Travel

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.

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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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Vivian and I have just returned from our winter holiday, after a 12+-hour flight across the Pacific, followed by a 5-hour layover in Beijing, plus another 90 minutes in the air home to Qingdao. For both of us, it was a long 24-hour stretch with no sleep. The next day Vivian, being young and resilient as she is, didn't let the fatigue get her down. For her, playing with friends new and old was more important than napping. I, on the other hand, spent half the day immobile on the bed, unable to sleep but also unable to even think about any kind of work.

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Traveling to Australia has been on my bucket list for years. Once there, I knew of several check-marks I wanted to tick off the tourist list, including enjoying the beaches of the Gold Coast and visiting the Opera House in Sydney. One adventure I had admired yet never added to my list, likely due to apprehension, was being a part of the Sydney Harbor Bridge Climb.

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I recently taught my girls an important lesson in savings, even though it was an unintentional act on my part. Lucky for me they “got” it, and I hope it stays with them as they learn more about money themselves.

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The December issue of beijingkids is full of fun-indoor activities and excursions to keep you and your clan happy over the holidays.

Give yourself ten ways to celebrate Christmas in Beijing, and catch the spirit of Christmas and Hannukah from three families. Also, get a peek from behind the scenes of Beijing Playhouse’s wacky production of Cinderella. And if you're looking for ways to give, consider Beijing's local charities focused on helping less fortunate babies and young children.

The weather outside is frightful, but indoors is still delightful! Explore Joy City Chaoyang for shopping and playing - role playing at EE City, that is! Or warm up at one of Beijing's hot springs. We've also got a great winter craft for your kids: making your own snowman. He makes a great decoration for your home.

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The November issue is hot off the press and this month's cover feature is jam packed with information about how to stay healthy in Beijing. Beijing families share their experiences with health insurance. Inside, we've also included a roundup of unique exercise classes: from horseback riding and rock climbing to Zumba and Pilates! There is also a guide for picking Beijing veggies and selecting the most useful Chinese medicine - all of which are handy with the imminent cold and flu season upon us!

Elsewhere in the magazine, Oliva Lee reveals her tricks for avoiding tummy issues. Also, Dr. Richard presents his tips for food safety in Beijing - from purchasing milk, seafood and meat.

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Former Beijing resident and beijingkids board member Jacqueline Cohen lives in South Lantau, Hong Kong with her husband and her son and daughter. You can check out her blog at sassymamahk.com and her tweets @lantaumama. This article was reposted with her permission and can be found here.

If you happen to be in Lantau Hong Kong one day, you don’t know how to enjoy your “Lantau day” to the maximum. So here is the perfect guide for you. 

Fact – All kids love various forms of transportation.
Fact – All kids love the beach
Fact – Lantau is the perfect day out with kids!  

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This post comes to us from the blog Gogovivi by mother and expatriate resident of Qingdao, Kiley Ariail. It is used here with the permission of the author, whose bio appears below.

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