Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2024 i Tatler Hong Kong

TATLER HONG KONG Foil fencer Daphne Chan is heading to the Olympics, where the city hopes she might follow in the footsteps of her idol Edgar Cheung Ka-long. It’s a lot of pressure for anyone, but the 19-year-old is refusing to let it get to her. TATLER MALAYSIA Actress and model Alicia Amin explained why she refuses to back down when she is criticised for being outspoken, and how she is working towards helping to create change in the creative and entertainment industries. TATLER PHILIPPINES Tatler Dining’s Rising Star 2024 Don Baldosano talked about being influenced by French chefs, his stint on Junior Masterchef, and his life goal of sharing “all the different facets of Filipino food”. TATLER TAIWAN Tommy Chen is the first Asian to have completed ultramarathons on…

As the world grapples with many pressing challenges, our worries about environmental sustainability and healthcare intensify. We can only begin to build on our hope for the future by ensuring that there is a future in the first place—for the planet, and for ourselves as individuals. These innovators on Asia’s Most Influential are not only envisioning the future but also actively creating it, bringing us closer to a reality where biodiversity and food security are ensured, and people have access to the scientific tools that allow them to prevent dreaded diseases or overcome them with targeted, personalised treatments. These are not distant promises, either: these people’s present-day achievements address critical issues that benefit the rest of us in the here and now. LINDSAY PORTER Founder, Seamar “Does the International Whaling…

It was early evening on May 2. The last customer had just paid the bill at Badgers Cafe, a small coffee shop in Hung Hom housing a pop-up exhibition showcasing fan art, photographs, posters and CDs relating to Canto-pop icon Leslie Cheung. Its usual evening silence was replaced by the cheery, energetic mood of local singers Kimman Wong and Mischa Ip and a team of videographers and theatre creatives. Swaying their arms and legs to Cheung’s famous 1984 song Monica, which was playing in the background, Wong and Ip were getting ready to shoot the promotional music video for Café I Do—the Leslie Cheung Musical, a new tribute Broadway-style musical production dedicated to Cheung. Set to premiere at West Kowloon’s Xiqu Centre this month, the original Cantonese musical tells the…

FOODIE FOOTWEAR Kibo makes trendy trainers featuring apple leather, a plant-based material made from apple pomace, as well as other upcycled farm waste. Its solvent-free production process emits an average of 20 times less carbon than cow leather. Each pair of shoes is made from up to 15 repurposed apples. The brand is the brainchild of Tatler’s Gen.T honouree Natalie Chow. CHARMED, I’M SURE Rosewood Hong Kong worked with Ways Out Hong Kong, a brand that creates upcycled jewellery from food waste, to create a limited-edition set of upcycled wine charms, which are attached neatly to the stem of wine glasses. The charms are made with kitchen food waste—think peels from dragon fruit, carrots and oranges. POUR US A PINT Homegrown start-up Breer, founded by Gen.T honouree Anushka Purohit, collects…

WEST TO EAST Kenzo is ready for space travel this autumn. Drawing on the sci-fi metaphors of the pre-collection—presented as part of the autumn-winter 2024 runway show in January—the campaign re-frames the proposal in a lunar landscape grounded by the earthly waves of the sea, and illustrates a cross-cultural journey. Highlights include the brand’s characteristic plissé soleil dress alongside workwear inspired by Japanese firefighter jackets, cargo trousers, and a metallic sequined bodysuit complemented by a T-shirt showcasing the maison’s logo and Boke flower in cosmic constellation prints. The men’s and women’s collection is a homage to Kenzo Takada’s first boutique on Rue Vivienne in Paris, as well as to artistic director Nigo’s childhood love for space, the moon, and science fiction. A SUN-KISSED VOYAGE If you’re seeking new inspiration for…

VENETIAN RENDEZVOUS This June, the historic Scuola Grande di San Rocco in Venice served as the magnificent backdrop for Chaumet’s latest high jewellery unveiling: the Chaumet en Scène collection. Notable attendees included Korean actress and Chaumet ambassador Song Hye Kyo who stood out beneath the Renaissance frescoes in the maison’s Voltige ensemble from the latest collection. She wore an exquisite white gold necklace centred around a 10.18-carat oval-cut diamond, complemented by matching earrings and a ring. Chaumet en Scène collection HIGH FIVE Chanel’s fine jewellery creation studio unveiled new additions to the No 5 collection, which is a tribute to Gabrielle Chanel’s birth date and lucky number; the designs merge gold with diamonds, creatively include the number “5” and feature a prominent diamond set in a bezel reminiscent of the…

This summer, against the lush green backdrop of the Italian resort town of Ravello, Gucci unveiled its latest high jewellery collection, Labirinti Gucci. As a jewellery editor, witnessing the evolution of the maison’s high jewellery over the years has been a pleasure, but this recent unveiling marks a definitive moment in its growth in this category. Since its entry into high jewellery in 2019, Gucci has challenged itself to create a whole new sphere of luxury, beginning with the Hortus Deliciarum (Latin for “garden of delights”) high jewellery collection. That first release introduced a mix of historical and mythological motifs, such as lions’ and tigers’ heads, along with exaggerated floral vines, crafted from a vibrant palette of gemstones including opals, sapphires, diamonds and pearls under the creative direction of Alessandro…

MUSIC Walking into the PICC Plenary Hall in Manila on May 28 and 29 was like stepping into a high school prom: eager-faced individuals, mostly teens and people in their early 20s, in glamorous dresses, suits, shirts and pearl necklaces. Quite a number of them, male and female, tied ribbons in their hair—a tribute to the signature headwear of the Gen Z performer they were about to see: Laufey Lín Bing Jónsdóttir. The Icelandic Chinese singer-songwriter who performs under the name Laufey (say “Lay-vay”, not “Lau-fay”) was in Manila as part of her Bewitched: The Goddess tour, which started in October 2023, making stops across 16 countries in Europe, the US, Asia and Australia. As well as songs from her debut album Everything I Know About Love (2022) and her…

RIVIERA REVERIE Imagine warm evenings spent dining under the stars, in a garden decked out in wooden furniture, floral patterns and lavender-scented candles. The vibe—one of rustic elegance, and reminiscent of a long-awaited summer in the South of France—can be recreated with the likes of Bonnie & Neil’s colourful plates, Homus’s rattan bench and eye-catching Ichendorf Milano glassware. BEYOND THE WALLS It’s that time of year when we want to spend more time outdoors—lounging on a summer sofa and reading a book, enjoying time by the pool or simply spending time in nature. For relaxation, comfort and indulging in those precious moments, outdoor furniture that combines style and substance is a must.…

What is your life motto? It’s only a decision, whether you’re going to know yourself or be yourself. Designers or artists you are inspired by? Tyler, the Creator, Pharrell [Williams], Verdy, Kim Jones, Prince and Michael Jackson. Your killer summer look? It depends on [whether I’m] at home or outside. At home, I’m pretty much naked. Ultimate comfort food? Lo meen. You have like a plastic bag and you pick random [ingredients]: some noodles, some garlic, some octopus, some sausage, this and that. You mix it and then you eat it. What do you do to relax? Sleep. Workout routine? First of all, I stretch. Recently, I tend to jog [outdoors and do] cardio when the sun is at its peak. I do a little bit of weights afterwards. When…

Hong Kong CHECK IN AT THE UPPER HOUSE Arriving at The Upper House feels like coming home—it could be because of the earthy, elegant interiors or the top-notch service, which is informal but deeply personal and attentive. Designed by architect André Fu, the spacious studios and suites feature natural materials, floor-to-ceiling windows and what we believe are the sexiest bathrooms in Hong Kong—each room features a deep soaking tub positioned to maximise mountain or city views. Over the years, The Upper House has become something of a cultural hub in Hong Kong, hosting intimate programmes and supporting local talents in the areas of art and wellness. As a result, as well as being a cult favourite hotel for travellers, it has gained a fiercely loyal fanbase among locals; you’ll often…

SIZE MATTERS And probably not in the way you think. The smaller or more intimate a hotel is, the better, as more travellers opt for boutique properties. Storytelling through design, environmental impact, connection to the local community and an authentic “sense of place” are increasingly influential when choosing where to stay. THINK GLOBAL, ACT LOCAL More hotels are connecting with their local audience, establishing themselves as cultural hubs on their home turf. Like Desa Potato Head in Bali—my editors are probably sick of me waxing lyrical about this place, but I genuinely believe it sets a precedent for the future of hotels. Operating as more of a village than resort, its unique approach to cultural programming spans art, music and wellness. Meanwhile, The Upper House in Hong Kong has a…

The term “entertainment” often conjures images of spectacle over substance—productions that prioritise fleeting thrills and fan hysteria over depth. In this issue, however, we spotlight some of Asia’s most celebrated luminaries who exemplify how entertainment can be both impactful and far-reaching. Our cover stars, the dynamic duo of Jackson Wang and Mobolaji Dawodu, embody the spirit of cross-cultural collaboration that’s reshaping the global entertainment landscape. Wang, a multitalented artist who has taken the world by storm, needs little introduction. From his early years as a fencer representing Hong Kong to his K-pop fame, successful solo career and recent entrepreneurial pursuits, Wang has become a symbol of Asian talent making waves on the international stage. His collaboration with visionary stylist and creative director Dawodu, known for his boundary-pushing fashion editorials, does…

Simon Wilson has deep roots in Hong Kong’s F&B scene and has consistently been at the forefront of the city’s most exciting culinary initiatives. He co-founded The Grounds at AIA Vitality Park, Hong Kong’s premier outdoor entertainment venue. In his role as head of culinary, Asia for IMG, the global sports and culture company, Wilson played a pivotal role in curating the acclaimed Taste festivals, which brought the city’s top chefs and food lovers to the Central Harbourfront. Today, he is the managing director and partner of Greater Bay Media Entertainment, a company that provides media and entertainment platforms for the region and beyond. His latest endeavour, Fork Lore on Instagram, has become a social media sensation. Not only is it entertaining, it also champions the rich gastronomic culture of…

Celebrating the glitz of 1960s Hong Kong, The Aubrey After Dark promises to give partygoers rocking nights of live music from international DJs and local talents, who cover a variety of musical genres—think afrobeats, Latin vibes and amapiano, a South African musical subgenre that encompasses deep house, jazz and soul. The Aubrey After Dark is the brainchild of Andrew Bull, aka DJ El Toro, the legendary founder of the 1980s Canton Disco club, and hospitality veteran Marina Bullivant. The concept, which launched in May, takes place every Friday, and promises to bring back club classics while putting a new spin on our nights out. How did you both get into nightlife? Andrew Bull: I grew up around the world, as my father was in the British army. Music started speaking…

Hong Kong composer Elliot Leung had lofty aspirations: to create music for a Hollywood movie. It’s not always easy to break Hollywood—he likened the challenge to “going to the moon”, a feat only a select few can achieve. Yet, against all odds, he made his Hollywood debut as the lead composer for the US action movie Freelance last year, at the age of 28. Leung is being humble, of course. Before this breakthrough, he was already a critically acclaimed composer in the Chinese film industry. His most notable works include symphonic scores for high-grossing Chinese movies, such as the war films Operation Red Sea (2018) and The Battle at Lake Changjin (2021). He has also composed music for major video games, like Honor of Kings, a mainland Chinese production. The…

The afternoon sun bounces off the old, lime green terrazzo floor tiles at Podium, an art space opened five months ago in a quiet Wong Chuk Hang factory building designed to feel more like a studio than a typical gallery. Its founders, Charlotte Lin and Cusson Cheng, decided to retain most of the industrial unit’s original interior design to distinguish themselves from a white cube gallery. “We don’t want people to feel intimidated when they step inside,” Cheng says. “We don’t have white walls. We have windows with natural sunlight. It’s very serene here.” The space’s friendly, cosy aesthetic is symbolic of Podium’s vision: to offer an inclusive contemporary art platform for underrepresented emerging and mid-career artists, especially those with, according to its website, “creative practices that reflect idiosyncratic aesthetics…

FEATURE When California-based entrepreneur Phiton Nguyen walked into Lindsay Jang’s yoga class eight years ago, the pair became fast friends, with Jang going on to work with Nguyen on the launch strategy and packaging design for his plant-based wellness products. Now, the pair—along with Christina Choi, Tara Babins and Eric Zaworski—have launched Rooms, a mushroom-based supplement that they claim can improve cognitive function, boost mood and inspire creativity. “We were chatting before the pandemic, [when] I said, ‘We should start an adaptogenic microdosing mushroom brand’,” Jang recalls, using a term describing herbal medications that are purported to aid well-being. “About a year ago, he called me to tell me he had done that, and asked me to be involved.” The supplements contain a blend of lion’s mane, which is believed…

Can you share the creative process behind the new grand complication launched at Watches and Wonders, the Arceau Duc Attelé watch? The creative process at Hermès involves interpreting existing watchmaking functions in our own unique way. For example, with models like Arceau L’heure de la Lune and Le Temps Voyageur, which feature the moonphase and travelling times [complications] respectively, we took traditional complications and gave them a distinct Hermès twist. How long did it take, from concept to production, to develop the Arceau Duc Attelé? Around three and a half years. Achieving the high, 5Hz precision for the minute repeater mechanism was a major technical challenge that required numerous iterations and tests. The Arceau Duc Attelé is noted for the distinctive sound of its minute repeater; what was the inspiration…

Your transition from fine art to jewellery design must have been quite a journey. Can you tell us more about that? The transition was not a straightforward one. I started with fine art in high school but never formally studied it at the university level. Instead, I would sneak into art classes at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, attending with my art-student friends without officially enrolling. This early exposure to a formal art education laid the foundation for my creative pursuits. However, my first true passion was actually the film industry. I spent about seven years working in the movie business, but eventually realised that the complicated web of personal relationships and deal making was not quite my cup of tea. That’s when I decided to explore the world…

For those who embrace the K-wave, it’s always a good idea to visit Seoul—a city where fashion, food and entertainment intertwine. And there couldn’t have been a better time to be in the South Korean capital than in June, where the French heritage jewellery maison Boucheron had brought its Quatre experience. Seongsu, the trendy district that’s the embodiment of the city’s youth culture, is known for its vibrant art scene and repurposed-factory architecture. It provided the perfect backdrop for celebrations surrounding the 20th birthday of the Quatre collection, which began as a four-banded ring design in 2004. Product styles in the line have been constantly renewed since, and it enjoys icon status at the jewellery house. In March, Boucheron kicked off the celebrations in Paris; it turned its flagship store…

In what feels like a full-circle moment, I’m writing this from a ger in the Orkhon Valley in Mongolia—the destination featured on the cover of Tatler’s debut travel supplement, published last year. It was an issue filled with epic adventures and far-flung destinations, from the white-sand shores of Grand Cayman to the rugged wilderness of Patagonia. This time around, we’ve decided to do things differently and bring it back home, focusing on the best that Asia has to offer (plus a few extras). We’ve put together guides to some of Asia’s most dynamic destinations, touching on each one’s unique history, quirks and nuances. Like a bar housed in a former opium den in Ho Chi Minh City, a Bangkok restaurant that offers a contemporary take on ancient recipes once served…

Books are transportive. A fantastically well-written book can help you escape the drudgery of your daily grind and take you into a different world, a different reality. It’s why people often say they “escape” into their favourite books. Travel literature, in particular, is especially transportive. Great travel books—both fiction and nonfiction—take you on a journey through the eyes of the author, letting you explore new places, cultures, and adventures from the comfort of your own home. Here are some of my own favourite travel books that will ignite your wanderlust and make you yearn for adventure. ON THE ROAD BY JACK KEROUAC On The Road is the quintessential road trip novel. Kerouac’s spontaneous prose and his vibrant depiction of 1950s America is a celebration of freedom, exploration, and the open…

In India, the best places to eat are some of the country’s best-kept secrets. For every fine-dining restaurant that takes the internet by storm, there is almost always a more low-key yet equally delicious and authentic alternative nearby—and more often than not, it’s a hole-in-the-wall eatery that most visitors wouldn’t glance twice at. But these are the places that those in the know go to. And Chef Palash Mitra, the culinary director of South Asian cuisine at Black Sheep Restaurants (BSR), is definitely someone who’s in the know. In April this year, Tatler accompanied Mitra and a few other members of the BSR team on a culinary inspiration trip to India, ahead of the opening of Prince and the Peacock—the group’s newest restaurant, which pays tribute to the country’s royal…

Colourful alleyways, noisy markets bursting with energy, the steam and smoke of street food vendors, narrow passages lined with tailors promising a new three-piece suit in under four hours, pedicabs, bicycles, and scooters zooming by in a harmonious chaos—this is what comes to mind for most people when they think of Vietnam. Although this is true of destinations like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, the country is well on its way to becoming a leading wellness destination. While the Vietnamese are an innately industrious people, they exude a certain peaceful elegance—an inner balance that stems from their deep connection with the natural world. “Go home to nature and let nature heal you.” These wise words—a plea to reconnect with Mother Earth—were expressed by the prolific Vietnamese Zen Master, Thích…

OSCAR CHIK Oscar Chik is a photographer and stylist based between London, Tokyo and Hong Kong. He studied fashion at Central Saint Martins in 2017 before moving to Japan, and he now works closely with many designers and other creative individuals. His photobook Digger was shortlisted for the Arles Book Award 2019. He shot this month’s fashion shoot. (p.90) BJ PASCUAL BJ Pascual is a Manila-based fashion, portrait photographer and a writer. He has shot over 300 magazine covers, worked with international personalities like Elsa Hosk and Troye Sivan, and luxury brands including Gucci, Chanel and Louis Vuitton. He published Push: Muses, Mischief, & How to Make It in Manila in 2015. He is also a popular social media personality. This month, he shot Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Laufey—both her feature (p.146)…

When Barbie was released in cinemas in July last year, it broke records, going on to become the largest global opening for a female-directed movie and the highest-grossing film of 2023 worldwide. Its enthusiastic reception wasn’t unexpected; it was in line with an increasing interest in women’s stories. While Barbie was ringing in the box office receipts worldwide, a parallel cultural moment was taking place in the Lion City. Amanda Chong’s play Psychobitch, telling the story of a journalist whose tech CEO fiancé asks her to explain to him the four times she has cried in public, which she goes on to do through an infographic-filled presentation charting her menstrual cycle, took to the stage in Singapore in August. In its opening weekend, it sold out a three-week run, added…

Is there such a thing as toxic fandom? YES “I do believe there is such a thing as a toxic fandom. I think this tends to happen whenever fans are overly attached to their idols. It’s a tough balance, because while a supportive community is beautiful, there are bound to be conflicts and differences, which can turn sour when not managed properly. I think any type of fanatical behaviour—whether bullying or trolling—is unhealthy. However, I also do think that it’s inevitable. Just like any bell curve, there will always be outliers to the majority. I don’t believe that any of these fans were born with ill intentions but they are probably longing for a connection with the artist. Musicians can play a part in keeping their fans in check [by…

The last 12 months have been exciting for Hong Kong filmmakers, three of whom we spoke to. Oscar-nominated director Derek Tsang landed a Netflix deal to direct the first two episodes of 3 Body Problem, the hit sci-fi series that has garnered worldwide fandom since its release in March. Meanwhile, first-time directors Sasha Chuk and Nick Cheuk made their directorial debuts and saw their films recognised by Asia’s most prestigious awards. The trio share what is most exciting to them as they shake up the industry with their creative vision and tell stories about overlooked social issues, all in the hope of making a difference in the world. TO THE OSCARS, NETFLIX AND BEYOND It’s been three years since Derek Tsang became the first Hong Kong film director to earn…

As I scroll through my Instagram feed, I’m struck by how dining has morphed into a full-blown spectacle. We’re now treated to parades of caviar, truffle showers, noodle gymnastics and enough dry ice to rival an Eighties music video. But do we truly need all this theatrical flourish just to get to the main course? Take the flambé renaissance, for instance. It’s back because it’s a surefire way to rack up likes on social media. There’s something undeniably Instagrammable about setting food alight, even if it means singeing an eyebrow or two. But when Baked Alaska becomes more charred than charming, you begin to wonder if it was worth the risk of third-degree burns. A flaming duck, however, is a different story. At Hutong, the duck is flambéed with Chinese…

Shortly after graduating from university in 2002, Tony Yeung, now the chief executive officer of property company Peterson Group, was tasked with developing a hotel. Despite having minimal experience, Yeung’s effort, combined with his great ambition, paid off. Five years later, Hotel Panorama opened its doors and became a popular place for tourists to stay. When Covid-19 started and the hospitality sector was hit, Yeung decided to halt operations and use the hiatus to modernise its assets to keep up with market trends, such as introducing new technology and projects that would make the hotel more sustainable. “My aspiration was to add a distinctive hospitality venture that would drive change and create unique experiences to capture different elements of Hong Kong,” he says. As Yeung searched for global businesses to…

On colour palettes, international singer and style icon Jackson Wang and Nigerian American fashion stylist Mobolaji Dawodu are at two ends of the spectrum. The former has a penchant for monochromatic, sometimes all-black ensembles and sharp silhouettes; the latter is an expert in mixing and matching bright colours and prints. But opposites can attract, and their stylistic contrast is in no way reflective of their creative partnership—if anything, their complementary talents and aesthetics only take their collaborations to new heights. This year, Wang brought Dawodu on board to be the fashion director of his luxury streetwear label TEAM WANG design and come up with a new summer collection, which launched on July 20. Part of Sparkles, TEAM WANG design’s more experimental, funky apparel line, I See the Lights departs from…

Last year, Richard Mille introduced its most complex movement yet with the RM 65-01 Split-Seconds Chronograph. This year, it adds a splash of colour to the model with two vibrant new versions: pastel blue and dark yellow Quartz TPT, each limited to 120 pieces. These aren’t just aesthetic updates—the colours also denote specific functions, enhancing usability and readability. Run by the calibre RMAC4 with a high frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour, it is supported by a 60-hour power reserve. Key attributes include a pusher at eight o’clock for quick winding, and a multifunctional crown for easy mode transitions between winding, date setting and time adjustments. Caution: These textured dials may be hypnotic…

The ring bracelet, previously known as a hand chain or by the rather unsavoury term slave bracelet, has deep historical roots; notably in the Mughal era, it was dubbed the hathphool or hand flower, and adorned the limbs of royal Indian brides. Cartier’s incorporation of it into its latest high jewellery collection, Nature Sauvage, marks a delightful evolution. Launched this summer, the collection dazzles with a standout Panthère Ring-Bracelet in white gold, featuring an 8.63-carat Zambian emerald suspended from the throat of a lithe panther, its coat studded with diamonds and flecks of sapphire and onyx, and with emerald eyes. Discover the dark side of gold…

FEATURE Born from the union of Estelle Arpels and Alfred Van Cleef in 1906, Van Cleef & Arpels quickly built its foundations at the prestigious 22 Place Vendôme and became synonymous with Parisian luxury and craftsmanship. As the first Van Cleef & Arpels boutique opened its doors, it marked the beginning of an era: a time that would come to redefine the aesthetics of high jewellery. The maison’s journey through the early 20th century was nothing short of a fairy tale written in diamonds and precious stones. By the time the art deco movement swept through Europe, Van Cleef & Arpels was already at the forefront of this new aesthetic wave. The 1925 International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts was a defining moment for the brand. Here, it…

(CAT)WALK ON THE WILD SIDE Animal print is back with a vengeance. We’ve seen python boots strutting down the catwalk, leopard dresses stealing the spotlight and zebra coats making a statement. This season, whether you add a touch of ferocity with a pair of The Attico boots, give your LBD a fierce upgrade or go full jungle queen with a (faux) furry Stella McCartney coat, it’s time to embrace the untamed. BACK IN THE HABIT Even years after you leave school, there’s something about August that feels like you're prepping for a new term. Relive those back-to-school vibes with a work wardrobe update that will put a spring in your step: power suits are back, and we’ve got our eye on outfits from the likes of Versace, Victoria Beckham and…

They would have looked right at home at any of the 148 whisky distilleries currently operating in Scotland—six onion-shaped copper pot stills sat side by side in a warehouse, heated directly by blazing coal-fired furnaces underneath—were it not for one small detail. At the top of each still’s “swan neck”—where the alcohol vapours from the boiling mash within rise to condense into new-make whisky—were strung shimenawa: sacred straw ropes festooned with shide paper streamers more commonly found adorning Shinto shrines across Japan to ward off evil spirits. Here, at Yoichi Distillery in Hokkaido—regarded as the birthplace of Nikka Whisky—these beatified stills represented something else: the continuation of the vision of Taketsuru Masataka, the godfather of Japanese whisky, in bringing something inherently Scottish and transforming it into something thoroughly Japanese. There…

Much like the overview effect—an intense emotional sensation felt by astronauts when they see Earth from space for the first time—there’s something about experiencing a safari that seems to create a shift in the way people view and think about our planet and life itself. “There’s a theory on this that I’ll borrow,” says Peter Allison, an Australian author who has documented his time as one of Africa’s top safari guides in cheekily titled books such as Whatever You Do, Don’t Run: True Tales of a Botswana Safari Guide and Don’t Look Behind You: A Safari Guide’s Encounters with Ravenous Lions, Stampeding Elephants, and Lovesick Rhinos. “As humans evolved in Africa, some part of us feels at home once we are surrounded by the sounds and smells our ancestors lived with…