Part of expat life in Beijing is people leaving, or moving away yourself. This summer many people are moving on, after many years, or just a few in Beijing. One last time to the Wall, one last time stocking up at the Pearl Market. One more hotpot, one more cheap foot massage. I have been following people over the last two years leaving and relocating. These times are a little sad, but so exciting for the families moving on to new adventures.

One of the moms leaving had not one but two makeovers before moving to Dubai. Pamela McManus has been featured already in the last issue for Indulge. But she went out with her Beijing girlfriends, and they got dressed up as Chinese Opera ladies. You might think this is an easy project, but it’s not; they have to sit and get dolled up for several hours. This project is actually longer than the Indulge shoot.

McManus explains that the process was fun but hard work, taking from 10am to 4.30pm. The ladies who make this transformation possible are true artists, and stick real hair onto their subjects’ faces. They took every step of the process very seriously. The pictures don’t lie, and this is one of the best keepsakes I have seen in a long time. Marking your goodbye does not have to be sad, it can be very pretty indeed. See the pictures below of the transformation.

This event cost RMB 688 per person, for which the ladies each got eight printed pictures and one larger one, plus all the 14 digital images. Find more information on the website here.

Photos: Pamela McManus

October is finally here! Well, it’s already several days into the month but that just means we are closer to the beijingkids and JingKids 10th Annual Halloween Costume Party, at the Canadian International School of Beijing on October 29 and 30. Get more details about how to get tickets after the photos below – you sure don’t want to miss out on this year’s bigger and scarier event!

The thrill of Halloween is dressing up and showing off those cool costumes. Let’s face it, children’s costumes bring the warm fuzzies even when they’re apparently meant to be scary. Over the years, we have seen a lot of costumes but we picked these 13 (including the top photo) that we awww’ed over when clicking through our massive archives:

Animal rompers are usually the way to go especially in the nippy fall weather

The whole family can wear different costumes

Dads can join in the dressing up too and use their kids as accessories

Mom and daughter matching outfits are adorable

Move over Japanese PM Shinzo Abe, the real Super Mario is here

One Iron Man is clearly not enough

When Zorro meets Ariel on land? Whatever the case, these costumes bust the cuteness barometer

Cu-cu-cu-te-e-e this chick does know how to make an entrance

The doctor is in the house

Matching dad and son outfits melt the hearts of many

Eat me! A food costume is a delectable treat

A pharaoh looks on as the princess carves her pumpkin

At this year’s event, we will have a total of four sessions, two sessions per day with a limit of 200 children each. The sessions are divided into morning (9.30-11.30am) and afternoon (2-4pm). Each session is limited to 200 children and every year, it’s been sold out. Hurry up and buy your tickets using our Yoopay online ticketing system for ease and convenience. You can also buy tickets from Sanfine International Hospital’s reception area if the link is too troublesome. Another option available is booking your tickets by calling us on 5934 6708 or emailing events@truerun.com

Did I mention we have group discounts?
No! If so apologies, we have group discounts available for child tickets only at 20 percent off for 6 or more, and 40 percent off for 11 or more.

Prices (All Sessions):
Adult Ticket: RMB 150
Child Ticket: RMB 250
Child Ticket (group discount of 6 or more): RMB 200
Child Ticket (group discount of 11 or more): RMB 150

We have the following lined up:
— Real on-site trick-or-treating with lots of candies and sweets for all
— A complimentary studio-quality family portrait to capture those memories
— A haunted house (enter at your own risk!)
— Real pumpkins to carve and take home
— Halloween-themed games and activities
— A costume parade with gifts for everyone
— Pumpkin baskets to put all your goodies in
— Scary face painting on-site

Grab those fast selling tickets before you miss out!

Photos: Uni You, Ken, Sui, Mitchell Pe Masilun