Beijing’s an urban jungle, and in any jungle, we need tools to survive and thrive. As urban jungle dwellers, we’ve managed to blend practicality with style, resulting in the modern bag. Here, form meets function, and what looks stylish and fashionable on the outside contains all our essential survival tools on the inside. Inspired by this, we ask expats each week, “What’s in your bag?” and get insights into which essentials they keep on hand when out and about in the capital city.
Hello! My name is Anne Emond. I am a grade ten student at the French International School of Beijing. I have been living in Beijing for over three years. What I particularly enjoy about this city is the diversity of its inhabitants.
Although I am originally from Canada, I have a Chinese mom so I can speak decent Chinese. By being multilingual, I have gained the intangible privilege of experiencing the best of both Western and Chinese cultures. This priceless gift has allowed me to explore Beijing by myself like a local Beijinger. This is what I would usually bring in my bag on my adventures:
I view bags as objects of fashion and utility. When I am exploring the city, I need my bag to be as light and stylish as possible. What could be better than a handbag? The bag I usually use was thrifted from Canada. It’s a black Ralph Lauren leather handbag. I had originally bought it as a pencil case but after discovering the leather strap hidden inside, this gem was born.
It’s a very unique accessory due to its unusual cylindrical shape, unlike normal handbags. I love the added detail of the white stitching contrasting with the dark leather. Even if I bought it for really cheap (like 5 bucks Canadian), the quality is excellent and the design is timeless. I hope this one will belong in my long-term collection.
Excluding my phone, these are the five realistic items that are in my bag.
Number 1: A self-defense flashlight
One day, my dad came to me and asked me to put this in my bag. I asked what it was, and he explained that it was a self-defense flashlight. Apparently, it has the capacity to temporarily blind an opponent. It’s always important to have a self-defense tool because you never know when you will need it.
Object 2:Airpods/Earphones
I always have something I can use to listen to music when I am walking my dog. Now, it’s out of habit that I bring it in my bag. I either use my normal earphones or wireless ones. It depends on the day.
Object 3: Phone Charger
Once upon a time, I didn’t bring my charger. Then, I learned the hard way to always bring my charger when my phone once ran out of battery and I got stranded in a mall for an hour looking for one so I could go home. So now, this little guy always goes into my bag, even if it’s a tiny trip to the store.
Object 4: My wallet
Although the exterior is very wholesome, it’s the inside that counts. In there lies my school pass, my house pass, and my metro card. Without them, I would be very lost in Beijing. If you are planning to steal it though, be aware, that there is no cash inside.
Object 5: Eyeliner
They say “Money is the key to a selfish man’s heart.” But eyeliner is the key to mine. I usually buy mine online but you can pretty much get one anywhere. It’s the only makeup I wear and I like the way it elevates an outfit without a lot of effort.
Want to share your Beijing survival tools with us? Shoot us an email at editor@beijing-kids.com, message our official Jingkids WeChat account (ID: beijing-kids), or leave a comment below!
Images: Anne Emond
