As the COVID-19 Saga continues to draw out, families and teachers have committed to staying safe and infection free, much to the detriment of their social and professional lives. Fortunately, Beijing expats are a tough bunch. In this series, we asked folks to share their stories of being stirred, but ultimately not shaken, by current events.

We all gripe about wanting to have extra time on our hands, and the current COVID-19 crisis has done just that – dumped oodles of spare time on many laps. For some, this is a simple case of ‘too much of a good thing’, with many longing to go back to the regimented chaos of normal Beijing life. While for others, this bit of spare time is exactly what the doctor ordered (quite literally).

Stephen Gleadow, an artist, freelance creative director, creative consultant and designer, and father of two shares his balancing act between being a dad, artist, and husband.

Are you a Beijing Oldie or Newbie?

I have been in Beijing for 12 years. I’m originally from the US.

When you first heard about the outbreak, did you take it seriously or did you take it with a grain of salt?

Yeah, I took it seriously, but tried not to take it fearfully.

Would you say that you have cabin fever? If so, how has it manifested itself?

I really feel my best and thrive on time alone in my studio. Being separated from my workspace is its own form of cabin fever. We’ve been able to get out and about since the beginning for scenic drives and shopping, etc. However not being able to flex those creative muscles in my space has been the most cabin fever’esque for me. The rest I feel like we’ve adapted to pretty well.

How has this outbreak changed your work-life daily routine?

My life is totally different. I’m, as I mentioned, separated from my studio where I do most of my work. We are managing our kids from morning till night, leaving freelance work as a night job from home. So daily rhythms have changed a lot. We’ve adapted as best we can, but it’s definitely not ideal and we face daily sacrifices and flexibility challenges to make life work and fit in healthy, sanity-saving rhythms.

What’s a typical day in quarantine like for your family?

Up at 7.30am then breakfast time and a little screen time for kids. We’re not really morning parents. The first hour, at least, is a coffee supported chill session where the kids mostly watch some kind of educational cartoon bonanza. Keep in mind our youngest is 2 so although our oldest can quietly chill while our minds come to life, our 2-year-old basketball star runs around coaxing us into some form of play.

By 9am we move towards homeschooling projects supplied by our oldest son’s kindergarten. The rest of the day is usually filled with school projects/a rich supply of activities planned by mom, or improvised art projects/play adventures, fort building, and ruff housing usually managed by me. We gave up the parental puritanical desire to not let our kids have screen time so we adults can engage in non-childcare related things like exercise, reading, work, email, etc. My wife and I switch off and on with the kids when work responsibilities come a-callin’.

What do you most miss about Beijing BC (Before Coronavirus)?

Going to art world events like gallery openings, studio visits. Being around the creative community of artists in my hood (798, Caochangdi). Going out in nice weather to explore the ever-changing nuances and cool locales in Beijing.

What have you discovered about yourself during this time? IE: Have you discovered any pet peeves, phobias or ticks that you never knew you had?

As a parent of six years, I’ve struggled off and on with parent guilt. Time-to-time I have found myself asking the question, “Am I doing this correctly”? Feeling bad on weekends, that even though I’m with my kids all weekend long, I’m not having a ton of fun entertaining them all day. In short, feeling bad that I wasn’t a super dad always motivated to, or longing to spend more time with my kids.

Some of this, I realize, has to do with the age of our children. Just before the Coronavirus outbreak, I was enjoying them more than ever because they are maturing and there are more things we can enjoy that connect with my personality. Anyway, flash forward through Corona time and I’d venture to say one cannot spend more time with their children than we have in the last nine weeks. However not much has changed for me other than my capacity to do more.

On the other side of that growth is the realization that I’m okay with my parenting, both the weaknesses and strengths! My kids love me, I love them and I don’t have to feel like I have to martyr myself in order to be a solid, balanced, loving parent. In the midst of all this, I have felt more confident that I’m a good dad and it’s okay to also be frustrated, tired, annoyed and a bit burnt out on your children. It’s normal and not necessarily fixed by engaging more and more and more. I’m grateful for this experience and what it’s provided.

Once all this is over, what do you plan on doing? What do you most look forward to going back to?

Date night out with my wife. Our ayi helping us out so we can have date night. Working in my studio. I’m in an exhibition coming up in Los Angeles that I’m looking forward to one day happening, as it’s been postponed “indefinitely” .

Has the outbreak changed your resolve to remain in Beijing or are you here to stay until the foreseeable future?

We’ve stayed through thick and thin for a long time. We’ve seen friends come and go and Beijing change like the seasons. However this is our home that we hold with fondness and with open hands. If we haven’t left by now, then, well, maybe I leave it there. I like a good mystery.

Photos: Courtesy of Stephen Gleadow

As the COVID-19 Saga continues to draw out, families and teachers have committed to staying safe and infection-free, much to the detriment of their social and professional lives. Fortunately, Beijing expats are a tough bunch. In this series, we asked folks to share their stories of being stirred, but ultimately not shaken, by current events.

Through the eyes of Charlie L. and her family, Beijing is an old friend. Living in Beijing since 2008, she is an avid sports player, and has grown used to the sights and sounds of the place she calls home. But with COVID-19 now in full flight, she and her family are confined to the walls of their home. Although the development of the Coronavirus has prompted her to remain at home, she longs to be able to socialize with society again.

Charlie L.

Are you a Beijing Oldie or Newbie?

I am a Beijing Oldie. I’m originally from Hong Kong, and I have lived here since 2008.

What do you do in Beijing?

I attend school here in Beijing, I occasionally visit famous sites and landmarks. I kind of just live like a normal citizen in Beijing.

When you first heard about the outbreak, did you take it seriously or did you take it with a grain of salt?

I didn’t really take it seriously at first, but my parents did, since they experienced a similar situation during their childhood, so I was forced to take extra precautions.

Would you say that you have cabin fever? If so, how has it manifested itself?

I do not have cabin fever. The place I feel safest in is my apartment, I don’t mind staying inside my home since I have a lot of things to do in my apartment. E-learning has taken up a lot of time, and during my free time, I write songs among other things.

How has this outbreak changed your school-life daily routine?

Because of e-Learning, all my work and classes are on my computer, school is now attended at home and I no longer need to get dressed in my uniform and wake up two hours before 8am. I just need to wake up and walk to my desk.

What do you most miss about Beijing BC (Before Coronavirus)?

I miss being able to be around other people, I miss playing volleyball or badminton, being able to go to cafes and shops without worrying about being infected. But what I miss most is being able to go out without wearing masks, using hand sanitizer every hour and doing other precautions.

A few scenes from Charlie L.’s life in quarantine

What have you discovered about yourself during this time? Have you discovered new things that bother you or phobias that you never knew you had?

I discovered that I hate having an untidy room, especially my workspace. I have always been fairly organized with my room, but now that I’m constantly in it, I start to notice small details like dust on the floor, random hair ties lying around, and it annoys me so I put it back to where it’s supposed to be. I guess you could say that I have become hyperaware of my surroundings.

Once all this is over, what do you plan on doing? What do you most look forward to going back to?

When this is over, I really look forward to socializing again, whether that’s being in a classroom with classmates and teachers, or going out with friends for lunch, I just want to be around people again.

Gabriel Low is a year 7 student from Yew Chung International School Beijing (YCIS Beijing). Originally from Singapore, he has lived in Beijing since 2015. He enjoys playing football, watching movies, and listening to music. He is currently contributing to beijingkids as a student correspondent. 

Photos: Courtesy of Charlie L., Gabriel Low

As the COVID-19 Saga continues to draw out, families and teachers have committed to staying safe and infection free, much to the detriment of their social and professional lives. Fortunately, Beijing expats are a tough bunch. In this series, we asked folks to share their stories of being stirred, but ultimately not shaken, by current events.

We all gripe about wanting to have extra time on our hands, and the current COVID-19 crisis has done just that – dumped oodles of spare time on many laps. For some, this is a simple case of ‘too much of a good thing’, with many longing to go back to the regimented chaos of normal Beijing life. While for others, this bit of spare time is exactly what the doctor ordered (quite literally).

Joseph Stewart, an educator at Dulwich College Beijing (DCB), and his family have decided to take this time at home in stride, salvaging as much family time as they can possibly get, before this seemingly never-ending period draws to a close. Despite it having started as a precaution to remain safe, this period of self-quarantine and subsequent stint of working from home have served to bring Stewart and his family all the more closer.

Joseph Stewart

Are you a Beijing Oldie or Newbie?

I have lived and worked in Beijing since 2014. I am originally from Scotland, but more and more starting to feel like Beijing is home. I still have a lot of work to do on the language, but I love the creative, manic and stimulating energy of Beijing.

What do you do in Beijing?

I work at Dulwich College Beijing as Head of Key Stage 3. I am responsible for students in Years 7, 8 and 9 and also teach art and design to students aged 11 to 18. I really enjoy my work – like Beijing, it is fast paced, always changing and there is never a dull moment. We are lucky in that our school has an exciting blend of teachers and students both from China and from the rest of the world. The sharing and cross fertilization of cultural values and traditions creates an environment that sparks new ways of thinking and future-minded students. Our students never fail to impress us with their independence, responsibility and team mindset.

When you first heard about the outbreak, did you take it seriously or did you take it with a grain of salt?

To be honest, I wasn’t too worried when I first heard about the outbreak. I think this is because luckily, I have never been seriously ill, and some members of my family work in medical careers and can provide reassurance and advice when necessary. My family and I were staying in Hunan province at the time celebrating Chinese New Year with my wife’s family. It wasn’t until we traveled back to Beijing around Jan 27 that we realized what a big deal this was and how the running of the city would change so dramatically. We knew we were going to stay in Beijing, it would have been too difficult for my parents to stay with them indefinitely, and we would have struggled financially to rent accommodation.

Would you say that you have cabin fever? If so, how has it manifested itself?

I don’t think I have succumbed to cabin fever, mainly because I have been getting out of the house whenever possible. It would not have been feasible for my family, which includes two young children, to stay indoors for this period in its entirety. We have followed the World Health Organization’s advice, which I believe has been quite balanced. They encourage you to still exercise outside as long as you follow hygiene procedures and fully wash your hands after. Luckily there is a beautiful park near where I live, it even has a running track. On the many days where the air is clean, we have been going out for winter walks. My dog has certainly enjoyed himself recently. Having said all this, one of the things we have been aware of is how much more screen time our children have. We have tried to keep routines and structure, but haven’t always succeeded.

How has this outbreak changed your work-life daily routine?

This has been the biggest challenge. As the father of two young children, you owe it to your family to switch off after a full day’s work. This definitely becomes more challenging when you are working and resting in the same environment. We try to get outside in the middle of the day sometimes to break up the screen time and give our eyes a rest. In my teaching role I have enjoyed using online message functions to give feedback and resources to my art students. I have found that most prefer typed and written communication to video calls. Doing live draw and long lessons for my younger students has also been good as it gives a sense of structure to the day and ensures you meet your deadlines. It also motivates me to wear clean clothes and wash!

Ironically, we are better as a family at eating together during mealtimes and interacting and spending longer at the dinner table. We have also gotten back into cooking and baking, which is something our children enjoy doing too. Last week, they made a raspberry flavored birthday cake for my wife.

What do you most miss about Beijing BC (Before Coronavirus)?

I miss the friendly chaos and going out and about. Normally, Beijing people are very friendly and enjoy socializing and interacting with friends and family. There is a real sense of community despite being one of the biggest populations in the world. I also miss going to see new art exhibitions and wandering around the 798 district.

What have you discovered about yourself during this time?

It may seem an obvious thing to point out, but this situation has made me more aware of the impact healthy eating and exercise has on your energy and motivation levels. There was a short period during this time where we definitely were not being healthy, and it made the whole situation seem bleaker. It is easier said than done, but we are making a big effort to have a healthy March. One of the things I have also enjoyed is doing more of my own artwork. This has been a great way to switch off in the evenings and provides a much-needed sense of achievement. The children like to join in too sometimes.

Once all this is over, what do you plan on doing? What do you most look forward to going back to?

I am most looking forward to working face-to-face with my colleagues and students. This situation is a strong reminder of how many of our social needs are met in the workplace. Teaching can be an intense job at times, and I think many teachers have realized how we rely on the support and good humor of our colleagues. I miss my students too and am almost looking forward to the sight of a class of energetic 12-year-olds frantically scrubbing paint trays in my classroom sinks so they can get to their next lesson on time.

Has the outbreak changed your resolve to remain in Beijing or are you here to stay until the foreseeable future?

The situation definitely hasn’t made me want to leave Beijing. I think the strong and rapid response and organization to the situation has been impressive, and I think it is important to remember that the outbreak could have happened anywhere. If anything, the situation makes me appreciate how much the city and the surrounding area has to offer.

Photos: Courtesy of Joseph Stewart

As the COVID-19 Saga continues to draw out, families and teachers have committed to staying safe and infection free, much to the detriment of their social and professional lives. Fortunately, Beijing expats are a tough bunch. In this series, we asked folks to share their stories of being stirred, but ultimately not shaken, by current events.

Simone Alexander

Simone Alexander is your happy-go-lucky typical Beijing-based teacher. Coming to Beijing held the prospect of vibrant open air markets and being immersed in a gamer culture renowned the world over. But recent developments with COVID-19 have left her giving the delightful Beijing open markets a wide berth, while wishing she could trade in her gaming hours for precious moments shared with her students.

Are you a Beijing Oldie or Newbie?

I’m a Beijing newbie. I’m originally from Austin, Texas and I’ve been in Beijing for six months now.

What do you do in Beijing?

I am an ESL teacher.

When you first heard about the outbreak, did you take it seriously or did you take it with a grain of salt?

I took it quite seriously. It made me afraid to touch things, or to even have the Meituan drivers coming up to my door. Luckily my community put tables at the gate that separate us from them by two meters. And not just anyone can walk in and out of our community so it keeps all of us safe.

Would you say that you have cabin fever? If so, how has it manifested itself?

I only have it sometimes. I’m usually a homebody, who loves playing video games, so being a couch potato is not all that strange to me. If I do get cabin fever I just go outside for a run.

How has this outbreak changed your work-life daily routine?

Yes, definitely. I’ve actually taken up running now that I don’t have a reason to say why I’m too busy to do it anymore. It’s harder with a mask on, but maybe I’m improving my lung capacity (at least I hope so).

What do you most miss about Beijing BC (Before Coronavirus)?

I miss going out to Beijing’s social spaces and getting Starbucks without having my temperature checked.

What have you discovered about yourself during this time? That is, have you discovered any pet peeves, phobias or ticks that you never knew you had?

I think now I’ll be really wary any time I hear a sneeze or cough, and open farmers markets now give me the creeps.

Once all this is over, what do you plan on doing? What do you most look forward to going back to?

I really just want to get back to teaching the students. While I’ve enjoyed sitting at home playing games, some of my most fun times in Beijing have been laughing with my students because I said something crazy or they come up with adorable sentences.

Has the outbreak changed your resolve to remain in Beijing or are you here to stay until the foreseeable future?

I definitely think I’ll stay. I love the big city and I love the friends and students that I’ve met, so that’ll keep me here for a while I think.

Photos: Courtesy of Simone Alexander

As the COVID-19 Saga continues to draw out, families and teachers have committed to staying safe and infection free, much to the detriment of their social and professional lives. Fortunately, Beijing expats are a tough bunch. In this series, we asked folks to share their stories of being stirred, but ultimately not shaken, by current events.

For Samaria Gladney and her family, Beijing is an exciting, new, adventure-filled place only begging to be explored. But with COVID-19 forcing families to opt for safety rather than exploration, Samaria and her family decided to leave for the States until things are back to normal. Even though Gladney and her family might have escaped the eye of the storm, it hasn’t staved off the inconvenience and annoyance that is self-quarantine.

Are you a Beijing Oldie or Newbie?

We are newbies to Beijing, we moved here in August. What a first year!

What do you do in Beijing?

We are here for my husband’s job. He works for a consumer products company.

Samaria Gladney

When you first heard about the outbreak, did you take it seriously or did you take it with a grain of salt?

We heard about it as we were leaving for Vietnam for Chinese New Year (CNY). At first we took it with a grain of salt and decided to come back while taking all of the precautions. At the end of our trip local people in Vietnam were very fearful and discriminatory against Chinese people. Sure. While we were in Vietnam we had a tour guide and driver in Hoi An. They found out we were from China during intros and the tour guide was visibly afraid, put on her mask and kept her distance during the tours. I felt like we were getting half of a tour after that. Also, when we were in the car with the driver without the guide (for instance going to the airport) he was speeding to get us there. He couldn’t get us out of the car fast enough. And then there was this picture.

“We can’t serve for Chinese! Sorry! “ 

Would you say that you have cabin fever? If so, how has it manifested?

Yes, cabin fever quickly set in after we got back. With nowhere to go and nothing to do for my four children, it was tough. More though for me because I was managing four online schooling assignments, cleaning, and grocery shopping. I was very stressed, lost sleep, and overall in a very negative mental state. I quickly realized that this would last a while and not sure how I would manage for months. To cope I baked, we had to eat!

How has this outbreak changed your work-life daily routine?

We were completely thrown off schedule. We sleep late and stay in pajamas and do homework, often forgetting to do simple routine things like brushing teeth twice a day. I feel like I am in the movie Groundhog Day – waking up to the same thing every day. Also once the embassy families left we were very isolated in our compound. Extremely, quiet. Also the uncertainty is madding.

What do you most miss about Beijing BC (Before Coronavirus)?

I miss the hustle and bustle of the city, friends, and being able to discover new things. Mostly, I miss seeing life and hope in people. Since we wear masks, you have to focus more on the eyes and whenever I go to the store all I see is fear, like they are asking, “Do you have the virus and are you about to sneeze or cough on me?” Masks, goggles, gloves, more restrictions, and recently horrible air quality are making the situation all the more complicated.

What have you discovered about yourself during this time? Have you discovered any pet peeves, phobias or ticks that you never knew you had?

I am an introvert and I thought I would be able to better manage it, but have learned that the overall mood and tension in a place really affects me. I need to be able to get out and enjoy fresh air and have a choice on what to do. I can stay inside if I choose. There is no freedom now.

Once all this is over, what do you plan on doing? What do you most look forward to going back to?

Seeing friends and exploring more of Beijing. I go on hikes and tours around town and I miss that. Also, we have not seen the major sites of the city as a family yet so I have made that a priority this Spring, but that’s on hold. We will also have to forego traveling to Shanghai for Spring Break.

Has the outbreak changed your resolve to remain in Beijing or are you here to stay until the foreseeable future?

My husband and I decided that with the most recent push back of the start of school and more restrictions that it is better if the kids and I go back to the US for a while until things get better. We just left and I’m writing to you from our hotel room in Atlanta. Our first night has been great! I look forward to seeing my husband and having the kids going back to school and the routine that it brings. The kids and I miss friends and are hopeful that they come back to Beijing. A lot of people left with no plans on coming back, so next August will be interesting.

Photos: Courtesy of Samaria Gladney