We’re so excited to share with the Beijing community that New York Times best-selling author Rosalind Wiseman will be speaking at the upcoming Distinguished Speakers Series at Western Academy of Beijing (WAB). And best of all? It’s open to everyone, whether you’re a part of the WAB community or not!

Register for the event here.

The WAB Distinguished Speakers Series (DSS), which began over ten years ago, is dedicated to connecting our families with exceptional individuals who serve as sources of inspiration. These distinguished speakers are carefully recommended by WAB parents, staff, and students, and through sharing their personal experiences and narratives, they compel our community to enact positive change. This year, WAB will invite four or five speakers throughout the school year to speak and inspire students and parents alike.

The WAB DSS speakers have the power to share new ideas or stories that make us question our existing beliefs and see things from a different point of view. Furthermore, their extraordinary experiences serve to motivate, inspire, and inform our audience. Additionally, these speakers often provide insightful elaborations on significant issues or topics of interest, fostering meaningful discussions within our community.

On Sep 26, renowned author, educator, and thought leader Rosalind Wiseman will be taking us on a journey of cultivating cultures of dignity, shedding light on the inspiration behind her program.

Her books tackle our parenting concerns and have helped parents around the world navigate the struggles of raising well-adjusted, confident young members of society who don’t fall to social peer pressure.

Parenting is hard no matter how old your child is, and every parent could use some guidance. We’re so excited to see WAB take such a strong initiative to bring that to the Beijing community at large on Sep 26 with a speaker like Rosalind Wisemen.

Images: Amazon, Western Academy of Beijing

Hi, my name is Justin Lau and I’m a student at Western Academy of Beijing. I have just attended the Boston University Summer Challenge program and I will discussing my experiences, what I learned, my personal growth, and what I felt about the camp.

 

“I didn’t want to go” and “Maybe it will be fun to try something new.” These two phrases caused a tumultuous blend of anxiety and excitement coursing through my veins as if the very essence of these emotions had become intertwined with my very being. As I felt the sweltering summer sun of Boston casting its radiant beams upon the horizon, I embarked on my journey in a new country and environment.

As I stepped onto the campus, a wave of trepidation and anxiety overshadowed my slight excitement for the camp. The thoughts of venturing into the unknown amidst the surrounding of unfamiliar faces and the boundless campus entwined my soul and heart with threads of fear. However, little did I know that just a few days later these unfamiliar faces would soon be the people I would socialize and learn from. This boundless campus would soon also be mapped inside my head. This camp would be the catalyst for personal growth, cultural exchange, and the precious connections between one another.

The initial days of the camp were tough for me, as I had to find my classes on this maze-like campus, and I didn’t know any of the people in my classes. However, as the days unfolded, I started to know where everything was on the campus; I also started to know more people in my classes and socialize with them. So, with all the main challenges conquered, my confidence grew, and my initial anxiety and nervousness about this camp gradually gave way to excitement and hope for the next day.

I had the opportunity to take two classes at the camp: nutrition and philosophy. Initially, I wasn’t particularly thrilled about the nutrition class as it wasn’t my first choice (in fact, it was my third choice). However, my doubts quickly faded as I dived into the lessons and discovered the wealth of knowledge it had to offer. I was hugely surprised by how much I learned about nutrition. In this class, I gained valuable insights into the importance of protein and carbohydrates in our diet. I delved into the intricate functions and structures of proteins, understanding how they contribute to building muscles in the human body, and so much more. It was an eye-opening experience that exceeded what I expected from a nutrition class.

I also signed up for the philosophy class offered by Boston University. Thanks to its exceptional content and delivery, this course deepened my interest in philosophy. We covered various branches of philosophy throughout the class, including epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, aesthetics, and logic. Among these, I found myself particularly interested in metaphysics and ethics. Our study involved thorough readings of thought-provoking articles and books, such as “Metaphysics of Metamorphosis” by John Dupré, “Escape the Echo Chamber” by C. Thi Nguyen, Epistemic Injustice by Miranda Fricker, “Who Counts as a Woman?” by Carol Hay, “The Right Right Thing To Do” by Irene McMullin, Doing Good Better by William MacAskill, “Authenticity is a Sham” by Alexander Stern, and “The Value of Philosophy” by Bertrand Russell. Of all the material I encountered in philosophy class, I found Epistemic Injustice by Miranda Fricker and “The Value of Philosophy” by Bertrand Russell to be particularly interesting. Fricker’s work delves into various case studies, drawing upon examples from everyday life, literature, and legal contexts to vividly illustrate the pervasive impact of epistemic injustices. She thoughtfully explores these injustices’ ethical and epistemic implications, while offering strategies to address and mitigate them. On the other hand, Russell’s “The Value of Philosophy” resonated deeply with me, as our philosophical perspectives aligned remarkably. The book profoundly explores the discipline, highlighting its practical and intrinsic worth. It also talks about the development of critical thinking skills, fosters intellectual growth, and encourages a reflective and compassionate approach to life.

One aspect of this camp that brought me immense joy and interest was the opportunity to immerse myself in college life and explore the vibrant city of Boston. Each day, Boston University organized off-campus activities for us, allowing us to discover various places in the city. We embarked on memorable trips to Wrentham outlets, Hampton Beach, and the art museum, among others. However, the activities that stood out to me the most were our visits to North End and Faneuil Hall. In North End, we had the pleasure of indulging in authentic Italian cuisine, savoring mouthwatering delicacies from local bakeries, and relishing the vibrant atmosphere of Boston Street food. On the other hand, our trip to Faneuil Hall was also a delightful experience of exploring charming, hidden shops tucked away within its bustling corridors and treating ourselves to a wide array of delectable goods.

A big aspect of this camp that I truly treasured was the opportunity to engage with individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds. Through everyday conversations with them, I discovered intriguing disparities in our ways of thinking and our value systems. Exploring their perspectives on global issues proved to be particularly interesting. While there were instances where we shared similar viewpoints, often our opinions diverged or differed significantly. But I believe exposure to contrasting perspectives on different topics is crucial for personal growth. By actively listening to and engaging with diverse perspectives, we challenge our own preconceived notions and broaden our understanding of the world. This ability to consider multiple sides of an issue is invaluable, especially in a world where information and news often come through the filter of social media or biased news outlets.

My experience at the Boston University summer challenge program was a transformative journey filled with personal growth, cultural exchange, and valuable connections. I am forever grateful for this opportunity to go to this camp, and I am confident that the experiences and lessons I learned will continue to shape my personal and intellectual journey in the future. Despite my initial anxiety and fear, I quickly adapted to the camp and formed meaningful connections and memorable moments with people that will most likely last forever.

Images: Justin Lau, Pexels

Located on Parkview Green’s lower level and operated by Nemanja Maric, also the man behind the popular Mexican chain Avocado Tree – Beijing’s original burrito counter that serves up Californian style bowls, smoothies, tacos, and everything avocado, The Pizza Show’s minimalist and light space is more reminiscent of a food court than a first date spot, but the fact that it has drawn bustling crowds of shoppers and workers from nearby offices since day one is proof that it has nailed the fast-casual dining concept.

The Pizza Show is dedicated to using only the freshest ingredients, a fact that is apparent as soon as you see the bright red, green, and white bases atop each pie.

The dough itself is almost melt-in-your-mouth light, and features a just-charred crust *muah*, leaving you happily full from a 10-inch serving rather than gasping for air.

Of the pre-designed options that range between RMB 60-90, favorites include the white truffle cream and walnut pizza with dollops of peppy, deep-green basil sauce, the pistachio and pesto topped with generous layers of fresh ham, and the pepperoni, the simplicity of which letting the piquant marinara do the heavy lifting.

For vegan pizza lovers, The Pizza Show is also hosting a charity vegan pizza night on Jun 23 to help raise money for Furry Tales.

In case you’re unfamiliar, Furry Tales is an animal rescue group that was founded in Beijing earlier this year. Started by Elizabeth Rodewald and Sorcha Moore-Smith. They help rescue abandoned and abused dogs and cats in Beijing and then help get them fostered and adopted.

For one night only, The Pizza Show will be turning out the tastiest vegan pizzas in the city.

The night is dedicated to exploring different types of vegan pizzas. One of the most popular vegan pizzas that will be featured on their menu will be their Vegan Margherita pizza, made with vegan cheese, San Marzano tomatoes, and fresh basil.

The Pizza Show is a great option for pizza lovers in Beijing. The open-plan kitchen allows diners to see their selection go from raw dough to baked perfection, and the dedication to using only the freshest ingredients is evident. The vegetarian and famous pizzas on the menu are delicious, and the upcoming vegan pizza night is an exciting addition.

Images: The Pizza Show

Jodie Zuccato teaches English Language and Literature at the Western Academy of Beijing (WAB). She’s heavily involved in the TEDx Youth program at WAB –a year-long after-school activity which offers students the opportunity to present a succinct 10-minute speech on a topic of their choosing. The program is student-led and organized and has been running at WAB for almost three years.

Zuccato has been in Beijing since July 2019 and this fall she will be leaving Beijing. Prior to her time here, she lived and taught in Cairo, Egypt, and at Cambridge in the UK, but most of her teaching experience and her life as a journalist was on Vancouver Island in Canada. I spoke to her to learn more about her experience as an expat teacher in Beijing.

How long have you been involved with the TEDx student program?

I’ve been involved since 2020 in Beijing, but have been doing TED events for last 10 years. I got involved initially because it was a way to celebrate student voice, and I’ve always loved public speaking for students. When students write a speech, they think of the audience more than if they are writing an essay for their teacher. And if they think about the audience, they are thinking more about tone and mood, and how to move the audience to believe their idea. So essentially public speaking creates good writers. And as a writing coach, I see this as a wonderful way to help students get better at writing.

If you could travel back in time, what advice would you like to give to your high school self?

I would tell my high school self to get more involved with school activities. I didn’t really start doing this until University. There are so many skills you can learn in after-school activities. There are even some teachers that hate public speaking, and I admit at the start it took a lot of courage. But I have had students with speech impediments like lisps or who stutter who have done a TED talk or a speech and have said after that they were so proud they did it, and never thought they would be able to.

What has made a lasting impact on you during your time here?

I just love all my students. My students have made a lasting impact. And the people I work with.

What was the most challenging part of your experience here?

I wish I was able to stay longer and learn more Chinese. I can get around, but definitely, I’m still a beginner. I hope to continue to study Chinese after I leave Beijing. Most of my challenges involved not being able to communicate. And since I value communication so much, this was difficult at times. However, my sign language got better (joke).

What advice would you give to incoming expat families?

Be curious. But then again, that is my advice to everyone. The more curious you are, the more you grow. And I have grown so much through all the people I have met here. I’m moving to Hong Kong next year and hope to keep learning there too. I’m just a crazy curious person, and I guess that is why I was a journalist before becoming a teacher.

Images: Pexels

With its classic 1950s diner decor, English-speaking staff, and a menu of tasty goodies, Cafes Richard makes for a pleasant and surprising visit and is the perfect place to go with family and friends if and when you’re in the Hegezhuang area.

While families and staff of area schools such as Harrow Beijing, Western Academy of Beijing, the French School of Beijing, and Montessori School of Beijing are already familiar with this area, others come to see nearby attractions such as the Scitech Outlet Mall, the Red Brick Museum, and the sprawling, brand new Heilixidi Park. For residents and visitors alike, Cafes Richard is worth a pit stop.

Though the waitstaff isn’t dressed to meet the 50s theme, they greet you as you walk in and make you feel at home. Some staff speaks English and those that don’t quickly whip out their phones and go straight to their translation app. Our party of visitors was sharing laughs with them within a couple of minutes of arrival, their carefree attitude and kind personalities reflected the cafe’s romanticized 50s design.

From the checkered floors to the high-top tables and bar, Cafes Richard invokes a classic vibe. To further set the tone, they play the classics like John Lennon’s rendition of ‘Stand By Me’ and ‘Hopelessly Devoted to You’ by Olivia Newton-John.

The menus are in Chinese and English, making ordering a breeze. Since the cafe has only been open a few months and has yet to develop a lot of foot traffic, they have yet to work out some of the kinks. For instance, some of their desserts seemed like they may have been sitting in the pastry case a little too long. Nonetheless, they were still very tasty.

The made-to-order items were excellent. We ordered a hot Latte, an Iced Americano, and a Smoked Chicken Panini. The latte was a standard take on this coffee classic but with lovely latte art. If you like strong coffee, the Americano hits the spot. The Smoked Chicken Panini was where their chef’s talents shined, with an assortment of vegetables both inside the sandwich and on the side as a salad with to-die-for dressing — an eloquently simple yet delicious sandwich. Our bill for the three items came to RMB 134.

Cafes Richard’s second floor offers nice views and also barista training, where you can learn how to make latte art and how to froth milk, fulfilling your dream as the ultimate coffee hipster.

Find it:
Cafes Richard 瑞查德咖啡何里店
284 Cuigezhuangxiang, Hegezhuangcun, Chaoyang District

Images: Sarah B

Sanlitun Mexican restaurant Las Musas has been hosting Taco Tuesdays for almost a year now – for RMB 120, diners can eat as many tacos as they want, a deal so good that it has quickly become a Beijing tradition. I spoke to Michael Tsai, the Marketing Manager of the restaurant, to learn more.

When did Las Musas begin the Taco Tuesday tradition? Who came up with the idea?
Taco Tuesday at Las Musas first started in August of 2022. We’re coming up on one year of this amazing day! The idea was born one night where we wanted to just have ALL the tacos without having to think about which ones to commit to… and BOOM, AYCE (All-You-Can-Eat) Tacos were born.

For families are unable to visit the restaurant on a weeknight, what day of the week is an optimal alternative?
Families will find that any and all other times of the week is great! The music is always dialed up and tacos are always being slung, but it’s the people who come here that truly makes this place their own.

Are there discounts for families with children?
We don’t currently offer any family or children discounts, but we do however have amazing deals* on Dianping which covers your night out or a quick pop-in for lunch.

Deals currently available on the DianPing app

Does Las Musas have a children’s menu?
We do not have a children’s menu but might consider one for the future. Stay tuned!

What items on the menu are popular among young customers and families?
Our hungry young customers and families tend to go for our cheesy quesadillas and nachos to share. Tacos are of course a must, as well as our house-made sodas and fresh hortchata (plant based sweet milk). Our tres leches (three milk: evaporated, regular and heavy milk) cake is also a hit for those with a sweet tooth.

 Why should families choose Las Musas?

Families tend to love our menu as it’s fresh, naturally shareable, diverse, and prepared in an open kitchen, making it ideal for those with larger families to dine together.

The food bar is well furnished and sanitary, however, there is only one unisex restroom available which doesn’t have a changing station. The majority of drinks are alcoholic, but we have non-alcoholic options of each of our most popular beverages are also available.

Find it:
6 South Sanlitun Road, next To Slow Boat Brewery

Photo Credits to Michael Tsai

Welcome back to Roundabout! Everyone’s favorite charity store is as busy as ever, with book fairs and jewelry sales happening this month. A recent visit to their store has found their shelves fully loaded with books, clothing and childrens’ sporting goods, so if you’re in the market for great quality gently used goods, now’s the time to pick up a bargain.

Roundabout events this June:

Jewelry Sale: Tuesday, Jun 13 to Sunday, Jun 18

Book Fair at Keystone Academy: Saturday 24^th, 10 AM to 3 PM.

If you’re looking for affordable English books, just pop by or place an order on Roundabout’s handy WeChat mini-program. The selection in the store and on the mini-program is vast — the mini-app alone has over 1,000 children’s books listed. The inventory is cross-checked regularly, so the titles listed are always available.

To access the mini program, can scan this QR code:

Roundabout’s books are high quality and there is a great range of genres. You can find children’s books (organized by age), cookbooks, travel books, educational books, and of course, fiction novels. Larger hard-cover books range from around ¥60 to ¥70, while smaller and soft-cover books are generally around ¥30, with some going as low as ¥15. As the end of the school year nears, be watchful for a new wave of books that people choose to leave behind.

New and expecting parents might also be interested to know that Roundabout has a large range of English-language parenting books!

Beyond the books, there are high-quality clothes that can be the key ingredient to brightening up your wardrobe. There’s even a rack filled with clothes that are priced at a rock-bottom ¥10 each.

If your child has started to pick up hobbies such as skating or biking, there are a ton of gently used knee pads and helmets, all at great prices.

If you haven’t been to Roundabout, it’s time to visit again — their collection changes every day, and there’s almost nothing they don’t have. With their friendly staff and passionate volunteers, you are destined to find something you’ll love.

Have anything to donate? Feel free to drop it in the containers in front of the store. Or, if you’ve got a lot, and you live nearby (Shunyi, northeastern Chaoyang), you can message them via WeChat and organize a driver to come pick up your donations.

Roundabout 
Address: Cathay View Plaza, No. 2 Xiangjiang Beilu, Chaoyang District
Hours: Monday through Sunday, 9am to 5pm
To inquire about pick-ups: 137 1805 3814 or WeChatID: roundabout_donation
To inquire about volunteering: 185 1044 9951(WeChat)

Images: Kristina K, Roundabout

Regina Whener is the kind of person you gravitate toward no matter the context. If you’re at a small gathering, her sense of style makes her unique, if you’re at school, her friendly nature will have you wanting to tell her all your secrets. Her compelling wit and kind nature make her the perfect inspiration.

She left the United States with her husband Matt 5 years ago, choosing to come to Beijing in the hopes of giving her kids, Nola and Ivy, a better understanding of the world, even though that meant leaving behind her extended family and friends behind.

She is currently in her last year of working as a middle school and elementary school counselor at the Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) – a job that has changed her life. “I’ve learned so much more about myself and continue to have resources to learn more about middle schoolers,” she said. “I’ve learned more in general about different people and different cultures than I ever would have learned if we would have stayed in the US.”

From riding the slide down the Great Wall of China with her kids, to the amazing feeling she got when walking onto the WAB campus for the first time, her life in Beijing has been anything but mundane.

Whener has always been careful to maintain a professional relationship with her daughters’ teachers and staff at WAB. She didn’t want to blur the lines between her personal and professional life, but it wasn’t always easy. The school was like a second home to her daughters, and she found herself feeling comfortable around the staff and kids, some being Nola or Ivy’s friends or teachers. But no matter the situation, she has walked that fine line with grace, never overstepping.

As a former student of hers, I can tell you first-hand how kind this woman is: she held me while I cried and let me stay in her office whenever I was too overwhelmed with anxieties. She was the one who helped us “wounded soldiers” (middle schoolers) during the long battle against Covid. She helped those around her and will continue to help more. She is an extraordinary human. Though her time in Beijing has come to an end, her legacy here will live on through the guidance she has given to many a student such as myself.

Much of what you find in convenience stores is simply junk food — but when you’re in a hurry and need a cheap, fulfilling snack, look no further than the onigiri (Japanese rice balls) that are available in the refrigerated cases at most 7-Eleven stores. Each feature Japanese-style sticky rice wrapped around mostly savory fillings and encased in a layer of seaweed, which makes it easy finger food.

Here’s five varieties to try:

# 5: Kimchi & Roast Beef (辣白菜饭团-烤牛肉)

Costing only RMB 4.20, this onigiri has a veggie-and-meat filling. It’s slightly spicy and does not include that strange mayonnaise-like dressing that often comes in onigiri.

# 4: Kabayaki Eel & Crispy Seaweed (蒲烧鳗鱼-脆香海苔)

For RMB 5.40, this onigiri’s filling tastes like ordinary fish rather than eel. The rice and crispy seaweed does a good job supporting the taste, so if you enjoy any generic fish, this is a good choice for you.

# 3: Salad Dressing & Salmon (沙拉酱饭团-三文鱼)

For RMB 4.60, this onigiri tasted a little bit more like crab to me than salmon. The creamy salad dressing gave it a slightly slimy texture, but the combination was nevertheless enjoyable. If you’re somewhat adventurous with trying new foods, this is the one to try. There’s a little bit of wasabi packed in there, so if that’s not your thing, watch out!

# 2: Grilled Wagyu Beef & Crispy Seaweed (香烤和牛-脆香海苔)

Costing RMB 4.80, you can always rely on this trusty onigiri to not pull any pranks on your taste buds. It is a very standard onigiri — though you might want to watch out that the beef has a distinctly sweet flavor.

# 1: Salad Dressing & Tuna (沙拉酱饭团-金枪鱼)

Number one of this list costs RMB 4.20, making it one of the cheapest — but it’s also delicious and my top pick of the 7-Eleven selection. It has a super prominent tuna flavor padded with a good mix of rice. Although it does contain the somewhat suspect creamy salad dressing, the combo should not be underestimated — if you’re only going to try one onigiri, make it this one.

Images: Lumi A