Let’s jump straight into this week’s Shunyi round-up, shall we?
*Clearance sale at Roundabout! As May approaches, everyone is still anticipating that the entire village of stores and homes by Roundabout will come down. That being said, the charity store hopes to have a new “home” within the next month and is now having a giant clearance sale to make the move easier. EVERYTHING in the store is marked as clearance, including a lot of baby equipment that the charities cannot use (car seats, bed rails, safety gates, etc.). Come check out the Easter decorations, too, including rabbits, decorative eggs, signs, cards and stickers. This sale will be on-going throughout April at the Tibet Store directly behind the former Roundabout building. PLEASE NOTE: New donations are still accepted and will NOT be a part of the clearance sale. These items will be placed in the warehouse for future distribution and/or sale, so please continue to donate to Roundabout!
* Mothering Sunday is this Sunday, April 3!! Celebrated in the UK and Ireland, this holiday began as a Christian festival on the fourth Sunday of Lent. Today, it’s more commonly recognized as Mother’s Day, which is celebrated on the second Sunday in May (May 8 this year) for families to honor mothers and motherhood. Over 70 countries recognize the holiday at this time, including China, and many others do so on different dates to coincide with their cultures and traditions. Have a great day!
*Human in Motion fitness studio (in Riviera Plaza across from WAB) has several trainers ready and willing to help you get in shape for the summer! Functional training group classes begin April 5, offering full body strength and conditioning workouts. Classes are held every Tuesday at Thursday at 11 a.m., and space is limited. E-mail humaninmotion@yahoo.com or call 132 6038 1387 or 8470 3616.
*Just a couple of months ago, the short-lived Rainbow Home (housewares and décor) in Euro Plaza had cleared out, with signs on the window saying “closed." Recently I strolled on the 3rd floor of the mall to see in that space’s place is now…well, Rainbow Home.Apparently a new version of the same store, there are some subtle differences and improvements. You will find more affordable furniture and storage items, for example, and fewer sit-about decorations. I liked seeing some decent quality plastic storage bins at good prices, too. The renovation makes the store look more open and inviting, so here’s wishing them good luck on the reopening!
*The Ice Zone opens up classes for its Summer Show beginning on Saturday, April 9 from 6-7pm. For 10 sessions, students of all skating levels will learn how to perform on ice and show what they’ve accomplished during a program in mid-June. Cost is RMB 1,500; call 8046 6092 to sign up.
*Beginning in April, A-Z Kids Family Entertainment Center will have new birthday packages. Choose from a lesson & birthday party; a dance & birthday party, or art & birthday party – specialties range from dance classes, cooking lessons, arts & crafts and more. Call 8559 2883/6 for information.
*Tasty’s, the well-known Shunyi café just outside of the ISB grounds, is a happening spot for after school students and parents “just stopping by” on their way home. Snickerdoodles, cinnamon rolls, homemade pizza components and bagels are just a few of the yummy treats to pick up. Now there are even more tempting items – scrumptious breads, that fun “dot” ice cream you often see at bazaars, and Bubble Tea. Stop by and see for yourself!
*Yet another expo is upon us, this one being bigger than the past few if traffic is any indication. Those who drive to Euro Plaza are directed to the underground parking garage (you are not allowed to park outside in the free spaces). However, the garage was packed with cars not only in parking spaces but along the sides of all walls. You had to get a parking card upon entering, and – you guessed it– had to pay upon leaving. No amount of receipts changed the fact, and for less than one hour it was RMB 5. It also took no fewer than five attendants upon leaving to “help” determine the amount to pay. Being a local resident, I found this annoying at best. Anybody know if this is permanent? I know the issue has come up before – last year, I believe. Will it go away when the expos are over?