Uh, oh…the one part about Chinese New Year we tend to forget is the need to be a bit more watchful with your personal belongings, especially when out in crowded, public places where you’re less likely to notice being pushed and bumped. Pick-pocketing increases just before CNY as some people become desperate for extra cash to get home.
Should you worry? Not really. Should you be diligent? Absolutely. Those who pick-pocket know how to do it without your knowledge. Don’t simply put your mobile phone in an easily accessible pocket. Make sure your purses and bags have zippers or secure closures that are next to your body. And watch people.
It’s not just in the city and around shopping centers, either. In Shunyi, thieves have become bolder by entering compound clubhouses and preying on distracted teens. It’s time to reiterate to our kids that they need to be smart about their stuff, and be aware of people around them. Be SAFE this Chinese New Year!
On a lighter note, here are a few new things going on:
*It’s not too late to plan a little getaway for CNY. Here’s an option: Genting Secret Garden Resort is only 260km from Beijing, and they offer FREE shuttle bus service once per day during the week and twice during the weekend from Terminal 3 at BJ Capital Airport. February through March (including CNY), room rates range from RMB 1,280 – 4,200, including two adult breakfasts, ski lessons for the kids, discount passes and more. Contact Jack Koh at jack@secretgardenresorts.com or visit www.secretgardenresorts.com for more information.
*Something new (to me, anyway) was learning of a self-storage business right in our own neighborhood! Not that we’ve accumulated so much stuff that we need to store it, but there are several reasons why we might consider visiting China Self Storage:
-Seasonal items (Christmas trees and decorations, anyone?)
-Furniture or other large items that you eventually want to relocate with you, although you can’t really use now
-Boxes!
The latter was what I wanted – boxes to help me sort when I do a thorough cleaning out this CNY. I want boxes for donation, boxes for home storage, even boxes for garbage. They will sell you boxes and they are nearby for pick up or delivery. Visit China Self Storage off of Tianbei Lu – call 8416 7301 or e-mail info@selfstorageinchina.com. Visit their website at www.selfstorageinchina.com for details.
*One of my own personal New Year’s resolutions is to start back up with Chinese language lessons. After five years here, I have no more excuses for not trying a little harder…so it’ll be a Chinese New Year resolution instead. For those of us in Shunyi, consider HLCC learning center for both adult and children’s classes, beginning on February 16 and going through mid-June. There are a variety of options and levels to consider, including character writing and private lessons as well as in-home availability. Classrooms are in Capital Paradise; contact Halida at 135 0115 3524 or hlcc.halida@yahoo.com.
Photo by Formation04 of flickr.
