Chinese New Year is just around the corner, and with it the international schools will have a week holiday. Seems like we were just on break, doesn’t it? At least there is still plenty to do!
*Are you going to be in Beijing for Chinese New Year? Aside from the fun temple fairs around the city, I was recently given information about some great daytime camps for kids during the school break from Mon, January 31 until Fri February 4. Offered by Dulwich College Beijing, four camps fit the desires of many children, and they are open to ALL, not just Dulwich students!
Choose from:
Jia You Indoor Football Camp, ages 7-11, 1-4pm, Legend Garden Sports Centre, RMB 650
Reed Drama Camp, ages 7-12, 9:30-12:30pm, Riviera Main Campus, RMB 1,600
Sports Fun Camp, ages 5-12, 9:30-12:30pm, Riviera Main Campus, RMB 1,600
Multisports Camp, ages 5-12, 9-noon, Legend Garden Sports Centre, RMB 1,600
Pick up a brochure at Dulwich College campuses, call 6454 9127, or e-mail DCP@dulwich-beijing.cn for more information.
*Speaking of Dulwich College, during a recent tour I discovered that the many afterschool programs they offer are available for non-Dulwich students and adults as well. Classes started last week, but there are still many activities available for registration: wushu, taekwondo, swimming, and French language at Legend Garden; gymnastics, junior indoor tennis, and drama at Riviera; music & storytelling at River Garden; French language and English language for adults at Legend Garden. Fees vary. Keep in mind that all classes are taught by professionals in their field, not by volunteers, so while class prices may be slightly higher than other locations, the quality is top notch. For details, contact 6454 9127, or e-mail DCP@dulwich-beijing.cn.
*Mercurius World Travel has finally opened inside the River Garden clubhouse! Open as of Monday, January 24, this location is still settling into regular routines. The planned hours of operation will be daily 10.30am-6pm, beginning after CNY on February 10. Until then, they will have shorter opening hours from 1.30-5pm. There will be brochures available and computers ready to make your holiday plans. Ticketing will also be printed on site – very convenient! Stay tuned for news of a grand opening cocktail reception coming soon.
*Important update for all of you Bollywood enthusiasts! The originally scheduled River Garden classes set for Mondays from 2-3pm have been changed to Tuesdays OR Thursdays from 2.30-3.30pm. This begins immediately (starting yesterday). The same moves are taught in both classes, so you only need to attend once a week, making it more convenient to fit in with your busy weekday schedules. Contact Irit at iritmike@gmail.com if there are any questions.
*Visit Harrow International School Beijing Upper School Campus on Thursday, January 27 from 9-11am during their open house. See how this school operates, sit in on classes and have a tour of the campus to discover why it is special. There will be information on the upcoming new site of the school, He Ge Zhuang Village. You can register to be a guest at visit@harrowbeijing.cn or on their website at www.harrowbeijing.cn.
*Anyone looking for the New Veranda Restaurant next to WAB is in for a surprise. They temporarily closed their doors under new management, and word has it that they reopened on Tuesday as the Green Cap Irish Bar. The English chef offers set lunches for RMB 60 as well as a la carte menu items and children’s selections. The kids play area will be open as well. If anyone goes there anytime soon, please report back with your review!
*In honor of the 30th anniversary, the International School of Beijing (ISB) unveiled the ISB Memory Wall on Wednesday, January 19. This two-story permanent display serves as an appealing repository of the school’s history, depicting the transformation of ISB from a small school for embassy children to a multicultural learning community serving more than 1,800 students from all around the world. The wall is segmented into three decades, with photographs that will change quarterly as the school evolves. The display also features a 6-meter tall LED interactive screen, highlighting images of the school throughout the years.
*I finally picked a relatively warm enough day to get my car washed, and saw that my favorite place – a very popular one – has increased their prices. The two-stall drive-through car wash in the Happyland strip center on Tianbei Lu now costs RMB 20 (up from RMB 15) for a full service wash, which includes cleaning car mats and wiping out the interior. Still a great deal. For those of you with a little more time on your hands, go to the husband/wife team by the back gates of the new Yosemite section (next to Gahood) for only RMB 10, although it’s only outdoors and takes much longer to complete from start to finish.
*Just a thought as you plan your holiday outings … someone mentioned that this coming weekend (January 29-30) might be a great time to get out and explore. In order to fully enjoy the week’s holiday, many local Chinese will be working this weekend, so sites might be less crowded than the following week.
*Finally, a reminder!!! The first book sale sponsored by Roundabout will be held on January 29 from 10am-3pm at the British School of Beijing. Many, many books at great prices will be on sale, all proceeds benefitting the many Roundabout charities. To learn more, visit our Events page here.
Have a safe and happy Chinese New Year!
