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.
Kalyana Maréchal moved to Beijing in 2018 following her first expat experience in Bangalore, India with her husband, teenage daughter, and their dog. Chinese by blood, but born in Cambodia and raised in France, her multicultural background is matched by a similarly diverse professional profile as she holds a Ph.D in physics, and has broadened her expertise to engineering, marketing, and communications in different fields. A third culture kid at heart, she acknowledges the challenge of trying to find belonging but finds long-lasting enrichment whenever she connects with the right people or environment!
What’s on your mind?
Most of the time, IB and universities considerations, balanced with very enjoyable investigations to plan our next staycation or foodie outing, and the hope to attend a family wedding this summer! I try not to delve more than necessary into the pandemic and the uncertainty that comes with it. If anything, these past two years have taught me to focus on and appreciate the present moment, and all the small things that come along: a beautiful winter sunset, our dog’s unconditional love, a tasty cup of coffee, a nice movie, a bird chirping…
What’s your motivation to get moving?
Some sort of intellectual curiosity and the willingness to make the most (and hopefully, the best…) out of my life.
Being able to adapt to different contexts gives me the reassuring feeling I can handle changes in this increasingly evolving world, whether personally or professionally. I like to understand the why’s and the how’s of things, and that curiosity allows me to fully engage in what I’ve decided to pursue, whatever that is. Incidentally, being a mother also gives me an extra responsibility to act the right way and be consistent with the values I pass on. You can trust a child to detect any inconsistent behavior, or innocently point out that you are only paying lip service, so I guess that doesn’t leave any other choice than to show the way and walk the talk.
How do you stay sane in all the madness?
Being responsible for a teenage daughter certainly prevents me from getting too close to insanity. Firstly, because this positive and resilient daughter of mine wouldn’t allow me to. And secondly, aiming to the full half of the glass is much more rewarding and enjoyable for me and those around me.
Looking back at my own adolescence, I think my younger self would be amazed to read me saying that exercising is one of the things that keep my body and my mind healthy! Running clears my mind and rewards me with a sense of personal achievement while playing tennis in good company is undeniably much more relaxing and fun.
But nothing lifts my spirit more than the mother-daughter outings that take us to our favorite French bakeries, an art exhibition, a stroll in the hutongs, or simply, to a new restaurant or café. And not to forget our sunny walks along the river with our playful dog…
What’s your favorite thing about Beijing?
The incredible variety it offers, whatever mood I’m in.
Going from the iconic historical sites to the small hutong lanes, passing by contemporary skyscrapers then heading towards the mountains, almost feels like traveling in time and space. I like the dynamic of these contrasting places as it adds up to the anticipation of an outing: are we in a contemporary mood, or keen to immerse ourselves in the stories of a palace? Or should we rather go for a stunning hike?
But whatever we chose, we know there’ll always be a nice café and good food to enjoy along the way!
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!
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Images: Courtesy of Kalyana Maréchal
