Temple fairs are a Beijing custom that dates back to the Liao Dynasty, where cultural gatherings would take place around the time of Chinese New Year, traditionally adjacent to temples. Temple fair activities usually include worshipping deities, entertainment, and shopping. Beijing’s largest temple fairs attract thousands of visitors, as people come together to celebrate spring festival. Closer to home, and without the crowds, the Shunyi Temple Fair at Beijing Riviera Country Club, will have traditional Chinese entertainment, snacks, and shopping. Many of us will migrate to warmer climes during the spring festival holidays, but for those staying put, Flips & Kicks Plus will be running one of their popular kids multi-sports camps.
You may have read the adverts promoting Parent Effectiveness Training, but feel you want to know more before signing up. A free information session tomorrow will help answer your questions, and tell you more about the courses on offer. If you haven’t yet tried one of the fabulous pies from Two Guys and a Pie, you’re really missing out. Their newly launched on-line shop, now means ordering and delivery couldn’t be simpler.
Temple fair
Dulwich College Beijing (DCB), together with Beijing Riviera, will be hosting a Temple Fair at Beijing Riviera Country Club on Saturday, February 7 from 10am-1pm. It promises to be a fun-filled event, especially perfect for families with younger children. There will be arts and crafts, hands-on activities for the kids to enjoy, and live performances. These will include a magician, an old Beijinger’s talk show about traditional Chinese toys, and of course lion dancing. Admission is free, and visitors will be able to shop from a variety of stalls, whilst enjoying some traditional Chinese snacks. Jamaica Blue café is situated within the clubhouse, so you can stay after the fair and enjoy a lunch. Beijing Riviera Country Club, 1 Xiang Jiang Bei Lu (8450 6888, brcc@bjriviera.com) www.bjriviera.com
Spring Festival Camp
Flips & Kicks Plus is running a Spring Festival Camp at BSB Shunyi, from February 16-20. The multi-sports camp will focus on gymnastics and martial arts, but will also include fencing, ping pong, basketball, and volleyball. Expert coaches will ensure the camp experience is both safe and fun. Campers will be divided into two groups: Group A for 5-8 year olds and Group B for 9-12 year olds. The half day camp will run from 9am-noon, RMB 1,800. The full day camp will run from 9am-2.30pm, RMB 2,800. There will be an additional fee for lunch, however water and one piece of fruit will be provided per day.
All current Flips & Kicks Plus members and students, plus BSB Shunyi students, will receive a 10 percent discount on camp fees. To register, and for more information, contact (Fredrik 151 2009 8062 / 137 1846 2044, Kai 158 1068 6744, yderstrom@hotmail.com, info@flipsandkicksplus.com) www.flipsandkicksplus.com
Free P.E.T Session
On Thursday, January 29 there will be a free information session on Parent Effectiveness Training (PET). The session will be held in Shunyi from noon-1pm. If you have wondered what PET is all about, this is an opportunity to come along and find out more. If you decide the PET training course is for you, you will be able to sign up for the next course, which starts on Thursday February 5. Spaces are limited for the free session, to sign up email naomitaylor2010@hotmail.co.uk. For more information visit the website www.counsellingwithnaomi.com
Pie Delivery
The guys with some of the best pies in Beijing have launched a new online store. With some new flavor pies on the menu, and delivery to your home or work, what better way to warm up on a cold winter’s evening than by indulging in something from Two Guys and a Pie. New to their range are the bacon and cheese roll, green curry eggplant pie, Hunan beef and pepper pie, and the spinach feta roll. They still have all the original favorites – with a variety of chicken, beef, and lamb pies, sausage rolls, and for dessert pumpkin or apple pie. Rolls RMB 15-20, small pies RMB 25-30, and family pies RMB 150.
As well as online ordering, you can still order via email. Payment can be made by cash on delivery, or via bank transfer. Additional payment options will be available in the near future. To order your pies contact (186 1255 7637, info@twoguysandapie.com) www.twoguysandapie.com
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: IQRemix (Flickr), courtesy of Flips & Kicks Plus, Two Guys and a Pie
