Meet dad Bernt Johannessen, mom Linn Stokke and their kids Oliver and Emily. The family recently moved from Norway. Their grown-up daughter Vilde still lives in Oslo. Bernt works for a software company that creates visualization tools for TV. In his spare time he likes to travel and train for Spartan races. Linn is a former department manager for child protection services in Bergen, Norway. Now she is a stay-at-home mom spending her days as a spinning instructor, hiking on the Great Wall, and training for the “Wild Women on the Wall” run coming up in March. Oliver is in 6th grade at the Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) and plays soccer, piano, and tennis. Emily is in 4th grade and loves piano and gymnastics. The whole family is enjoying their new life in Beijing.
Favorite way to transport the family around the city
Didi. But if we are not going too far and the weather is nice we’ll take the bike or scooter.
Favorite Spot to Relax
At home or in some travel destination, preferably with a pool for some fun in the sun.
Favorite moment in Beijing
When we finally got our house in order after four months of temporary living. That first night with working AC, hot water, and our furniture from back home was amazing.
Favorite shop for groceries
Jenny Lou’s. It’s within walking distance and we can get most of the things we need for our Norwegian/Chinese fusion cooking there. Anything else we can’t find is supplemented by Taobao and JD.
Favorite Non-Chinese Restaurant
First Floor in Sanlitun. The kids have had their special order ice cream there so many times that all the waiters remember who wants what sauce, cream, and flavor.
Favorite Chinese Restaurant
Da Dong Roast Duck in Sanlitun. The kids can’t get enough of their elaborate desserts with dry ice and smoke.
Adapted Chinese Culture
Initially, we used to get very stressed about getting to places on time and our lack of language skills. Now we have realized that most things are OK even if they’re not 100 percent according to plan. We also feel that we have mastered sign language.
Favorite Weekend Activity
If we’re not traveling or exploring Beijing we love hanging out in our garden. We are from Norway so we don’t really mind the cold weather during winter, and the temperature in Beijing in November is more than pleasant enough to spend out-side barbecuing and lounging with a fleece.
Favorite Neighborhood
Sanlitun. We love the international feel: the restaurants, bars, and good vibes.
Favorite App
WeChat and Didi. Life in Beijing would be hard without them.
Favorite Place to Play Indoors
The giant trampoline park.
Favorite Place for Date Night
Hatsune in Sanlitun followed by drinks at El Barrio.
Family Rituals
It has to be “Taco Friday”. It’s not a Friday without it.
Photos: Mina Yan
This article appeared in the beijingkids November 2019 Beijing Baba issue
