It’s great to be back in a city that shares the same nocturnal habits as my website.
Beauty
How two chance meetings helped shape a unicorn – the Augustinus Bader story
“The fact I was ready to sleep under a bridge meant he probably thought there must be something behind this project because the guy was giving up the last thing he had.”
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Events
Duty free but not free of duty in Taiwan
The sense of national and social duty, fundamental to the company’s ethos of the last 28 years, has never burned more brightly nor more urgently.
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Airports
Stocking up in Hong Kong and making a return to Taipei
It looks like a full flight for the 70-minute journey to Taipei. Just the way it used to be. And the way, hopefully it will be for a long time to come.
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Events
High times in Haikou
Talk about ‘The website that never sleeps’; this week it has never looked like getting a single wink.
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Travel
Humming in Hong Kong and riding the waves in Wanning
I have written so many words about this beautiful island province since the pandemic began and to be unable to visit due to the crisis has been an immense professional frustration. Now the waiting is over.
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Events
From Nobel Prize to Noble Panacea
British actress Jodie Comer (Killing Eve) is a Global Ambassador while Christy Turlington has just been named Noble Panacea’s new ‘Fundamental Changemaker in Residence’. Clearly not a brand that does things by halves.
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Events
Poignancy, reunions and celebration in the Philippines
Exquisite. As was the wine selection, all chosen by Chim – a wine aficionado – from his extensive home cellar. Not quite so extensive by the time we finished.
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Miscellaneous
What price a smile?
There’s nothing luxury here but the young patients inside are about to receive, or have already received, a gift more priceless than any shopping emporium can offer. A smile.
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Airports
‘Pura vida’ – A captivating Costa Rican experience
I have not just been on location here but have undergone a full immersion in the culture and tourism highlights of Costa Rica.
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People
A fond farewell to Canny Kwok, a true travel retail superstar
“I have been able to work with beautiful categories like watches and jewellery for eight years and then perfume. My experience at Bvlgari has been like a really colourful tapestry that will always be in my memory.”
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Quirky
Assessing the great Olivetti vs ChatGPT showdown
Ah, even saying the word ‘Olivetti’ out loud fills me with affection and nostalgia. I learned my craft on it. I didn’t need ChatGPT then just as I have never felt the need for an automatic garage door.
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Miscellaneous
A welcome return to beautiful kitsch in Macau
Artificial canals replete with gondolas and a false Venetian sky might not be to everyone’s taste but there is no doubting the allure for countless Chinese consumers, many of whom have never experienced the real thing in Italy.