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CHINESE CULTURAL EXPERIENCE by Madelyn Miller  One of the newest "learning programs" available to travelers is at the renowned Peninsula Hong Kong with the launch of the Peninsula Academy, a collection of experiential programs that delve into the fascinating world of ancient Chinese arts, philosophies, medicine and cuisine. From consultations with a Feng Shui Master on the most spiritually harmonious layout for the home to the selection of fresh ingredients at a bustling Hong Kong market under the watchful eye of a master chef, the Peninsula Academy experiences are hands-on and in-depth. The Chinese Cultural Experience This comprehensive exploration of the treasures of China spans the physical and spiritual realms, delving into aspects of traditional Chinese culture, cuisine and lifestyle over a period of four days. A highlight is a session with a Feng Shui Master, who will explain how the elements of wind, water and earth all have a bearing on happiness and well-being. Guests are encouraged to bring along copies of their house plans; the Master will examine these and provide direction on achieving optimal harmony in the home through the proper positioning of furniture in relation to doorways and walkways and the addition of fish tanks and other peaceful water elements.  Other features include:
� instruction in the graceful strokes of Chinese calligraphy
� a lesson in the fine art of preparing and serving Chinese tea
� a session with an herbalist expert in ancient Chinese medical practices
� a culinary shopping trip and discovery of the wonders of wok cooking with a Cantonese master chef
� stretching the muscles and focusing the mind through the gentle art of Tai Chi on the hotel’s magnificent harbor-view deck A Class Act Culinary Experience  One- to three-day courses focusing on fine dining, offering hands-on sessions with the culinary experts of The Peninsula Hong Kong’s award-winning restaurants. An explanation of tools and techniques, traditional and cutting-edge preparation methods, and artistic display will be covered in each session as the chefs walk through the start-to-finish steps for cooking and serving a gourmet dish such as Chinese barbecued duck triangles with tomato basil coulis and papaya relish.
Classes scheduled for 1998 include: Mediterranean at The Verandah: May 26-29; Cantonese at Spring Moon: July 21-24; Desserts/Pastry at Patisserie: Sept. 22- 25; Peninsula signature dishes: Nov. 24-27. The Peninsula Lifestyle This program was designed to introduce guests to the best of Hong Kong and the luxurious Peninsula style. From the moment they touch down at the airport, a Rolls Royce will be their method of conveyance throughout this bustling city. Jet-lag will be soothed away during pampering sessions in The Peninsula’s elegant spa. A shopping trip by Rolls Royce to Shanghai Tang for designer fashions, exotic silks, fine jewelry and fragrances will be followed by gourmet dinners at the Peninsula Hong Kong’s renowned restaurants, including the rooftop Felix, featuring the colorful futuristic vision of designer Phillippe Starck. Breakfast at Tiffany’s, relaxing Clarins beauty treatments, swims in the Roman-style pool, and behind-the-scenes kitchen and dining room tours are just a few of the memorable moments in this unforgettable experience. Optional add-on activities, from helicopter and antique tours to hiking and boating trips, also can be arranged. For more information on the Peninsula Academy, contact (852) 2366 6251. Dragon Boat Photo by Dave Shultz
courtesy of Karen Weiner Escalera Associates, Inc. Back to TravelLady Magazine |