Gina Comeau hails from Vancouver, Canada. She moved to Beijing six years ago after teaching in South Korea for two years. She currently teaches at the House of Knowledge International Kindergarten and lives in Beijing with her 18-month-old-son, Mateo. Together, this single mom and her son shared some of their favorite spots in Beijing.
Favorite Restaurant
I like the tofu fish at Pure Lotus and Chef Too is quite accommodating when it comes to kids.
Favorite Neighborhood
Maizidian. It has Ladies Street, Solana, Chaoyang Park, German supermarkets, and a good mix of Chinese and Western restaurants.
Favorite Dessert or Snack
Cake made from the box. Duncan Hines cake mix from Jenny Lou’s is what we like.
Favorite Place for a Day Trip
We like going to Huairou District or Chaoyang Park.
Favorite Shop
I go to Sunny Gold Street Market for clothes for myself and Ladies’ Street and other markets for Mateo.
Best Place to Play Indoors
Mateo loves Magic Bean House Museum (pictured here).
Family Ritual
From Monday to Saturday, Mateo watches a Chinese kid’s show called Zhi Hui Shu (智慧树). It includes lots of dancing and art projects.
New Discoveries
The 258 Electronic Market in Maizidian has cheap toys and clothes, as well as electronics.
Favorite Weekend Activities
We often go to Solana, and usually we pick up something from Mothercare.
This article is excerpted from the beijingkids Jan/Feb 2012 issue. View it in PDF form here or contact distribution@beijing-kids.com to find out where you can pick up your free copy.