As the temperatures dip and schedules ease up a bit around Christmas Day, you may find yourself wanting to sit back user a pile of blankets as you enjoy a Christmas family movie together.

There are quite a number of feel-good Christmas movies that drive home the true meaning behind the season.

I stumbled upon a blog article on www.allprodad.com where the writer, Mark Merrill, features a few of his favorite films. More interestingly, Merrill shares what the films have taught him about family.

If you’re lucky enough to find these titles at your local DVD store or online, why not re-watch the movie as a family and try to see it from his eyes?

A Christmas Carol
“In this timeless classic, we find the selfish Ebenezer Scrooge with a hatred for all things Christmas.  Through different influential events in the movie, Scrooge transforms from a man of bitterness and selfishness to a man of love. He learns, through Tiny Tim, that having a family you love and that loves you is all-important.”

How The Grinch Stole Christmas
“We all enjoy watching the quirky people of Whoville get ready for their favorite time of the year.  While Jim Carey is hilarious as the wildly outrageous Grinch, I found that it was Cindy Lou Who that taught audiences what love looks like.  She was a perfect picture of the way we should be voices of encouragement to everyone—no matter how odd or crazy they may seem on the outside.”

Miracle On 34th Street
“This wonderful movie reveals to us how love conquers all.  Despite court rulings, business, and everything else, we find that a parent’s love for their child is one of the most vital and incredible things we will ever know.   The film encourages us to make our children a top priority.”

A Charlie Brown Christmas
“This great animated film includes the whole gang of Charlie Brown and his friends.  While at times our culture can turn Christmas into a season of greediness, this movie reminds us that Christmas is about love and giving.”

Elf
“While this movie may not be as sentimental as some of the others on my list, I’ve learned some things from watching this film.  Buddy, the Elf, showed us the importance of forgiveness and proved that relational pain can lead to stronger relationships between family members.”

It’s A Wonderful Life
“This black and white classic is perhaps my favorite. It follows George Bailey, played by Jimmy Stewart, through childhood, marriage, and fatherhood.  When George was down and out and didn’t feel like his life mattered, Clarence, the angel, showed him in a dream what the little town of Bedford Falls would have been like without him and that he really did have a wonderful life. He influenced his community beyond his wildest imagination, he loved his family more than words could describe, and his family loved him more than he would ever know. George Bailey had a wonderful life. Every time I watch this movie, I’m reminded that I have a wonderful life too.”

To Merill’s list I would add the original Home Alone. While for most of the film the family wasn’t actually together in the same place, the lead character Kevin had to rely on his own smarts to outwit the bungling burglars. Left to his own devices, Kevin could only think back to what his parents had already taught him and use that to succeed in his mission of staying alive and protecting his home from intruders. What mom or dad wouldn’t be relieved and proud to know that their parenting actually paid off? And because this movie just had to have a feel-good ending, of course Kevin realizes that mom and dad do know what is best after all.

Merry Christmas to you and yours.

We’d like to hear from you! What are your Shunyi favorites? Any recommendations or bits of news you’d like to see here on Shunyi Happenings, please feel free to send it on to us via email to: danamercado@beijing-kids.com

Dana is the beijingkids Shunyi Correspondent. Originally from the Philippines, she moved to Beijing in 2011 (via Europe) with her husband, two sons and Rusty the dog. She enjoys writing, photography, theater, visual arts, and trying new food. In her free time, she can be found exploring the city and driving along the mountain roads of Huairou, Miyun and Pinggu.

Photo collage attributed to www.markmerrill.com

Many a city dweller can tell the story of their child or a friend’s child saying that their food comes from the grocery store. Cute, and true, to some extent. But of course we adults know it had to originate somewhere else first. Now children can have fun finding out how their food goes from farm to table.

Too Too Organic Farm, located in Pinggu County, 70 kilometers from Beijing, is the source of fresh and healthy produce that is sold at several eponymous grocery stores throughout the city or is available through their website for delivery to your doorstep.

For an alternative birthday celebration, now that the weather is getting warmer and spring has sprung, why not plan a half day at the 70-hectare farm? Let your child and their friends go with the farm team to visit some of their 120 greenhouses where organic produce is grown, and see the pigs, goats, and free-range chickens being fed. As they go on a private tour of the farm, your little explorers will learn about what it takes to grow fruit, vegetables, and grain organically before it ends up on the grocery shelves.

Meeting and interacting with the farmers is also a great opportunity to show your kids the faces behind their food. Promoting cooperative farming, and encouraging families to purchase from
local growers, becomes a lesson in giving back to the community. End the visit with a farm-fresh meal for your group, and you will have given your birthday celebrant a special memory.

Too Too organizes farm visits for groups of 20 people every second Saturday of the month from 10am to 2pm. If you would like to have your child’s birthday celebration there, and enjoy exclusive use of the farm, contact Too Too directly for a quotation, and to discuss the menu. Don’t forget to mention if you need their tour to be conducted in English.

Too Too Organic Farm 沱沱工社
Every second Saturday from 10am-2pm. Ma Changying Village, Ma Changying Town, Pinggu District. (Birthday party bookings and detailed directions, Li Jun 135 5214 2991 (English or Chinese)) http://en.tootoo.cn 平谷区马昌营镇马昌营村

This article originally appeared on page 15 of the beijingkids March 2016 issue. Click here to read the issue for free on Issuu.com. To find out how you can get your own copy, email distribution@truerun.com

Photos: Courtesy of Too Too

Which princess, old or young, doesn’t want her own one-of-a-kind crown?

If the mom or teen in your life wants to celebrate her birthday in a fun and creative environment, then Milliner Elisabeth Koch’s hat-making parties could be just the ticket.

Koch, who holds dual Dutch and American citizenship, has been mad about hats since she was a little girl; she says she was always up to her elbows in sketches or making her headwear designs come to life. After training at the Wombourne School of Millinery in the UK, she lived in the US, Europe, and other parts of Asia before moving to Beijing.

The hat-making workshop starts with an invitation for participants to choose a hat or fascinator from Koch’s treasure trove of creations. There are literally one hundred hats of every shape and color, which guests are free to try on. No two hats are the same; you may find yourself donning something that has topped the head of a celebrity or print model. In the past, Koch’s creations have been commissioned for fashion shoots, movies, weddings, and horse races.

Guests get to play dress-up, admire themselves of the mirror, and pose for photos. The banter at Koch’s hat-making parties is light and easy; even the shyest of the women gets caught up in trying on hat after hat. Koch herself makes a charming model and regales participants with the stories behind each piece.

Once the workshop begins in earnest, materials are spread on the table for participants to choose from. Mainstays include ribbons, baubles, and sinamay, a tropical fabric that resembles a starchy organza. The women must decide on a color scheme and come up with an idea for a design, then get busy with needle and thread to make their own fascinator.

Don’t worry if you’re all thumbs and are prone to making a pin cushion out of your own fingers; the initial assembly can be done with fabric glue, and Koch and her assistant are around to help out less dexterous sewers. Between chatting and working on your project, time flies and before long it’s time to show off your finished fascinator. A second round of photos is mandatory as each guest models her own creation. 
Koch’s workshops are best-suited to moms and girls (and fabulous boys) 11 and up. She can take groups of six to 12 people (six minimum). Though knowledge of sewing isn’t essential, basic needle-work skills will help you finish the work faster. The workshop costs RMB 500 and lasts three hours, all materials included. Pre-booking is essential. For a more authentic tea party feel, Koch can provide nibbles from Comptoirs de France for an additional RMB 50 per person. Alternatively, speak to her about bringing your own food and what kind of snacks would be most appropriate for the hat-making workshop.

Elisabeth Koch Millinery
Rm 204, Bldg D Clubhouse, Gloria Gardens, Xingfucun Zhonglu, Chaoyang District (English: 139 1043 1832, contact@elisabethkoch.net) 朝阳区幸福村中路锦绣公园寓D座204

This article originally appeared on page 20-21 of the beijingkids June 2015 issue. Click here to read the issue for free on Issuu.com. To find out how you can get your own copy, email distribution@truerun.com.

Photos: Dana Cosio-Mercado

Every year, countless pets are abandoned when their owners decide to relocate. The problem is amplified in areas with large populations of waidiren, such as Beijing. However, many people don’t realize that moving internationally with animals isn’t as puzzling as they think; the trickiest part is figuring out the prerequisites for entering your destination country. You should start preparing for your pet’s relocation at least six months before the planned moving date. For the latest entry requirements, consult your destination country’s embassy, department of agriculture, or quarantine bureau.

Required Procedures for the Exit Process
First things first: only dogs and cats are allowed to be taken out of China. Unfortunately, that means you’ll have to leave behind birds, reptiles, rabbits, or other animals. This is a basic consideration when thinking about what kind of pet to adopt in the first place.

Microchipping
As of November 2011, Beijing Guanshang Animal Hospital requires that all animals be microchipped by the time they receive their exit health check. The microchip must conform to the European Union’s ISO 11785/11785 standard or other ISO-compliant standard. This is not a national, municipal, or Entry/Exit Quarantine and Inspection Bureau requirement, but one of Beijing Guangshang Animal Hospital. The rule is intended to facilitate accurate identification of pets during the exit health exam.

In Beijing, ISO-compliant and EU-approved microchips are sold by Globy Pet Relocation. However, insertion is a surgical procedure that must be overseen by a certified veterinarian; ICVS is equipped to both insert and scan microchips. The hospital can also scan microchipped pets for free to ensure that the chip works.

Rabies Vaccination
Rabies vaccinations must be performed at a legally-approved animal hospital in China (for more information about this, see our article about importing pets on p42). Pets requiring the RNATT must get their rabies shot at least 30 days before blood is drawn for the RNATT test.
Rabies Neutralizing Antibody Titre Testing (RNATT)

The RNATT is required for EU countries, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand, and Hawaii. Typically, countries and territories that require the RNATT specify that pets should be vaccinated against rabies at least four to seven months before departure. In the EU, the blood sample must be drawn at least three to six months before the pet’s arrival. Animals must also be microchipped before or on the day of the rabies shot.

For pets entering the EU, a blood sample must be taken from the animal one month after the rabies shot. On the following day, the separated serum is taken to an authorized laboratory in the EU for testing. For a list of authorized labs, visit the European Commission’s website. Currently, China doesn’t have any EU-approved labs. Pet relocation companies such as Globy can help transport the serum sample to the EU.
Owners must download the EU CE 998/2003 form for “non-commercial movement of pets.” The form must be filled out by a veterinarian at Beijing Guanshang Animal Hospital and checked by customs at the EU destination country. Most EU countries require a 90-day wait after the blood is drawn before the pet can enter, but it’s best to confirm with the authorized laboratory.

Entry Requirements for Different Countries
Before completing the three-step exit process for China, you’ll need to research specific entry regulations for your destination country. Depending on where you’re going, the entry process can range from surprisingly simple to painfully difficult. Either way, you’ll want to allow yourself plenty of time before the departure date – at least six months, and more if you’re moving to a country or territory with strict regulations. Generally, islands like Australia, Taiwan, and New Zealand have the most stringent entry rules.

Canada and the US (Except Hawaii)
Difficulty: Easy
The rabies shot is required at least 30 days but no more than 12 months before entry. No microchipping, RNATT, or quarantine required if all other conditions are met. Regulations for pets entering Hawaii are different than those for the continental US. For the most up-to-date Hawaiian regulations, visit the websites of the US Department of Agriculture or Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Malaysia
Difficulty: Easy
• RNATT and rabies vaccination required.
• Microchipping not required, but this is moot since it is mandatory for all pets getting a health exam at Beijing Guangshang Animal Hospital.
• Mandatory seven-day quarantine period for all incoming animals.

European Union and Japan
Difficulty: Moderate
• Rabies vaccination and RNATT required at least three to six months before the animal’s arrival.
• Tattoo and/or microchip with EU ISO 11784/11785 standard required, depending on the destination country.
• No quarantine is required if the above conditions are met.
• The UK now follows EU entry requirements. In other words, no quarantine is required if the pet meets all other requirements.
• Japan requires two rabies vaccinations within six months of the pet’s arrival date.

Hong Kong
Difficulty: Moderate
• Microchipping and rabies vaccination required.
• No RNATT required.
• Mandatory four-month quarantine period for all pets arriving from mainland China.

Singapore
Difficulty: Hard
• Microchipping, rabies shot, and other vaccinations required.
• RNATT required. A second rabies vaccination is required after drawing blood for the RNATT.
• Mandatory 30-day quarantine period for all pets arriving from mainland China.

Australia, New Zealand, and Taiwan
Difficulty: Hard
• Microchipping, rabies, other vaccinations, and RNATT required.
• No direct importing of animals from mainland China. Pets must stay in another “rabies-free” country for at least six months before entering these territories. For example, if you’re moving to Australia, you’ll need to board your pet in a country like Malaysia for six months before they can follow you.
• Mandatory 30-day quarantine period for all pets entering the country or territory.

The Exit Process
Step 1: Rabies Vaccination and Official Vaccination Certificate
All cats and dogs leaving China must be vaccinated for rabies at an animal hospital registered with the Agricultural Bureau. The shot must then be documented in the official Beijing Animal Health and Immunity Certificate (red booklet). These two steps must be completed at least 30 days but no more than 12 months before departure.

Step 2: Health Examination and Certificate
All pets must undergo a health checkup no more than seven days before the date of departure at Beijing Guanshang Animal Hospital, the official animal hospital of the Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau. Once the health exam is complete, you should receive the Beijing International Companion Animal Health Inspection 
Certificate within two business days. Note that the health certificate is valid for only seven days after the issue date; if you don’t exchange it for an exit permit within the allotted time, your pet will have to repeat the health examination all over again.

Go to Guanshang early in the morning; appointments are not accepted, so it can get busy later in the day. If you’re not comfortable in Mandarin, bring a Chinese-speaking friend along. Even if you use the services of a pet relocation company, you’ll still have to go with the agent because the owner is required to present themselves. Be sure to bring your pet, the red vaccination booklet, your passport (limited to one pet per passport), and at least RMB 800 in cash – you’ll be charged for the checkup and any additional health tests.

Step 3: Exit Permit
The health certificate must be exchanged for an Animal Health 
Certificate for Exit (or exit permit). This can be done at a separate office located on the second floor of Beijing Guanshang Animal Hospital. You’ll need the red vaccination booklet, the health certificate, your passport, and around RMB 100 in cash for the exit permit fee – no need to bring your pet for this part. The exit permit is usually processed within two business days and is valid for 14 days after the issue date.

May and Simba

8-Year-Old Female Old English Sheepdog and 
3-Year-Old Male Labradoodle
Owners: Fiona and Trevor Ness
Relocated to: Boston, US
Date of relocation: May 2013
Relocation company: World Care Pet
Cost: Declined to give information
Airline: May and Simba flew on KLM from Beijing to Frankfurt, stayed in the city overnight, and flew the following day from Frankfurt to Boston.
Moving timeline: Fiona and Trevor started preparing in December 2012. May and Simba were both rescue dogs from China and had never been in crates. Fiona started training them by crating them, then moving the dogs around the house inside their crates. She also made sure their shots were updated.
Kiki Chen of World Care Pet dealt with everything; Fiona only needed to go to one place, where they needed to see the dogs’ owner. A member of Kiki’s staff dealt with all the paperwork and did all the talking.
On the morning of May 21, a World Care Pet representative picked up the dogs and took them to Beijing Capital International Airport. Chen sent Fiona a few emails and text message updates, and a final picture of the dogs before the flight.
The dogs had to leave Beijing six weeks before Fiona and Trevor due to airline rules that don’t allow animals to travel in the heat. The owners arranged for someone from the boarding kennel to pick up May and Simba at the airport in Boston.
Quarantine period: No quarantine is required in the US as long as the dogs have up-to-date rabies shots and pass all their health checks from the Chinese government.
Tips: Fiona recommends training your dog to be comfortable in its crate. She also wrote all of her contact details in block letters and attached them to the top of the crates, as well as a small photo of each dog for identification purposes. Fiona and Trevor put the dogs’ unwashed bedding in the crates so they had a familiar smell. Overall, Fiona was pleased they used a relocation company to take care of all the paperwork on the Chinese side.

Emily

9-Year-Old Female Beagle
Owner: Eileen Mooney
Relocated to: San Francisco, US
Date of relocation: October 22, 2013
Relocation company: None
Cost: Around RMB 2,400 in total
• Pre-departure checkup and shots at ICVS: RMB 600
• Crate and air mat: RMB 800
• Processing fee for exit permit: RMB 800
• Strapping fee at the airport: RMB 20
Airline: Air China. Emily weighs more than 7.5kg, so she had to travel in the cargo hold. Eileen could only book space for Emily after obtaining the exit permit. She had to go to Air China’s main ticketing office in Xidan to process the reservation, and the fee could only be paid at the airport after Eileen had checked in and picked up her own boarding pass. The crate had to be strapped before she checked Emily in. On Air China, no water is allowed in the crate.
Moving timeline: Prior to departure, Eileen took Emily to ICVS for microchipping, deworming, and a rabies booster. All procedures were documented in the red booklet with an official stamp.
She then went to Beijing Guanshang Animal Hospital to get the exit permit. An appointment isn’t necessary, but Eileen got there first thing in the morning at 8.30am, presented Emily’s red booklet, and told the receptionist that she wanted a chukou zheng. They hospital gave Emily a check-up and took a blood sample, and Eileen returned the next day to collect the permit.
On the day of the flight, Eileen took Emily for her morning walk and fed her. The flight departed Beijing at 3pm, so Emily was able to have her regular routine. They arrived in San Francisco the next day at 1pm. When Eileen got to baggage claim, Emily was already at the arrival lounge; the customs official released her as soon as Eileen presented the exit permit.
Quarantine period: No quarantine period needed.
Tips: ICVS advised Eileen to crate-train Emily before departure. Eileen did this for two weeks prior to the flight, so that Emily wasn’t intimidated by the time they left. It was helpful to keep a normal routine, because the calmer the owner, the calmer the pet.

Bailey 

5-Year-Old Male Mixed Breed Dog
Owner: Leslie Morgan
Relocated to: Singapore
Date of relocation: July 2013
Relocation company: Globy 
Cost: USD 2,400 (approximately RMB 15,000). This covered the cost of the RNATT (which needed to be sent to Germany for testing), dog crate, testing and paperwork in Beijing, airport transfers, China Air fee for flying in cargo, and the 30-day quarantine in Singapore.
Airline: China Air. Bailey traveled on the same flight as Leslie in cargo.
Quarantine period: Regulation is 30 days’ quarantine in Singapore.
Tips: Since she was leaving Beijing in July, Leslie decided to take an evening flight because it was so hot. She was glad to have used a relocation company and found ICVS’ information sessions with Mary Peng very helpful. Leslie bought the crate a few weeks ahead of time so that Bailey could get used to it. This helped him feel like it was a safe place.

Genghis Kahn and Chaka Kahn

4-Year-Old Brother and Sister Pixie Bob Cats
Owners: Karla and Charles Kahn, and their kids JD and Callie Fields
Relocated to: Saudi Arabia
Date of relocation: September 2012
Relocation company: None
Cost: Approximately RMB 5,500 per cat
• Veterinary exams and paperwork: RMB 1,300 per cat
• Health certificate: RMB 800 per cat
• Export permit: RMB 100 per cat
• Lufthansa tickets to fly as excess baggage: RMB 1,300 per cat
• Import permits for Saudi Arabia: RMB 1,600 per cat
• Authentication of documents by the Saudi Embassy: RMB 650
Airline: Lufthansa.
Moving timeline: According to Saudi regulations, only the husband can enter the country until he earns residency. Because of China’s requirement of one pet per passport, one cat flew under Charles’ passport and the other under Karla’s even though the Kahns were going to different countries at first.
Charles, Karla, and the cats flew together from Beijing to Frankfurt. They separated from there; both cats flew with Charles to Saudi Arabia while Karla returned to the US for the summer. Genghis and Chaka traveled as excess baggage in the cargo hold and didn’t need to be medicated for the flight. 
At the time, Frankfurt had a relatively new animal lounge that accepted pets for overnight transit. This service is also available to pets not flying under an EU passport. Animals are fed, watered, and walked, and there is even a veterinarian on staff. The fee was included in the cost of the plane ticket.
Quarantine period: No quarantine required.
Tips: In September, the weather’s quite hot in Saudi Arabia. Despite this, the cats were able to fly in because there’s no heat embargo. The flight landed at 3am, so the worst was avoided for their safety.
Because Islamic culture considers dogs to be “unclean,” the country doesn’t allow dogs to be imported unless they are certified as guard animals. However, owners have been able to find loopholes and even get toy poodles certified as “guard” dogs. There are no such restrictions for cats.
Getting together the paperwork for Saudi Arabia is difficult due to a lack of information, even among Saudi government agencies and pet relocation companies. The documents must be translated into Arabic and authenticated by the Saudi Embassy. Though the Kahns did everything that was required, the paperwork wasn’t even looked at when they arrived in Saudi Arabia. A pet relocation company would handle every detail of the import process, but owners can expect to pay at least USD 2,500 per pet.

This article originally appeared in the beijingkids Home & Relocation Guide 2014. To get your free copy, email distribution@truerun.com or view it online at Issuu.

Photo courtesy of Fiona Ness, Eileen Mooney, Leslie Morgan, Karla Kahn, & Egidio Maurizio (flickr)

For many pet owners, leaving a cat or dog behind is akin to abandoning a family member. When separation is not an option, take comfort in the fact that it is possible to bring your pet to China, provided you’re ready to put in the hours of research and preparation. Many expats hire a pet relocation service 
to simplify the paperwork and alleviate language barriers, while others opt to save money and retain a higher degree of control by arranging everything themselves. No matter your approach, arm yourself with lots of patience and information – you’ll need both.

Before the Move
First things first: you’ll need a Z visa (work) to bring your pet into the country, with a limit of one pet per passport. Required documents include:

• Proof of a recent rabies vaccination. The shot must be administered at least 30 days but no more than 12 months before entry. These guidelines are subject to change at any time, so double-check with your veterinarian or relocation company as soon as you know that you’re moving.
• An official certificate from your country of origin to export your pet. Every country has different regulations; ask your vet or a relocation company to find out which government agency oversees this process.
• A health certificate or letter written by your veterinarian in the country of origin attesting to the health of your pet.

The Quarantine Period
As of November 1, 2012, the mandatory quarantine period for pets arriving in Beijing varies between seven and 30 days depending on the rabies status of the country that the animal is coming from. For example, pets entering China from the US or Canada are subject to a 30-day quarantine, while those coming from rabies-free or rabies-controlled territories such as Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, the UK, Hong Kong, or Taiwan must only undergo a seven-day quarantine.

All pets are quarantined at a facility near the airport and overseen by the Entry/Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau. Pets are fed, watered, and cared for humanely. However, owners aren’t allowed to see their pets while they’re in quarantine. In the past, when the quarantine period was set at 30 days, home quarantine was sometimes offered to diplomatic passport holders. However, the rules are now strictly enforced even for older pets and those with pre-existing health conditions.

Kennel cough (bordetella) is extremely common in China. The International Center for Veterinary Services (ICVS), a Beijing-based animal hospital, recommends vaccinating your pet at least two weeks before leaving your home country. Bordetella is an infectious disease that can be passed along in kennels and boarding facilities, as well as in transit.

A Clean Bill of Health
Once the quarantine period is over, owners should bring their pet to a legally-registered animal hospital for a routine checkup. Beijing has over 120 animal hospitals, but not all of them are registered with the Agricultural Bureau. Only registered hospitals are allowed to provide vaccines legally imported from Europe and North America. Outside each hospital, look for a large gold plaque with red characters and a license number. The plaque should say: 动物狂犬病免疫注射定点单位 (dongwu kuangquanbing mianyi zhushe dingdian danwei). In addition, only Chinese veterinarians are allowed to administer shots;
foreign veterinarians may consult and perform checkups, but cannot physically administer any vaccinations.

To relocate within China or leave the country with your pet, you’ll need a booklet called the Beijing Animal Health and Immunity Certificate. This red booklet is issued by registered animal hospitals and is designed to keep track of vaccinations. In China, dogs and cats are required by law to receive annual rabies vaccinations; three-year rabies vaccinations schedules from other countries are not recognized.

Animal hospitals also recommend an annual canine distemper (DHPPi) vaccine for dogs and a feline distemper (FVRCP) shot for cats, which are administered every one to three years. If you decide to take your pet with you when you leave Beijing, note that rabies antibody titre testing is now required for entry into all European Union countries, Singapore, Japan, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia.

Registering Your Dog
By law, all dogs must be registered in Beijing; other animals are exempt from this regulation. Registered dogs are provided with a dog license – an ID card that contains information about both the dog and the owner. If you’re caught without this ID while walking your dog, you could face a fine of up to RMB 2,000.

Enforcement of this guideline is normally stepped up before major holidays such as Spring Festival (late January to early February), Labor Day (May 1-3), and National Day (October 1-7) as part of the government’s efforts to ensure public health and safety. Here’s what you need to know:

• Only one dog can be registered per household address. If you own a second dog, it must be registered at a second address.
• All dogs living within Fifth Ring Road must be no more than 35cm in height from floor to shoulder.
• Your local police station (派出所, paichusuo) is responsible for overseeing dog registrations. The process often varies according to district, so consult your local paichusuo for details.
• When registering your dog for the first time, you must bring the dog, two passport-sized photos of your dog (front head shot), your ID (including your passport and residence permit), your lease or property title document, written permission from your neighborhood watch committee (居委会, juweihui), and money for the registration fee.
• If you live in one of Beijing’s eight major districts (Dongcheng, Xicheng, Chongwen, Xuanwu, Chaoyang, Haidian, Fengtai, and Shijingshan), the registration costs RMB 1,000 the first time and RMB 500 for each subsequent annual renewal.
• Newly-adopted or imported dogs can be registered any time after January 1. The registration will be valid from the date of registration until April 30 of the same year. For dogs that are already registered, pet owners have an annual renewal window between May 1 and 31.

Cujo (8 Years Old, Male Golden Retriever)
Cujo was born in Beijing in 2006 at a shelter, then adopted as a puppy. Trained by experts, and yet a service dog, what a smart pup! He lived here with his family until they relocated to the US in February 2012. Last August, they returned to Beijing with Cujo.

Owners: Names withheld by request
Date of relocation: August 2013
Relocation company: World Care Pet
Cost: RMB 5,000 total

• RMB 2,000 US document verification and vaccinations (Cujo had to have a rabies vaccination within 30 days of arrival to China)
• RMB 3,000 for Chinese customs, quarantine, Beijing dog registration, and World Care Pet fees

Airline:
Delta Airlines. Before booking their flights, the family had to submit the required documentation to the airline. After it was approved, Cujo’s information was listed in the itinerary along with the family’s. Cujo traveled in the cabin under special conditions. There are laws that limit the number of animals in the cabin per flight, so the family had to begin the documentation process several months before their departure. The gate staff and flight attendants were prepared for him since the documentation was handed in ahead of time; the cabin crew was helpful throughout the flight. It also helped that Cujo was well-trained and even-tempered.

Cujo is a registered and certified service dog and emotional support animal in the US for one of the family’s daughters. Because of this, he was able to remain at their feet. The family was permitted to sit in the bulkhead seats to allow more room for the dog; no other passengers sat in the same row. Cujo remained in his harness and leash the entire flight to prevent him from wandering while the rest of the family was asleep. He received plenty of attention throughout the flight; one daughter occasionally used him as a footrest; he seemed to welcome the physical connection.

Moving timeline:
The family’s travel routine for Cujo included him fasting for approximately 18 hours before the flight, with water allowed up to the morning of the departure. Because he was specifically trained as a service animal, Cujo was obedient. He slept periodically and was content to sit at his family’s feet during the flight. The mom carried a special travel bottle with a tray for him, and he was given a bit of cold water every three to four hours. Near the end of the 13-hour flight, Cujo was rewarded with a handful of dry food and some water.

Quarantine process:
Because of their unique situation, the family was able to walk off the plane with Cujo on a leash. Several airport workers were shocked  and some guards followed them closely while reporting a “large dog” walking with a “foreign family” towards the baggage claim area. The family had already prepared themselves for a lot of looks, so the attention didn’t bother them.

They went through the immigration process normally and submitted Cujo’s license, service dog registration, and immigration documents. They also had to show photos and the physician’s letters documenting Cujo’s status as a service dog. Kiki Chen from World Care Pet had sent them all the documents they needed to present upon arriving in China.

Chinese quarantine officials were aware that Cujo and his family were arriving on that flight. Kiki Chen had communicated with them before their arrival and was also at the airport to make sure there was no confusion. There was a quarantine employee waiting for the family to check them in after they retrieved their baggage. They took Cujo to the small quarantine office, where the officials compared the family’s submitted paperwork with the documents that Chen had submitted ahead of time. They took pictures of Cujo and their daughter for their records, then gave the family the necessary papers for Cujo’s license and registration after they signed the paperwork and paid the RMB 28 quarantine fee.

It took about 45 minutes to complete the entire customs and quarantine process at the airport. It was much faster than the family had imagined, especially considering their unusual situation. When they walked out of the airport, Chen was there to meet them. She took Cujo in her van, where she had food and water ready, and drove him to the family’s home because they didn’t have room for him in their own van.

The flight arrived late in the afternoon on a Friday. The Monday after that, Chen picked up Cujo at 10am to take him to the license and registration office. He was returned the same afternoon at 2pm. Because Chen had helped the family get all the necessary documentation, registration, and permission for Cujo ahead of time, the normal quarantine period was waived so he could remain at home with the daughters.

Overall, it was an “amazing” relocation experience made much easier by World Care Pet. When the family left Beijing in February 2012, Cujo had to be crated in the cargo hold. According to the quarantine officials, their return last August marked the first time that a service animal was able to enter the country in this way. Because everything was properly documented, the family secured a written confirmation from the quarantine officials that Cujo will be able to depart China in the same manner. In return, they’ll simply have to renew his annual registration as normal and keep their documentation up-to-date with Delta Airlines.

Note that while Cujo was allowed to enter the country on an American airline and be recognized as a service dog, there are no such laws or permissions on Chinese airlines. This means he is not permitted to accompany the family as a service animal in public areas in China.

Tucker (4 Years Old, Male Labrador Retriever)
Owners: Kelly, Valerie, Julia and Ella DeSmet
Date of relocation: August 2012
Relocation company: None
Cost: Approximately RMB 5,470

• Traveling crate: RMB 1,500
• Veterinary bills, shots, and microchip: RMB 1,500
• USDA paperwork: RMB 470
• Quarantine fee: RMB 2,000 (not including additional charges to visit Tucker while he was stuck in cargo hold)

Airline:
United Airlines. Because Tucker is a big dog, he had to fly in cargo.

Moving timeline:
The DeSmets started getting Tucker ready at least three months before the move with vet visits, microchipping, and training for getting into a crate.
Kelly flew from the US to Beijing with Tucker and made sure that he was exercised, fed, and watered before he was checked in at the airport two hours before the flight. It was a direct 14-hour flight from Chicago to Beijing.

Upon landing, Kelly could not locate Tucker. After a frantic search and some phone calls, it was discovered that Tucker had been sent to the Air China cargo hold. Kelly could not get him out without the proper paperwork and fees. They had to pay an additional RMB 300 and get special papers just to get into the cargo hold to see him, feed him, and let him out to relieve himself.

Finally, by 4pm the DeSmets got all of the paperwork done and paid all of the fees necessary to get Tucker out of cargo. They got to be with Tucker during the ride to quarantine before he was taken away for a week.

Quarantine process:
After seven days in quarantine, the family was able to pick Tucker up without incident. He was dirty but otherwise looked good, and even seemed to the DeSmets to have gained a little weight.

Tips:
If they had to do it over again, the DeSmets say they would definitely use a relocation company to help them handle the paperwork. It may have cost a little more, but it might have prevented Tucker from being stuck in the Air China cargo hold and it would have taken away a lot of the stress they encountered upon arrival. Despite their misadventure, the DeSmets don’t regret bringing Tucker over with them.

This article originally appeared in the beijingkids Home & Relocation Guide 2014. To get your free copy, email distribution@truerun.com or view it online at Issuu.

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Spring has definitely sprung, and we are all the happier for the warmer weather and more frequent appearance of blue skies. Spring also sees students’ and families’ calendars filling up with things to do and ways to enjoy the warmer weather.

Although the schools in Shunyi have their Spring Break at staggered times this year, once everyone comes back in to start the new term, everyone will be buckling down to academic work and a variety of activities until the run up to the summer break.

Here is this week’s compilation of things to look forward to beginning next month.

Parent Effectiveness Training Beginning April 10
Another round of Parenting Effectiveness Training (P.E.T.) sessions will be offered by Naomi Taylor in Shunyi. This time, the eight-week course will be hosted by the International Montessori School of Beijing. The schedule is Thursday mornings, 8.45-11.45am. Dates are April 10, 17, 24, May 8, 15, 22, 29, and June 5.

Join Taylor to learn a new way of communicating effectively with your children. The lessons on interrelating can also be applied outside of parenting situations because the emphasis is on mastering a manner of expressing what is important to you.

As a parenting training programme, P.E.T. does not revert to using punishment and reward methods. Instead, P.E.T. will equip you with skills to listen show understanding, and respond in an honest and non-judgmental way.

To make your reservation or to ask for more details, email Taylor at counseling with naomi@hotmail.co.uk

AoFan Sailing Resumes Courses on April 12
‘Tis the season for sailing, and AoFan Sailing Club is preparing to put their boats back on the water on April 12. Sailing is a fun way to learn new skills and socialize with friends.

Six-week sailing courses are held on Saturday or on Sunday at the Olympic Rowing and Canoeing Park in Shunyi. Level one training is from 10am-12nn, and level two training is from 2-4pm. Fees are RMB 1,800 for 12 hours.

A special three-day course will be available during the Labor Day weekend from May 1-3.

The AoFan summer camps will be held in five-day courses beginning from June 16 all the way to August 29. Camp hours are 10am-4pm, and include sailing, kayaking, rafting, paddleboarding and team-building games. Participants should pack their own lunch, and drinks and snacks are available for sale at the club. Fees are RMB 2,500 for a five-day course.

AoFan will be sending students to represent their club at the QingDao Youth Camp. This runs from June 16 to 21, and from June 23 to 28. The fee is RMB 7,500 and includes accommodation, transportation to and from QingDao Olympic Sailing Center, coaching fees and other activities.

See their website for more information, or call 139 1046 5950. Online registration already available for both the spring sessions beginning April, as well as the June to August camps.

Dance Classes for Kids with Dulwich Community Programme
Dulwich Community Programme classes are open to the entire community and are an opportunity for children to pick up a new skill while having fun. The Summer Term will run from mid-April until June.

Two new dance classes are being offered for the Summer Term: Bollywood and ballet.

Bollywood Dance, the dance form used in Indian cinema, is a mix of western contemporary, Indian classical, folk dance, belly dance, jazz, ballet, and even a bit of hip-hop. The class will be taught by Arunima Prajapati, Bollywood choreographer and trained Kathak dancer.

Two classes will be held:

• Ages 4-7, Mondays at the Riviera Campus, from 3.40-4.30pm, starting April 14.
• Ages 7-12, Fridays at the Legend Campus, from 3.40-4.30pm, starting April 18.

Fee for eight weeks for either class is RMB 1,200.

Ballet classes will also run for eight weeks, and will be available at both the Riviera Campus (taught by Shi Yuzhong) and Legend Campus (led by Ms. Bradbury, following the syllabus of the Royal Academy of Dance Pre-Primary Level).

• Ages 3.5-6.5, Thursdays at the Riviera Campus, from 3.40-4.30pm, starting April 17. Fee is RMB 1,040.
• Ages 4-7, Mondays at the Legend Campus, from 3.40-4.30pm, starting April 14. Fee is RMB 1,200.

Other classes available are off-ice figure skating and hockey, Incy Wincy yoga, swimming, basketball, football tag rugby, benchball, science club, clay modelling, and individual lessons for a variety of musical instruments.

Registration ongoing at the Legend Garden Campus Sports Club. You can email camilla.ojansivu@dulwich-beijing.cn or call 6454 9127 for information.

British School of Beijing Activities
The British School of Beijing is gearing up for several community activities over the next two months.

On Tuesday, April 15, a Year 6 Open Morning will be held for families who are interested in starting Secondary school at BSB in August.

Another Open Morning is set for Friday, April 25. This will be an opportunity for prospective families to see both the Primary and Secondary schools as they carry out a regular school day.

Email elisabeth.puttock@britishschool.org.cn for inquiries and to register for the Open Mornings.

Finally, BSB’s big Summer Fayre will be on Sunday, May 25, from 10.30am to 3pm. This event is open to the entire community, with indoor and outdoor games, craft activities entertainment from different groups of students and teachers, lots of picnic food for sale, and a sale of books, educational games, jewelry and gift items.

Interested vendors have until April 25 to fill in a booking form and pay the table fees. Please email elisabeth.puttock@britishschool.org.cn or anna.jin@britishschool.org.cn to obtain booking information and forms.

Photo by Dana Cosio-Mercado

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Ceramic Shop
Old timers in Shunyi will know there was once a shop in Europlaza that sold export overrun ceramics and pottery at very reasonable prices. The same pieces can still be found at some of the shops at Liangma Flower Market, but it was convenient to have a local to rely on.

The Europlaza shop closed down, later re-opening along Jingmi Lu where Boulangerie Nanda used to be. Eventually, that second location also shut its doors.

But now, as Stacey and Sara from STARAfood Beijing discovered, the shop has once again re-opened in Shunyi. Click here to read STARAfood’s blog (VPN required); Stacey and Sara also provide a photo of the shop’s name card at the end of their blog post. The directions are indispensable for showing to your driver. Call ahead to make sure they are open; the number is 138 0119 9232 (Chinese only).

STARAcooking spring classes
While you’re on the STARAfood website, check out their spring cooking classes:

•    April 15: Easter Feast
•    April 23 or May 6: Cocktails 202
•    April 30: Cinco de Mayo
•    May 14: Spring Fling Light and Healthy Meals
•    May 20: Go Green Vegetarian
•    May 28: Everyday Eating – Italian Part 2

All classes are held in Shunyi from 10am-2pm. Class fees include ingredients and 5-6 recipes, and all participants sit down to enjoy the meal they have cooked together. These are very hands-on cooking classes; you’ll pick up tips on knife handling, food preparation, cooking techniques, and shopping for ingredients in Beijing.

Call 186 1170 1730 or email starafood@gmail.com for inquiries, and be sure to mention that beijingkids sent you!

INN Coffee Morning and Roundabout Book Fair
The International Newcomers’ Network (INN) holds its monthly coffee morning at Roundabout every third Thursday of the month. The next edition is on Thursday, March 20 from 10am-noon.

Not just for newcomers, the coffee morning is a good way to meet the neighbors and make new friends. It’s also a good chance to drop off donations, do a bit of shopping, and find out more about volunteering opportunities at the retail store.

It’s also time for another one of Roundabout’s popular book fairs! The timing is right for picking up previously-loved books to curl up with on your spring break vacation. The next one will be held at the International Montessori School of Beijing on Saturday, March 22 from 10am-3pm.

If you can’t make it, the sale will continue from Monday, March 24 to Saturday, March 29 during school hours (10am-3pm). Titles will be refreshed regularly throughout the week.

Last week, we mentioned that the Roundabout Crafting Sale and Workshops would be held on Wednesday, March 26. The venue is Pinotage in Shunyi, and the fee is RMB 100 to learn a craft of your choice. For more details, call Roundabout at 137 1877 7761 (English) or 137 1805 3814 (Chinese). All proceeds from Roundabout’s book fair and craft sale will go towards helping kids in need.

Sports Beijing Elite Sports Camps
Sports Beijing offers budding athletes sports camps this month and next. Olympic swimmers Jason Lezak, Aaron Peirsol, and Kim Vandenberg of the US are coaching a two-day swim camp from March 22-23 at the International School of Beijing. Open to swimmers of all ability levels from ages 7-15. Participants can attend one or both days. Fee is RMB 1,000 per day and the camp runs from 2-6pm.

Sports Beijing is also teaming up once again with Celebreight F.C. to bring back former Barcelona youth team coaches for a soccer workshop. The four-day training camp will be held from May 1-4 during the May holiday at ISB. You can register for the camps by logging on to Sports Beijing’s website.

Loft Eatalicious: The Best Italian Restaurant in Shunyi?

The owners of Loft Eatalicious say their bistro is very laid-back and informal, but we’d say it’s quite classy by Shunyi standards. And we’re far from complaining.

Loft Eatalicious is a welcome addition to the Shunyi dining scene for its authentic Italian cuisine made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. From nearly any table at this cozy restaurant (maximum capacity of around 40), you get a clear view of Chef Roberto Masili lording it over his team in the open kitchen.

The house specialties are the freshly-made pasta and pizza, but nearly everything that we tried on our three visits have left us feeling more than satisfied.

The most recent addition is a weekend breakfast (8.30-11am), which we missed on our most recent visit. Instead, we had the brunch set (available on weekends from 11am-2.30pm). At RMB 128 per person for three courses, it was a decent price for a slow Sunday midday meal.

Being a family of four, we managed to order nearly everything on the brunch menu; there are two choices each per starter, first course, and main course.

For starters, there was a choice between a shrimp cocktail (what I ordered) or a platter of Italian cold cuts, pizza bread, and olives (what I really wanted). First course was between homemade spinach gnocchi or a lovely eggplant parmigiana. We all liked the texture of the eggplant and cheese with just a bit of tartness to the sauce.

The main course I chose was deep-fried calamari with gazpacho dressing. They forgot the dressing, so we were content with squeezing lemon on the calamari. But after I asked about the sauce and the owner gladly brought it out to us, we saw why the chef designed it to go along with the dish; the mild spiciness of the cold dressing gave just the right kick to the squid. I would definitely have it again.

The other main course was grilled lamb cutlets. My teenager was in seventh heaven with his choice; he said he was getting emotional from how tender and buttery the lamb was. He was so pleased with his brunch selections that it cemented his decision to go back to Loft Eatalicious for his birthday with friends, a request he made on his first visit to the restaurant.

On other visits, we’d also had the equally delicious cuttlefish, salmon, and Wagyu beef carpaccio (RMB 50, RMB 58 and RMB 78 respectively); soft-boiled egg on toast with grilled bacon and garlic spinach (RMB 42); and grilled barbecue chicken with sweet and sour mixed peppers (RMB 79).

We have had both the salami pizza and the four-cheese pizza. While both had chewy, handmade dough and a subtle tomato sauce, we preferred the four-cheese pizza for the balance of saltiness and tartness in the cheeses. We also liked that the dough wasn’t overwhelmed by the cheeses, which can happen when poor-quality cheese oozes too much during the baking.

Service is friendly and, while there are occasional mistakes, the staff seems to learn quickly. If you’re lucky enough to be there when the owners are around, you’ll be treated to their personal brand of service and humor. It makes for a pleasant dining experience, and you too will be making plans to come back again and again.

Loft Eatalicious 意餐
Mon-Fri 8.30am-10pm, Sat-Sun 8.30am-11.30pm. Pinnacle Plaza (across from Baskin and Robbins), Tianzhu Town, Shunyi District (8046 1565 for reservations, 131 4674 8656 or 131 4674 8756 for delivery) 顺义区天竺开发区荣祥广场（31冰淇淋对面）

Photo by Dana Cosio-Mercado

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ISB Spring Fair Opportunities for Vendors or Sponsors
The annual ISB Spring Fair on Saturday, May 10 is a highly-anticipated event not only for the school’s families, but also for the greater Shunyi community. It is a family-oriented day that is expected to attract nearly 5,000 locals and expats. The Spring Fair will offer carnival games, shopping from artisans and vendors, a raffle draw with big prizes, food from a variety of restaurants, and live entertainment.

If you would like to be part of this event, you have until March 31 to book a table. This opportunity is being offered to restaurants, businesses both big and small, artisans, and consultants. Spaces will be allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis. Contact ISB Spring Fair 2014 Co-Chair Saeri Yuk at saeri@ziebart.org for details.

Dulwich Community Programme (DCP) Spring Break Camps
Staying in Beijing over spring break? If you are looking for ways to keep your children active during this time, check out the Dulwich Community Programme (DCP) offerings from March 31 to April 4.

Activities include swimming, basketball and football camps, all to be held at the Dulwich College Legend Garden Campus.

Swim camps run in the morning, with mixed boy-and-girl groups divided by age and skill level:
•    Beginners, for ages 5-8 years, from 9.00-9.55am
•    Advanced I, for ages 8-11, from 10-11am
•    Advanced II, for ages 12-18, from 11am-12nn

Basketball camps for boys and girls (ages 7-12) are from 10am-12nn, while the 13-18 year age group (also mixed boys and girls) plays from 1-3pm.

Football camps will be led by FA-qualified coach Gary Saunders. Children will take part in activities, drills, and match play to improve skills and strategy. The football program is designed for ages 6-11 and camps run from 9am-12nn.

Daystar Academy Open Day
Daystar Academy’s Open Day on Wednesday, March 19 (9-11am) will teach visitors about the school’s 50/50 bilingual program. The heads of school, teachers, and parents will be on hand to explain the curriculum and share their personal experiences. To reserve your spot or to find out more, call 5603 9446 or email admissions@daystarchina.cn.

Roundabout Craft Sale and Crafting Days
The Roundabout store is holding an ongoing crafting sale with beads, ribbon, fabric, stickers, scrapbooking supplies and more. The organization is also bringing like-minded crafters together for its Crafting Days; the idea is for volunteers to hold mini-crafting workshops in which each participant is asked to donate RMB 100 for Roundabout’s charitable endeavors.

The next one is scheduled for the morning of Wednesday, March 26. (Call Roundabout for details.) There will also be another craft sale to be held at Pinotage Plaza. Stay tuned for more details.

Opening hours for Roundabout are Monday to Saturday from 9.30am-5.30pm. Telephone numbers are 137 1877 7761 (English) or 137 1805 3814 (Chinese only).

Photo by Dana Cosio-Mercado

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Chinese Food for Foreigners
This week we continue our feature of Chinese restaurants suited for foreigners with one more Shunyi find.

"Wooden Floor"
This one is known among foreigners as the "Wooden Floor" restaurant. Likely because of a wood and tile floor mosaic that now only features in the front part of the restaurant, the monicker has stuck and as information about the restaurant is passed on from one satisfied lao wai to another, it is still referred to by its nickname. The real name of the place, though, is Sichuan Yao Dianzi, and they have much more than Sichuan food on the menu.

It may take a bit of familiarity with the Houshayu area to find this restaurant, tucked away as it is in a residential area. Locating it is not too difficult though. Keep driving down Tian Bei Lu until you hit the Luoma Hu roundabout. Take the first exit, and keep going down Houshayu road for four stop lights, past Wu Mart on your right and past the road leading to the Houshayu wet market on your left.

Turn left into Vanke Garden, a rather old subdivision that is marked by a giant clock on its main gate. Keep driving down this main avenue until you see a commercial center to your right. Grab any of the parking slots you see out on the main road. The restaurant is at the farthest end of the commercial strip on the right side.

If you have a Chinese native or someone who reads characters with you, ask them to keep an eye out for the restaurant that advertises roast duck (烤鸭) on the roof sign. While we haven’t tried their roast duck, we like their crispy rice crackers dishes. Think of a Cantonese birds’ nest noodle dish that comes with an option of shrimp, mixed mushroom, or mixed vegetable topping. Now instead of crispy egg noodles as to be expected in the original recipe, substitute this with rice crackers. The sauce is served in a separate bowl, piping hot. And when it arrives at your table, the server pours the soupy topping onto the rice crackers, causing the crackers to sizzle. The topping "cooks" the rice crackers and every mouthful has a combination of crunchy dry and soaked crackers. The only trick in eating this is to do it before all the crackers get too soggy. It’s a fun and delicious (and sometimes messy) dish that even kids will love. At RMB 28, it’s a very filling dish that can be a little difficult to polish off completely.

Other recommended dishes are their sweet and sour chicken and a pork and mushroom combination sautéed in soy sauce and a hint of vinegar.

The menu has pictures (very handy) and English translations for the dish names. Some English spoken.

Offers breakfast, which we have not managed to try. As to be expected with local restaurants, breakfast fare is a combination of baozi, mantou, porridge and pickled vegetables.

四川幺店子饭店 万科城市花园乡村俱乐部101. 80490801

Breakfast from 5.30-10am
Nonstop dining from 10am-10pm

International Montessori School Beijing Open House
The International Montessori School of Beijing (MSB) will be holding two open house sessions on Tuesday, March 11, and Wednesday, April 16. Morning schedule is from 9-11.30am, and afternoon schedule is from 1-3.30pm.

The programme will include a short presentation on MSB’s English-Only and Dual-Language curricula, a tour of the facilities, classroom observation, and an open forum with teachers and staff.

Reservations are required in order to assure yourselves a place during the classroom observation. Email ilariakeogh@msb.edu.cn with your child’s age and which language programme you are interested in.

CIBA Fair
Children’s International Bilingual Academy (CIBA) is holding a Spring Flea Market and Bazaar on Saturday, March 15 in Gahood Villa, building 3052.

Come by from 10am-2pm for a bake sale, bazaar of new and gently used toys, books and clothes for children, as well as handmade jewelry.

Entertainment for children will be available in the playground area, with bouncy castles, play equipment and face painting and craft activities.

Email beijing_kiel@yahoo.com if you wish to advertise your business, or if you are interested in having a table at the bazaar to sell some items. The cost for the seller is a baked cake, or RMB100. All profits and donations will go towards classroom resources.

Euro Cashmere Flash Sale
At Clicia’s Designs and Shane’s Treasures from March 11-14, Euro Cashmere will be on special sale. Come along to see European quality and design scarves, ponchos and sweaters. STARAfood will provide the hors d’oeuvres on the first day of the sale, Tuesday, March 11. Lake View Place Dragon Bay Villa (8042-2203).

Air Pollution Masks
The demand is high for air pollution masks, following last month’s weeklong bad air period.

Vogmask N99 masks remove an average of 99.978% of fine particulate matter such as PM2.5. Vogmask brand is one of very few masks for sale in China that meets United States National Institute of Safety and Health standards.

The model available contains a carbon layer to help filter gaseous particles, exhaust, smells, and chemical components of air pollution.

Inventory list and order sheet are available at www.aquasana-china.com, or call 400 000 8320 or 136 5128 5157.

Totobobo jogging masks, athletic version are also available for sale for RMB198, including free delivery in Shunyi, Chaoyang and CBD areas.

These cover the mouth only and have an adjustable three-point strap. Fits all adults, keeps cool in hot weather and does not fog up. Can be hung around the neck when not in use.

Send a text message to 186 1152 8650 to place an order. See product details at www.totobobo.com.

Dana is the beijingkids Shunyi Correspondent. Originally from the Philippines, she moved to Beijing in 2011 (via Europe) with her husband, two sons and Rusty the dog. She enjoys writing, photography, theater, visual arts, and trying new food. In her free time, she can be found exploring the city and driving along the mountain roads of Huairou, Miyun and Pinggu.

Photo by Dana Cosio-Mercado