotional signi cance for me, Dove says. My latest purchase has been a stunning map of Asia that dates from the mid 18th century. Of course, Hong Kong doesnt feature.

CharttoppersHong Kongs unique geographical position and colourful history make it a rich source for antique maps

Jonathan Wattis provides direction for map collectors

K A R E N P I T T A R A N D T A R A J E N K I N S

Phot

os: A

lan

Hin

dle

E XPE R T ADV I CE

18 THE CLUB

Dove didnt have far to go to source his latest acquisition. He bought the detailed map from one of Hong Kongs specialist antique map traders. Jonathan Wattis of Wattis Fine Art and Amanda Clark of Alt eld, both based in the citys Central district, are two of the citys leading experts. They sell maps by some of the earliest and most accomplished cartographers to clients around the world. Some of their finest are by map-makers including Abraham Ortelius, who compiled the rst world atlas in 1570, Alexander Dalrymple and Sebastian Mnster.

According to Wattis, the antique-map market is growing all

the time and Clark agrees there is a nite number of early maps that has survived the ravages of time and a growing number of people interested in them. Antique maps are fabulous historical documents, Clark says. You can own a Dutch map of Asia that was made in the late 1500s that must have been used and looked at by a Dutch merchant gentleman in Amsterdam. They survived in portfolios and libraries of the well o , so that 500 years later you have a beautiful, often very decorative and colourful work of art that started life as a practical tool.

When youre dealing with a delicate and precious piece of history, its important to know what you are doing. So what do the experts recommend? Firstly, all agree its a good idea to read up on the subject and there are some excellent books on the market (see the box on page 20).

Wattis says its also important to buy from collectors or at auction. Go to an antique-map dealer who knows his subject and is prepared to share. If you nd a cheaper map on the Inter-net, theres probably something wrong with it or its damaged.

Amanda Clark: plotting a course for collectors (above)

Asia by Blaeu, circa 1655 (middle)

Chinae by Ortelius, circa 1612 edition (right)

Phot

os: A

man

da C

lark

: Ala

n H

indl

e. A

sia

and

Chin

ae m

aps c

ourt

esy

of A

ltfie

ld.

Righ

t: Ki

ngdo

m o

f Chi

na c

ourt

esy

of Jo

nath

an W

attis

THE CLUB 19

ANTIQUE MAPS ARE FABULOUS HISTORICAL

DOCUMENTS

You have to be very careful. With a dealer, if theres something wrong, hell generally take it back.

Clark says its vital to properly assess the condition of the map. Is the paper still strong, not brittle, and is the ink still fresh and clear, not faded? Also is it an early print so that the image is crisp and not blurred, as it may be from a late pressing when the copper plate was worn down. Some collectors only like the black-and-white ink prints, with no colour added. Some like them with original thick watercolour added at the time of

A N T I Q U E M A P S O F H O N G K O N G A N D A S I A

Altfields Amanda Clark says Hong Kong is a natural choice for an antique-map dealership because of its history as a trading port at a time when maps and sea charts were working tools. In many ways the harbour and our history of shipping and trading is still at our heart, she says. Our unique location as a gateway to China, positioning in Asia and colonial past makes the history of the area particularly interesting.

She explains that the dawn of the Western age of exploration, with historic circumnavigations by voyagers such as Magellan, Diaz and Drake, led to the first attempts at mapping Asia. This was a region hitherto known only through exotic tales of a few merchants and seafarers, and information from Jesuit missionaries in India and China.

Wattis says German cartographer Sebastian Mnster (1448-1552) is a good starting point for collecting maps of Asia. Mnsters maps were published in a number of editions, Wattis says, and from time to time single-page hand-printed ones become available.

There is a very rare China map by de Jode [below] printed circa 1590, he adds. Only one known edition was printed and only a couple of hundred maps printed so it commands a very high price.

Wattis explains that in the second half of the 18th century better and more accurate maps began to be produced, such as those by Alexander Dalrymple. Very few Dalrymple originals have survived. There is also a rare and important map of the Hong Kong area (circa 1866) which I got a copy of last year, produced by a priest called Monsignor Volonteri. It shows Hong Kong, Kowloon, New Territories, Lantau up to Guangzhou in both English and Chinese characters.

Clark says her favourite map of the region is Ortelius Chinae, the first map of China to appear in a Western Atlas (Theatrum Orbis Terrarum). It is shown in an unusual orientation of east/west rather than north/south and was compiled using information from the Portuguese Jesuit missionary, Luiz Jorge de Barbuda. It is embellished with decorative details such as Chinese tented pavilions, ships, elephants and whales, and has elaborate cartouches as well. Its simply wonderful.

gion is Ortelius Chinae, etern Atlas

Abthc

cam

pW

oc

mDH

The Kingdom of China by Cornelis de Jode, 1593

20 THE CLUB

E XPE R T ADV I CE

printing; this can add a lot of glorious strong colour and really make the item wonderfully decorative. Many early maps were coloured later in the 1800s or 1900s in much paler water-colour paints that are less strident and certainly acceptable, but the earlier the painting the better. Clark recommends that antique maps be kept out of destructive direct sunlight and humidity kept at a low level, as damp is a natural enemy of paper.

So now you know how and what to buy, but how much would you expect to pay for an antique map? Obviously this depends on the age, the cartographer, and the quality. Ortelius is a good starting point, says Wattis. His maps are more readily available, as his book went to 48 editions. His rst atlas map of China in 1584 sells for around HKD56,000, assuming it is a strong impression and in good condition.

Clark agrees, but says its also possible to buy a decorative map from French cartographer Nicolas Bellin (c1745) for about USD500-USD600 or a simple map of China dating from 1850 might be as little as USD50-USD60. Values do continue to go up but, as in many of the collectable-art categories, one should really buy because you are going to enjoy living with a wonder-ful piece of history, rather than as a pure investment.

WATTIS FINE ART 2/F, 20 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong +852 2524 5302 www.wattis.com.hk

ALTFIELD 248-249 Princes Building, 10 Chater Road, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2537 6370 www.altfield.com.hk

BRIAN SEED FINE ART +852 2981 3777 www.brianseed.com

THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY LIBRARY The library has an important collection of antique maps of China, +852 2358 6772 http://library.ust.hk/info/exhibit/maps-9706/map-gallery1.html

W H E R E T O B U Y

Sintra Tsang from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Library recommends the following: Collecting Antique Maps: An Introduction to the History of Cartography by Jonathan Potter; Mapping the World: An Illustrated History of Cartography by Ralph E Ehrenberg; and Mapping the World: Maps and their History by Nathaniel Harris.

F U R T H E R R E A D I N G

Map

: Ins

ulae

Indi

ae O

rient

alis

cou

rtes

y of

Altf

ield

A good magnifying glass is essential to see the fine detail

at a low level, as damp is a natural enemy of paper.So now you know how and what to buy, but how much

would you expect to pay for an antique map? Obviously thisdepends on the age, the cartographer, and the quality is a good starting point, says Wattis. His mavailable, as his book went to 48China in 1584 sells foimpressio

WATTIS2/F, 20 H+852 252www.wat

ALTFIELD 248-249 PrincHong Kong, +www.altfield.c

BRIAN SEED FINE +852 2981 3777 www.brianseed.co

THE HONG KONG UNIVAND TECHNOLOGY LIBThe library has an impmaps of China, +852 23http://librarymap

A good magnifying glass is essential to see the fine detail

B E S P O K E

22 THE CLUB

B Y B R A N D O N K I R K

doctorsOne size doesnt t all welcome to the world of customised bicycles

Spin

THE CLUB 23

Phot

o: A

lan

Hin

dle

Store manager Philip Sung building a fully custom Seven mountain bike

In the world of cycling, bike-makers have long favoured a one-size-fits-all approach. Like the Model T Ford that came in any colour as long as it was black, it is much cheaper to produce bikes in standardised sizes and finish. For most people, buying a bike off the shelf is just fine a few adjustments to parts here and there,

and a small, medium or large frame will fit just about everyone. But as with a piece of clothing there are some people who want, or perhaps need, a more tailored fit, whether for an uncommon body type or simply for the pleasure of having a bike that is perfectly suited to the rider. Welcome to the world of custom bicycles.

Custom-bike buyers range from endurance riders and weekend mountain bikers to triathletes, and cycling enthusiasts have come to appreciate the enhanced t these bikes o er. Elissa Whittington, a Hong Kong myotherapist who used to work as a bike- t specialist in Australia, says getting the right t is the most important thing when buying a bike as it improves safety, prevents injury and enhances comfort. If youre able to keep control of the bike, youre safer, she says.

A custom bicycle is not just an original mix of stock components but one based on a frame that is built to the exact speci cations of the rider. The length of the tubing that goes into the frame and the angles at which they are joined are made to order. These speci ca-tions are based on a number of variables, including the customers body measurements. American custom builder Seven Cycles, for example, has a custom-kit questionnaire that asks about riding style, existing bike and other details and, like many other design-ers, will interview customers over the phone to get a better idea of what they need.

Although more expensive than a standard-size frame, a custom-measured bike could save you thousands of dollars over many years of trial-and-error buying.

Hong Kong-based recruitment specialist Mark Keith, a long-time

B E S P O K E

24 THE CLUB

mountain-bike enthusiast with a large stable of bikes, knows this all too well. Hes owned three bikes that were unsuited to his riding; he felt they were too unstable because their forks were set at too steep an angle. Keith is now ordering a custom Litespeed trail bike and will ensure that it has a slacker head angle than normal. Those cross-country bikes are really built for riding over golf courses, he laments, adding that his version of a lightweight bike will have to allow him to be able to take it down steps and throw it around in the rough stu .

Other riders, particularly those who spend many long hours in the saddle, nd that a perfect t is crucial to relieve numbness and chronic pains that would otherwise plague an endurance rider.

Pain in the hands, back and shoulders may be relieved by getting fitted and measured for just the right frame. Lee Sheung-lum, owner of the Flying Ball bicycle shop in Hong Kong, is a custom-bike buyer who has enjoyed much more pleasant journeys aboard a custom frame.

His previous bike was too sensitive, not stable downhill and after talking to the designers, they decided his new Carbon VII road bike

HE WAS ONE OF ONLY FIVE RIDERS WHO FINISHED:"I AM SURE THE BIKE HELPED A LOT," HE SAID

Schematic of a bike frame showing the complexity of measuring required for custom bikes

Custom paint job

needed a shorter top tube and longer chainstays, which resulted in a more comfortable reach and greater stability. After a 50-kilometre ride, I feel fresh, he says, recalling a recent ride at Qinghai Lake in Mainland China where he was one of only ve riders from a eld of 17 who nished. Im sure the bike helped a lot, he says.

Experienced riders say the key to choosing the ideal bike is to ride as many as possible before settling on a type of frame. They suggest that riders swap bikes with friends of a similar size and riding style to experience other tube lengths and angles. Riders should compare these to their own bike and note aspects such as handling, comfort and how easy it is to climb hills. They advise riders to swap parts such as stems, seatposts and handlebars on their current bike and vary seat angle and fore-and-aft position, bar height and anything else that can be adjusted to nd out what works best.

Bob Smith, President of the Hong Kong Mountain Bike Associa-tion, did plenty of research before spending a substantial amount on his ultimate bike, though his bike-buying trip took an unex-pected turn. While visiting his family in Phoenix, Arizona, he went to a shop to pick up a warranty replacement frame for his Niner hardtail and planned to also buy a Niner RIP bike, when a full-suspension model by Ventana with 29-inch wheels caught his eye. After spending more than an hour speaking to the president of the company over the phone, Smith decided on the El Ray model, got tted at the shop and soon after returned to Hong Kong with what he says is by far the best bike hes ever owned.

A tall rider at 186 centimetres, Smith prefers the larger wheels for their ability to hold momentum and clear obstacles easily. I just ride everything, he says. Not long before buying the Ventana, Ph

oto:

Lef

t: Br

ando

n Ki

rk. R

ight

abo

ve: A

lan

Hin

dle

X 2.

he had parted with a non-custom 26-inch-wheeled titanium Titus Racer-X, which he felt did not handle very well for him, especially when climbing. I just didnt ever like the bike, he says. It just wasnt a good t.

Once youve decided what kind of bike youre looking for, youre ready to do some shopping. Many builders o er custom versions of their standard frames as well as start-from-scratch orders with a price to match. Custom builders in the United States, such as Seven and Serotta, typically charge upwards of HKD20,000 for a frame.

But there are less expensive options. China-based frame-makers such as XACD and Hi-light take custom orders for titanium frames. Simon Laus Victory Cycling Workshop in North Point, Hong Kong, works with a factory in Mainland China to create custom-sized steel and aluminum frames with a starting price of about HKD6,000. The main reason [people order custom frames here] is they cant nd a suitable size, he says. Lau sells about 20 custom frames a year, and many of his happy customers have won regional competitions their trophies adorn the walls of his small shop.

Another good rule of thumb when pur-chasing a high-end bicycle, custom or not, is to buy it for the type of riding you do the most now. Philip Heung, a Hong Kong-based bike distributor, recently bought a custom-sized Bike Friday folding bike for his trip to Taiwan. Basically I want a bike to travel

Boutique company Hope produces high-end components such as this disc brake

Ibis Tranny carbon-fibre

mountain bike

Choose a wheel specific for the job

26 THE CLUB

B E S P O K E

W E B S I T E S

K E E P T H E R I G H T F R A M E I N M I N D

Without getting too deep into metallurgical science, there are a few factors to keep in mind when choosing a frame material. Important considerations for a frame, other than ride quality, are durability, corrosion resist-ance, weldability (important for touring) and fatigue life.

Steel is susceptible to rust but can be easily welded back together if you have an accident when youre trekking across continents where bike shops are few and far between. Aluminum resists corrosion but has a shorter fatigue life and is usually painted or anodized (coated with a protective layer). Carbon-fibre frames come in many qualities and varieties, so it is best to stick to well-established designers with a lot of experience (and a solid warranty policy).

Titanium is by far the most popular choice for custom frames as it is the most scratch-resistant, has an excellent fatigue life and, depending on the alloy mix-ture, is also very corrosion resistant. Riders say it has

a smooth feel compared to aluminum frames and surface scratches are easily brushed out. It is also the most expensive.

Philip Sung, who works at Hong Kongs Flying Ball bicycle shop, says that for many customers, once you choose titanium you never go back.

Most people [who order custom] buy a titanium bike, and it will be the last bike they ever buy, he says. Flying Ball does measuring services for both Seven Cycles and Titus, using specialised equipment. The US-based frame builders will then interview customers to get exact specifi cations.

Jonathan Speelman, who bought a Seven mountain bike hardtail from Flying Ball, believes titanium was worth the investment as it will last a lifetime. It has a longevity that is appealing, he says.

But he warns that with such an expensive mate-rial, getting the fit right is critical as you age because your back, legs and arms will complain if the fi t is out after a long ride.

Phot

o: B

rand

on K

irk

with, he says. Heung says that being honest with yourself about how and where you ride is critical.

In many cases people would like to think that they would use the bike for [a certain purpose], but many times end up riding it just a few times because the bike is not sized or designed for what they really do with it.

In a sense, buying a custom bike is like choosing a spouse you want to be sure youve got the right one before you make a com-mitment. Like dating, you want to determine as much as you can about yourself rst your tastes, passions, quirks and personal style, before looking for a match. When you nd the right bike for you, the marriage can be similarly rewarding.

www.sevencycles.com

www.ventanausa.com

www.titusti.com

www.serotta.com

www.ti-bicycle.com

www.xacd.com.cn

www.victorycycling.net

www.fl yingball.com

Seven Carbon VII road bike

24 H O U R S

28 THE CLUB

Beijing24 hours in

B Y D A V I D E I M E R

THE CLUB 29

Phot

os. G

ate:

OTH

K. A

rtw

ork:

Nat

alie

Beh

ring

Shopping or snowboarding? High rise or hutongs? Fine dining or the Forbidden City? Whatever your passion, Chinas ever-changing capital city will keep you occupied at any time of the day or night

Midday Beijing is beguiling because of the way the ultra-modern rubs up against the historic the traditional grandeur of the For-bidden City and the avant-garde splendour of Rem Koolhaas gravity-defying CCTV Tower are just a few kilometres apart. The staging of the Olympic Games last year accelerated the trans-formation of the Chinese capital from grim shrine to Stalinist architecture to vibrant world city, but Beijing is still a work in progress. Every visit yields something different to see or do.

From the airport, head to one of the new boutique hotels, such as The Opposite House in swinging Sanlitun. A quick shower and its time for lunch. Tucked away in a hutong one of the ancient alleys that criss-cross the heart of Beijing close to the Forbidden City is Domus, the ideal lunch spot. The stunning setting in a courtyard house, or siheyuan, is matched by the contemporary European cuisine. Dine on American oysters or wagyu beef burgers in the less formal bistro upstairs, or try the downstairs restaurant with its six-course tasting menu and Minotti contemporary Italian furniture.

2pm Whatever the season, Beijing offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor types, or

anyone looking to burn calories. In the sum-mer, the golf courses on the citys outskirts are packed, testimony to the rise of the mainland middle class. If you know a member then take the chance to play a round at the exclusive Jack Nicklaus-designed Pine Valley Golf Club. Oth-erwise, the Beijing International Golf Club has views of the surrounding forested hills.

Beijings winter is bitter but that means plen-ty of snow at the nearby ski resorts. Just 90 minutes from the centre of Beijing is Nanshan, where 12 trails await skiers and an Austrian-designed snowboard park draws Chinas top snowboarders. Or do as the locals do and head to scenic Houhai. The lake freezes by the end of December and becomes an open-air sports centre with ice-skating and the occasional ice-hockey game.

For those who prefer culture, a pilgrimage to the Dashanzi art precinct in Chaoyang District is a must. The 798 Space is in a former factory complex that is the spiritual home of Chinas con-temporary art scene and is packed with galleries and hip cafs. Visit the Long March Space, where the walls are daubed with Cultural Revolution-era slogans, and Red Gate, a branch of Chinas rst modern-art gallery.

The imposing Tiananmen Gate of the Forbidden City

The Opposite House in Sanlitun

Classical Girl by Zheng Xuewu, Red Gate Gallery

24 H O U R S

30 THE CLUB

Shopping is another option. The funky boutiques lining 800-year-old hutong Nan-luoguxiang are good places to nd quirky gifts. Grifted has everything from irreverent post-cards to socialist dolls, including Mao Zedong and Karl Marx, all made by local craftsmen and women. Near the Temple of the Sun, Shard Box Store sells charming boxes made out of the fragments of porcelain vessels smashed dur-ing the Cultural Revolution, as well as jewellery sourced from Mongolia and Tibet.

6pm Prepare for your night out with a relaxing massage or pamper yourself in a spa. Massage places are on almost every street in Beijing, but those in the know swear by Bodhi. The soothing setting eases tension straight away and thats before the skilled masseurs get to work on those knotted muscles. For facials and aromatherapy, nothing beats the Penin-sula Hotel Spa. Try the jet-lag eliminator or, if de-stressing is essential, indulge in the half-day Spa Journey.

THE SOOTHING SETTING EASES TENSION EVEN BEFORE THE SKILLED MASSEURS GET TO WORK

Phot

o. W

arrio

rs: A

dria

n Br

adsh

aw/e

pa/C

orbi

s

Enjoy an upgrade and other privileges at

Shangri-La Hotel, Beijing

Conveniently located close to Beijings financial and technology districts, the Shangri-La Hotel, Beijing, is one of the citys signature landmarks. And the historic Summer Palace, Beijing Zoo and the trendy Houhai Lake area are just a few of the attractions youll enjoy exploring.

From 16 February to 15 May 2009, book a Deluxe Room at the Best Available Rate for two or more consecutive nights and receive: A room upgrade to Horizon Club Deluxe Room with breakfast Full access to the luxurious Valley Wing Lounge A bottle of imported wine on arrival.

For reservations, please quote your membership number and rate code CXMARCO.Telephone: +852 2331 6688Fax +852 2331 6699 Website: www.shangri-la.com

Terms and conditions Rates are subject to a 15%

service charge.

P A R T N E R O F F E R

THE CLUB 31

Alternatively, take a trip to the fantasyland that is the Grand Hyatt Pool. With palm trees, lush plants and tribal statues, this vast swim-ming pool feels like it should be deep in the South American jungle. Dont bother doing laps. Instead, just oat on your back and gaze up at the ceiling, lit to resemble a canopy of stars.

8pm Spectacular views of the adjacent For-bidden City, the surrounding hutong and the lights of Tiananmen Square make Yin the rooftop bar of choice in Beijing and the ideal place for a pre-dinner cocktail. Sip an Emperor Mojito or try one of the drinks mixed with huangjiu, a sweet yellow liquor. Note that it is only open during warmer months. From there, its a short hop to the Legation Quarter, the

latest addition to Beijings fine-dining scene. During the late Qing Dynasty, the area was home to embassies. Now, the neo-classical buildings house top-notch eateries, while the lawn has been the stage for fashion shows by the likes of Versace. The pick of the restaurants is Maison Boulud, chef Daniel Bouluds Beijing agship. (See Explore The World, page 10.)

If youve ever wanted to eat like an emperor, then Yu Shan Tang in the Hans Royal Garden hotel o ers a rare dining experience. One of the few restaurants to serve genuine Imperial cuisine, the private dining rooms feature intri-cately painted ceiling panels, hanging lanterns and rosewood wall panels. The menus are cus-tomised for each diner, the avours are sublime and the signature dishes come carved in the shape of dragons.

Grifted is great for quirky gifts (above)

Phot

os. G

ifted

: Nat

alie

Beh

ring.

Ski

ers:

Gre

g Ba

ker

AP

Phot

o

Warrior-inspired: Sculptures by Marian Heyerdahl in 798 Art Space (left)

Skiing at Nanshan, east of Beijing

Enjoy a suite experience when you stay at The St. Regis Beijing

Stay at The St. Regis and make your next visit to Beijing truly memorable. Book and stay between 16 February and 15 May 2009 and youll enjoy a room upgrade to a Statesman Suite at the time of reservation.

Special rates start at RMB2,380 per room per night, for a minimum stay of two consecutive nights. Package includes: One-way, gate-to-gate airport limousine service (choice of arrival or departure) Daily buffet breakfast at the Garden Court In-room Internet access Late check-out at 4pm (subject to availability on the day of departure).

For reservations, please book and quote the promotion code MARCOQ1. Please contact the hotel directly for any airport transportation arrangement prior to arrival.Telephone: +86 10 6460 6688, ext2321Email: reservation.beijing@stregis.com

Terms and conditions Cancellation charges apply. Rate quoted is subject to 15% service charge. Not applicable for group bookings.

P A R T N E R O F F E R

24 H O U R S

32 THE CLUB

11pm New bars and clubs open on an almost daily basis in Beijing. The Philippe Starck-designed LAN Club is the

most opulent place in town. Ignore the incongruous location

in a shopping mall and instead enjoy the eye-popping interior. Paintings

hang from the ceiling, giant mirrors loom eve-rywhere and the VIP dining rooms resemble Mongolian Yurts. DJs, a long wine list and potent cocktails complete the recipe for a memorable night.

More laidback is Casa Habana where you can sink into deep, comfy armchairs while enjoying the extensive selection of Cuban cigars. Whisky connoisseurs can head to

Ichikura, a Japanese-run bar that is one of Beijings best-kept secrets. It has 160 whiskies available including rare single malts, the serv-ice is impeccable and the drinks come with perfectly shaped spheres of ice.

Jazz lovers should visit the East Shore Live Jazz Caf, where some of the capitals best musicians jam until late from Thursday to Sun-day in a relaxed atmosphere. Club Yugong Yishan showcases local bands in a Qing Dynasty-era building.

For clubbing, the sleek i-Ultra Lounge is the place of the moment. International DJs and cunning mood-lighting make this the perfect spot to crack a bottle of Cristal or sip a signature lychee martini while watching Beijings beautiful people in action.

24 H O U R S

Iin a

enjoy theEdible art: Imperial eggplant with seafood at Yu Shan Tang

Yu Shan Tang

Enjoy a 20% discount with Avis in Beijing

Visit Beijings famous landmarks across the citys 18 districts or discover the surrounding countryside at your own pace. Between 16 February and 15 May 2009, members of The Marco Polo Club renting a car for three or more days will enjoy a 20 percent discount at participating Avis locations.

Please book by email at booking@avischina.com, quoting your membership number and the appropriate Avis Worldwide Discount number at right. Please present your membership card at the rental counter.

AWD K305400 (Green) AWD K305500 (Silver) AWD K305600 (Gold) AWD K305700 (Diamond)

Terms and Conditions Offer is valid for compact cars and above. Offer is not valid on Avis-contracted tour operators or travel-industry rates. Standard Avis terms and conditions apply.

P A R T N E R O F F E R

THE CLUB 33

infoThe Opposite House and PunkThe Village, Building 1, 11 Sanlitun Road +86 10 6417 6688 www.theoppositehouse.comDomus115 Nanchizi Dajie, +86 10 8511 8015Pine Valley Golf ClubPine Valley Resort, Nankou Town, Changping District, +86 10 8979 6868 www.pinevalley.com.cnBeijing International Golf ClubNorthwest of Ming Tombs Reservoir, Changping District, +86 10 6076 2288Nanshan Ski VillageShengshuitou Village, Henanzhai Town, Miyun County, +86 10 8909 1909 www.nanshanski.comHouhai Opposite north gate of Beihai Park, Dianmenwai Dajie798 Art District2 and 4 Jiuxianqiao Lu www.798space.com Long March Space (closed Mondays)4 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District +86 10 5978 9768www.longmarchspace.comRed Gate Gallery (closed Mondays)2 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District+86 10 6525 1005, www.redgategallery.comGrifted32 Nanluoguxiang, +86 10 6406 2716 www.grifted.com.cnNanluoguxiangOff Gulou DongdajieBodhi Therapeutic Retreat17 Gongrentiyuchang Beilu +86 10 6417 9595Shard Box Store1 Ritan Beilu, +86 10 8561 3712Peninsula Hotel Spa8 Jinyu Hutong, +86 10 8516 2888 www.peninsula.com

Grand Hyatt Beijing1 East Changan Avenue, +86 10 8518 1234 www.beijing.grand.hyatt.comYin33 Qihelou Lu, The Emperor hotel +86 10 6526 5566, www.theemperor.com.cnLegation Quarter23 Qianmen Dongdajie, Dongcheng District+86 10 6522 4848, www.legationquarter.comMaison Boulud23 Qianmen Dongdajie, +86 10 6559 9200www.danielnyc.comYu Shan TangHans Royal Garden, 20 Qinlao Hutong (off Nanluoguxiang), +86 10 8402 5588Lan Club4/F Twin Towers, 12B Jianguomenwai Dajie +86 10 5109 6012, www.lan-global.comCasa HabanaJinglun Hotel, 3 Jianguomenwai Dajie +86 10 6595 0888Ichikura36 Dongsanhuan Beilu (on right side of Chaoyang Theatre), +86 134 3652 1171 or +86 10 6507 1107East Shore Jazz Cafe2/F, 2 Qianhai Nanyan Lu, +86 10 8403 2131Club Yugong Yishan3-2 Zhangzizhong Lu, +86 10 6404 2711 www.yugongyishan.comi-Ultra LoungeBlock 8, Apartment 8 Complex, Chaoyang Gongyuan Xilu +86 10 6508 8585, www.block8.cnHua Jia Yi Yuan235 Dongzhimennei Dajie, +86 10 6405 1908Panino TecaThe Village, S2-11 Building 2, 19 Sanlitun Lu +86 10 6416 1416The Bookworm Building 4, Nan Sanlitun Lu +86 10 6586 9507 www.beijingbookworm.com

2am Bars and clubs are supposed to shut at 2am but some stay open until the sun is almost up. Punk in the basement of The Opposite House is a good place to keep the party going. For food in the early hours, Hua Jia Yi Yuan serves dishes from all over China 24/7 in a con-verted courtyard house with a glass roof so you can see the stars while eating.

9am Breakfast or brunch at Panino Teca is a fine way to start the day. If the coffee and aroma of freshly baked bread doesnt pry open your eyelids, then the light streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows will. Try the sub-stantial ciabatta sandwiches. At The Book-worm, browse the selection of China-related novels and non-fiction over coffee and cakes.

i-Ultra Lounge

34 THE CLUB

24 H O U R S

TIPS FROM A LOCAL INSIDERArnold Cheng Cathay Pacific Manager Marketing & Sales China

I like to have lunch or coffee in the newly opened Park Hyatt Hotel (http://beijing.park.hyatt.com). Its the tallest hotel in Beijing and you can enjoy a perfect panoramic view of the city. When I have visitors in town, they always want to see two of the most impressive Olym-pic sites the Beijing National Stadium (Birds Nest), where most of the action took place, and the Water Cube, where the swim-ming events were held.

Sanlitun Village (www.thevillage.com.cn) is another example of innovative architecture and it is home to many luxury brand stores. The village houses a multiplex cinema and excellent restau-rants as well as a boutique hotel The Opposite House (www.theoppositehouse.com).

Centro (+86 10 6561 8833) in the Kerry Cen-tre Hotel is a popular jazz bar. And another favourite is Yin (+86 10 6526 5566) at the top of The Emperor hotel. Its a great spot on warm breezy summer nights and you can look out on to the Forbidden City.

Beijing duck is a must-try dish when youre in the city. My favourite restaurants are Duck de Chine (+86 10 6501 8881) at 1949 The Hidden

City (+86 10 6501 1949, www.elite-concepts.com) and Made in China (+86 10 8518 1234). For something less conventional try the vegetarian Pure Lotus (+86 10 8703 6668) where the mock meat sausages taste better than the real ones. A popular cheap local snack is yoghurt Beijing-style in small porcelain pots for just RMB2 (HKD2.27).

For shopping, my two favourite malls are Solana and The Place. And I also like to wan-der around the markets. The Silk Market is always good fun and Yaxiu Market is worth checking out too.

To relax, I go for a massage at Long Island Massage (+86 10 5130 9718). The masseurs are well-trained and some also provide acupunc-ture. Traditional Chinese massage can improve your health and immune system and can help with back and muscle problems.

At weekends, its fun to take a stroll around the 798 Art District (www.798art.org). There are scores of galleries that change their exhi-bitions regularly. And theres no shortage of cafs where you can get freshly brewed cof-fee. I also enjoy taking a stroll through the hutongs. Its like taking a step back in time.

Explore Chinas capital with Dragonair Holidays

Book between 16 February and 22 April 2009 and travel before 29 April 2009 for a memorable indulgence at The Summer Palace in Beijing. And for the perfect start and finish to your trip, members of The Marco Polo Club will enjoy private round-trip limousine transfers in Hong Kong to and from Hong Kong International Airport. The 3 Day/2 Night The Aman at Summer Palace Beijing package from HKD5,699 per person includes: Round-trip Economy Class flight between Hong Kong and Beijing on Dragonair or on codeshare flights operated by Cathay Pacific Airways Two nights hotel accommodation 500 Asia Miles Travel insurance.For reservations Telephone: +852 2747 4336 Website: www.cxholidays.comTerms and conditions Price quoted is per person, based on two adults sharing one room, and checking in and travelling together throughout the entire journey. Offer is only valid for packages booked and paid for between 16 February and 22 April 2009. Cathay Holidays Limited and Asia Miles terms and conditions apply. N.B. Dragonair Holidays is now managed and marketed by Cathay Holidays Limited.

P A R T N E R O F F E R

T R AV E L

36 THE CLUB

Follow the money: The Royal Exchange and the Bank of England

Corporate might: Lloyds of London

Coin collector:the British Museum

The streets of Englands cash-strapped metropolis might not appear to be paved with gold just now, but theres plenty of money around if you know where to look

LondonTreasure hunt in

B Y P H O E B E A G R E E N W O O D

Photos. Main: Scott E Barbour The Image Bank/Getty Images. Lloyd's: Robin MacDougall/Getty Images. British Museum: Allan Baxter Photographer's Choice/Getty Images

THE CLUB 37

T R AV E L

38 THE CLUB

The crowds on Oxford Street are thin-ning, belts are tightening on Savile Row and the Citys champagne utes are dry. London led the economic charge and ourished in the booming 90s but now Britain is plunging faster than the United States, Japan, Germany, France and Italy.

So with the great lions on the Bank of Englands doors ruefully licking their paws and Park Lanes billionaires packing up and wriggling free of tightening tax laws, what wealth remains? Serious money is still to be found in London and we show you where you can see it, even if you cant touch it.

The Bank of England on Threadneedle Street is home to the nations gold bul-lion. The bank, the financial heart of the city since it moved there in 1734, keeps about 300 tonnes of the yellow metal on behalf of the British Treasury. Before former Chancellor Gordon Browns controver-sial gold sales, conducted in a series of

auctions between 1999 and 2002, it was about 700 tonnes. The bank usually isnt open to the public, but 30-minute guided tours are available on 28 June as part of the annual City of London Festival. At other times try the Bank of England Museum, which tells the institutions story from its establishment in 1694 to its role today (www.bankofengland.co.uk/education/museum).

Londons the place to go for silver service too after all, the currency isnt called sterling for nothing. Apart from New York, London Ph

otos

. Int

erse

ctio

n: S

cott

E B

arbo

ur

Th

e Im

age

Ban

k/G

etty

Imag

es

Enjoy a room upgrade at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park,

London

For Diamond, Gold and Silver members only.

Relax and unwind in one of Londons most renowned hotels Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park. With its convenient location near the Royal Park and the chic shops of Knightsbridge, youll find it easy to explore some of Londons most popular attractions. And from 16 February to 15 May 2009, youll enjoy an upgrade to the next room category plus Double Asia Miles!

For reservations, please quote the booking code Marco Polo and present your membership card when checking in. Telephone: +44 0 20 7235 2000 Email: molon-reservations@mohg.com

Terms and conditions Room upgrade is

subject to availability at the time of reservation.

P A R T N E R O F F E R

holds more precious metal than any other city and has the worlds largest silver hoard. JP Morgan keeps 155 million ounces of sil-ver for Barclays to support its electronically traded silver shares. If youre on the hunt for Londons hidden wealth, the Silver Vaults on Chancery Lane, Holborn, are a good place to begin (www.thesilvervaults.com).

The vaults rst opened in 1876, o ering secure rooms for the citys fat cats and aris-tocrats to keep their valuables safe. Gradually the vaults were taken over by silver dealers

The golden mile: Intersection of Oxford Street and Regent Street (above)

Ingots in the gold vault of The Bank of England, the Old Lady of Threadneedle Street (above left)

C O R P O R A T E A R C H I T E C T U R E

Londons mercantile wealth is reflected in the architecture of its great businesses

THE GHERKIN 30 St Mary Axe, City of LondonAlso known as the Swiss Re Tower, Norman Fosters 180-metre, 40-floor skyscraper dominates the Citys sky-line. Completed in December 2003, its construction symbolised the might of the City that seemed at the time only to be growing and began its own boom in high-rise construction. It can be seen from 30 kilometres away.

LLOYDS BUILDING 1 Lime Street, City of LondonDesigned by architect Richard Rogers,the Lloyds Building (www.lloyds.com)is home to insurance institution Lloyds of London. The construction echoes Paris Pompidou Centre with staircases, water pipes and electric cables on the outside. The building uses 12 glass lifts, which were the first of their kind in the country.

CANARY WHARF Isle of Dogs, London The site of Canary Wharf has been a mercantile hub since the 10th century, flourishing as the Port of London from the 1500s. The docklands area was reclaimed from the shipping industry in the 1980s with the construction of Canary Wharf commencing in 1988. It compromises 37 hectares, with 14.1 million square feet of office and retail space, providing an alternative eco-nomic centre to the City. It holds three of Britains tallest buildings (www.canarywharf.com).

THE DEPARTMENT STORES Harrods in Knightsbridge (www.harrods.com) opened in 1834. Its closest competitor is near neighbour Harvey Nichols (www.harveynichols.com). Selfridges store is on Oxford Street (www.selfridges.co.uk). Also check out the Tudor-style Liberty & Co. building on Regent Street, opened in 1875 to sell crafts from Asia (www.liberty.co.uk).

The Gherkin (far right) adds

piquancy to Londons skyline

Phot

os. G

old:

Ala

my/

Arg

usPh

oto.

Ghe

rkin

: Get

ty Im

ages

THE CLUB 39

y(www.liberty.co.uk).

The Gherkin(far right) adds

piquancy toLondons skyline

T R AV E L

40 THE CLUB

who used the storerooms to keep their stock secure. Over the past 50 years, the vaults have been operating as a one-stop shop for anything silver. They claim to hold the larg-est retail collection of ne antique silver in the world, selling anything from teaspoons

to sculpture. And while Antwerp may claim the

worlds diamond capital title, London can rival its sparkle as the traditional home of De Beers. The worlds leader in diamond trading, De Beers holds 40 per cent of the market share of the precious stones. Until last year, De Beers said it held a few weeks supply at its central sorting o ce at 19 Charterhouse Street in Clerkenwell before moving the o ce to Botswa-

na. The neighbourhood is still home to Hatton Garden where diamond traders

keep a sizeable hoard of the gems (www.hatton-garden.net/jewellers.html). You can still view a dazzling selection at the De Beers agship store on Old Bond Street (www.debeers.com).

Just a rock throw from De Beers is New Bond Street a whos who of quintes-

sentially British luxury retail heavyweights

KENSINGTON PALACE GARDENS IS BRITAINS

MOST EXPENSIVE RESIDENTIAL STREET

including Burberry, Sothebys, Mulberry and Smythson. This is the most expensive retail strip in the country where shop floors are secured for about GBP400 (about HKD4,700) a square foot. Luxury jewellers such as Wempe, Boodles, Asprey and Graff, dominate the more expensive southern end of the street.

Most of Londons department stores

You can find all kinds of silverware in the London Silver Vaults

Bond stores: Graff is one of the many

high-end jewellers in New Bond Street

evolved from drapers stores and perhaps the most luxurious is

Harrods in Knightsbridge (www.harrods.com).Who can still a ord to shop here? Only a

GBP10-taxi ride from Bond Street, running alongside Hyde Park is Kensington Palace Gardens, long known as Billionaires Row Britains most expensive residential street. Once home to the infamous London Cage, a torture centre used by MI9 during World War II, most of the 21 buildings on this street now operate as embassies. In June last year, however, Indian-born steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal bought No. 18-19 for GBP70 million. It is Mittals third house on the street. A drive along this tree-lined avenue is likely to turn even the most well-heeled visitor one shade greener.

But while the most valuable addresses may be west, the hunt for Londons tangible wealth, its coins, cash and jewels, will take you east, towards the City. In former tumul-tuous times, Londons elite didnt bother with banks. Since 1303, however precarious their own safety, the crowned heads of Eng-land knew their vast wealth was safe from

evolved from drapers stores and perhaps the most luxurious is

Harrods in Knightsbridge (www.harrods.com).Who can still a ord to shop here? Only a

GBP10-taxi ride from Bond Street, running alongside Hyde Park is Ken iGarde

Phot

o. G

raff:

Ian

Wal

die/

Get

ty Im

ages

THE CLUB 41

Flight of fancy: Boodles Dragonfly Green neck-

lace has mint-green tourmalines and diamond and tsavorite dragonflies

Visit London in grand style with Cathay Pacifi c Holidays

Theres no better time to spoil yourself with a luxurious stay, your very own personal-styling consultation, fine dining and more. Book and pay between 16 February and 23 April 2009, to travel from now to 30 April, and enjoy a package price starting from HKD28,920 per person. Members of The Marco Polo Club will also enjoy a special offer of one round-trip Airport Express ticket per person. The 4 day/3 night The Ritz London package includes: Round-trip Economy Class flight between Hong Kong and London on Cathay Pacific Airways Three consecutive nights hotel accommodation with daily breakfast A personal-styling consultation Up to six hours of personal shopping service in central London One four-course dinner in The Ritz Restaurant 2,000 Asia Miles Travel insurance.For reservations Telephone: +852 2747 4388 Website: www.cxholidays.com

Terms and conditions Price quoted is per person, based on

two adults sharing one room and checking in and travelling together throughout the entire journey.

Cathay Holidays Limited and Asia Miles terms and conditions apply.

P A R T N E R O F F E R

T R AV E L

42 THE CLUB

plebeian fingers in the Tower of London (www.hrp.org.uk/towero ondon).

The Crown Jewels now displayed in the Jewel House at the Tower are impossible to value. Collected over the centuries from Saxon and Medieval ages, they include national treasures such as the regalia worn by the monarch in cornonations: the orbs and sceptre, coronets and rings. Much of the earlier regalia was melted down by Cromwell-era Parliamentarians. Today, the Tower still safeguards these treasures, even from hedge- fund managers and the Chancellor.

Despite the amount of money currently pouring out of the citys coffers, and the plummeting value of the stu that remains, there is still a fair amount of wealth owing back into London from visitors wallets.

In March 2008, a survey by UBS found Lon-don to be the most expensive city in the world. It has o cially the most expensive

Safe keeper: Yeoman Warders guard the Tower

Crowning glories: The Crown jewels in the

Tower of London

Explore Britains rich history with SIXT rent a car

From 16 February to 15 May 2009, experience Britain from behind the wheel of a Volkswagen Golf for the exclusive rate of GBP39 a day and earn 1,000 Bonus Asia Miles. Members of The Marco Polo Club also enjoy:

An all-inclusive rental price that includes VAT Unlimited mileage Universal third-party, liability damage and theft insurance Road taxes Airport fee.

To take advantage of this offer, please quote the booking code 9982220 when making a reservation with SIXT rent a car.

Telephone: +86 10 59001115 (China) +49 0 1805 23 2222 (Rest of the world)Website: www.sixtcn.com (China) www.sixt.com (Rest of the world)

Terms and conditions Offer is only valid with

SIXT rent a car in the UK.

P A R T N E R O F F E R

M U S E U M S A N D M O N E Y

BRITISH MUSEUM www.britishmuseum.org Coins have formed a major part of the British Museums collection since the 18th century. The depart-ment of coins and medals boasts one of the worlds finest collections of money-related paraphernalia and holds almost one million objects.

MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS www.museumindocklands.org.ukThe museum, a transformed 200-year-old warehouse, details the history of London as a port from Roman times until the birth of Canary Wharf. London, Sugar and Slavery is the countrys only permanent exhibition examining the historical involvement of the capital in the trans-Atlantic slave trade.

BRAMAH MUSEUM OF TEA AND COFFEE www.teaandco eemuseum.co.ukThis is the first museum dedi-cated to the 400-year history of the coffee and tea trades through a largely British per-spective. Its located near Lon-don Bridge, where for hundreds

Phot

os. C

row

n je

wel

s: T

im G

raha

m

Get

ty Im

ages

. Yoe

man

: Ric

hard

Now

itz

Nat

iona

l Geo

grap

hic/

Get

ty Im

ages

. Pu

b: A

lam

y/A

rgus

Phot

o. S

tatu

e: A

lam

y/A

rgus

Phot

o

transport system a 43-second subway fare from Leicester Square to Covent Garden costs GBP4 and the Zagat guide names it as the most expensive city for dining out, with an average meal costing GBP39.

Those of us not nestled comfortably in Billionaires Row can only marvel at the many cultural and architectural monuments to the resilient capitals industry, mercantile success and wealth and hope we dont lose too much of our own in the process.

Dining well in London may stretch the budget, but there is no shortage of choice

Statue of Captain James Cook at

Museum of London

Docklands, Canary Wharf

Many of Londons museums reflect the source of the capitals capital

of years, teas from India, Africa and Asia have been offloaded, sorted and sold on the banks of the River Thames.

NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM www.nmm.ac.uk This is three separate sites, the Royal Observatory, the Queens House and

the Maritime Galleries in Greenwich that together look at the significance of the

maritime industry and the stars (necessary

for navigation) on the growth

and wealth of London and its residents.

THE CLUB 43

I N S I D E C X

44 THE CLUB

Your Marco Polo Club statements are now delivered online another Cathay Paci c initiative to improve service and also help the environment

Team GreenClick, and you get your monthly Marco Polo Club statement. Click, and you save a lot of paper. The electronic delivery of Marco Polo Club information provides all your points and transaction records and enables you to manage your miles (see the box opposite). But this more efficient service is just one element of Cathay Pacifics wide-ranging environmental strategy.

Undoubtedly, addressing global climate change is now one of the most pressing issues facing our world. As an environmen-

tally and socially responsible business, Cathay Paci c recognizes the urgency and importance of

climate change and the need to play its part in nding solutions to the problem.

But tackling our environmental impact is nothing new for Cathay Paci c. It

has been working in this area

since the 1990s when it was one of the rst airlines to report on its environmental performance, as it has done each year since 1998. What has changed is the priority accorded to environment within the company.

Recognising the growing importance of the environment and climate change within the aviation industry, 2008 saw the establish-ment of a new Environmental Affairs Department with a dedicated team of specialists, under the leadership of Dominic Purvis, who will be known to many of you from his previous role as General Manager, Cathay Pacific Loyalty Programmes Ltd. Dominic says: Having now established the nerve centre to co-ordinate our policies and programmes means that we can influence what the company does at the strategic level going forward. Weve already spent time identifying where and how changes can be made and set an agenda for action. The task now is to deliver. Clearly, there is so much we could do, but ultimately we need to find practical ways to reduce our fuel burn and hence our emissions.

He goes on: were constantly looking for ways that we can reduce our environment and climate-change impact, both on the ground and in the air. As well as looking at what we do at our offices, international airports and in flight, were also working with the aerospace manufacturers to develop new, more environmentally efficient aircraft technologies for the

B Y M A T H E W S C O T T

Undoubtedly, addressing global climate change is nowof the most pressing issues facing our world. As an environm

tally and socially responsible business, Cathay Precognizes the urgency and importan

climate change and the need to plapart in nding solutions to the prob

But tackling our environmental imis nothing new for Cathay Pac

has been working in this

Fly greener:Cathay Pacifics fleet of newer aircraft reduces the airlines environmental impact

THE CLUB 45

Phot

o: P

hilip

p En

gelh

orn

future and with regulators to deliver further improvements to air transport routes.

Complementing Dominics 20 years Cathay Pacific experience, the team has been strengthened by the appointment of two environmental specialists from London. Mark Watson, as Man-ager, Environmental Affairs, joined Cathay Pacific after working on sustainable aviation issues as Head of Corporate Environmental Affairs at the Society of British Aerospace Companies (SBAC), while Environmental Manager Janice Lao had previously worked as an environmental consultant and carbon project developer. Within his broad role, Mark focuses on initiatives to drive the emissions reduction strategy developed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in 2007, whose four pillar strategy comprising technology, operations, infrastructure and economic measures is at the heart of the industrys vision for a carbon-free future. IATA has challenged the entire aviation sector to build and operate a commercial airliner that produces no net carbon emissions within 50 years from 2007. Clearly this is a major ask for manufacturers and airlines alike, observes Mark.

Having recently joined the 140 global companies signing the Poznan Communiqu calling for urgent action to tackle climate change, Cathay Pacific is now actively considering how a global framework to deal with aviations emissions might look and how it could operate beyond 2012, the second commitment period of the existing Kyoto Protocol that will be renegotiated later this year.

For Janice, the task of implementing Cathay Pacifics environmental strategy presents some unique challenges. We need aviation, says Janice. We know that in order to see our friends and family, to visit different places. Peoples perception of the aviation industry is that it is not sustainable. Our challenge therefore is to show that it is possible, that it can be sustainable.

Recycle that: Dominic Purvis, Cathay Pacific General Manager Environmental Affairs

Since January, all members of The Marco Polo Club now receive monthly Members emails called an Account Sum-mary, replacing the monthly statement sent by post.

The Account Summary updates you on your account balance, the latest news and offers, and includes a private hyperlink to a full monthly statement online.

The new online system allows you to manage your account faster and easier and: See how many miles you have and when they expire

Check your transaction records for the past 24 months Get your monthly statements for past 12 months Manage your miles you can renew, transfer, donate or

claim missing miles right away from your keyboard Update your contact information and personal details Change the members in your redemption group

To ensure that you receive your Account Summary, please update your email address by logging on to your Marco Polo Club account at www.cathaypaci c.com

Y O U R N E W O N L I N E A C C O U N T S U M M A R Y

CLU B E V E N T S

46 THE CLUB

Perfect Bali weather, two cham-pionship courses in a tropical garden paradise and a splendid royal banquet The Marco Polo Club Golf Classic 2008 certainly lived up to its usual high standards.

Some 60 members and guests from around the world came together for the three-day event that kicked o on 14 November last year with a golf clinic at the Nirwana Bali Golf Club. The prestig-ious club on Balis southwest coast has an 18-hole course that weaves through rice terraces and palm trees and over-looks the Indian Ocean. And because

Gol ng in paradise

Looking forward to another perfect day of golf (above)

Angie Tsai, trophy winner (top)

The annual Marco Polo Club Golf Classic this year was played in fabulous Bali conditions

this was as much a social weekend as a sporting one, the clinic was followed by cocktails at Le Meridien Nirwana.

Day two and golfers teed o in round one of the tournament at the Bali Golf and Country Club. It was an exciting mornings play on the course which was designed by Nelson & Wright and voted one Asias top five courses by Fortune magazine.

The second round on 16 November was played in excellent conditions at the Nirwana Bali Golf Club, whose 6,775-yard course was designed by golfing great Greg Norman.

Players had the afternoon to relax before the prize presentation cer-emony. The main trophies went to:

Sunil Gidumal, Male Best Gross Angie Tsai, Female Best Gross Kurt Louie, Best Individual Stapleford

The closing gala dinner at the Hotel Tugu Bali was a feast t for a king. Guests were issued with specially produced sarongs to dress for a Balinese royal din-ing experience. Dramatically costumed waiters bearing candle-lit litters of food served the entre courses, and the lob-by was transformed into a stage for the ery traditional Kecak dance.

THE CLUB 47

A superb setting for a round of golf (left)

The royal buffet

(bottom left)

Trophy winners flank James Barrington,

Director Sales and Marketing,

Cathay Pacific Airways (sixth from left, below)

48 THE CLUB

CLU B E V E N T S

Won Sik Kwon, Steve Ushiyama, Takesh

i Okamura

and Katie Rowen

John Slosar (Chief Operating Officer, CPA) and Yoon Soon Kok

E CLUB

Joh

Chen Chia Chiang enjoying a buffet of delicacies

John Harrison, Nick Rhodes (Director Flight Operations, CPA

),

David Yem and James Barrington (Director Sales

and Marketing, CPA)

Cheng Hoi Chuen, Christopher Pratt (Chairman, Cathay Pacific A

irways CPA)

and Anthony Conway

Chairman of Cathay Paci c Airways Christopher Pratt hosted a pre-Christmas drinks reception on 16 December 2008, enjoyed by members of The Marco Polo Club from around the world and executives from Cathay Paci c and DragonairChristmas cheer

From left to right: Oliver Stratton, Paul Loo (General Manager, Cathay Pacific Loyalty Programmes Ltd. CPLP), Katie Rowen (Manager The Marco Polo Club, CPLP), Ada Tsang (Assistant Manager The Marco Polo Club, CPLP) and Whye Chuen Lai

Bernard Siu Yu Fung, Marcel Robert Fenez, Christopher Pratt, Francesca Pratt and Anthony Langridge

Richard Ellert, Jacques Paul Boissier, Cassam Goolj

arry,

Charlie Stewart-Cox (General Manager Inflight

Services, CPA) and Fraser Hickox

THE CLUB 49

Checking in for Cathay Paci c and Dragonair ights is noweven more convenient with our new Mobile Check-In service. By accessing the mobile sites with a web-enabled mobile phone, passengers with eTickets issued by Cathay Paci c or Dragonair can check in

oneworld ENJOYS 10TH ANNIVERSARY

AWARD FOR SERVICE AND INNOVATIONAsia Miles, Asias leading travel rewards programme, has been recognised for its contributions to the Hong Kong community and economy.

Asia Miles won a Supreme Service Award, at a ceremony hosted by Capital CEO magazine,for its excellent customer service and strategy of

product innovation.

PAMPER YOURSELF WITH OUR AMENITY KITS

Check-in made easy

First Class kits

CHECKIN ON THE MOVE WITH MOBILE SERVICE FROM CATHAY PACIFIC AND DRAGONAIR

The oneworld airline alliance is 10 years old this year. Cathay Pacifi c Chief Executive Tony Tyler outlines its impor-tance to the airline and the industry.

A lot has happened since Cathay Pacific became one of the founder members of oneworld in 1999. Our airline has grown significantly over the past decade, as has oneworld, and being part of the leading quality alliance has played an important role in enabling us to offer a better product to our customers. Being a oneworld member has helped us extend our markets, introduce innovative new products and realise various synergies from being in partnership with some of the worlds finest airlines.

Looking ahead, our relationship with oneworld will continue to be an integral part of our strategy for future growth and development in the next 10 years and beyond, for both Cathay Pacifi c and our sister airline Dragonair.

Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Tony Tyler

anytime, anywh