*First, it’s essential to report that the largest ever Roundabout Book Fair at BSB last Saturday was, indeed, HUGE. To date (including sales since Saturday), over RMB 94,000 has been raised, surpassing everyone’s wildest expectations. To put that in perspective, the three week January event – very successful in its own right – raised RMB 60,000. As promised, BSB will keep the books displayed and on sale during school hours until October 14. Stock is being replenished daily with hundreds of new titles, so be sure to stop by. Additionally, they will continue to accept book donations now and ongoing (you can always drop off book or other donations at the Roundabout Charity Store). In particular, children’s books were sold like crazy and they could use new stock for the younger readers. Book fairs will continue to be scheduled at various international schools both in the Shunyi area as well as in the city, and Book Fair Manager Sally Hind says that the next one will be arranged in approximately six weeks. Congratulations for donating, purchasing, and giving to charity by supporting the Roundabout Book Fair!
*Ok, so this isn’t “Shunyi” at all, but I have to report that I was more than pleasantly surprised to discover that they sell gift cards at Decathlon!!! They come in RMB 200 denominations, but you can buy as many as you want. They are activated within two days of purchase, and they don’t expire for an entire year. Good to know!
*Update on Mrs. Fields cookies: they were testing out their equipment and recipes over the weekend, offering free blueberry muffins out to my kids and their friends (and they were very tasty!). The owner anticipates that the store will be completely open for business in about two weeks.
*Disappointing review of Pomme, the restaurant that replaced Pomegranate. They may well have great sports on TV, and perhaps they have sports parties that draw in crowds, but for lunch on a Sunday? Not so much. With the great weather we’ve had lately, eating outdoors is still a treat. We stopped by there on Sunday and were given only a drink menu. When it was obvious that we were there to eat, the server quickly got on his phone, calling the cook to come into work. But after waiting over 30 minutes and receiving a few free drinks, we learned that the cook was riding his electric scooter in from somewhere near the airport. We opted to go elsewhere at that point. I’m sure the uncertain future of that hutong area makes businesses shaky at best, but it’s a shame to let a place like that go.
EVENTS IN OUR AREA
*The ISB community introduces iWalk from September 19 through October 21, encouraging students, parents, staff and everyone to reduce the usage of personal cars when going to and from school. Walking or biking will protect the environment as well as improve your health. Even carpooling with friends or riding the bus instead of driving separately plays a part in reducing the air pollutants created when you drive everyday.
*On Sunday, September 25, Austcham will be holding their "Great Aussie BBQ" at Dulwich College Beijing, the Legend Garden Campus (Cricket Fields) from 11am-5pm. Adult tickets are 50 RMB and kids under 1.2 meters are free. Everyone is welcome! The Australian Ambassador will be there, as well as Guo An soccer star Joel Griffiths and Inagural Invocare Australia-England Cricket Ashes. There is free bus transportation to take guests back from BBQ to central Beijing area. RSVP to RSVP@austcham.org with your mobile number.
*Don’t forget to survey your jewelry collection, see what you must have, and get to Clicia’s Designs and Shayne’s Treasures on September 26th and 27th. Thousands of gemstones are going to be half off, so now is the time to treat yourself or plan early for the holidays!
*Start planning for October holiday in Shunyi with the Sports Beijing basketball camp. Held at ISB from October 1-9, three 3-day camps are planned (October 1-3; October 4-6; October 7-9). Players can sign up for one, two or all three camps. Kids 8-10 and 11-13 years old play from 9am-noon; kids 14-17 years old play from 1-4pm. Professional coach David Gros leads the camps; price is RMB 800. Contact http://www.sportsbj.org or call 6430 1370 for more information.
