Beijing Notebook

Happy New Year of the DRAGON !

noreply@blogger.com (- Suzie -) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 07:54:00 +0000

Happy New Year of the Dragon !

Happy Chinese New Year !

xīn nián kuài lè !

(Happy New Year in mandarin)

gōng xǐ fā cái

(congratulations and be prosperous)

The Dragon is the most powerful sign of the Chinese zodiac. So I wish this will be a very happy, lucky, healthy, successful and prosperous year for all of us! Actually the Year of the Dragon starts today. Today, January 23rd 2012 is the first day of the New Dragon Year!

This photo was taken over Chinese New Year weekend in Bangkok, near Chinatown (for more pics see my Bangkok blog). And I am so excited. I am planning a trip to Beijing next month. I am looking forward to practise my new photo skills ;-) At the moment, I am learning how to use my heavy camera. Also I am saying farewell to another dear friend and family who is moving back to Europe after almost seven years in Beijing. It's the bad air quality that makes them even look forward to their move. I will be able to report from site soon.

Beijing Air is not healthy and where to get regular updates about Beijing Air Quality

noreply@blogger.com (- Suzie -) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 16:20:00 +0000

I used to check the government website for air quality here. It provides daily the Air Pollution Index (API) and corresponding grade for about 85 Chinese cities.

But when you live in Beijing you would be interested in getting this information updated more regularly throughout the day. Especially, if you want to go for outdoor activities, you better check the air quality as the air is really bad in winter. Today early afternoon, the API was over 400! Now, 11pm it is down to 107.

You can find the information via www.bjair.info

actual information and overview throughout the day

The Beijing Air Quality Index of www.bjair.info shows the actual API. It also shows the actual level or grade of pollution based on US standards, all levels of the last 24 hours (by colour) and its lowest and highest API of the last 24 hours.

the scale is divided in 6 levels based on the US standards

This information above is provided by the US Embassy. But the data is collected by anonymous in Chaoyang District and twittered every one or two hours (see below):

follow twitter @BeijingAir or http://twitter.com/beijingair

Today at 11pm, the API was down to 107 (via www.BJair.info) while the Ministry of Environmental Protection indicates a similar API of 109 - but that shows only the lowest particle rate for the day.

If you are interested in other articles I have written about air quality in Beijing, go here to see all - or read just one about polluted blue skies here.

Be an artist and add to the installation of Mo Yi at the Opposite House

noreply@blogger.com (- Suzie -) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 16:42:00 +0000

During these cold winter days in Beijing, you might come along the streets of Sanlitun. And when the icy wind makes you shiver, stop by The Opposite House - the boutique hotel with the green glass front - for a hot tea or a tasty lunch - and for some fun creativity.

The Opposite House is hosting an installation of Mo Yi (see press release below) and is inviting guests to interact. Get your eyes photographed and think about issues related to sight. Write it around your photo in your language and let it be part of the growing installation. - You will also get a copy as a souvenir to take home.

You can be an artist while in Beijing.

This reminds me of a quote of the German provocateur artist Joseph Beuys: " Jeder Mensch ein Kuenstler" - everyone (is) an artist - meaning, that everyone can be creative and reflecting . It does not take much - and it makes the world a better place.

The installation will be running until December 31st 2011. The interactive session is from 11.00am to 2.00pm daily in the atrium of The Opposite House, Beijing. The photographer will be taking photo of the guests and adding the new photos to the installation.

The following information is provided by the public relations representative of the Opposite House:

The Opposite House is pleased to present “Through My Eyes,” an interactive photography installation by artist Mo Yi from the Three Shadows Photography Art Centre, from October 19 to December 31, 2011. Through the presentation of multiple photographs of eyes, the viewer is asked to contemplate several issues related to sight, such as race, geographic region, gender, age, experience, personality, thought and desire. The exhibition will explore the interplay between the audience, artist and photography.

Visitors are invited to have their eyes photographed on site (available two hours each day) and to help complete the installation by adding text to the edges of the resulting print. Each participant will be given an additional copy of the photograph to take home. The ever-changing installation strives to act as a bridge for expression and communication between people of different cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

“We’re delighted to present Mo Yi’s interactive installation as a way to explore and understand the individual response to being and reflecting on important issues that affect us all. The participation in the installation is key to this dynamic project, and we’re honored to have it at The Opposite House,” says Anthony Ross, Area General Manager of Swire Hotels.

Mo Yi has been photographing urban life in China for the past thirty years. He has widely exhibited in group and solo exhibitions in Asia (China, Japan, Korea), Europe (Belgium, Germany, Italy) and the USA. His work has been collected internationally by many museums and private collectors from USA, France, Britain, Japan and China. He currently works and lives in Beijing.

The Opposite House is committed to supporting the growing contemporary Chinese art scene and emerging local artists in every medium, from sculptures to music to film. “Through My Eyes” demonstrates The Opposite House’s commitment to bringing the best art programs, establishing it as a prominent venue for culture and lifestyle.

Hong Kong: Handbags by Bez & Oho

noreply@blogger.com (- Suzie -) — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 10:27:00 +0000

Bez & Oho online Boutique

The internet is a great place to discover new things - and that's why we all love it!

Today I found Bez & Oho in Hong Kong via Nicely Made in China. And you do not need to be in Hong Kong to see their colourful handbags made of receycled rice bags. They sell online.

The founder and owner, Annalisa Ryle arrived in Hong Kong 13 years ago via the volunteer route working with the St. Stephen’s Society – in fact her office is still on the charity’s premises in Hong Kong. 5 years ago she founded Bez & Oho (after the biblical characters Bezalel and Oholiab), a company which makes a difference.

Not only their bags reflect a funky China Style from Hong Kong - their bags are "green" of receycled material and they help people because the company employs vulnerable locals.

I enjoyed browsing their website. They took professional photos to set you in the right mood:

BEZ & OHO cool messanger bag

"green" messanger bag

messanger bag detail

funky clutch

Bez & Oho Market Tote Bag "Hong Kong Classic"

However, when you are in Hong Kong, you can find a selection of these bags here:

Asian Artworks Gallery

G102 The Repulse Bay Arcade
Repulse Bay Road
Hong Kong
(852) 2812 0850

Or come and visit Annalisa and her gals at their Studio in Kwun Tong to see what they're making!

Photo Source: Bez & Oho, HK

Shanghai: HGTV needs Relocation Expert

noreply@blogger.com (- Suzie -) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 10:59:00 +0000

Dear Readers,

After my last post about HGTV calling for casting here is another urgent request from the HGTV production team. For the HGTV show going to be produced in Shanghai they need a local relocation expert who is fluent in English.

More details:

"...
The role for this person will be to accompany our host, Chi-Lan Lieu to different locations around the city and introduce her to the culture, the lifestyle and the real estate market (buying and renting) as well as three sets of homeowners/renters that we will be profiling in the episode. He/she will talk with our sharing interesting facts about the relocation process and the challenges and struggles of living in Shanghai in a personal yet informative manner. Agents who understand the tricks of the trade, for example - an agent needs to be sure to understand the difference between furnished and unfurnished or the client might not get a kitchen sink!, are perfect candidates for this role as long as they're knowledge is focused on Shanghai (or perhaps one of our other cities should you have contacts in Dubai or Tokyo). We will send all materials prior to our arrival so the expert will have plenty of time to prepare.

It is a really fun opportunity for everyone involved, so if you or someone you know, perhaps an agency that has a great reputation?, is a knowledgeable, English speaking, outgoing, youthful and confident relocation consultant/expert who would like to apply for the position or who might know someone who is a good fit, please get in touch with me so we can get the process started. All applicants are required to submit a casting video and complete a questionnaire so it's important I have time to collect these. ~~My deadline is Sept. 14 (give or take a few days) so hopefully we talk soon!~~

Please let me know if you have questions, otherwise, feel free to forward our press release or the name of a company or person who would be a great resource. As you probably know, the episode will be filmed ~~between September 28 - October 3~~ UPDATE: after the holidays in the week of October 10, 2011 and will only need to be available for three of these days. We'll definitely have those dates confirmed before a casting decision is made.

Thank you,
Heather"

contact:
Heather Shreckengost
Sr. Associate Producer
HGTV - Real Estate International
High Noon Productions, LLC
3035 South Parker Road, Suite 500
Denver, CO 80014
email: hshreckengost@highnoontv.com

----------------
REMARK:
I am looking forward receiving some photos from HGTV of nice Shanghaian homes to publish here on this blog for interior design lovers. However this will be after the show was on air in March 2012.

Update:
The HGTV team changed the shooting date and deadlines as they were not aware of the Golden Week in October. The shooting of the show will now be in the week of October 10 - after the famous Chinese holidays.

Shanghai: HGTV Home and Garden Television Casting Call

noreply@blogger.com (- Suzie -) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 07:56:00 +0000

Dear Expats living in Shanghai,

a few days ago, I found in my mailbox a message from a producer of Home and Garden Television (HGTV) who came across my blog. They are going to film a new show for HGTV in Shanghai!

The producers want to know if any of my readers or friends in Shanghai might be interested in applying to be on the show. As it is a very popular U.S. TV show, they call for American Expats living in Shanghai. The shooting will be after the golden week holiday in the week of October 10, 2011.

HGTV press release

Here the details from the press release:

HGTV IS CASTING AMERICANS LIVING IN SHANGHAI FOR A NEW TV SHOW

Home & Garden Television (HGTV) is launching a new international series that features American expats telling their stories about what it’s like to live abroad.

HGTV Producers want to hear from fun, outgoing, enthusiastic Americans Expats who are living in Shanghai RIGHT NOW!

In each episode, our host will experience Shanghai through the eyes of expat families. From the design of your space (what features of your home are typical of properties in Shanghai?) to the lifestyle and culture of the area (what major life changes have you experienced as a result of your move? What do you do for fun?), the American Expats will give viewers a first hand look at what it’s like to live overseas.

About HGTV INTERNATIONAL

HGTV International is a voyeuristic look at the stunning home properties and lifestyles of American expats. This program showcases home design, set within the hottest places to live around the world.

About the HGTV

HGTV, America’s leader in home and lifestyle programming, is distributed to more than 89 million U.S. households and is one of cable’s top-rated networks. HGTV.com is the nation’s leading online home and garden destination that attracts an average of 5.2 million unique visitors per month.

About HIGH NOON ENTERTAIMENT

High Noon Entertainment, located in Denver Colorado, produces HGTV International. In addition to HGTV International, High Noon produces many other shows including VH1’s Tough Love; TLC’s Cake Boss; Food Network’s Unwrapped, Challenge; HGTV’s My First Place, House Hunters; You may learn more about High Noon at http://www.highnoonentertainment.com.

Contact

If you’re interested or if you have any friends that might be in applying, please contact the producer immediately and email photos of you and your family along with photos of your home to:
Callie Zanandrie
Producer
Email: czanandrie@highnoontv.com

Beijing Blames Foreigners for Its Fears of Unrest | China Digital Times (CDT)

noreply@blogger.com (- Suzie -) — Mon, 09 May 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Beijing Blames Foreigners for Its Fears of Unrest China Digital Times (CDT)

Ai Weiwei and others are still detained. Even in Hong Kong two were arrested for spreading Ai Weiwei graffitis downtown yesterday.

CDT reports about foreign embassies under pressure, culture forums, school programs and more needed to be cancelled.

Some years ago, I attended a speech about Feng Shui at the Beijing China Culture Club. They told us that it is not well seen by the government to talk about that subjet. Just to give you an idea, what kind of culture programs might already be considered to threaten the harmony.

It is sad to see what is happening.

My blog statistic shows 0.8 % of my readers are from China. This is the Great Fire Wall of China. Becoming even greater.

This blog was always holding back from politics. I was a guest of this great country. And I liked it most of the time.

It is the harshest crackdown on free speech in years. And no one knows where it will end.

---
UPDATE: Ai Weiwei is alive, they give him his medicine, they do not torture him. His wife was allowed to see him for 15 min. (after 6 long weeks of no notice!). A little progress. I hope they let him go soon.

Free Ai Weiwei !

noreply@blogger.com (- Suzie -) — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 18:52:00 +0000

Artist Ai Weiwei in the ruins of his demolished studio in Shanghai in January 2011 (via Getty Images)

Ai Weiwei (or Ai Wei Wei), probably the most internationally known Chinese artist who often criticises the Chinese Communist Party for many good reasons, is still detained in Beijing by police since April 3rd.

Ai Weiwei's international popularity allowed him - so far - to express outspoken social critics without being arrested. However, according to himself, he was dangerously beaten up by Chinese police while protesting in Sichuan after the 2008 earthquake where hundreds of schoolchildren died due to poorly built school houses.

There are many other Chinese artists that make money by selling art to the international market that's subject is criticising former chairman Mao. But there are not many artist that dare to openly criticize the actual government.

Although, Mr. Ai continuously built up international relationships with galleries and museums in the US, UK, Germany, Netherlands, Austria etc. and additionally used the new media twitter (#Aiww) to create a kind of public protection around him, he lately was under house arrest in Beijing and now is detained.

I am really sad and shocked to hear what happened to Ai Weiwei.
I liked to live in China, I liked Beijing.
I like the Chinese cultural heritage.
China's economical power is growing and Chinese citizens are proud of their nation.

Why on earth does the Chinese government need to detain this artist?

Most of the Chinese citizens will not care about Ai Weiwei, I am afraid. They will believe the government that this silly old man has committed a tax fraud or so.

When I say "FREE AI WEIWEI", I am not (only) saying that to the Chinese officials, I am saying this to the Chinese people. Please, stand up, stand behind him. His critics are human. He is not asking much. He is a bright and intelligent man. His art is not commercial as the one of many others. He is doing this for a better China. - When this man is arrested, they can arrest anybody.

When the German chancellor Merkel is asking to "Free Ai Weiwei", most of the Chinese people will not understand her and dislike this involvement - as they did, when she said something in favor of the Dailai Lama. Chinese citizens are proud of their nation, once again, they do not like to be criticised by the West.

It is like someone is talking bad about your parents. You need to grow up to understand that your parents are not always right. It feels like most Chinese have not grown up yet. And this is why I feel sad for Ai Weiwei: While he is putting his live at danger to improve human rights in China, most of the Chinese don't care.

This dilemma drove him abroad where he made sure his concept work and installations become well-known in the art world. But as a Chinese born he also feels connected to China and therefor lives in Beijing with studios in Beijing and Shanghai - the latter was demolished by the government in January 2011. However, he was said to open a gallery in Berlin soon and even move there. He must have felt very unsafe.

It is in the Chinese mentality that critics are not appreciated by superiors. - Will this ever change?

Here more information about Ai Weiwei and his detention at New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/04/world/asia/04china.html?_r=1&scp=8&sq=ai%20weiwei&st=cse
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/a/ai_weiwei/index.html

And check blogger Peking Duck's post with over 200 comments of both sides:
http://www.pekingduck.org/2011/04/the-global-times-and-ai-weiwei/

You may also like this post with my links to Ai Weiwei:
http://beijingnotebook.blogspot.com/2009/10/60-years-people-republic-of-china.html

*** Comments and critics are welcome! ***

UPDATE May 3rd:
Still nobody knows where AWW is detained.
A friend gave me this link to read: http://www.economist.com/node/18560351, an article about China's recent crackdowns by The Economist from April 14th, 2011

UPDATE May 16th:
His wife met him yesterday (May 15th) for 15 minutes after 6 weeks of no notice. They give him his medicine, they do not torture him. At least a sign of life. His wife said, he seemed very quiet/serious and only said he does not understand for what he is accused. More discussion on this subject was not allowed during that meeting.
I hope they will let him go soon.

Japan Nuclear Situation: Due to westwinds no danger for China (update)

noreply@blogger.com (- Suzie -) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 04:52:00 +0000

A hypothetical "radiation cloud", from either Fukushima Daiichi or Onagawa, will most likely be diverted to the East due to typical westerly winds.

Source of photo and read more about it at

http://www.accuweather.com/blogs/news/story/46984/japan-nuclear-incident.asp

----------------

update:

But on the other hand: winds can change.

Look at this video, that shows an animation of the radioactive cloud over Europe and parts of Asia after the nuclear accident in Chernobyl (Tschernobyl) in April and May 1986. Very sad!

For now, the accident in Japan is rated 5 on the INES scale from 1-7, while Chernobyl was a major accident and rated 7.

Chinese Government should install lots of windmills!!!

Sorry, no time for jokes.

Jasmine Revolution in Beijing ?! - no way !

noreply@blogger.com (- Suzie -) — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 09:17:00 +0000

When my mother, living in Europe, called me yesterday and told me that there are demonstrations in Beijing and other cities going on, starting the so called "Jasmine Revolution", I had to question her Western media sources. Of course I read about some calls for protest rallies on Sundays, but also that nobody came - or those who came were arrested (which I do oppose of course).

Not sure what the Western Media is hoping for. Democracy in China or a higher circulation ?

Chinese are definitely not going to rally because they neither want nor need a revolution. Chinese are proud of their nation that is moving forward. Their quality of live is getting better every year. Money rules the Chinese World ! And the government is aware of what needs to bee done to secure "harmony" (in a positive way, I hope). That is the difference to the other middle East countries.

When I checked my favorite blogs, I found these very good posts that worth reading for a quick insight:

http://www.pekingduck.org/2011/02/jasmine-revolution-tiananmen-20-no/

and this:

http://chinadigitaltimes.net/2011/02/could-mideast-revolutions-spread-to-china/

or this:

http://www.danwei.org/government/failed_jasmine_protests_in_chi.php

In my blog I hardly say anything about politics. But what makes me angry is to see the so called free and intellectual Western Media writing constantly negative about anything Chinese.

But on the other hand (to be fair, I have to mention that not everything is China is great), what bothered me most while living in China was the Internet censorship. Facebook, twitter, blogs, all blocked and certain web content blocked or deleted. After Egypt used the Internet so successfully to organise its revolution, the Great Fire Wall of China will become even more strict. But does it really bother Chinese enough to dare to protest on the streets? And if yes, it would not lead to a downfall of the government, maybe not even to an improvement of the censorship or human rights. These changes only come slowly, when the government feels sure about a harmonious society.

Still Winter in Beijing

noreply@blogger.com (- Suzie -) — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 09:16:00 +0000

IMG_4248 f
Originally uploaded by Liping Yang

What a beautiful picture by Liping Yang ! He took it on February 16, 2011 at the Summer Palace in Beijing. It must be still very cold when the lake is frozen. And although winters are cold, snow is seldom in Bejing. So, it's an event for kids when there is snow and even enough to make a snowman !

However, skiing is possible during winter - with a few fun slopes, but with artifical snow only. (But now, as you can see, with some additional real snow!)

Modern Chinese Furniture: Seat for T. by JinR

noreply@blogger.com (- Suzie -) — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 16:24:00 +0000

We found them ! Remember, that my girlfriends and I had lunch at the Green T. House Living in Shunyi, outside Beijing last October and we saw these awesome red acrylic horseshoe shape Chinese chairs (see my post) and wondered ever since if they would be for sale? My friend Yvalie, beside other talents, she is a very talented web surfer, found them at the Green T. House online shop and at an US online shop here.

Quan Chair red acrylic (as seen at Green T. House Living)

Interior of the Green T. House in Sanlitun, Beijing

The above acrylic chair is also available in clear and in another shape. When you click on the first picture, you will see the price, and this is not so funny anymore... 3,755 USD.

The Ming Chair (left) with a 2,30 m high back, costs even more. What a pity, these chairs are so cool.

The Green T. House(s) is famous for JinR's creative concept offering sophisticated dishes on unique plates in a minimalistic surrounding while sitting on special seats. Now JinR has even launched her "Seat for T." collection.

Sometimes it is difficult to believe that behind all this beauty is just one master mind. JinR, originally a musician, when she became a tea house owner in Sanlitun, later a restaurateur, interior designer of her restaurants and now even a furniture designer. I think she is not only very pretty, but also very smart and has some very good consultants working for her. An allround entrepreneur that I admire!

JinR the creator of the Green T. House

Happy New Year of the Rabbit !

noreply@blogger.com (- Suzie -) — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 07:48:00 +0000

If you have forgotten someone in the West to wish a Happy New Year in December or January, now, it's the right time to grab a nice red greeting card and send your best wishes for a Happy New Year of the Rabbit.

Chinese do not celebrate the arrival of the New Year in just one night. It is a week long celebration. Traditionally, in the last days Chinese would have been cleaning and decluttering their homes to let new energy flow. They would get a hair cut, to get rid of the "old". Especially kids are sent to the hairdresser these days.

Today, is the merit making day. Food, especially oranges and cakes are brought to the temple or house altar together with flowers and incent sticks.

Tonight is New Years Eve and you will hear fire crackers in the streets, they can be really loud and scary. And lots of fireworks, everybody shoots everything! I remember my first Chinese New Year in Beijing, it was in 2007, the first year, that fireworks were allowed in Beijing after a long ban. A war zone cannot be worse. It started in the afternoon and lasted til 2 am the next day. The longest and wildest firework ever! We lived between the 2nd and 3rd ring road, and people had parked their cars on Dongzhimenwai and took out tons and tons of fireworks of their completly full trunks and blow one after the other. Even from appartment buildings they were "shooting" out of windows. The next year, it was already much more moderate. Inside the second ring road the use of fireworks is limited to tonight due to risk of fires in hutongs.

Tomorrow, February 3rd 2011, is the first day of the Year of the Rabbit. In Chinese cities and in Chinatowns around the world people will be out in the streets and watching the lion dances, dragon parades and Chinese opera performances. Lots of Chinese would dress in traditional costumes or at least wear something red. The red colour stands for good luck, and the noise of the fire crackers is meant to scare evil and daemons away.

Eating and celebrating with family and friends is what happens in the next days of the Chinese New Year week. Sharing food and even sending food to far away relatives is a tradition.

However, some of the Chinese New Year sweets do not look that appealing . The nian gao ?, no, not really. So why not make your own Chinese New Year muffin or cup cake? Since the Western tradition is baking for Christmas or Easter, you might do your own Chinese New Year Baking as well. My friend Carrie (who I know from Beijing where our boys went together to kindergarten) created these absolutely beautiful cupcakes:

cupcakes by Carrie Nyon

She is so crazy about baking that she has just started a business, the "Cake Inc" in KL, Malaysia - where she has moved after Beijing - and where you can order these cupcakes and other cakes for your special occasion.

Xin Nian Kuai le !

May the New (xin) Year (nian) be Happy (kuai) for you !

Happy New Year from Harbin

noreply@blogger.com (- Suzie -) — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 08:17:00 +0000

Happy New Year ! and thank you! to all Beijing Notebook readers, returning visitors, subscribed friends, friendly commenter, linked sites and sponsors for supporting this blog in many ways.

The above photo (via Reuters) shows fireworks over stunning ice sculptures in Harbin, northeast China during the 27th famous Ice and Snow Festival's official opening on January 5th, 2011.

The festivals starts every year in December and lasts until the end of February. It is extremely cold during this period in Harbin, it gets easily - 20 to - 30 degrees Celsius !, which allows ice sculptures to last long and to attract many visitors from all over China.

Harbin is only a two hours flight away from Beijing and could be an exciting weekend trip for the whole family!

Happy New Year,

suzie

Red Acrylic Chinese Chairs

noreply@blogger.com (- Suzie -) — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 13:33:00 +0000

These traditional Chinese horseshoe shaped chairs are not of red lacquered wood. They are acrylic chairs ! They look super cool in the stylish "Green T. House Living" in Shunyi, Beijing.

My stay in Beijing was fantastic, I still have not figured out where to start. So I am posting two pics my friend took during our lunch at the Green T. House living. She would like to know where to get these acrylic chairs. Anyone can help?

photo source: N.U.

Active Expat Ladies in Beijing - or Selfmade Entrepreneurs

noreply@blogger.com (- Suzie -) — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 04:59:00 +0000

click to enlarge

I admire these active expat ladies !

Another bazar is coming up, this time on Wednesday, November 17 at East Lake Villas! In Sanlitun, Beijing, my old home! - And look at the flyer they made ! It is send out via email and probably hangs out at expat compounds, condos and supermarkets.

I love their "label" names : Shanghai Trio, Mandarine Coco, Tang' Roulou ... - and the money they have to pay for their bazar stand goes to charity. What a clever concept.

The products you can buy at these kind of bazaars that go round in the community are mainly designed by these active expat ladies and produced by Chinese workers or factories that they found suitable. Some other ladies import products you otherwise would not find in Beijing. And so they keep them self busy and try out entrepreneur's life. Some of the ladies are so successful that they have their own shops yet.

Take Shanghai Trio, they just opened a shop at the new North Village in Sanlitun. They have already boutiques in Shanghai and Paris, but in Beijing they tried only bazars for a long time, or on appointment at home.

While in Beijing, my friend and I went to their shop and bought small bags in shiny red waterproofed material. Shanghai Trio is one of my favorites and I hope they survive the probably very high rental fees at North Village.

And long before Constance de Toldi, the organiser of the above "So French" bazar, started with her cashmere business, my friend Ira Walendy was already doing her private Cashmere Parties. Now, more ladies try their luck, also with kid's cashmere collections. Ira meanwhile concentrates on her 0813 spa collection , where she and her friend aim more at hotel shops to become customers.

Since this is a unpaid advertising post for all active expat ladies in Beijing, I want to name some more - also as inspiration for "still dreaming" expats - like me.

Some other successful entrepreneur ladies in Beijing :

Kathrin von Rechenberg : "tea silk" fashion made in China. Kathrin, originally from Munich, married to a Chinese, shows her collections at fashion shows at The Orchard Restaurant, shoes up at bazaars (preferred the Embassy house) and has her own shop in Sanlitun (near Embassy house) were she works and lives.

Rouge Baiser Elise : home embroidered linen by Parisian Elise de St. Guilhem. After a successful shop in Shanghai, she opened one more boutique in Sanlitun, Beijing. This is run by some French ladies taking turns in the shop.

If home made necklaces or cashmere from the wool spinning city are not enough handcraft for you, I have two more examples of successful entrepreneurs: Take the French butcher Michel or the German bakery "Cafe Constance" (Konztanz). That's real business.

But I still dream small. Online sales, paypal payment... just don't have the product yet.

Find more inspiration via nicely made in China, a portal for quality products made in China aiming at export. You can browse by categories like DESIGN, FASHION, HANDMADE, CRAFTS. You will find the stories behind Shanghai Trio, Kathrin von Rechenberg and many more active expats that became entrepreneurs !

Preparing for the trip to Beijing: Visa, Money & SIM card

noreply@blogger.com (- Suzie -) — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 02:53:00 +0000

Getting the visa from the Chinese Embassy was really easy. In Bangkok the agent fee for bringing the passports to the Embassy, filling out the application form and collecting the passport after 4 days was just 600 Baht (15 Euro). An Express Visa issued by the Chinese Embassy within 2 days was an extra 800 Baht (20 Euro).

So that's done.

Now, when we will arrive at the airport, I will change some money into the Chinese Currency. But you need to know that with an European Cash card (EC card) you can collect money at every ATM machine in Beijing. Not sure about the American ATM cards, but should be the same easy.

It just costs you the usual fee that you would pay in your hometown when not using the ATM machine of your bank. And of course credit cards are widely accepted. In the markets however only when you have bigger amounts to pay, not all both have the facility and they would like to charge you 3-5 % on top for using a credit card. It is recommended though to have cash when shopping in the markets. And evey market has several ATM machines to refill your wallet...

What to do when you are running late or need to find your friend? Or book a massage or restaurant spontaneously? Best thing is to have an extra mobile phone with a Chinese prepaid SIM card to be more independent. Nowadays this is so easy. They sell the SIM cards upon arrival at the airport. So that's what I plan to do.

My host actually told me, he would have a SIM card for me. This is somehow a very, very nice and useful welcome service, that everyone who lives abroad in a country where you can buy prepaid phone cards could provide for their visitors from other countries. In that way you can make sure they do not get lost (if they do not got robbed).

Planning a trip to Beijing

noreply@blogger.com (- Suzie -) — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 17:13:00 +0000

It has been two years and two months since we have left Beijing.
I always hesitated to go back.

First of all because I did not want to see my son cry at the airport when we would leave Beijing after a visit.

Now, I have to see my son cry for Germany (every now and then, but getting less) since we moved from Germany to Thailand. Is this then the right time to take him back to Beijing for a visit? Next week ?!

Maybe it will be fine for him.
And how about myself?
How will I feel when I see our old house ? My son's best friend still lives in the house next door ...
How will I feel when I will have to take a taxi and struggle with the driver, instead riding my bike freely or call our friendly driver who always knew the way best and around traffic jams ...

This might sound strange if you have never moved.
Can you imagine to travel back in time but not beiing able to recognize your old life?
I think it never works. Past is past.

But I always wanted to go back one day and see and remember and refresh memories. I also have promised to everyone.

And why not now? I am not getting younger...

As I said, we now live in Bangkok, which is 5 hours flight from Beijing. We are closer to China than the last two years while in Germany. This is one advantage.

Then we have a 10 days school holiday coming up. And every friend in Beijing will be in Beijing because they are all travelling right now during the golden week of October.

The third good reason why to travel to Beijing is a very good friend from Germany who will be in Beijing exactly at the same time. And guess how I met her? Through this blog ! But this is another story.
And she will probably help me to see Beijing through new eyes (and not my old past glasses).

And the fourth - and maybe best reason for my readers - is that finally this blog gets a fresh update !!!

So, this time I am writing as a traveller and not like a resident. First of all, I have to organize a visa. I could ask my travel agent here in Bangkok, the additional fee is reasonable. But maybe it will be interesting to visit the Chinese Embassy in person ?

First thing I noted today:

I need a tourist visa, type "L" (the 2 pages application form can be downloaded from the internet)
Visa approval (in Bangkok) takes 4 days, express visa will take 2 days (and higher fee).
The Embassy is closed this week due to national holidays ...

Tonight, I am sitting in Bangkok planning a trip to Beijing to meet old friends and to shop. No pressure of sightseeing. Maybe the Great Wall of China, my favorite sight, together with my son and his friends.
Despite, I have no ticket and no visa, I am in a good mood. I am convinced, that this is the right time to go back and visit my ex hometown of three years!

PS: I have chosen Thai Airways over Air China.

Chinese Version of Michael Jackson's Beat It

noreply@blogger.com (- Suzie -) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 02:01:00 +0000

If this link does not work anymore, google it, there are many youtube entries, but Sony music tries to block them for copy right reasons ... well, I think it is a fun video, and the Chinese "red army" is looking great in that video. Good job. I like best is the 'guitar' solo at the end.

The video is taken from the red army themed musical 'The long march'. Today on youtube.com and tudou.com (the Chinese version of youtube) you can find several pop songs along with this trailer, beside Michael Jackon's 'Beat it' the most famous is Lady Gaga's 'Poker Face'. Read more here.

Back in Asia

noreply@blogger.com (- Suzie -) — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 07:00:00 +0000

After we have left Beijing, we have been living for 2 years in Germany (to be precise: 2 years and 2 weeks). Now we are back in Asia. This time Bangkok. It is a bit like moving back home, because we have lived already 5 years in Bangkok before (1998 - 2003) - but that was without our son.

He misses Beijing and we still have many friends in Beijing that we really want to visit. Now, from Bangkok it is "only" a 5 hour flight to Beijing.

Since we have announced that we are going to live in Bangkok again, all our friends from Beijing (and not only from Beijing) have promised to visit us in Thailand.

I hope to keep this blog alive by writing soon again something new. Hopefully about a trip to China!
Stay with me and this blog!
Thanks, xie xie

suzie

PS: BTW I have startet a blog about moving to Bangkok (so far it is in German). But from now on, I will translate the posts into English as well. You can find it here: http://www.1lifeinbangkok.blogspot.com/

When you ask for TWO and get EIGHT

noreply@blogger.com (- Suzie -) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 17:54:00 +0000

Once, when my mother was visiting me in Beijing together with my mother-in-law, we went shopping. We always went shopping of course, but once we went shopping for tea. It was their last day of their stay in Beijing and the demand for different kind of green teas and jasmin teas in pretty little gift boxes was high. I was the tour guide and had to translate - but could not handle both mothers at the same time. So my mother, not shy, went ahead and ordered two more red boxes of a nice Dragon Well green tea. And to make sure the Chinese sales girl understood her right, she made the gesture with her two fingers - the Western way :

The Chinese sales girl got very excited and asked her collegue for help and they packed tea in boxes, and boxes and boxes ... meanwhile I turned around and saw my confused mother trying to stop the girls and behind the counter I saw happy busy working sales girls.

I understood right away, what had happened, when I heard my mother saying : No, TWO, TWO !

The Western gesture for TWO is the Chinese gesture for EIGHT !

You must know the following :
Chinese use one hand, five fingers only, to count to 10. And especially when shopping in the grocery markets they use their fingers.

And counting to ten the Chinese way goes like this:

Chinese figure gestures

Chinese characters for 1 to 10 and pinjin writing

Below alternative gestures for 10 :

So, my Mum had ordered EIGHT boxes of tea, thinking she had asked for only TWO. Well, she did ask for two, in her English - but with the Western gesture for two which is the Chinese gesture for eight.

What you want to know about Sexy Beijing's Sexy Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (- Suzie -) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 22:18:00 +0000

In this Sexy Beijing video from December 2006 Su Fei tries to find out about the Christmas spirit that seems to invade China's capital every year. What do Chinese people think about Christmas? What do they know about Christian customs and what do they know about Jewish Hanukkah?

Although China is a communist country and Christmas is an official working day, Beijing is decorated with Christmas trees and full of Santa Clauses like any other capital in the world these days. Flower markets in Chaoyang district have been selling natural Christmas trees and Advent wreath with four candles. The sales person often not knowing the meaning are smart enough to know the foreigners' demand. Christmas seems like a fun holiday - as it should be - and as Chinese people do like most Western things they also "copy" Christmas - at least the decorative and fun part like getting together and exchanging gifts.

HAPPY Holiday to all of you !

Boutique Hotel in Sanlitun : The Opposite House

noreply@blogger.com (- Suzie -) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:19:00 +0000

The newly created Swire Hotels group, owned by Hong Kong-based Swire Properties, opened its first hotel "The Opposite House" in Beijing in summer 2008.

lobby of the Opposite House

exterior of the Opposite House in Sanlitun, Beijing

The hotel with its green glass exterior and minimalistic interior offers 99 suites starting at 1850 CNY per night (minimum stay 2 nights).

all rooms feature wooden floors and are very bright

the bathrooms feature bath tube and double sinks made of oak wood

the only traditional Chinese accessory is a wooden chest used as coffee table or storage

a room (studio 95) with a balcony

Designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, the hotel is part of Swire's first integrated commercial project in China, a giant new shopping, lifestyle and dining development, called The Village, at Sanlitun in Beijing. So if you wonder why all the old houses had to vanish, for what and why all these glass cubes look alike, then you know: it is all part of an integrated project by this Hong-Kong based company.

from right to left : the (South) Village, addidas store, Yashow market

If you have been in Sanlitun lately and have any dining or shopping experience in the Opposite House's neighbourhood, let me know what you think.

map and contact, click to enlarge

photo source: the opposite house

Beijing City Guide by Design*Sponge

noreply@blogger.com (- Suzie -) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 21:04:00 +0000

Maybe you already know design*sponge, a daily website dedicated to home and product design run by writer Grace Bonney. This extremely successful blog also has a growing collection of city guides, that are compiled with the help of readers. Design*Sponge city guide to Beijing is quiet a complete list of things to do & see in this fast changing city.

Like many others which are planning a trip to Beijing the authors of this city guide came across my blog. They liked the "great beijing home/decor shopping list from beijing notebook" and included a link to this blog.
Thanks for the mention !

I can recommend to check out this new online city guide as it is compiled just recently, in August 2009 and includes all the new stuff - and the old stuff that has not vanished.

This Saturday in Beijing : Urban Carpets by Instant Hutong

noreply@blogger.com (- Suzie -) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 09:08:00 +0000

click on flyer (including map) to enlarge

Stefano Avesani from instant hutong send me an email to post about their event on this Saturday in Beijing. Thanks, I love to announce it here on my blog. - If I would still be in Beijing I would definately go. I love the atmosphere of the neighbourhood in hutongs, the small aleys in old Beijing ! And the photos of the previous exhibitions of Urban Carpets look so interesting.

Here the details :

URBAN CARPET 8x5 · 都市地毯8x5

四 4th one day-only exhibition

2009年10月25日, 11am – 6pm

NEIGHBOURHOOD COURTYARD - 社区庭院
no.17 Cao Chang Tou Tiao, Xian Yu Kou Di Qu, Chong Wen District

北京市崇文区鲜鱼口地区草厂头条17号

完美地体现了源于近几年北京郊区在不知所措地迅速变化中的矛盾。房地产政策的目的是鲜鱼口社区原住民的再次回归。对城市的传统性的描述都不适合鲜鱼口,当前是特别有趣的城乡结合。城镇的空间和自然的空间,农村的习惯和现代设备的结合，细微地体现于北京的都市中心。

Xian Yu Kou district perfectly embodies the contradictions stemming from the rapid transformations which overwhelmed Beijing neighbourhoods in the past few years. The target of real estate policies has been partially abandoned and the spaces have recently been re-occupied by the former inhabitants. None of the traditional city descriptions can suit Xian Yu Kou, which is, nowadays, a surprising and totally fascinating combination of city and countryside, urban spaces and natural ones, rural habits blended in with contemporary facilities. This micro phenomenon is taking place at the very centre of the large metropolis of Beijing.

Works by·艺术家 :

MARCELLA CAMPA & STEFANO AVESANI - http://www.instanthutong.com/

photo via instanthutong

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I would love to hear from anyone who went their, please leave a comment.