As has been their custom for decades, Central Department Stores around Thailand and Zen Department Store at CentralWorld are celebrating next weekend’s National Children’s Day with an event designed to appeal to the little ones. This year, the retail giant is spreading the happiness even further with the “Baby & Kids Happy Days” event that runs from now through January 15, with Central Chidlom and Central Lat Phrao taking centre stage in terms of the number of activities being organised to mark this special day.

Those activities include fun workshops, imaginative drawing and balloon twisting, Lego building, storytelling, face painting, and Hot Wheels model car racing. Kids can also explore the North Pole vibe through the “Interactive Central Frozen Land”, catch a fashion show, take part in a Lego bricks workshop or have a go at Strider bike racing, all without putting a foot outside the Event Hall on the third floor of Central Chidlom.

The highlight though is undoubtedly the “Lego Amazing Kid’s Day 2018”, which boasts models of 11 landmarks in Bangkok created from more than 500,000 intricate Lego bricks, which will be on show on Level 1 of Central Plaza Lat Phrao from next Thursday through January 18.

The aim is to let the youngsters learn more about history of these ancient places.

“Thailand has many buildings with beautiful architecture and these have inspired us to build their models. We are showcasing a mosaic background of all these important places at night as well as 3D Lego brick models of Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram, Wat Benchamabophit, the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, Democracy Monument and Yaowaraj Road, among others,” says Panya Parinyanont, a member of the Thai Lego User Group (TLUG).

“And it’s not just for the kids. Tourists too can learn about the important places in Bangkok from our exhibition,” he adds.

“Each sculpture is assembled from Lego bricks using the imagination of its creators,” explains Pongsit Rattanakornwit, a member of the design team behind the 11 works of art.

“There are so many interesting places in Thailand, especially in Bangkok, so we thought building models of them using Lego bricks would help kids, adults, and tourists learn more about the history and origin of each of these destinations.” Among them is Wat Benchamabophit Dusitvanaram, a first-class royal monastery and the repository for the ashes of King Rama V. Originally called Wat Laem, its name was changed to Wat Benchamabophit by King Rama V.

Another Lego architectural wonder is the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, the European style building resplendent with Carrera marble from Italy.

Inspired by Saint Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican and St Paul’s Cathedral in London, the interior is decorated with frescoes depicting the history of King Rama I the Great to King Rama VI.

The Golden Mount (Phu Khao Thong), Wat Saket Ratcha Wora Maha Wihan dates back to the Ayutthaya period, when it was referred as “Wat Sakae”. The temple was restored on the orders of King Rama I and renamed Wat Saket. It was renovated during the reign of King Rama III and the Golden Mount was formed from the debris of a collapsed chedi.

Wat Ratchanaddaram Woraviharn was built on the orders of King Rama III for Somanass Waddhanawathy who became the first queen of King Rama IV. The main attraction of this temple is the Loha Prasat, the first and only metal castle in Thailand.

The Democracy Monument was built to commemorate the establishment of the constitutional monarchy. The centrepiece is a carved representation of the box holding the Thai constitution of 1932, which sits on top of two golden offering bowls above a round turret. This is not only the symbol of democracy, but also marks Thailand Highway’s Kilometre Zero.

Wat Suthat Thep Wararam was constructed by King Rama I in 1807 and its wiharn was built to house Phra Sri Sakayamuni (Phra To), which was moved from Wat Mahathat in Sukhothai province. It is sometimes referred to the Giant Swing Temple.

Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram, commonly known as Wat Phra Kaeo, was consecrated during the reign of King Rama I to house the statue of Phra Phuttha Maha Mani Rattana Patimakorn or the Emerald Buddha, a potent religious and political symbol and the sacred protector of Thai society.

Wat Arun Ratchawararam, formerly known as Wat Makok, is an ancient temple built in the Ayutthaya period. The Prang of Wat Arun was constructed by expert craftsman and decorated with antique seashells and bits of exotic porcelain imported from China.

Talad Noi Community in Bang Rak district is an old business hub along the Chao Phraya River. A combination of Thai and Chinese culture, Talad Noi has become a hip tourist attraction and is a popular destination for local teens.

Yaowaraj Road, originally named Yupparaj Road, is the heart of Thailand’s Chinatown and home to the main Chinese community in Thailand.

The Victory Monument was erected to commemorate the Thai victory in the FrancoThai War. Designed in the shape of five bayonets clasped together, its lower part constitutes a large hall containing artillery bullets and the ashes of soldiers who died in the Indochina War. Five statues represent the army, navy, air force, police and militia.

Other Lego constructions on show include the Ruen Yod Barom Mungkalanusaranee Pavilion at the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, the Loha Prasat (metal castle) at Wat Ratchanaddaram, the Giant Swing at Wat Suthat, Padej Dassakorn Fort, Phra Asada Maha Chedi at Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram, and Kalawar Church at Talad Noi.

Kids can exercise their imaginations with a spaceship game, Lego Star Wars, and enter the Lego Amazing Competition to win attractive prizes.

Old Man’s Journey is a puzzle game presented in beautiful graphics that look hand-painted, like children’s books. But there’s nothing child-like about the gameplay, which delves into a layered, complex world.

Developer and publisher Broken Rules released it in mid-2017 and the Apple Store editors named it iPad game of the year.

The objective is simple – keep the old man of the title moving through the two-dimensional landscape. The game’s only main character keeps getting stuck, so you have to look for ways to get him going again, clicking around for clues.

To solve the series of puzzles that ensue, you’re mostly required to figure out how to move ridges and slopes in the background by clicking on them and lining them up to create a path forward. If the old man comes to rest atop a hill, the hill can’t be moved, so you have to move him somewhere else before you can line up the path.

The story begins with the old man receiving a letter at home. He appears very concerned about the contents and sets off on a long journey, taking with him a large backpack and a walking stick.

There is no tutorial or textual description. Whenever you get stuck, you just need to point and click around, looking for a solution to the puzzle. When you find something that looks promising, click on it and maybe you’ll be rewarded with a lovely sound or cheerful animation.

The puzzles sometimes get quite complex. In certain scenes, for example, you might have to send large wheels crashing down the steep hills to bulldoze away stone walls blocking the man’s progress.

The game’s appeal in the way it keeps players engaged by tossing up surprises every time a hill or mountain is moved.

When you finally get the old man to the end of each chapter or the final location of the game, he’ll take a rest and relate a memory of his past, as told through lovely, colourful images.

I played the game on a new iPad 9.7-inch tablet computer and it ran smoothly, with gorgeous graphics all the way through.

The Old Man’s Journey can be purchased from the App Store for Bt69.

KEY FACTS

– Version: 1.8

– Require: iOS 10.0 or later

– Publisher-developer: Broken Rules

– Size: 657.3MB

– Category: Games, puzzles

– Age rating: Four and up

Operated in 45 countries, this global phenomenon featured the high-altitude dinner table at the height of 50 meters where 22 guests were seated securely per round and enjoyed a four-course gourmet with astonishing view, which is lifted and suspended for an hour long by a 200-tone European telescopic boom crane. Dinner in The Sky is located between The Emporium Shopping Complex and Benchasiri Park and will run until the end of February.

Beam club celebrates its second anniversary by inviting lots of big names to guest this month and kicks off the proceedings with Promnite. A New York native, Promnite started his career as a DJ and producer in Los Angeles and has worked with several well-known artists such as Mr Carmack, Djemba Djemba, Penthouse Penthouse, Danny Seth, Falcons and Katy Perry. Discover the down-tempo hip-hop and hard beats in the Dalmation room on January 10. Entry is Bt300 plus one drink. Find out more at (02) 392 7750.

Come alive with Dead Sea mud

Escape to Windsor Suites Hotel and spend a relaxing time with Dead Sea mud mask spa package. Pamper yourself in style and improve your skin with this special mud mask imported from Jordan. The beauty benefits of the Dead Sea mud include high concentrations of vitamins and minerals particularly magnesium, sodium, potassium and calcium and the mud mask helps stimulate blood flow, remove dead cells, maximise cell hydration, and reduce fine lines & wrinkles to achieve healthier and tighter skin. The package is priced at Bt1,500 net. Book a session at (02) 262 1234.

Kids day out

Saturday January 13 is all about the kids so treat them this Children’s Day to an international buffet with New Zealand mussels, Prawn, Gammon ham, Roasted chicken, Live Japanese station and pasta station the Landmark Hotel’s Atrium restaurant. The event also features a kids’ food corner, Bozo the Clown and balloon twisting and there’s plenty to enjoy for mum and dad too. It’s priced at Bt2,000 net per person but come in a group of four and you only pay for two. Book by calling (02) 254 0404 extension 7777 or email fb@landmarkbangkok.com

Treasures of the deep

Sea Life Bangkok, the world-class aquarium on floors B1 and B2 of Siam Paragon marks Children’s Day on January 13 with two edutainment days full of underwater adventures and activities over the January 13-14 weekend. Youngsters cam take advantage of the “Kids-Go-Free” ticket promotion under which a child under the age of 11 earns free entrance with an adult ticket purchase. Entrance fee is Bt990 for adults and Bt790 for kids aged three to 11. Call (02) 687 2000 or visit http://www.SeaLifeBangkok.com.

Double the chocolate

All branches of Cafe Kantary are celebrating the arrival of 2018 with “Double Chocolate Espresso Frappe”. Available this month and next, the rich drink comes with added chocolate chips, a strong shot of espresso and tops it with whipped cream and chocolate flakes. Try it for only Bt130. Find out more at http://www.CafeKantary.com.

Nakun Yugalana Ayudhya, founder and chief executive of Kiddeepass, the firm that makes the app, unveiled it recently at the EmQuartier’s Quartier Water Garden.

“The idea came up because my sister, Sitamon Pholdee, and I have children the same age and we wanted information about play centres and schools, but we found that the information is quite scattered.

“So we decided to design an app that brings together all the info parents need and lets them book activities online. It brings together all the fun experiences for kids. Then I invited my friends Dr Pongtip Aroonvatanaporn and Apisek Tewinpagti to join in the undertaking and make the app available to the public.”

Celebrities on hand for the launch included actors Panisara “Opal” Aryasakul and her twin children Alin and Alan and Jessadaporn “Tik” Pholdee (Sitamon’s husband), who shared their parenting experiences.

MR Srikhumrung Yukol Rattakul, Rawiwan Tanaka, Nisakorn Sihanatkathakul, Tipanan Srifuengfung, Jutawan and Teerut Suwanamas and Rupop Shinawatra were also there, and Chatpawee Trichachawanwong served as emcee.

Kiddeepass connects families to classes, museums, parks, zoos and a variety of helpful and interesting services, all carefully chosen.

The app has a “Near Me” function to save time and avoid traffic, and its recommendations take costs into account, which can be set according to personal preferences.

Kiddeepass can be downloaded for free for either Android or iOS at http://www.Kiddeepas.com.

In collaboration with Mali Professional, the shopping malls present a parade of more than 100 bozo clown and pirates along with dishes from Mali creation at Quartier Avenue, BTS: Promphong. Kids can choose between five zones or visit all of them.

Zone 1: Mali Water World features a 20-metre-long ball pool plus food from Mali Shop, Minito Gelato, Sushi Mori, Mr Omelet and Jonnie toast.

Zone 2: Jurassic World runs from January 9-15 and invites visitors to discover fossils from creatures from the past by participating in “Dig It Up! A Dinosaur Maze Adventure.” Hunt for dinosaur eggs in an adventurous maze and complete your mission as a junior archaeologist to win special prizes or just enjoy story time from Naiin Bookshop & Amarin Comics at Quartier Gallery.

Zone 3: Brick World is open from January 8 to 16 and encourages creativity with Lego and lots of favourite characters. Kids have the chance to win a limited Lego model after registering at Emporium Gallery on January 13 only.

Zone 4: Paw Patrol Pups World runs over the same period and invites young crusaders to meet and greet for the first time in Thailand such heroes as Chase and Marshall. Kids born in January can take part in a cupcake decoration party at Q Space MC, The EmQuartier on January 13 only.

Zone 5: Animal World runs from January 8 to 16 and invites everyone to experience the world of animals in the green zone area. Learn to live with animals with Thailand exotic pet keepers at Q Garden on the fifth floor and over the weekend of January 13-14 join animal face painting for free at Helix Dining.

The aim is to encourage children to have a wonderful time in the kitchen, a space of happiness for all family members and for children to learn about kitchenware, utensils, and preparing vegetables and fruits.

Kids can enjoy a paper mache workshop, decorating paper plates, in addition to four fun game activities. If kids complete all four activities, they will receive an accessory bag. Everyone will also get a free drink.

Smales members will receive French fries (300 units per day), as non-members can register for a Smales membership at the event and receive free strawberry or chocolate cookies (400 units per day). Please bring identification documents, such as copies of either a birth certificate or house registration, to register at the event.

Find out more at http://www.Ikea.co.th.

WOODED HILLSIDES, craggy ridges and wheeling birds of prey are a world away from Hong Kong’s famous skyscrapers but the city’s country parks are a necessary balm for its stressed out residents.

With some of the world’s highest property prices, many can only afford tiny apartments, some living in infamous “cage homes” big enough only for a bed.

Hong Kong’s fast-paced lifestyle and long working hours also take their toll.

Fortunately, within easy reach of the densely packed tower blocks and traffic, there is an extensive network of hiking trails which snake over hundreds of peaks across the territory and along its coastlines.

Forty per cent of Hong Kong is protected country park and nature reserves, amounting to 443 square kilometres, drawing hikers, runners and campers all year round.

For 29-year-old Dai-yu Cheung, those natural landscapes changed his life.

As a keen amateur photographer he decided to document some of the city’s remoter areas, never having explored them before.

His discoveries led him to ditch long hours in his job as a graphic designer, during which he had developed a bad back, and go part-time as he sought a healthier, happier existence.

Cheung lives with his family and cut down his financial outgoings so he could work three days a week, often hiking with friends.

“When we go hiking, we feel free, relax and forget our troubles,” he says, carefully gathering scattered litter as he walks through tall grass to a rocky outcrop in the northern New Territories.

He and his friend AM Renault, 29, also a keen hiker, have set up Facebook and Instagram pages under the name Yamanaka Yuko, sharing photos and video of their hill climbs in Hong Kong and abroad. They describe themselves as artists inspired by nature.

With a growing band of followers the pair are now regularly asked for tips about routes by local walkers and have teamed up for campaigns with environment NGOs and outdoor clothing brands.

“Our message is about protecting nature and the environment,” says Renault, a freelance photographer.

He worries about the future of Hong Kong’s trails – the housing shortage has sparked government proposals to build on the outskirts of the country parks.

But with hiking becoming more popular, particularly among young people, he hopes those plans will fail.

“More and more people like hiking and go out and do it. Because of that there’s more resistance to development than in the past,” he says.

On a cool sunny morning, Stone Tsang skips sure-footed along a shady path beneath Hong Kong’s highest peak, Tai Mo Shan.

The city’s most famous trail runner, Tsang, 39, regularly wins long-distance competitions and recently completed a gruelling local hill race which saw him cover 298 kilometres in 54 hours, snatching naps when he could no longer keep his eyes open.

As a paramedic and father of two, he says getting out into these wide open spaces is a vital stress relief.

“When I come to the mountains it’s like therapy for me,” he says. “It’s healing for my soul.”

Hitting a dirt trail, rough with gnarled tree roots and scattered boulders, is part of the Hong Kong hill experience.

But over the years, many paths have been covered with concrete in an attempt to make them safer, something which Tsang is leading a popular Facebook campaign to stop.

He says former government technicians who helped establish paths using natural materials have now retired and contractors have little knowledge of how to do so.

Not only is the concrete alien to the natural environment, it also becomes slippery and causes soil erosion, says Tsang.

“Most mountain rescues are because inexperienced people get lost or dehydrated, there are very few injuries because of the trail conditions,” he explains.

Tsang is lobbying the government to stop pouring any new concrete and has introduced them to international experts who are showing workers and members of the public how to refurbish paths naturally.

The agriculture, fisheries and conservation department says it uses natural materials “as far as possible”.

Tsang now wants to bring hiking tours into the country parks to foster a love of the mountains in the face of the threat of development.

“The country parks are a very valuable asset to Hong Kong, not just for us, but for future generations,” says Tsang.

“This kind of thing you cannot just see – you have to go out and feel it.”

Stars, stripes and diamonds joins plumes and glitter with the loafers smiling up at the wearer and the sneakers giving a wink. Check them out at at Tod’s boutique in Siam Paragon.

Colours of Napoli

Chanel’s make up artist Lucia Pica reflects the many faces of Naples in her new collection for spring and summer. For the eyes is the limited-edition Les 9 Ombres eye-shadow palette containing an enticing spectrum of brighter and more muted shades. For the face, Pica’s been inspired by the view of mountains at sunset, with the Joues Contraste blush in Fuschia Rosa is a poetic dusting of pink that will instantly enliven the complexion. The lips have something special too with Poudre a Levres an entirely new and artisan approach to lip colour inspired by traditional tempera techniques used to create the ancient frescoes.

Positif for the face

Japanese skincare brand Positif welcomes 2018 with Torafugu Colla Lotion, a water-formula intensive lotion formulated with concentrated collagen extract from Japan’s marine fish. Designer to quickly penetrates the skin, the lotion replenishes moisture to make the skin firmer, younger, and dewy.

Faces all aglow

Jergens Skincare moisturisers have been upgraded with Illuminating Hydralucence Technology, which eliminates dullness and dryness by creating a continuous layer of moisture on skin. This unique technology prevents hydration loss with a uniform moisture barrier. The smooth surface then powerfully reflects light, for more luminous skin. Jergens also marks 2018 with a new bonus bottle, containing 25 per cent more Jergens moisturiser for the same price. It’s available in four formulas while stocks last.

Pretty in prints

Marimekko, the Finnish brand known for screen-printed fabric, introduces the new prints for it’s the brand’s cotton and linen garments in its Pre-Spring Collection 2018.

Two styles are on the way: Nurmu and Kultarikko. Both designed by Satu Maaranen, Nurmu is a stylised stripe pattern from flowers painted freely and spontaneously while Kultarikko or yellow saxifrage is a stylised spherical pattern inspired by Marimekko’s signature geometric designs.

On the theme “Once Flower Upon A Time”, this year’s highlight is the Dasada hydrangea with purple, pink and blue blooms 30 to 40cm in diameter.

Through a range of interactive displays, visitors can also admire a 7-metre long floral dress made of the hydrangea, a display of phalaenopsis orchids in many different colours, a dancing fountain, flower mapping, a showcase of chrysanthemums and a night floral tunnel. Admission is Bt150 for children and Bt250 for adults.

Find out more at DasadaHappiness.com.

Another world with Movenpick

Movenpick Hotels & Resorts mark the arrival of 2018 with a new Find Another World promotion for guests booking a room before January 31.

More than 80 properties across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East are taking part in the promotion, which is  valid for stays through February 28 and offers up to 30 percent of the best available rates. Other benefits include a complimentary $20 voucher to spend in the hotel’s restaurants and free WiFi

Book a room at http://www.Movenpick.com.

Drinking in the Masters

The five-star Conservatorium hotel in Amsterdam welcomes art lovers with the Dutch Masters Package that is available until May 27.

The room rates start at550 Euros (Bt21,362) and include a two-night stay in a luxurious guestroom or suite, daily breakfast in the Brasserie for two and two tickets to the Hermitage Museum with access to the exhibition.

Online bookings can be made at http://www.ConservatoriumHotel.com.

Ships ahoy!

The Thailand Yacht Show will return to Phuket’s Ao Po Marina from February 22 to 25 and will once again dazzle visitors and industry experts with super yachts and regional debuts plus exclusive experiences and engaging social events. Organised by the Thai government and the Tourism Authority of Thailand, this unique experiential that allows potential buyers and charterers to climb aboard and trial a wide range of watercraft including sailboats, sportsfishers, dinghies, tenders, water sport boats and daycruisers.

Find out more at http://www.ThailandYachtShow.com.

Changing seasons

On February 3, the holy Katsuga Taisha Shrine in Nara, Japan will be aglow with more than 3,000 lanterns and the town marks the transition from winter to spring.

This tradition has continued for 800 years and most of the lanterns have been crafted and donated by local residents. Some designs are also dedicated to a history of samurai, who battled during the Sengoku period. Visitors can also witness performances by dancers dressed in ancient kimono.

Discover the festival at http://www.Jnto.go.jp.