Irina and Branislav Popovic moved to Beijing three years ago from Moscow with their daughter, 3-year-old Danica. Luka, 1, was born in Beijing at the Amcare Women’s & Children’s Hospital. The family feels fortunate to live in Asia because they can travel with their kids to interesting locations like Thailand and Indonesia to celebrate their birthdays. Here are their family favorites.
Kids Activity
At the moment our children are a bit young for extra classes and clubs, but next year we will start taking Danica to dance or music
lessons as she is already showing interest in these activities; she is
extremely creative.
Rainy Day Play
These don’t come around that often in Beijing, but when they do we are fully equipped withall the rain gear imaginable. We get all dressed up and then head outside so Danicaand Luka can splash around in the puddles. Irina never misses a photo opportunity, and usually rainy days end up with a family photo shoot!
Favorite Beijing Neighborhood
We love walking around Guanghua Lu and Sanlitun and finding somewhere for a bite to eat or a coffee.
Shop Spot
Markets are great fun, but we can’t spend more than a couple of hours there – the markets are always so noisy – so for a full day of shopping we go to Ritan Office Building. It’s less hectic, and we always find lots of good quality clothes there.
Spot to Show Guests
Friends and family come to visit at least four times a year, and we love taking them to Xiao Wang Fu, a wonderful Chinese restaurant inside Ritan Park.
Favorite Restaurant
1001 Nights is our favorite restaurant in the city. The food is similar to the Balkan food that Branislav grew up eating in Bosnia. They have belly dancers there, which is always
entertaining for the children.
Weekend Ritual
As Branislav works full time during the week, he spends his weekends with the children either playing at home or going for walks in the neighborhood. Irina always jumps at the chance to meet with other mothers to go shopping or for a coffee!
Homesick Cure
Branislav has not lived in Bosnia for many years so he never feels homesick. Irina often misses her friends and family in Moscow; the best remedy for homesickness is calling them on Skype.
Summer Fun
We have been to the Summer Palace a few times and think it is one of the most scenic places to spend a day. We usually go for a stroll around the grounds and take a peaceful boat ride at the end of the day.
Would you like to share your Beijing Favorites? E-mail editor@beijing-kids.com
