Reflections at WAB - Thoughts on Leaving High School

 
Jodie is beijingkids' student correspondent and is our eyes and ears on the ground. A junior student at Western Academy of Beijing, Jodie is also a contributor to the student-run magazine Unit-E. Check back for more of her blogs about student life.
 
With senior year half way done, my high school career is almost coming to a close along with my childhood. Soon enough, I along with the rest of the graduating class of 2012, will embark on a new adventure that has yet to be written and the stress, thoughts, plans for each student varies. In order to know what everyone else is feeling, I sat down with three fellow students, asking them to reflect on their past years at WAB.


Friends Wherever You Go

Previous to China, my nuclear family’s domestic travel was limited to visiting family – accommodations and otherwise. We simply didn’t take many other vacations. But now, both my domestic and international travel plans include connecting with friends I’ve made from all over the world. What a unique and cool position to be in as an expat, befriending people from all over the world. Reconnecting with them outside of China is a bonus.


Winter Wonderland

Beijing might not be the first place you think of for snow sports, but in the winter, there are great options for skiers and snowboarders. Even for families with small children, there’s a range of affordable activities and features available. Here’s a roundup of the city’s local ski resorts.


Postpartum in China – Confinement or Luxury?

My partner, Guo Jian, has been priming me for the “moon month” or zuo yuezi (坐月子).

When my in-laws were here a couple of weeks ago (the precursor to their more permanent visit before the baby’s arrival) and we were downstairs helping to unload the car, a perfect stranger noticed my advanced pregnant shape, the presence of parental figures and Guo Jian and I helping them with their things. This stranger very confidently turned to Guo Jian and half-asked and half-stated, “Your parents have come to help you through the moon month?” To this woman, there could be nothing more obvious. Guo Jian just smiled and nodded. His parents glowed with pride.


Up Close and Personal

The Travelers
Michael Janser, Angela Toda, and their two kids: Nathan (11) and Isabel (8).

The Cost
Roundtrip airfare from Beijing to Nairobi, with a transfer in Dubai, came up to RMB 11,930 per adult and RMB 8,970 per child. The Jansers flew with Emirates Airlines. In Nairobi, the Jansers stayed at the Nairobi Serena Hotel. In Dubai, everything was expensive. For two adults and two kids, a room at the Palm Atlantis in Dubai averaged RMB 3,190 per night.


Skating in Shunyi

Hey, Shunyi-dwellers, it’s that time of year to get out on the ice for some fun and exercise, right in your own backyard! With Ice Zone sadly and officially closed, now you should brave the cold temps outdoors at Lake View Place by Dragon Bay Villas (officially called Longwan 7th Street Ice Skating) for some good old fashioned lake ice skating with family and friends.


Sand, Surf, and Scuba Diving

The Travelers
Patricia Young-Chou, her husband William Chou, and their two kids: Hudson (13) and Amira (10).

The Plan
The Chou family visited the island of Boracay in the Philippines during the October national holidays. They took a direct flight from Beijing to Manila, then booked their own domestic flights through local airlines like Cebu and Zest Airways to reach their final destination. Depending on whether you fly into Caticlan or Kalibo Airport, it’s either a bus ride or a 10-minute ferry ride to reach the island of Boracay. The Chou family did not use a travel agent, and instead planned their own trip from beginning to end.


Act It Out: Learning By Doing with Dreamaker

Growing up in a small town in Nova Scotia, Canada, Rebecca Shatford was painfully shy. That started to change when she discovered drama classes at age 10. She liked the experience so much, she ended up going into acting in university. Since then, she has taught drama in countries like South Korea, Russia, and Thailand. Now, Shatford is the educational manager at Dreamaker (卓美教育), a drama education company based in Beijing.


Houhai

The Shichahai lake area of Xicheng district, commonly known as Houhai, has fast become one of the city’s most animated nightlife hotspots. But this lively area is not only a popular destination for young people at night, but also for families seeking relaxation by the peaceful lakeside. There are hordes of shoppers in search of trinkets, winding their way through the hutongs’ maze of charming shops. The Houhai area encompasses three lakes: Xihai, Houhai, and Qianhai. Houhai, the largest and most striking of the three, freezes in the winter, providing a picture-perfect setting for a spot of ice skating. The area merges the traditional with the modern; you’re sure to find plenty to see and do here.


Stay Healthy and Safe While on the Road This Lunar New Year, Advises International SOS

Holiday travels peak during festive periods. With the Lunar New Year around the corner, overseas assignees are making their way back to their hometowns to celebrate with their families while leisure travelers are departing for their holiday destinations. Some are also taking advantage of the long holiday to catch up with their loved ones based overseas. With so many travelers on the road, there is an increased chance that plans, schedules, and travels can go awry. 


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