My hong kong
Frederique Deleage, managing director of Frederique Holistic Health and Beauty Group, has lived in Hong Kong for 24 years. A vegetarian and yoga devotee, her biggest regret is learning to rollerblade.
Where are you most likely to be at 10am on a Sunday? Hiking in one of the country parks with a few friends and their dogs, rain or shine. I love hiking and connecting with nature.
Where are you most likely to be at 10pm on a Friday? I have no routine. I might have 15 friends over for dinner, dine out, see a film or have an evening to myself. Sometimes I'll be at a seminar on martial arts or personal growth.
Where do you live? MacDonnell Road, Mid-Levels.
Where do you go to escape in Hong Kong? Out of the city and into nature. I like to hike on the Dragon's Back near Shek O, then walk down into the village for Thai food, or I'll hike up Violet Hill behind Parkview.
Where does everyone know your name? My name is a brand name in Hong Kong, so people know my name professionally through my contributions to women's issues, holistic health, beauty, education ...
Whom in Hong Kong do you most admire? My friend Chris Gentry. He created a company called AsiaWorks, involved in personal growth and corporate training, which has grown fast in Southeast Asia. I admire his business sense and his heart. He is a good listener and gives people confidence.
Whom do you least admire? Rude taxi drivers, people who spit on my feet, people who pollute Hong Kong and people who whine and complain and don't appreciate what they have.
What inspires you? People with spirit and drive, whether young or old; people who radiate energy.
What makes you smile? The spontaneity and purity of a child; they come from the heart and sometimes we lose them.
What do you consider to be your biggest achievement? Sometimes I run across old students who have become successful and have made careers out of what they learned at my school. They make a difference to someone's life as a result, and I am so proud of myself when this happens.
What has been your biggest mistake? Taking up rollerblading ... I keep falling and hurting myself!
What is your favourite food? Mediterranean flavours and ingredients, and food prepared with herbs and spices. And I love soup. How food is cooked is important to me. I'm a vegetarian and I like healthy food cooked with love and care.
When did you last lose your temper? When I flew from London to Paris and a cab driver refused to give me a ride. I really let him have it. I lost my cool, I couldn't believe how unprofessional I was!
What would you like to be reincarnated as? A classical ballerina. Or a famous singer. Or a famous ballerina who sings!
What is your biggest vice? Scalp, hand and foot massages. They have great places in China. I have had such massages at spas all over the world ... it's the most relaxing thing.
What is your favourite building in Hong Kong? I prefer old buildings, but I love the one with a pointy green top in Central [Entertainment Building]. It's like a building from the 1930s.
Where did you spend your last birthday? I didn't celebrate that one.
When did you last cross the harbour? Maybe last month. I love crossing the harbour on the Star Ferry. It gives me time to reflect on the beauty of Hong Kong. I appreciate the 10 minutes of peace; the wind, the sea, the feeling of openness and freshness. It's like a no-man's land of warped time.
Give us some wisdom ... Always be true to yourself.
