Our expat community thrives on connection, and here at Jingkids, we’re all about our readers, what they need and want in order to maximize their time here in Beijing. Every Monday, we’re going to feature a prominent member of our expat community and get to know them a little bit better.
Editor’s introduction: I attended Claire Willats’ fundraising self-defence class last week and discovered what a fascinating life this charming lady has led, living in a number of countries all over the world; from her native UK (where she trained in martial arts at age 5) to Bahrain (where she learned to code in order to start a website that collects parenting information in English) to Thailand (where she edited and published a lifestyle magazine), and of course, Beijing. She is anything but a trailing spouse. In fact, I dare coin the term “trailblazing spouse” which suits her much better!
What’s on your mind?
Family… Like most people in Beijing, it’s been a long time since seeing family so they are always on our mind. That said, we are making the most of our time in Beijing and the chance to ski, hike, enjoy all the amazing restaurants. Daily I am planing self-defense classes, sewing projects, and trying to manage the never-ending schedule of clubs and activities that my boys participate in!
What’s your motivation to get moving?
Over the last year, I have been able to focus on a few personal goals like giving up meat, getting a healthier attitude to my body, and finally getting the first few chapters of a book written that has been sitting on my desk for about three years! My husband and kids are my reason for getting up each day and I am so proud of the relationship we all have and the gorgeous young men that our boys are becoming.
How do you stay sane in all the madness?
I raise money for charities whenever possible by running classes and events as I feel it’s really important to be aware of how privileged our lives are and to use this privilege to help others whenever possible. I spend time talking with a small number of truly beautiful friends and workout or cycle. I enjoy sewing and often buy things from Roundabout to up-cycle or alter. I absolutely love the Beijing Clothing Auction network and honestly can’t remember the last time I bought new clothes beyond underwear!
What’s your favorite thing about Beijing?
One of my personal favorites is going to local markets with my youngest son. My Chinese language skills are awful but my youngest son is doing really well and absolutely loves Chinese culture, be it kung fu classes, lion dancing, food, or language. We spend hours trailing around stalls and he likes to sit down and ask people about the things they are selling before negotiating a price in Mandarin. People are always amused by his obvious enthusiasm and interest and we end up sitting with people for a long time which often results in my son walking away with a pocket of sweets!
As a family, we like doing occasional staycations in the many hotels and house rentals all over Beijing which enables us to explore a different part of this vast city and I have a couple of days with no cooking!
Have someone you believe deserves some recognition for their outstanding contributions to our community? Nominate them for our weekly spotlight by writing their name in the comments below!
KEEP READING: This Expat Mom Dresses up as the Queen of England for Fun
Images: Courtesy of Claire Willats
