It’s that time of year when the weather outside ranges from bracing to absolutely freezing. Where possible, it is advisable to stay indoors, and what better way to keep warm than with a coffee and a group of friends to have fun with. If you’ve never tried origami, now is your chance to give this intricate paper folding art a go. The next International Newcomer’s Network coffee morning will be held at BSB Shunyi, these social mornings are a great way to meet new people and to catch up with old friends. If your new year’s resolution was to eat more healthily, then head over to Daystar Academy for the Beijing Farmers’ Market, where you’ll find a great variety of organic and artisan produce. With the kids back in school, it’s time to choose which after school activities will keep them busy and active this winter term.
Origami Class
This origami class, for adults, will enable you to learn a range of origami crafts. All materials are provided, as well as tea or coffee refreshments. It’s a great chance to meet new people, while also learning a new skill. The class will run on Tuesday January 13, 20, and 27, from 10am-noon. RMB 100 per session, at River Garden Villa 206. To sign up contact (138 1099 9694, happiesttomoko@hotmail.com) If you would like to learn origami in your own home, and have a group of friends that would like to join, Tomoko will happily come to you.
Coffee Morning
The next International Newcomers’ Network (INN) Shunyi coffee morning will be held on Thursday January 15 from 10am-noon at The Chatterbox Café, BSB Shunyi. INN is a resource for newcomers (and old-timers), of all nationalities, to obtain information about living in Beijing. It offers a support network for those facing the challenges of getting settled, and provides an opportunity to meet new friends and connect with those who have similar interests. Come along, enjoy a coffee and some cake, and find out more. INN Shunyi coffee mornings are held every third Thursday of the month. The location will alternate between Roundabout and BSB Shunyi. For more information call 8047 3588.
Farmers’ Market
Come along to the Beijing Farmers’ Market on Saturday January 17, 10am-1pm, at Daystar Academy. Fresh organic fruits and vegetables, free range eggs, meats free from antibiotics and growth hormones, artisanal bread and cheese, herbal tea, and honey will all be on sale. Daystar Academy students will be running a reading and activity corner, so your children can be kept busy whilst you spend some time shopping. For more information about this event, call 6433 7366. For more information about Beijing Farmer’s Market visit www.facebook.com/farmersmarketbj or www.blog.sina.com.cn/farmersmarketbj
DCP Winter Program
You can now register for Dulwich Community Program (DCP) winter term after school activities. DCP is open to the whole community, not just students of DCB. Programs at Legend Garden Campus include skating, ice hockey, football, swimming, taekwondo, kung fu, yoga, karate, and music. At Riviera Campus the programs include mandarin, gymnastics, ballet, science, basketball, yoga, tennis, and golf. All courses have a maximum number of students, so places are confirmed on a first come, first served basis. You can register and pay at DCB Legend Garden Sports Club or Riviera Campus. For more details you can view the DCP brochure here.
Dragon Fire Swim
The swimming programs run by Dragon Fire have resumed at WAB, BSB Shunyi, and DCB, and will run until the end of June. There will be no classes on scheduled holidays. Classes are suitable for beginners, intermediate, advanced, and masters. For more details on the different sessions, and pricing structure, contact (136 0106 4534, beijing@dragonfire.com.cn) www.dragonfire.com.cn
beijingkids Shunyi Correspondent Sally Wilson moved to Beijing in 2010 from the UK with her husband and son. Her daughter was born here in 2011 and both her kids keep her happily busy. In her spare time, Sally loves to stroll through Beijing’s hutongs and parks. She is a (most of the time) keen runner and loves reading: books, magazines, news, and celeb websites – anything really. Sally is also a bit of a foodie and loves trying out new restaurants.
Photos: courtesy of Tomoko, Dragon Fire, Elizabeth Briel (Flickr)
