18 AWARE March 2013

Wilfred Mohr, the Consul General of the Netherlands in

Hong Kong, is one of the adventurous spirits in town. “The first time I visited Hong Kong was in 1985, after my graduation. I did a backpack tour to Asia including Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, China and Hong Kong,” Mr. Mohr described excitedly. Yes, it’s not an easy task as there might be numerous unforeseeable challenges during the trip. More importantly, the older you are, the less courageous you will become, as you understand yourself too much, and have probably set a limit unconsciously. So how can we break it? Search for adventure.

Adventure is the source of life to Mr. Mohr, the Consul General. He has a mission to bridge the Kingdom of Netherlands and Hong Kong, to encourage and facilitate the cultural, political and economic cooperation. He also endeavors to create more opportunities for Dutch corporations and diverse artists who are actively looking for further development.

I think we can all agree we all need some mental detoxification. In Hong Kong, most people simply want to collapse after a long week and just stay at home, have afternoon tea in a cozy cafe or go shopping. But to Mr. Mohr, Hong Kong is not just about Central, Wanchai or Causeway Bay – all food and coffee shop meccas. He thinks Hong Kong has so much to offer, such as hiking at Sai Kung or going to Shek O beach. “It gives people a new perspective about Hong Kong,” he says.

Most Hong-kongers have been raised with the comfort of shopping malls, all air-conditioned winding overpasses to your destinations and various kinds of automobiles. We are sheltered and are very comfortable with staying sheltered. You have to ask yourself: When was the last time I touched nature? Despite a tight working schedule, Mr. Mohr visited the Hong Kong Wetland Park in Tin Shui Wai recently. “Go to explore all the little corners of Hong Kong, there’s just so much to offer, be adventurous!” he emphasizes. The wonderful secret Mr Mohr has uncovered in Hong Kong is you can always be adventurous in such a small but vibrant city.

Kandice A

u and Vivian K

wok

Jessica Tse

Mr. Mohr talks to AWAre about benefits of being adventurous.

The sky-reaching view, greenery garden and elegant interior design of the Laboyrie.

Mr. Mohr worked for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Netherlands for nearly 20 years before he becomes the Consul General of the Netherlands in Hong Kong. His term starts in September 2012 and he is ceaselessly looking for new challenges both at work and in life.

Have we captured your imagination? Inspired you to go on an adventure and touch the great outdoors? Maybe what you need is a great place, good friends and a clear goal as catalysts. Thanks to the generous support from Mr. Mohr, members of the public, Pure Yoga and the AWA, here is a chance for us not just be better but also do better too. The Laboyrie, residence of the Consul General of the Netherlands in Hong Kong, is transforming into a tranquil yoga classroom on March 11th where you can take the challenge to strike a pose, and become warriors, championing those who cannot help themselves in our community.

on the Peak the Peak

Text Vivian Kwok and Kandice Au Edit and design Emily Cheng

FuNDRAISING FuNDRAISING

March 2013 AWARE 19

Wilfred Mohr, the Consul General of the Netherlands in

Hong Kong, is one of the adventurous spirits in town. “The first time I visited Hong Kong was in 1985, after my graduation. I did a backpack tour to Asia including Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, China and Hong Kong,” Mr. Mohr described excitedly. Yes, it’s not an easy task as there might be numerous unforeseeable challenges during the trip. More importantly, the older you are, the less courageous you will become, as you understand yourself too much, and have probably set a limit unconsciously. So how can we break it? Search for adventure.

Adventure is the source of life to Mr. Mohr, the Consul General. He has a mission to bridge the Kingdom of Netherlands and Hong Kong, to encourage and facilitate the cultural, political and economic cooperation. He also endeavors to create more opportunities for Dutch corporations and diverse artists who are actively looking for further development.

I think we can all agree we all need some mental detoxification. In Hong Kong, most people simply want to collapse after a long week and just stay at home, have afternoon tea in a cozy cafe or go shopping. But to Mr. Mohr, Hong Kong is not just about Central, Wanchai or Causeway Bay – all food and coffee shop meccas. He thinks Hong Kong has so much to offer, such as hiking at Sai Kung or going to Shek O beach. “It gives people a new perspective about Hong Kong,” he says.

Most Hong-kongers have been raised with the comfort of shopping malls, all air-conditioned winding overpasses to your destinations and various kinds of automobiles. We are sheltered and are very comfortable with staying sheltered. You have to ask yourself: When was the last time I touched nature? Despite a tight working schedule, Mr. Mohr visited the Hong Kong Wetland Park in Tin Shui Wai recently. “Go to explore all the little corners of Hong Kong, there’s just so much to offer, be adventurous!” he emphasizes. The wonderful secret Mr Mohr has uncovered in Hong Kong is you can always be adventurous in such a small but vibrant city.

Kandice A

u and Vivian K

wok

Jessica Tse

Mr. Mohr talks to AWAre about benefits of being adventurous.

The sky-reaching view, greenery garden and elegant interior design of the Laboyrie.

Mr. Mohr worked for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Netherlands for nearly 20 years before he becomes the Consul General of the Netherlands in Hong Kong. His term starts in September 2012 and he is ceaselessly looking for new challenges both at work and in life.

Have we captured your imagination? Inspired you to go on an adventure and touch the great outdoors? Maybe what you need is a great place, good friends and a clear goal as catalysts. Thanks to the generous support from Mr. Mohr, members of the public, Pure Yoga and the AWA, here is a chance for us not just be better but also do better too. The Laboyrie, residence of the Consul General of the Netherlands in Hong Kong, is transforming into a tranquil yoga classroom on March 11th where you can take the challenge to strike a pose, and become warriors, championing those who cannot help themselves in our community.

on the Peak

Text Vivian Kwok and Kandice Au Edit and design Emily Cheng

FuNDRAISING FuNDRAISING

20 AWARE March 2013

Come comfortably dressed with your girlfriends for a bit of giggle, challenge yourself and make new friends on a blossoming spring day on March 11th. As warrioirs we will “Strike a Pose” for the AWA’s very first yogathon. All proceeds from the event goes to the AWA’s Charity Fund and allocated to charities that AWA helps in May. The Yogathon could be your first step to find you may love yoga or the great outdoors! It is also a fabulous way to flip to a new page of your own adventure.

FEAR: it’s that small voice inside your head that tells you not to try new things because if you haven’t tried it yet, it can’t be all that great. Or how about: why would I want to hurt myself doing all those mad moves like those skinny minnies in the gym? Maybe what we need in a nudge - We may be worried that we would screw things up. We may be afraid of heights, of unexpected challenges, or simply any new things. But let’s face it – if you’re in Hong Kong you can’t be that scared of an adventure, right? And once you let go of the worries, push the boundaries of your comfort zone and give it a shot, the worries will be already miles away. Forrest Gump is right. Life’s like a box of chocolate, you never know what you’re gonna get. Let’s follow Mr. Mohr’s lead and get a jump start on being adventurous this year!

Text Sarella Chiu

Design Emily Cheng

Nothing can substitute the healthy glow your skin gets when you exercise. If normal aerobic exercises are too vigorous or sweaty for you, yoga will be another gentle yet effective option for you. It is more than just stretching elegantly like a ballerina on a mat, practicing yoga regularly helps you:

Keep a nice body figure

With moderate stretching and bending, yoga helps prevent middle-age spread for normal-weight people and promote effective weight loss for the overweight

Stay young and healthy

Yoga improves breathing and enhances flexibility. A study shows that up to 35% improvement in flexibility can be seen after only eight weeks. It also promotes blood circulation and helps feeling rejuvenated. All these could in turn give better sex experience.

Relax your mind

You will feel calm, relaxed and connected because hormone oxytocin is increased and levels of certain hormone neuro-transmitters are lowered during yoga practices.

Let’s start listening to your body and giving what it needs today!

Vivian K

wok

A cozy outdoor area connecting to the lawn at the Laboyrie.

FuNDRAISING FuNDRAISING

March 2013 AWARE 21

Come comfortably dressed with your girlfriends for a bit of giggle, challenge yourself and make new friends on a blossoming spring day on March 11th. As warrioirs we will “Strike a Pose” for the AWA’s very first yogathon. All proceeds from the event goes to the AWA’s Charity Fund and allocated to charities that AWA helps in May. The Yogathon could be your first step to find you may love yoga or the great outdoors! It is also a fabulous way to flip to a new page of your own adventure.

FEAR: it’s that small voice inside your head that tells you not to try new things because if you haven’t tried it yet, it can’t be all that great. Or how about: why would I want to hurt myself doing all those mad moves like those skinny minnies in the gym? Maybe what we need in a nudge - We may be worried that we would screw things up. We may be afraid of heights, of unexpected challenges, or simply any new things. But let’s face it – if you’re in Hong Kong you can’t be that scared of an adventure, right? And once you let go of the worries, push the boundaries of your comfort zone and give it a shot, the worries will be already miles away. Forrest Gump is right. Life’s like a box of chocolate, you never know what you’re gonna get. Let’s follow Mr. Mohr’s lead and get a jump start on being adventurous this year!

Text Sarella Chiu

Design Emily Cheng

Nothing can substitute the healthy glow your skin gets when you exercise. If normal aerobic exercises are too vigorous or sweaty for you, yoga will be another gentle yet effective option for you. It is more than just stretching elegantly like a ballerina on a mat, practicing yoga regularly helps you:

Keep a nice body figure

With moderate stretching and bending, yoga helps prevent middle-age spread for normal-weight people and promote effective weight loss for the overweight

Stay young and healthy

Yoga improves breathing and enhances flexibility. A study shows that up to 35% improvement in flexibility can be seen after only eight weeks. It also promotes blood circulation and helps feeling rejuvenated. All these could in turn give better sex experience.

Relax your mind

You will feel calm, relaxed and connected because hormone oxytocin is increased and levels of certain hormone neuro-transmitters are lowered during yoga practices.

Let’s start listening to your body and giving what it needs today!

Vivian K

wok

A cozy outdoor area connecting to the lawn at the Laboyrie.

FuNDRAISING FuNDRAISING