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<title>Coolkid Andy Sets Out for Another Cool Adventure</title>
<link>https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2019/05/15/coolkid-andy-sets-out-for-another-cool-adventure/</link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 15 May 2019 11:30:29 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[The Great Journey]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/?p=4070</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Learn to understand the journey even if you don't understand it. Sometimes what you never wanted or expected turns out to be the what you need.]]></description>
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A couple of days before this post was published, I transferred my dog Fu to her new foster family. It was a big decision, given that I had been taking care of her since September 2018 and we had already grown close to each other.
Fu was just the latest one to whom I said, “Kita kits” (“see you soon” in Filipino). Just this spring, I said zàijiàn to a couple of close colleagues who went on to new adventures in Beijing or back home.
<div class="wp-block-image wp-image-135245 size-full"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://i0.wp.com/www.beijing-kids.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/WechatIMG1054-e1557892223112.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-135245" /><figcaption>See you soon, Fu!</figcaption></figure></div>
And now, I’m the one who’s leaving.
It’s a sad moment, especially for the people with whom I worked directly, but I like to see this as a celebration. I’ve worked for beijingkids for 2.5 years, and it was all grand and action-packed. I have long forced into my mind that Andy is timid, but my work for the magazine has allowed me to explore the confident and communicator Andy. I may have flunked in my first managerial experience in Manila, but my career in Beijing has brought out a pragmatic but compassionate leader who’s always looking forward to motivating young minds.
I will always be proud that I handled the very demanding <a href="http://www.beijing-kids.com/blog/tag/when-i-grow-up/">When I Grow Up</a> column in the magazine. Not only does it requires precision in planning and coordinating, but also care as I need to work with a lot of pupils. During the times I conducted bimonthly question-and-answer sessions at various international schools, I’ve seen how pure and simple the pupils’ concept of the world is. And that was refreshing, given the dizzying pace of expat life in the capital had brought me to bumpy parts of the path toward achieving my goals.
Many of those road bumps derailed me, but the other humps have nudged me to stay on track. Never did I think that rescuing an old, limping, visually-impaired dog would eventually help me recover from anxious states of mind that had begun in the summer. And immersing myself into tons of events was stressful at first, but would prove rewarding later on.
<div class="wp-block-image wp-image-135249 size-full"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://i0.wp.com/www.beijing-kids.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Everything-is-a-Blessing.png" alt="" class="wp-image-135249" /><figcaption>You’ll find blessing and healing in the most unexpected part of your journey.</figcaption></figure></div>
There are many things in my daily grind that I will miss (like being the first person to open the office every day…) and I know it will take time to sink in, but I’m excited about what happens next. Yes, let’s acknowledge that sadness is a significant emotion when someone departs, and departures are a normal process in life. But by accepting reality, we set ourselves free.
After all, “there’s no way to go but forward and upward.” That’s what I told myself before I left for China. And it’s the same thing I’m telling myself now that I’m setting out for <a href="https://coolkidandy.com">a new and thrilling journey</a>.
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Photos: Andy Penafuerte III
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<title>Sick as a Pig: China Grapples With African Swine Fever Outbreak</title>
<link>https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2019/01/06/sick-as-a-pig-china-grapples-with-african-swine-fever-outbreak/</link>
<comments>https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2019/01/06/sick-as-a-pig-china-grapples-with-african-swine-fever-outbreak/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[coolkidandy]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sun, 06 Jan 2019 13:30:17 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[beijingkids]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[African swine fever]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/?p=4046</guid>
<description><![CDATA[The Year of the Pig may be off to a rough start, at least for those of the porcine disposition and Chinese hog farm owners given that authorities are implementing measures to curb the current outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) in several northern provinces.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
The Year of the Pig may be off to a rough start, at least for those of the porcine disposition and Chinese hog farm owners given that authorities are implementing measures to curb the current outbreak of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_swine_fever_virus">African swine fever</a> (ASF) in several northern provinces.

On Wednesday (Jan 2), the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs published a <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-swinefever/china-strengthens-slaughter-regulations-to-combat-african-swine-fever-idUSKCN1OW0RB">regulation</a> requiring slaughterhouses to ensure that pig products are tested negative for African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV) before putting them on the market. It also orders slaughterhouses to cull all pigs and cease operations for at least 48 hours should there be an outbreak in their area.
The regulation goes into effect on Feb 1, the Friday before the Spring Festival. The move comes after Chinese authorities confirmed outbreaks that have affected at least 86,000 hogs on farms in Beijing’s <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-swinefever/china-reports-new-african-swine-fever-outbreak-on-farm-in-beijing-with-nearly-10000-pigs-idUSKBN1O20FZ">Tongzhou District</a> and others in <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/china-swinefever/china-reports-african-swine-fever-outbreak-on-farm-in-heilongjiang-idUSB9N1WP02I">Heilongjiang Province</a>, the largest yet to happen since this highly contagious and fatal disease in pigs was <a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/767837/asf-china-poa.pdf">first detected domestically in August 2018</a>.
Dr. Liu Haixia, a general practitioner from IMC Beijing, explains that ASFV is non-zoonotic, meaning that does not cause disease in people nor infect humans.
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img data-attachment-id="4047" data-permalink="https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/pig1/" data-orig-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2019/01/pig1.jpeg" data-orig-size="1200,675" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="pig1" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2019/01/pig1.jpeg?w=300" data-large-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2019/01/pig1.jpeg?w=700" loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2019/01/pig1.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-4047" srcset="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2019/01/pig1.jpeg 1200w, https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2019/01/pig1.jpeg?w=150&h=84 150w, https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2019/01/pig1.jpeg?w=300&h=169 300w, https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2019/01/pig1.jpeg?w=768&h=432 768w, https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2019/01/pig1.jpeg?w=1024&h=576 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption>The current African swine fever outbreak in China has affected at least 86,000 hogs, threatening pork production before Chinese New Year, a time when demand for pork products is at its highest level</figcaption></figure>
“People cannot be infected by ASFV even if they come in contact or consume the meat of infected pigs and the virus can be killed by high temperature and disinfectants,” Liu explains.
However, many people are still worried as they recall the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_flu_pandemic">2009 influenza pandemic</a> caused by the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pandemic_H1N1/09_virus">Pandemic H1N1/09 virus</a>strain, a combination of different virus types that included a Eurasian pig flu virus, thus coining its informal term, “swine flu.”
Meanwhile, the Chinese public is still reeling from a recent vaccine scandal, which prompted a <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/6829cd0e-f07b-11e8-ae55-df4bf40f9d0d">crackdown</a> and a subsequent “<a href="https://www.sixthtone.com/news/1003251/as-flu-season-begins%2C-china-grapples-with-vaccine-shortage">perilous drop</a>” in the supply of influenza vaccines for the winter flu season, affecting major cities such as Shanghai and Guangzhou. Despite that, the Chinese Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in November that <a href="http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201811/16/WS5bedf7f3a310eff303288ff9.html">they were expecting a drop in cases</a> during the current flu season.
Liu also highlights the importance of getting a flu shot as it lowers the risk of contracting influenza, especially for high-risk groups including:
<ul><li>Children aged 5 and below</li><li>People over 65</li><li>Pregnant women</li><li>Health workers</li><li>People with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other severe respiratory conditions</li><li>People with chronic conditions like diabetes, liver or kidney disease, or HIV</li><li>People who have had an organ transplant</li></ul>
According to Liu, it is recommended to receive the vaccine between the months of September and November, but people can still get a shot beyond that period as long as the flu season still exists. She also adds that these preventive can help lower the risk of contracting the flu virus:
<ul><li>Washing hands frequently</li><li>Wearing a mask when going outside, especially on a polluted day</li><li>Ensuring proper room ventilation</li><li>Avoiding crowded places</li><li>Maintaining a healthy lifestyle by eating more vegetables and fruits, having enough sleep, exercising frequently</li></ul>
If you are showing respiratory symptoms such as a cough and sore throat, have a fever or are experiencing muscle or body aches, it’s best to visit your doctor and take precautionary measures in case you may be infected with influenza.
For more information about swine influenza, visit the facts page of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/swineflu/keyfacts-variant.htm">here</a>.
This article originally appeared on our sister site <a href="http://beijing-kids.com/">beijingkids</a>.
Photos: <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-of-hand-feeding-on-tree-trunk-185941/">Leah Kelley</a>, <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/nature-farmer-dutch-hd-wallpaper-66627/">Matthias Zomer</a> via Pexels
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<title>Head Start: Why Practicing Mindfulness Should Be Your Goal This New Year</title>
<link>https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/31/head-start-why-practicing-mindfulness-should-be-your-goal-this-new-year/</link>
<comments>https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/31/head-start-why-practicing-mindfulness-should-be-your-goal-this-new-year/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[coolkidandy]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 31 Dec 2018 10:30:38 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[musings]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[mindfulness]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[New Year]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[New Year resolution]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/?p=4033</guid>
<description><![CDATA[As we begin to think about our goals for 2019, we also need to take time to reflect and focus on what's important. ]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
One recurring theme in all of the challenges I have faced this year is mental strength. Living alone, the trap of being connected all the time, problems back home — all of them have tested my mental capacity to the point that I experienced “China Days” in midsummer.

Just recently when another series of challenges came to my way, I held back, meditated, and followed the advice of a very good friend: “Every morning when you wake up, you have a choice to be happy or otherwise.”  This mantra has helped me find my way out of those dark days. It isn’t easy, but what she said makes sense. It is always up to you whether you choose to live a happy and stress-free life.
Isn’t that something that we always want? For some who make new life goals to ring in another year, doing anything related to being happy and stress-free always top their New Year’s lists. But sadly, not everybody achieves those resolutions past the first week of the year, or even succeeds at all by the year-end.
New Year’s resolutions are special because the start of another year symbolizes another chance to renew ourselves or reach what we’ve always dreamed of. And as we begin to think about our goals for 2019, we also need to take time to reflect and focus on what’s important. Practicing mindfulness is definitely a start to a great journey ahead. But how can you do it?
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Know your intentions</h3>
It’s easy to list down goals, but ask yourself why you want to achieve them. Even if your reasons might be anchored to your way of life or habits, go deeper and look further. It will take time and experience to know the “why” of your intentions, but that’s OK – we are all a work in progress!
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Enjoy the journey, but don’t get distracted</h3>
Don’t let stumbling blocks on the way stop you from achieving your goal. There will be ways to get past these blocks. So if your goal is to lose weight, you have to identify the possible blocks – perhaps an exercise schedule, dietary changes, and the like – and try to focus on how you can achieve the same result without spending too much effort and instead enjoying the process even more.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Revisit your behaviors</h3>
It’s been said that doing something for 21 consecutive days make it a habit. Is it a good habit, though? Or perhaps we have set daily routines which may not be beneficial in the long run. Take a look at these apparently ingrained behaviors, because they affect the actions that you want to change or improve in the upcoming year.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Be kind to yourself</h3>
As stated above, we are a work in progress. Life is unpredictable and stress is a normal part of it. It’s OK if we don’t live up to our expectations. So always be kind to yourself, and slowly learn to be aware of yourself through mindfulness practices. When we bring our attention to our awareness, we let our minds wander and recognize our intentions or aspirations.
Photo: <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/afterglow-avian-backlit-birds-556663/">luizclas</a> from Pexels 
]]></content:encoded>
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<title>Mandarin Monday: Let These Chinese Proverbs Guide You in Making Your New Year Goals</title>
<link>https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/31/mandarin-monday-let-these-chinese-proverbs-guide-you-in-making-your-new-year-goals/</link>
<comments>https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/31/mandarin-monday-let-these-chinese-proverbs-guide-you-in-making-your-new-year-goals/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[coolkidandy]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 31 Dec 2018 01:00:30 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Mandarin Monday]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Chinese proverbs]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[learning Chinese]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[learning Mandarin]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Mandarin Mondays]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/?p=4027</guid>
<description><![CDATA[If you're at a loss where to find your driving force to learning Chinese, here are some proverbs that may help you in the journey.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
If there’s one New Year’s resolution that I struggled to keep this 2018, that would be stepping up my Chinese skills. Just like other to-do lists, I procrastinated a lot on my journey this year of learning this difficult language.

It helped that I set a goal, which was to take an HSK exam by the end of the year… but what happened? Wasn’t my resolution to pass the HSK exam this year? My explanation: I realize I wasn’t ready to take it. It’s simply not realistic at the moment — just like most items in many New Year’s resolution lists.
But don’t get me wrong. That unfulfilled resolution has become my motivation to learn the language bit by bit. It’s true that an “ambitious” goal such as learning a language as complex as Chinese can’t be achieved in a short run. But that should not deter you in doing – or even trying – it at all.
If you’re at a loss where to find your driving force, here are some Chinese proverbs (谚语 yànyǔ), with the message “‘加油 (Jiayou)! Add oil!’ and start learning Chinese!” that may help you in the journey.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">不怕慢，就怕停 Bùpà màn, jiù pà tíng “Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still”</h3>
Ask yourself why you’re not trying to learn it at all. Perhaps many locals are learning English and you don’t see a need to speak Chinese? Or you’re good with just using Google Translate or Pleco, or even bothering a local friend to translate whatever you want? You will always find a thousand reasons not to learn Chinese, but this is <a href="https://www.thebeijinger.com/blog/2016/05/20/good-good-study-former-editor-current-pr-guru-longtime-taobao-dishes-benefits">a lifelong skill that will benefit you in the long run</a>.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">千里之行，始於足下 Qiānlǐ zhī xíng, shǐyú zú xià “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”</h3>
Finding that motivation to learn Chinese is already a huge step, but there will be more challenges to come, so ready your oil because you need to jiayou all the way. Roadblocks come in the form of the initial language barrier, differences in grammar and phonology, the thousands of characters that you’ll need to remember, and more. All of these are difficult at first but remember: getting through one kilometer of roadblocks means one kilometer forward on that journey.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">读万卷书不如行万里路 Dú wàn juǎnshū bùrú xíng wànlǐ lù “Reading ten thousand books is not as useful as traveling ten thousand miles”</h3>
And a related saying, “An ounce of practice is more worth than a pound of theory.” This year, I’ve undertaken a lot of activities to ramp up my Chinese, including writing several <a href="http://www.beijing-kids.com/blog/tag/mandarin-monday/">Mandarin Monday</a> articles about joining <a href="http://www.beijing-kids.com/blog/2018/01/15/mandarin-monday-30daychallenge-learning-new-chinese-words/">a 30-day challenge</a>, <a href="http://www.beijing-kids.com/blog/2018/07/23/mandarin-monday-dog-days-summer/">uncovering Chinese influences on daily expressions</a>, and learning some of the most <a href="http://www.beijing-kids.com/blog/2018/02/26/mandarin-monday-measure-words/">essential components of Chinese grammar</a>. But nothing beats applying these concepts in daily life. Okay, let’s be honest here. At my level, there are still some concepts that I don’t fully grasp after learning, but they prove to be helpful later, especially whenever I immerse myself among locals despite my awfully broken putonghua. There are times that I recognize a hanzi on a street sign because of the Mandarin Monday articles that I’ve written, making it easier for me to remember or associate that character with something.
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Learning Chinese for the first time? <a href="http://www.beijing-kids.com/blog/2018/08/27/mandarin-monday-learning-chinese-time-tips-chinese-teacher/">Here are some tips from a Chinese teacher</a>.</h4>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">师傅领进门，修行在个人  Shī fu lǐng jìnmén, xiū xíng zài gè rén “Teachers open the door. You enter by yourself”</h3>
While writing this article, I had a conversation with a colleague from the Beijinger team about how joining intensive classes had been one of the smartest decisions I took in terms of learning Chinese. I grabbed the opportunity to join the excellent summer classes by Purple Bamboo Chinese School in Xingfucun, but that’s only one part of my journey. I had many options, but I chose what I thought was best: to do them in the morning when my mind is relaxed and free from work stress. That meant I had to make very big adjustments in my work schedule and daily activities, but in the end, it paid off. No, I’m not a Chinese master now. But I definitely saw the progress. Whereas in the first quarter of 2018 my Chinese was non-existent, now I can mumble simple sentences. It gave me hope that I can pass the HSK 2 test, even though I didn’t take it before the end of 2018.
Speaking of classes, take advantage of the seasonal packages that many schools offer. Purple Bamboo has a New Year box wherein you can get free lessons and gifts when you purchase 30- or 64-hour lessons. There are other schools that have ongoing winter promotions for their group classes as well.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">失败是成功之母 Shībài shì chénggōng zhī mǔ “Failure is the mother of success”</h3>
And speaking of the HSK test, it is definitely the goal of taking it this year, despite failing to do so, that pushed me hard to take action. A lot of times, we are driven by the rush and want to achieve our goals but forget to enjoy the journey. That feeling of being able to speak to a Didi Dache siji whenever he annoyingly calls you before you ride, or even for short pep talks when he is visibly bored because of the traffic, is a proud achievement. Those times when you slowly decipher those gigantic red posters on the streets, understand the context of Mandarin ballads, or read posts on Chinese social media without always relying on Google Translate are those moments that help me understand the locals better and help me enjoy living in Beijing.
Learning a new language is itself hard to attain, but it’s achievable and far more rewarding. Don’t be afraid to make it as a recurring New Year’s resolution because once you feel the progress, you’ll be surprised at how far you’ve gone through. After all, it’s embarking and enjoying the journey that matters. And with that, I wish you a happy New Year! Jiayou!
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">These proverbs are not the only ones famous in China. There are a few more, and <a href="http://www.beijing-kids.com/blog/2017/04/03/mandarin-monday-learn-inspirational-chinese-proverbs-both-real-and-fake/">some of them are… fake</a>?</h4>
Photo: <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/blur-cellphone-close-up-contemporary-288530/">KristopherK</a> via Pexels
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<title>How These 30 Photos Defined My Third Year in China</title>
<link>https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/</link>
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<dc:creator><![CDATA[coolkidandy]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sun, 30 Dec 2018 10:30:45 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[The Great Journey]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[New Year]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/?p=3976</guid>
<description><![CDATA[It's that time again to look back at the moments that made this year very special.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[It’s that time again to look back at the moments that made this year very special.<img class="wp-more-tag mce-wp-more" title="Read more…" src="image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" data-wp-more="more" data-mce-resize="false" data-mce-placeholder="1">
I celebrated both my third anniversary in China and second year in beijingkids on December 28. Reaching that point has been a challenge … but ok, it’s a cliche. Everyone else has had their own share of issues in 2018, but this year has helped me define one important aspect of living and working abroad: mental strength.
In an article on beijingkids, I talked about how <a data-mce-href="http://www.beijing-kids.com/blog/2018/12/28/head-start-practicing-mindfulness-years-goal/" href="http://www.beijing-kids.com/blog/2018/12/28/head-start-practicing-mindfulness-years-goal/">practicing mindfulness should be a goal</a> for many this 2019. It struck a big chord on me as this year has shaken my mental strength to the core – from personal issues all the way to career decisions. Just days before I began working on this article, I asked myself if I am ready to share all the struggles I faced in 2018 but then realized the sad stories and traumatic experiences are meant to be kept in the deepest vaults of my subconscious. Hiding those stories might mean they will feed the devils in me, though it can also remind me that somehow in my late 20s, I succeeded and I grew better.
I’m better than that. I’m beyond that. I’m more than that.
When I selected the 30 photos that best represent my 2018, I thought, “Oh, this year wasn’t that bad at all.” Though I traveled less this year, I still made or joined activities that focused more on the self and the mind. I experienced my “China days” where I wanted to say “fcuk ya” to every 坏人 huàirén who blocked my way. But they weren’t the problem; it’s the way I viewed the world that stressed me out. It’s the fcuking self-imposed expectations and the pursuit of perfection that stressed me out.
But reviewing my phone gallery was extremely satisfying, at least. It allowed me to remember the moments that defined my third year in China and reminded me to be always thankful no matter what.
Click each photo to see its caption.

<a href='https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/img_4843/'><img width="150" height="113" src="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/IMG_4843.jpg?w=150" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" decoding="async" srcset="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/IMG_4843.jpg?w=150 150w, https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/IMG_4843.jpg?w=300 300w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" data-attachment-id="3977" data-permalink="https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/img_4843/" data-orig-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/IMG_4843.jpg" data-orig-size="3960,2970" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"1.8","credit":"","camera":"iPhone 7 Plus","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1514819231","copyright":"","focal_length":"3.99","iso":"20","shutter_speed":"0.00061614294516328","title":"","orientation":"0","latitude":"39.881497222222","longitude":"116.40646388889"}" data-image-title="Jan 1. Staring the year with a trip to the Temple of Heaven Park" data-image-description="On the first day of the New Year, I visited one of my favorite places in Beijing. I told myself that this trip would signal another year full of explorations since I caught the travel bug in 2011. When I arrived at the park, the air was still clear until the afternoon when the winter smog returned.
" data-image-caption="Jan 1. Staring the year with a trip to the Temple of Heaven Park
" data-medium-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/IMG_4843.jpg?w=300" data-large-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/IMG_4843.jpg?w=700" /></a>
<a href='https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/processed-with-vsco-with-c1-preset-6/'><img width="150" height="113" src="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/9A70A9F2-93E0-4C26-8E30-D6D3DA34CB8A.jpg?w=150" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" decoding="async" srcset="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/9A70A9F2-93E0-4C26-8E30-D6D3DA34CB8A.jpg?w=150 150w, https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/9A70A9F2-93E0-4C26-8E30-D6D3DA34CB8A.jpg?w=300 300w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" data-attachment-id="3978" data-permalink="https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/processed-with-vsco-with-c1-preset-6/" data-orig-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/9A70A9F2-93E0-4C26-8E30-D6D3DA34CB8A.jpg" data-orig-size="4032,3024" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"1.8","credit":"","camera":"iPhone 7 Plus","caption":"Processed with VSCO with c1 preset","created_timestamp":"1517433632","copyright":"Copyright 2018. All rights reserved.","focal_length":"3.99","iso":"1600","shutter_speed":"0.25","title":"Processed with VSCO with c1 preset","orientation":"1","latitude":"39.89125","longitude":"116.45358333333"}" data-image-title="Jan 31. The super blue blood moon as seen in Beijing" data-image-description="Because this city reminds me that I’m still an astronomy buff. It’s funny that I stayed up in three different spots in the CBD on a freezing night just to see this rare occurrence.
" data-image-caption="Jan 31. The super blue blood moon as seen in Beijing
" data-medium-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/9A70A9F2-93E0-4C26-8E30-D6D3DA34CB8A.jpg?w=300" data-large-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/9A70A9F2-93E0-4C26-8E30-D6D3DA34CB8A.jpg?w=700" /></a>
<a href='https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/img_5624/'><img width="150" height="150" src="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/IMG_5624.jpg?w=150" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" decoding="async" srcset="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/IMG_5624.jpg?w=150 150w, https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/IMG_5624.jpg?w=300 300w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" data-attachment-id="3979" data-permalink="https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/img_5624/" data-orig-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/IMG_5624.jpg" data-orig-size="3024,3024" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"1.8","credit":"","camera":"iPhone 7 Plus","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1518119623","copyright":"","focal_length":"3.99","iso":"100","shutter_speed":"0.25","title":"","orientation":"1","latitude":"39.912338888889","longitude":"116.43039722222"}" data-image-title="Feb 8. Blogging in Beijing’s first meetup" data-image-description="I took over the reins of this Beijing bloggers group from its founder in late 2017. One of its first offline activities was a meetup where I thought, “Oh well, I can organize it!”
" data-image-caption="Feb 8. Blogging in Beijing’s first meetup
" data-medium-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/IMG_5624.jpg?w=300" data-large-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/IMG_5624.jpg?w=700" /></a>
<a href='https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/c8ac0b1c-c41f-4b41-8b72-3b2386621247-13829-000012b7d6c81f27_tmp/'><img width="150" height="84" src="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/C8AC0B1C-C41F-4B41-8B72-3B2386621247-13829-000012B7D6C81F27_tmp.jpg?w=150" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" decoding="async" srcset="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/C8AC0B1C-C41F-4B41-8B72-3B2386621247-13829-000012B7D6C81F27_tmp.jpg?w=150 150w, https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/C8AC0B1C-C41F-4B41-8B72-3B2386621247-13829-000012B7D6C81F27_tmp.jpg?w=300 300w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" data-attachment-id="3980" data-permalink="https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/c8ac0b1c-c41f-4b41-8b72-3b2386621247-13829-000012b7d6c81f27_tmp/" data-orig-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/C8AC0B1C-C41F-4B41-8B72-3B2386621247-13829-000012B7D6C81F27_tmp.jpg" data-orig-size="1920,1080" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="Mar 31. Kusina ni Kabayan food tasting" data-image-description="The volunteers of Kusina ni Kabayan gathered together at Saigon Mama to taste the dishes to be sold at the Beijinger’s Hot &amp; Spicy Festival.
" data-image-caption="Mar 31. Kusina ni Kabayan food tasting
" data-medium-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/C8AC0B1C-C41F-4B41-8B72-3B2386621247-13829-000012B7D6C81F27_tmp.jpg?w=300" data-large-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/C8AC0B1C-C41F-4B41-8B72-3B2386621247-13829-000012B7D6C81F27_tmp.jpg?w=700" /></a>
<a href='https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/img_6727/'><img width="150" height="100" src="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/IMG_6727.jpg?w=150" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" decoding="async" srcset="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/IMG_6727.jpg?w=150 150w, https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/IMG_6727.jpg?w=300 300w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" data-attachment-id="3981" data-permalink="https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/img_6727/" data-orig-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/IMG_6727.jpg" data-orig-size="5520,3680" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"3.2","credit":"","camera":"NIKON D810","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1523804461","copyright":"","focal_length":"44","iso":"320","shutter_speed":"0.01","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="Apr 15. Kusina ni Kabayan at the Beijinger’s Hot &amp; Spicy Festival" data-image-description="And we succeeded! We were the only food vendor that was not a restaurant, but still, we pulled it off!
" data-image-caption="Apr 15. Kusina ni Kabayan at the Beijinger’s Hot &amp; Spicy Festival
" data-medium-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/IMG_6727.jpg?w=300" data-large-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/IMG_6727.jpg?w=700" /></a>
<a href='https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/wechatimg670/'><img width="150" height="113" src="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG670.jpeg?w=150" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" decoding="async" srcset="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG670.jpeg?w=150 150w, https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG670.jpeg?w=300 300w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" data-attachment-id="3991" data-permalink="https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/wechatimg670/" data-orig-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG670.jpeg" data-orig-size="4032,3024" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="Apr 22. Seeing my first nephew for the first time" data-image-description="After a couple of rough weeks in preparation for the Hot &amp; Spicy Festival, I finally had the time to relax. I scrapped my plan to go to Tibet and instead went back home to see my first nephew and spend time with my family.
" data-image-caption="Apr 22. Seeing my first nephew for the first time
" data-medium-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG670.jpeg?w=300" data-large-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG670.jpeg?w=700" /></a>
<a href='https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/wechatimg671/'><img width="150" height="113" src="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG671.jpeg?w=150" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" decoding="async" srcset="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG671.jpeg?w=150 150w, https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG671.jpeg?w=300 300w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" data-attachment-id="4007" data-permalink="https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/wechatimg671/" data-orig-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG671.jpeg" data-orig-size="4032,3024" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="Apr 27. Solo backpacking in Bohol, Philippines" data-image-description="But the outdoorsy guy in me still went on a trip… this time on the islands of Bohol, Cebu, and Palawan for several articles for the June issue of beijingkids.
" data-image-caption="Apr 27. Solo backpacking in Bohol, Philippines
" data-medium-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG671.jpeg?w=300" data-large-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG671.jpeg?w=700" /></a>
<a href='https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/wechatimg672/'><img width="150" height="113" src="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG672.jpeg?w=150" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" decoding="async" srcset="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG672.jpeg?w=150 150w, https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG672.jpeg?w=300 300w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" data-attachment-id="4006" data-permalink="https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/wechatimg672/" data-orig-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG672.jpeg" data-orig-size="4032,3024" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="May 8. Post-birthday dinner" data-image-description="I don’t really tell people it’s my birthday so there have been times that I celebrated it with them not even knowing it. And this was one instance… they knew after Kia (seated on my right) blew it up with a message in our group chat.
" data-image-caption="May 8. Post-birthday dinner
" data-medium-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG672.jpeg?w=300" data-large-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG672.jpeg?w=700" /></a>
<a href='https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/img_8229-2/'><img width="113" height="150" src="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/IMG_8229.jpg?w=113" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" decoding="async" srcset="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/IMG_8229.jpg?w=113 113w, https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/IMG_8229.jpg?w=226 226w" sizes="(max-width: 113px) 100vw, 113px" data-attachment-id="3988" data-permalink="https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/img_8229-2/" data-orig-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/IMG_8229.jpg" data-orig-size="3024,4032" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"2.2","credit":"","camera":"iPhone 6s Plus","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1526134534","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.15","iso":"125","shutter_speed":"0.058823529411765","title":"","orientation":"1","latitude":"39.934697222222","longitude":"116.43769166667"}" data-image-title="May 12. Birthday surprise at Little Creatures" data-image-description="Perhaps this was the biggest surprise of the half-year because my mind was conditioned to attend an important planning meeting — which didn’t happen at all! I didn’t have a hint that my Kusina family would be there to surprise me!
" data-image-caption="May 12. Birthday surprise at Little Creatures
" data-medium-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/IMG_8229.jpg?w=225" data-large-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/IMG_8229.jpg?w=700" /></a>
<a href='https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/133f9e56-71cc-444c-8db2-b0dc67602120/'><img width="150" height="113" src="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/133F9E56-71CC-444C-8DB2-B0DC67602120.jpg?w=150" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" decoding="async" srcset="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/133F9E56-71CC-444C-8DB2-B0DC67602120.jpg?w=150 150w, https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/133F9E56-71CC-444C-8DB2-B0DC67602120.jpg?w=300 300w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" data-attachment-id="3983" data-permalink="https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/133f9e56-71cc-444c-8db2-b0dc67602120/" data-orig-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/133F9E56-71CC-444C-8DB2-B0DC67602120.jpg" data-orig-size="4032,3024" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"1.8","credit":"","camera":"iPhone 7 Plus","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1527359639","copyright":"Copyright 2018. All rights reserved.","focal_length":"3.99","iso":"32","shutter_speed":"0.02","title":"","orientation":"1","latitude":"5.7922","longitude":"115.98935833333"}" data-image-title="May 26. Sunset spotting in Kota Kinabalu" data-image-description="Our whole company went on a trip to Sabah, and while it wasn’t the best summer beach, I enjoyed spotting a gorgeous sunset on the beach of Kota Kinabalu.
" data-image-caption="May 26. Sunset spotting in Kota Kinabalu
" data-medium-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/133F9E56-71CC-444C-8DB2-B0DC67602120.jpg?w=300" data-large-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/133F9E56-71CC-444C-8DB2-B0DC67602120.jpg?w=700" /></a>
<a href='https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/wechatimg694/'><img width="150" height="113" src="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG694.jpeg?w=150" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" decoding="async" srcset="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG694.jpeg?w=150 150w, https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG694.jpeg?w=300 300w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" data-attachment-id="4014" data-permalink="https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/wechatimg694/" data-orig-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG694.jpeg" data-orig-size="1440,1080" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="May 29. Toruk: The First Flight press conference" data-image-description="Just when I thought I stalled in my career as a journalist, this press conference of the then-upcoming Cirque du Soleil Beijing performance of Toruk: The First Flight had given me a chance to practice my profession once more.
" data-image-caption="May 29. Toruk: The First Flight press conference
" data-medium-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG694.jpeg?w=300" data-large-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG694.jpeg?w=700" /></a>
<a href='https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/wechatimg675/'><img width="150" height="113" src="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG675.jpeg?w=150" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" decoding="async" srcset="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG675.jpeg?w=150 150w, https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG675.jpeg?w=300 300w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" data-attachment-id="4003" data-permalink="https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/wechatimg675/" data-orig-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG675.jpeg" data-orig-size="1440,1080" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="May 31. Blogging in Beijing open forum" data-image-description="It’s another occasion where I was able to flex my event organizing muscle that had been stale since I left for China. The Blogging in Beijing networking series also gave me a pleasant surprise: attendees from different professions gave me a round of applause for responding a rather simple question with an inspiring answer.
" data-image-caption="May 31. Blogging in Beijing open forum
" data-medium-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG675.jpeg?w=300" data-large-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG675.jpeg?w=700" /></a>
<a href='https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/wechatimg676/'><img width="113" height="150" src="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG676.jpeg?w=113" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" decoding="async" srcset="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG676.jpeg?w=113 113w, https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG676.jpeg?w=226 226w" sizes="(max-width: 113px) 100vw, 113px" data-attachment-id="4002" data-permalink="https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/wechatimg676/" data-orig-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG676.jpeg" data-orig-size="2320,3088" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="Jun 16. Kia’s last Beijing Burger Festival" data-image-description="My very very good friend Kia told me earlier in the year that she was going back to her hometown in Brunei Darussalam. We shared a lot of good memories during the previous year, and most of them involved eating out, including here at the Beijing Burger Festival.
" data-image-caption="Jun 16. Kia’s last Beijing Burger Festival
" data-medium-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG676.jpeg?w=225" data-large-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG676.jpeg?w=700" /></a>
<a href='https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/wechatimg677/'><img width="150" height="113" src="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG677.jpeg?w=150" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" decoding="async" srcset="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG677.jpeg?w=150 150w, https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG677.jpeg?w=300 300w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" data-attachment-id="4001" data-permalink="https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/wechatimg677/" data-orig-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG677.jpeg" data-orig-size="4032,3024" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="Jul 22. Camping at Chicheng in Zhangjiakou" data-image-description="Ever since I came back from the Philippines, I slowly sunk into anxiety and it had reached its peak in October. Even before that, I tried to fight the anxiety attacks by traveling, including this camping trip in Zhangjiakou.
" data-image-caption="Jul 22. Camping at Chicheng in Zhangjiakou
" data-medium-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG677.jpeg?w=300" data-large-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG677.jpeg?w=700" /></a>
<a href='https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/wechatimg678/'><img width="150" height="113" src="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG678.jpeg?w=150" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" decoding="async" srcset="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG678.jpeg?w=150 150w, https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG678.jpeg?w=300 300w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" data-attachment-id="4000" data-permalink="https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/wechatimg678/" data-orig-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG678.jpeg" data-orig-size="4032,3024" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="Jul 29. The Peking Man site at Zhoukoudian" data-image-description="I wrote a Beijing Bucket List article about the seven World Heritage Sites that you can visit in Beijing if you have a 3-day transit visa. But among those seven, I set foot on the farthest one from the city center – the Peking Man site at Zhoukoudian – this July, only to find out that the featured cave system was closed for renovations.
" data-image-caption="Jul 29. The Peking Man site at Zhoukoudian
" data-medium-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG678.jpeg?w=300" data-large-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG678.jpeg?w=700" /></a>
<a href='https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/wechatimg688/'><img width="150" height="113" src="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG688.jpeg?w=150" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" decoding="async" srcset="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG688.jpeg?w=150 150w, https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG688.jpeg?w=300 300w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" data-attachment-id="4010" data-permalink="https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/wechatimg688/" data-orig-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG688.jpeg" data-orig-size="1440,1080" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="Aug 1. Toruk: The First Flight performance" data-image-description="I had been waiting for this performance since May, so it was truly a delight to see the action at the Huaxi Live Arena in Wukesong, which happened to be my first time there as well.
" data-image-caption="Aug 1. Toruk: The First Flight performance
" data-medium-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG688.jpeg?w=300" data-large-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG688.jpeg?w=700" /></a>
<a href='https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/wechatimg690/'><img width="150" height="113" src="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG690.jpeg?w=150" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" decoding="async" srcset="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG690.jpeg?w=150 150w, https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG690.jpeg?w=300 300w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" data-attachment-id="4011" data-permalink="https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/wechatimg690/" data-orig-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG690.jpeg" data-orig-size="1440,1080" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="Aug 24. My journey to learning a new language" data-image-description="One of my main New Year goals in 2018 was to take and pass the HSK 2 test. As a preparation, I joined the Chinese classes organized by Purple Bamboo Chinese school. They were so cheap that I thought to get the opportunity while it’s fresh. I wasn’t able to take the HSK 2 test this year, though.
" data-image-caption="Aug 24. My journey to learning a new language
" data-medium-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG690.jpeg?w=300" data-large-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG690.jpeg?w=700" /></a>
<a href='https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/wechatimg691/'><img width="150" height="113" src="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG691.jpeg?w=150" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" decoding="async" srcset="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG691.jpeg?w=150 150w, https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG691.jpeg?w=300 300w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" data-attachment-id="4012" data-permalink="https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/wechatimg691/" data-orig-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG691.jpeg" data-orig-size="1440,1080" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="Aug 29. When I Grow Up photo shoot" data-image-description="This is my favorite beijingkids magazine column to the point that I already “own” it. Not only I meet professionals and learn from them, but I also see how kids have a simple understanding of what’s around them. Their naivety is refreshing.
" data-image-caption="Aug 29. When I Grow Up photo shoot
" data-medium-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG691.jpeg?w=300" data-large-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG691.jpeg?w=700" /></a>
<a href='https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/wechatimg679/'><img width="113" height="150" src="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG679.jpeg?w=113" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" decoding="async" srcset="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG679.jpeg?w=113 113w, https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG679.jpeg?w=226 226w" sizes="(max-width: 113px) 100vw, 113px" data-attachment-id="3999" data-permalink="https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/wechatimg679/" data-orig-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG679.jpeg" data-orig-size="3024,4032" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="Sep 16. Kusina ni Kabayan’s Pamilyang Pinoy autumn fair" data-image-description="After the success of Kusina ni Kabayan at the Hot &amp; Spicy Festival, our group has continued organizing events for the Filipino community in Beijing. Following a karaoke event in August, the Pamilyang Pinoy autumn fair was another jiayou and gongxi moment for the volunteers.
" data-image-caption="Sep 16. Kusina ni Kabayan’s Pamilyang Pinoy autumn fair
" data-medium-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG679.jpeg?w=225" data-large-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG679.jpeg?w=700" /></a>
<a href='https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/wechatimg687/'><img width="150" height="113" src="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG687.jpeg?w=150" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" decoding="async" srcset="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG687.jpeg?w=150 150w, https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG687.jpeg?w=300 300w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" data-attachment-id="4009" data-permalink="https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/wechatimg687/" data-orig-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG687.jpeg" data-orig-size="1440,1080" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="Sep 30. Recreating my best Summer Palace photo" data-image-description="I’d been battling anxiety attacks during this time of the year, and a big part of me wanted to stay away from the hustle of Beijing life. It was a holiday so I went to the same spot where I took my memorable Summer Palace image and re-took the photo using a better phone camera. This photo might not be as good as the first, but I thought that wasn’t really my purpose on this short trip. I just wanted a breather.
" data-image-caption="Sep 30. Recreating my best Summer Palace photo
" data-medium-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG687.jpeg?w=300" data-large-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG687.jpeg?w=700" /></a>
<a href='https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/sony-dsc-2/'><img width="150" height="100" src="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG680.jpeg?w=150" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" decoding="async" srcset="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG680.jpeg?w=150 150w, https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG680.jpeg?w=300 300w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" data-attachment-id="3998" data-permalink="https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/sony-dsc-2/" data-orig-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG680.jpeg" data-orig-size="3408,2272" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"5","credit":"","camera":"DSLR-A350","caption":"SONY DSC","created_timestamp":"1538489345","copyright":"","focal_length":"28","iso":"125","shutter_speed":"0.02","title":"SONY DSC","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="Oct 2. National Holiday with Kusina at The Brickyard Mutianyu" data-image-description="This week I was supposed to travel alone to somewhere, but I thought to join a short jaunt with the Kusina ni Kabayan volunteers to a Buddhist temple somewhere in the northeast of Beijing. What’s nice was that we ended the day with a fruit-picking session!
" data-image-caption="Oct 2. National Holiday with Kusina at The Brickyard Mutianyu
" data-medium-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG680.jpeg?w=300" data-large-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG680.jpeg?w=700" /></a>
<a href='https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/img_0694/'><img width="150" height="113" src="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/IMG_0694.jpg?w=150" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" decoding="async" srcset="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/IMG_0694.jpg?w=150 150w, https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/IMG_0694.jpg?w=300 300w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" data-attachment-id="3985" data-permalink="https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/img_0694/" data-orig-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/IMG_0694.jpg" data-orig-size="3088,2320" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"2.2","credit":"","camera":"iPhone X","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1538937359","copyright":"","focal_length":"2.87","iso":"320","shutter_speed":"0.03030303030303","title":"","orientation":"1","latitude":"39.931083333333","longitude":"116.45066944444"}" data-image-title="Oct 7. Tiffany and Bleddyn’s wedding announcement " data-image-description="My very good friends Tiffany and Bleddyn, along with Kay, set up a brunch at The Rug in Sanlitun because it had been forever since we last saw each other. Never did I know that Tiffany and Bleddyn were planning to announce their engagement! Their wedding will be in June 2019 in Taiwan — I’m so excited for them!
" data-image-caption="Oct 7. Tiffany and Bleddyn’s wedding announcement 
" data-medium-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/IMG_0694.jpg?w=300" data-large-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/IMG_0694.jpg?w=700" /></a>
<a href='https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/img_0748/'><img width="150" height="100" src="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/IMG_0748.jpg?w=150" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" decoding="async" srcset="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/IMG_0748.jpg?w=150 150w, https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/IMG_0748.jpg?w=300 300w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" data-attachment-id="3986" data-permalink="https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/img_0748/" data-orig-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/IMG_0748.jpg" data-orig-size="5184,3456" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"4","credit":"","camera":"Canon EOS-1D X","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1539293979","copyright":"","focal_length":"43","iso":"4000","shutter_speed":"0.004","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="Oct 11. Oktoberfest at Paulaner Braühaus" data-image-description="Nathalie was my classmate in the summer Chinese classes, and during those few days that we’d been together, we clicked as if we knew each other since childhood! Our very good friends Sandra and Cynthia (not in the picture) invited us to the Oktoberfest celebration at Paulaner Braühaus. It was my “proper” introduction to the Oktoberfest festivities Nathalie and Sandra showed me the way they do it in Germany – gulping down a maßh and dancing on top of tables!
" data-image-caption="Oct 11. Oktoberfest at Paulaner Braühaus
" data-medium-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/IMG_0748.jpg?w=300" data-large-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/IMG_0748.jpg?w=700" /></a>
<a href='https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/wechatimg682/'><img width="100" height="150" src="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG682.jpeg?w=100" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" decoding="async" srcset="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG682.jpeg?w=100 100w, https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG682.jpeg?w=200 200w" sizes="(max-width: 100px) 100vw, 100px" data-attachment-id="3996" data-permalink="https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/wechatimg682/" data-orig-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG682.jpeg" data-orig-size="3840,5760" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"11","credit":"","camera":"Canon EOS 5D Mark III","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1539698299","copyright":"","focal_length":"75","iso":"100","shutter_speed":"0.00625","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="Oct 16. Making the New Beijing photoshoot" data-image-description="It may be the most difficult magazine feature I’ve done for beijingkids yet but it’s one of the most rewarding. Profiling 25 movers and shakers in Beijing was an easy-breezy, but the coordination and the direction was no easy feat. The end product was glorious and inspirational, plus I had a free “model” shoot!
" data-image-caption="Oct 16. Making the New Beijing photoshoot
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<a href='https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/img_1110/'><img width="150" height="84" src="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/IMG_1110.jpg?w=150" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" decoding="async" srcset="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/IMG_1110.jpg?w=150 150w, https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/IMG_1110.jpg?w=300 300w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" data-attachment-id="3987" data-permalink="https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/img_1110/" data-orig-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/IMG_1110.jpg" data-orig-size="1920,1080" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="Oct 27. Rescuing Fu on South Sanlitun Road" data-image-description="Even though I love dogs, it wasn’t my plan to get a pet in Beijing because it’s simply difficult. But that changed when I rescued this small Pomeranian on the busy thoroughfare of South Sanlitun Road.
" data-image-caption="Oct 27. Rescuing Fu on South Sanlitun Road
" data-medium-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/IMG_1110.jpg?w=300" data-large-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/IMG_1110.jpg?w=700" /></a>
<a href='https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/wechatimg683/'><img width="113" height="150" src="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG683.jpeg?w=113" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" decoding="async" srcset="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG683.jpeg?w=113 113w, https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG683.jpeg?w=226 226w" sizes="(max-width: 113px) 100vw, 113px" data-attachment-id="3995" data-permalink="https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/wechatimg683/" data-orig-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG683.jpeg" data-orig-size="1080,1440" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="Oct 27. Shanghai Swing gala at Western Academy of Beijing" data-image-description="On the same day of the rescue, I had to attend a gala with a theme of 1920s Shanghai. I like dressing up for occasions, but this one was different: I showed up as a Chinese prince. Well, it doesn’t really suit a Chinese prince because his attire would have had tons of ornaments.
" data-image-caption="Oct 27. Shanghai Swing gala at Western Academy of Beijing
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<a href='https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/wechatimg693/'><img width="150" height="113" src="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG693.jpeg?w=150" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" decoding="async" srcset="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG693.jpeg?w=150 150w, https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG693.jpeg?w=300 300w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" data-attachment-id="4015" data-permalink="https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/wechatimg693/" data-orig-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG693.jpeg" data-orig-size="1424,1072" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="Nov 11. Fu’s vaccination" data-image-description="It was Single’s Day all over China, which meant people went on a mobile shopping frenzy. But I spent that day with a visit to a vet for Fu’s vaccination, which meant that I am ready to take on the challenge of having a pet companion in Beijing, something that I have been wanting to do for a long time here.
" data-image-caption="Nov 11. Fu’s vaccination
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<a href='https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/wechatimg686/'><img width="113" height="150" src="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG686.jpeg?w=113" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" decoding="async" srcset="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG686.jpeg?w=113 113w, https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG686.jpeg?w=226 226w" sizes="(max-width: 113px) 100vw, 113px" data-attachment-id="3992" data-permalink="https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/wechatimg686/" data-orig-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG686.jpeg" data-orig-size="3024,4032" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="Nov 11. Basia at Blue Note" data-image-description="And at night I rushed to Blue Note because it was the concert of my favorite jazz-pop artist, Basia. It’s a shame that the concertgoers were as tame as sheep but I tremendously savored the moments when Basia sang my favorite tunes, especially “Time and Tide” and “Baby You’re Mine”. I made my way to meet her in person too! And her “Reward”? “A Gift” of hugs and warm wishes!
" data-image-caption="Nov 11. Basia at Blue Note
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<a href='https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/wechatimg685/'><img width="150" height="113" src="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG685.jpeg?w=150" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" decoding="async" srcset="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG685.jpeg?w=150 150w, https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG685.jpeg?w=300 300w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" data-attachment-id="3993" data-permalink="https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/wechatimg685/" data-orig-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG685.jpeg" data-orig-size="1440,1080" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="Dec 1. Kusina ni Kabayan’s Krismas sa Pinas Christmas market" data-image-description="We ushered in December in Beijing with several Christmas markets. But the one I attended to was the most special: the Krismas sa Pinas winter market. Not only it was another event of Kusina ni Kabayan but it was also one of the few special activities that showcased Filipino culture in Beijing.
" data-image-caption="Dec 1. Kusina ni Kabayan’s Krismas sa Pinas Christmas market
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<a href='https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/wechatimg692/'><img width="150" height="113" src="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG692.jpeg?w=150" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" alt="" decoding="async" srcset="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG692.jpeg?w=150 150w, https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG692.jpeg?w=300 300w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" data-attachment-id="4013" data-permalink="https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/12/30/how-these-30-photos-defined-my-third-year-in-china/wechatimg692/" data-orig-file="https://coolkidandy.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/WechatIMG692.jpeg" data-orig-size="1440,1080" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="Dec 16. First bullet train ride and a trip to Tianjin" data-image-description="Tianjin may be a mere 30-minute ride from Beijing but I have never bothered going there for the reason that it was just not that interesting for me. But that changed when I visited the city with Mommy Perlita Pengson, the founder of Kusina ni Kabayan, to attend the Christmas party of the Filipino Community in Tianjin group. Aside from the bullet train ride, there were a lot of exciting plans that were discussed during the visit which remind me that the best is yet to come!
" data-image-caption="Dec 16. First bullet train ride and a trip to Tianjin
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Photos: Andy Penafuerte III
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<media:title type="html">Jan 1. Staring the year with a trip to the Temple of Heaven Park</media:title>
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<title>Tips on Handling Emergencies on the Beach</title>
<link>https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/05/26/tips-on-handling-emergencies-on-the-beach/</link>
<comments>https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/05/26/tips-on-handling-emergencies-on-the-beach/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[coolkidandy]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sat, 26 May 2018 07:35:28 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[beijingkids]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[beach]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[emergency]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/?p=3968</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Here comes the sun, and what better way to bask in the sunlight than spending the day on the beach. But you need to get out and travel further south to experience paradise in Asia — in Sanya (Hainan Province), Bali (Indonesia), Palawan (Philippines), or Phuket (Thailand). Have you packed your swimming essentials and prepared your … <a href="https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/05/26/tips-on-handling-emergencies-on-the-beach/" class="more-link">Continue reading Tips on Handling Emergencies on the Beach →</a>]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Here comes the sun, and what better way to bask in the sunlight than spending the day on the beach. But you need to get out and travel further south to experience paradise in Asia — in Sanya (Hainan Province), Bali (Indonesia), Palawan (Philippines), or Phuket (Thailand).
Have you packed your <a href="http://www.beijing-kids.com/blog/2018/05/11/heading-beach-forget-bring-swimming-essentials/">swimming essentials</a> and prepared your <a href="http://www.beijing-kids.com/blog/2018/02/12/items-that-you-need-for-your-travel-first-aid-kit/">first aid kits</a> yet? When you get ready for your beach adventure, one important and life-saving thing that you need to know is how to handle beach emergencies. That’s our topic in this edition of Doctor’s Corner, with Dr. Reinhard Krippner, a family medicine physician at United Family Liangma Clinic.
<hr />
What are the usual emergencies that happen on the beach? 
Dr. Krippner: The most common emergencies are probably due to prolonged and intensive exposure to the sun, injuries on the beach or in the water and contact with some sort of sea creature. Drowning accidents, which may not be noticed immediately when happening, are the most devastating emergencies. We’ll talk about that later.
Let’s talk first about sunbathing. What are the risks of staying too much under the sun? 
Dr. Krippner: It is surprising how many people (rarely Asians) still love to sunbathe with all the knowledge about UV light damage to the skin leading to accelerated skin aging, precancerous skin lesions and finally to different types of less or more aggressive skin cancers.
On the beach, a sun lotion with a high UV light protection factor (30 or more) should be used. Even with a sunshade, there is still a lot of indirect sunlight reflected from the water surface.
Severe sunburns may be seen in people who underestimate the sun, fall asleep on the beach, are drunk, or go swimming without adequate sun protection for their back. Cold compresses, Calamine lotions or gels containing aloe may give some relief, while medications like ibuprofen may help against the pain and inflammation. Serious sunburns have to be treated in a hospital.
What are the other risks of sun exposure? 
Dr. Krippner: A more serious effect of prolonged sun exposure is heat exhaustion, which is a combination of excessive heat exposure, lack of fluid (dehydration), and exertion. Dehydrating alcoholic drinks may also play a role. People with chronic illness are more at risk. Symptoms may be a headache, intense thirst, dizziness, excessive sweating, muscle cramps, vomiting, fast pulse and breathing, and body temperatures above 38°C.
<figure data-shortcode="caption" id="attachment_120051" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-120051" style="width: 1280px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-120051 size-full" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.beijing-kids.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/pexels-photo-221471.jpeg" alt="" width="1280" height="716" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-120051" class="wp-caption-text">Even with a sunshade, there is still a lot of indirect sunlight reflected from the water surface.</figcaption></figure>
Do heat exhaustion and heat stroke happen when someone is swimming in the sea or only on the beach? 
Dr. Krippner: Even a water temperature of 29°C like in Southeast Asia is still 8 degrees below normal body temperature, therefore it cools the body. So heat exhaustion cannot happen while swimming.
How should a person dealing with heat exhaustion or heat stroke be managed? 
Dr. Krippner: A person with the above-mentioned symptoms should be moved to a cool place, lie down with feet slightly elevated, and made to drink plenty of water or sports drinks. For cooling the body, water should be sprinkled on the skin and cold packs will also help. If the situation does not improve within 30 minutes or the patient is getting signs of heat stroke with a body temperature of 40°C, becomes confused or unresponsive, emergency services must be called immediately. Symptoms in children are similar, but they may become sleepy and their condition may worsen faster.
What about the other emergencies? 
Dr. Krippner: Other common emergencies are skin injuries due to sharp objects, jellyfish stings, sea urchins, or corals.
Coral and sea urchin injuries, even without bacterial infection, may take sometimes weeks to heal because of tiny particles entering the skin causing foreign body or allergic reactions. After a skin injury, it is important to immediately clean the wound with water and disinfect the wound repeatedly for several days. Having a small bottle of disinfectant and a band-aid with you may save you from infection, which can become quite severe. Any deeper or more extensive wound should be seen by a doctor especially if you think it’s infected.
<figure data-shortcode="caption" id="attachment_120088" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-120088" style="width: 1920px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-120088 size-full" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.beijing-kids.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/pexels-photo-348526.jpeg" alt="" width="1920" height="1280" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-120088" class="wp-caption-text">The invisible tentacles of jellyfish contain microscopically small capsules with a mechanism that injects the toxin into the skin.</figcaption></figure>
What are the other risks on the beach? 
Dr. Krippner: On less populated beaches, tourists should tread cautiously to avoid well-camouflaged stingrays, scorpions, or stonefish. Their stings are extremely painful and may cause serious but rarely life-threatening envenomations. The most important first aid for stonefish stings is the immersion of the foot in hot water (below 45°C), which inactivates the toxin. In Australia, antivenom may be available. The best precaution is wearing plastic shoes.
Are leggings and rash guards effective against the sting of jellyfish? 
Dr. Krippner: Jellyfish often appear seasonally, with some species being predominant on certain coasts. Their often invisible tentacles contain microscopically small capsules with a mechanism that, on contact, injects the toxin into the skin. Jellyfish stings are quite common, causing itchy or painful rashes. Sometimes they cause generalized allergic or toxic reactions and rarely life-threatening situations. Even if the reaction is not severe, some swimmers may panic.
Whatever type of clothing you wear, as long as the cloth is tightly woven (mesh size < 0.25 mm) it will protect you against stings. A wise precaution is to stay on the beach if you see people experiencing jellyfish stings.
What are the ways to manage the pain from jellyfish stings? It’s been said that urine can be used to treat jellyfish stings, but does it really work? 
Dr. Krippner: It is known that washing jellyfish affected skin with tap water actually triggers more unopened capsules causing further exposure to the toxin. The same is true for alcohol and urine, whereas use of vinegar, which you may get from a nearby restaurant, seems to be beneficial in some types of jellyfish stings. Do not rub the skin but scrape off any possibly remaining tentacles with for example a bank card. This you may do by covering the skin with sand first, which some sources also consider as helpful.
Let’s talk about drowning, which is said to be a major beach emergency. What are the first aid techniques to help a victim of drowning? 
Dr. Krippner: Drowning happens even to good swimmers, especially if basic rules are disregarded, i.e. swimming far out into the sea, overestimating one’s physical strength, or ignoring or underestimating currents. Going into the water, if one does not feel well or is under the influence of alcohol, is definitely a risk. If warning signs or advice of rescue personnel on the beach are always followed, fewer people would drown.
First aid for drowning victims essentially is not different from Basic Life Support (BLS) for any unresponsive person with possible respiratory and cardiac arrest. This means clearing the airway (A), assist breathing (B) and support blood circulation (C) by chest compressions. Recently BLS guidelines reversed the order to CAB, starting with chest compressions.
In drowning victims, the primary cause of the life-threatening situation is lack of oxygen (hypoxia). Therefore BLS still follows the old sequence, giving 5 initial rescue breaths (mouth to mouth or mouth to nose) before 30 chest compressions.
For more details, it is highly recommended to attend a BLS course, since you never know when you may need it, not only on the beach.
<h1>First Aid for Drowning Victims</h1>
This section is adapted from a <a href="http://blogs.redcross.org.uk/first-aid/2017/07/five-things-you-should-know-about-drowning/">first aid blog by the British Red Cross</a>.
<h3>How you can help victims of drowning</h3>
If you pull someone from the water and they are <a href="http://www.redcross.org.uk/What-we-do/First-aid/Everyday-First-Aid/Unresponsive-and-not-breathing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">unresponsive and not breathing</a>, follow these steps:
1. Check for breathing. Tilt their head back and look, listen and feel for breaths. If they are not breathing move on to the following steps. 
2. Tell someone to call the local coast guard, hospital, or other emergency services for immediate help. 
3. Give five rescue breaths: tilt their head back, sealing your mouth over their mouth. Pinch their nose and blow into their mouth. Repeat this five times. 
4. Give 30 chest compressions. Push firmly in the middle of their chest and then release. Repeat this 30 times. 
5. Give two rescue breaths, then continue with cycles of 30 chest compressions and two rescue breaths until help arrives.
<h3>Drowning: eight warning signs</h3>
According to water safety expert Frank Pia, there’s another complication for younger people in the water: “The drowning movements of a young child can actually look like they’re doing the dog paddle.”
A child who’s drowning looks remarkably like a child larking about in the water. That’s why you need to know what to look for. 
1. Head low in water, mouth at water level. 
2. Head tilted back with open mouth. 
3. Glassy eyes that are unable to focus, or closed eyes. 
4. Not kicking with legs. 
5. Hair covering the forehead or eyes for a prolonged period. 
6. Gasping for breath or hyperventilating. 
7. Inability to respond to the question: “Are you okay?” 
8. Silence.
<h3>About the Doctor</h3>
<img loading="lazy" class="alignright wp-image-120086 size-thumbnail" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.beijing-kids.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Dr.-Reinhard-Krippner-150x150.png" alt="" width="150" height="150" />
Dr. Reinhard Krippner is a family medicine physician at United Family Liangma Clinic. Dr. Krippner completed his Medical Degree in 1978 after studying medicine in Germany. Dr. Krippner uses his expertise in Internal Medicine and Family Medicine to offer personalized care to his patients, adults and children alike. With his medical experience in Asia and Africa, Dr. Krippner is familiar with infectious and tropical diseases endemic in those regions. Having traveled on all five continents, Dr. Krippner draws on a wealth of knowledge in which to advise travelers on both health risks and their prevention. He has enjoyed hiking including many volcanoes in Indonesia, at high altitude (Mt. Kilimanjaro, Everest Base Camp), scuba diving in Southeast Asia and mountain biking in Africa. Dr. Krippner is board certified in Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Tropical Medicine and Occupational Medicine. In addition, Dr. Krippner is certified to give advice and perform check-ups that follow German occupational health regulations for German companies overseas. Dr. Krippner speaks English, German, French, Spanish, Indonesian, and some Mandarin.
<hr />
Photo: <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-and-woman-swimming-in-the-sea-near-brown-cliff-1074453/">anna-m.weber</a>, <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/animal-bay-beach-bubbles-348526/">Porapak Apichodilok</a>, <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-and-white-dead-die-diving-9786/">Life Of Pix</a> via Pexels; <a href="https://pixabay.com/en/pink-beach-beach-paradise-1761410/">Walkerssk</a> via Pixabay; courtesy of BJU 
This <a href="http://www.beijing-kids.com/blog/2018/05/22/tips-handling-emergencies-beach/">post</a> first appeared on beijingkids
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<title>Get Hydrated: Fruits and Vegetables to Add to Your Infused Water Recipes</title>
<link>https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/05/19/get-hydrated-fruits-and-vegetables-to-add-to-your-infused-water-recipes/</link>
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<dc:creator><![CDATA[coolkidandy]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sat, 19 May 2018 07:31:32 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[beijingkids]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[infused water]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/?p=3964</guid>
<description><![CDATA[My lemon water regime seemingly has worked well with my usual diet of fewer carbs and more protein and fruits. But I’ve been struggling to maintain my weight as I’ve been (stress-) eating a lot of sweets due to traveling for work and all other kinds of busyness. In short, I didn’t have the time … <a href="https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/05/19/get-hydrated-fruits-and-vegetables-to-add-to-your-infused-water-recipes/" class="more-link">Continue reading Get Hydrated: Fruits and Vegetables to Add to Your Infused Water Recipes →</a>]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[My <a href="http://www.beijing-kids.com/blog/2017/06/25/zest-for-health-the-benefits-of-drinking-lemon-water/">lemon water regime</a> seemingly has worked well with my usual diet of fewer carbs and more protein and fruits. But I’ve been struggling to maintain my weight as I’ve been (stress-) eating a lot of sweets due to traveling for work and all other kinds of busyness. In short, I didn’t have the time to be healthy.
So I’ve reverted to the old me by doing old habits, like waking up early in the morning to exercise and trying to eat healthy as much as possible. I wanted to step up my zesty regime, so I recently visited a local fruit store and followed some infused water recipes.
The nice thing with infused water is that it’s very easy to do: get fruits and herbs, mix them, and there you go! Create your own mix at the comfort of your home or prepare it on the beach before you them. Fruits have certain levels of natural <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fructose#Potential_health_effects">fructose</a>, a type of simple sugar considered as a “<a href="//www.healthline.com/nutrition/why-is-fructose-bad-for-you#section1">safe sweetener</a>,” as well as fiber. Having real fruits is definitely much better and healthier than adding powdery mixes and refined sugars to water.
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-119896 size-medium" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.beijing-kids.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/DSC_0191ed-2-288x300.jpg" alt="" width="288" height="300" />
Here’s a rundown of the health benefits of fruits, herbs, and vegetables you can add to your infused water:
– <a href="https://draxe.com/benefits-of-basil/">Basil</a> has high levels of antioxidants and essential oil compounds that boost immunity and protection from disease 
– <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/287710.php">Blueberries</a> have natural plant compounds that have a powerful antioxidant effect, as well as essential minerals to help maintain healthy bones 
– <a href="https://draxe.com/cantaloupe-nutrition/">Cantaloupe</a> is a low-calorie fruit and a great source of vitamins A and C to protect eye health 
– <a href="https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/08/23/health-benefits-cucumbers.aspx">Cucumber</a> contains organic compounds which may help reduce the risk of several cancers 
– <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/benefits-of-lemon-water#2">Lemons</a> are a natural detoxifier that supports weight loss and promotes hydration 
– <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/lime-water-benefits#2">Lime</a> helps rejuvenate the skin and fights infections 
– <a href="https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/health-benefits-of-mint.html">Mint</a> is a popular aromatic herb that can work as a relaxant; it can help treat nausea and headache 
– <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/272782.php">Oranges</a> contain fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and other minerals that support heart health 
– <a href="https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/health-benefits-of-peach.html">Peaches </a>contain high levels of potassium to help metabolic processes and regulate muscular tissues 
– <a href="https://www.livescience.com/45487-pineapple-nutrition.html">Pineapples </a>have the recommended values of vitamin C and other minerals to help boost the immune and skeletal systems 
– <a href="https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/ingredient-focus-strawberries">Strawberries</a> have fiber and fructose contents that can help regulate blood sugar levels 
– <a href="https://www.livescience.com/46019-watermelon-nutrition.html">Watermelons</a> have significant levels of lycopene and antioxidants that are linked to heart and bone health and prostate cancer prevention
There’s a lot of mixes that you can do, but just remember that keep your infused water refrigerated and consume them immediately. Those natural compounds and minerals you can see above can react differently in certain temperatures, hence the mixture can become a water solution and turn acidic (giving it a sour taste akin to diluted vinegar).
Anyway, here’s our recent article about easy-to-do drinks at home. Enjoy!
<a href="http://www.beijing-kids.com/blog/2017/07/26/5-insta-ready-detox-drinks-home/" rel="nofollow">http://www.beijing-kids.com/blog/2017/07/26/5-insta-ready-detox-drinks-home/</a>
 
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Photos: <a href="https://pixabay.com/en/water-drink-detox-detox-water-1487304/">Conger Design</a> via Pixabay, <a href="https://www.modernhoney.com/spa-fruit-infused-detox-water/">Modernhoney.com</a> 
This <a href="http://www.beijing-kids.com/blog/2018/05/15/hydrated-infused-water-recipes/">post</a> first appeared on beijingkids.
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<title>Heading to the Beach? Don’t Forget to Bring These Swimming Essentials</title>
<link>https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/05/12/heading-to-the-beach-dont-forget-to-bring-these-swimming-essentials/</link>
<comments>https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/05/12/heading-to-the-beach-dont-forget-to-bring-these-swimming-essentials/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[coolkidandy]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sat, 12 May 2018 07:06:03 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[beijingkids]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[summer]]></category>
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<description><![CDATA[Just recently, I went to several Philippine islands for a short spring jaunt. I wasn’t really even planning to go to the beach because my mind was conditioned to do a hike… but who could resist the sparkling sunshine and sea breeze on the beach? So instead of traveling to central China, I flew to … <a href="https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/05/12/heading-to-the-beach-dont-forget-to-bring-these-swimming-essentials/" class="more-link">Continue reading Heading to the Beach? Don’t Forget to Bring These Swimming Essentials →</a>]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Just recently, I went to several Philippine islands for a short spring jaunt. I wasn’t really even planning to go to the beach because my mind was conditioned to do a hike… but who could resist the sparkling sunshine and sea breeze on the beach? So instead of traveling to central China, I flew to Asia’s capital of fun (that’s Manila, in case you didn’t know!), and there I swam with whale sharks and did snorkeling and kayaking in a less-touristy lagoon (more about that in my upcoming article).
Anyway, I went to Decathlon and Miniso a few days before my trip and bought several items which would prove to be very useful in my island adventure.
<img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-119660 size-thumbnail alignright" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.beijing-kids.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/50-aquashoes-dark-grey-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />
<a href="https://www.decathlon.sg/p/8330684_50-aquashoes-dark-grey.html#/47-285-uk_3_4_eu_36_37">Aqua shoes</a> 
RMB 30
This was the best buy I’ve had so far at Decathlon. These lightweight aqua shoes can double as flip-flops or walking shoes when you just want to stroll on the beach. What’s nice is that the rubber soles, despite being thin, are quite strong and slip-proof. They would really help when you walk on a stony beach floor. They’re also handy when you’re snorkeling, but let me remind you that as much as possible, don’t step on corals.
<img loading="lazy" class="size-thumbnail wp-image-119661 alignright" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.beijing-kids.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/easybreath-surface-snorkelling-mask-blue-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /><a href="https://www.decathlon.sg/p/8304664_easybreath-surface-snorkelling-mask-blue.html#/701-200-s_m">Snorkeling mask</a> 
RMB 200
Snorkeling is a fun activity in itself, but when you get a full view of the things underwater, it will be more enjoyable. This mask removes the need to put on swimming goggles and a snorkel separately. Although bigger than normal swimming goggles, this mask isn’t bulky and heavy since you can detach the snorkel tube from the mask itself. And what’s more, you can breathe using your nose, which makes it easier especially for kids. Also consider: regular snorkels (RMB 20-50), goggles (RMB 60-130)
<h4>READ MORE: <a href="http://www.beijing-kids.com/blog/2018/02/12/items-that-you-need-for-your-travel-first-aid-kit/">What Items Do You Need for Your Travel First Aid Kit?</a></h4>
<img loading="lazy" class="size-thumbnail wp-image-119664 alignright" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.beijing-kids.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/10l-watertight-duffel-bag-grey-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /><a href="https://www.decathlon.sg/p/8361997_10l-watertight-duffel-bag-grey.html#/2486-132-10l">Waterproof duffel bag</a> 
RMB 90 (10 liters), RMB 130 (30 liters)
When you go island hopping, better have your essentials dry and usable. A tote bag can work but there will be times that you need to jump from the boat (which happened to me a lot during my trip). Luckily I have a waterproof duffel bag that can store a bottle of water, beach towel, phones and other small gadgets, and my travel first aid kit. You can also use this bag as a pillow! Inside the bag, you can use ziplock bags to store your sunscreens to prevent accidental spilling.
<img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-119663 size-thumbnail alignright" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.beijing-kids.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/66c47c3d-6e4c-4c53-9ce6-0f66bae10e65_1.eb6d9d58984e39cf4f61f76850b14cd6-150x150.jpeg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /><a href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Universal-Waterproof-Case-CHOETECH-2-Pack-Clear-Transparent-Cellphone-Waterproof-Dustproof-Dry-Bag-Neck-Strap-iphone-7-7-Plus-6S-6S-Plus-Devices-6-In/608251433?athcpid=608251433&athpgid=athenaItemPage&athcgid=null&athznid=PWVUB&athieid=v0&athstid=CS002&athguid=466001f5-5f21307a-e0ed817ed68b3e53&athena=true">Waterproof smartphone case</a>
RMB 15 (soft case), RMB 50 (hard case)
As a travel writer, I always make sure that my phone is ready to take quick snapshots of what’s happening around me. Of course, being underwater is not a big deal, thanks to this waterproof smartphone case. It’s really effective and the only instance that my phone gets wet is when I remove it from the case after swimming. Make sure that the case fits enough to your phone; otherwise you need to press the plastic a little bit against the camera so your photos or videos don’t get blurred or defocused. If you’re into diving, level it up and get a bulkier <a href="https://www.ebay.com/i/112481170891?chn=ps">smartphone case</a>. Just remember to attach the case to a quick-dry lanyard so that you can easily fasten it to your hand.
<img loading="lazy" class="alignright wp-image-119668 size-thumbnail" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.beijing-kids.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/image-150x150.jpeg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Miniso wet wipes/tissues 
RMB 15 for a pack of 5
Whenever you feel sticky, or when you’re ready to eat lunch, or when you just want to clean up stuff, these wet wipes/tissues come in very handy.
<h3>Wait, where are the other essentials?</h3>
The other essentials like health kits that include sunscreens and medication; towels and clothes; and accessories like hats, sunglasses, and flip-flops, are really a given when you go swimming. But it helps to have a checklist of other beach items that you can get easily from your home, just like the one I saw from <a href="https://www.travelingmom.com/packing/family-beach-vacation-packing-list/">Travelingmom.com</a> (see below or <a href="https://www.travelingmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/tmombeachlist.pdf">download the list here</a>), especially when you have limited preparation time before your swimming adventure.
<a href="https://www.travelingmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/tmombeachlist.pdf"><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-119669 size-full" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.beijing-kids.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/beach-packing-list.jpg" alt="" width="750" height="484" /></a>
Meanwhile, you can bring beach toys like sand tools and pails from China — but hey, you can rent or buy them in local stores.
One thing that I’d really say is an essential is to always bring a plastic bag. You DON’T need to buy a new one; just recycle whatever you get from local stores. If you see a biodegradable bag, then all the better. After swimming, you can put your soiled beach attire in the bag while you’re on the way to your hotel. Hang those bags dry afterward and reuse them when you want to buy a souvenir. Then when you’re ready to leave the beach, reuse the bags to compartmentalize your items in your luggage.
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-main-full wp-image-119675" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.beijing-kids.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/pexels-photo-179124-1078x516.jpeg" alt="" width="702" height="336" />
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Photos: Decathlon Singapore (<a href="https://www.decathlon.sg/p/8330684_50-aquashoes-dark-grey.html#/47-285-uk_3_4_eu_36_37">aqua shoes</a>, <a href="https://www.decathlon.sg/p/8304664_easybreath-surface-snorkelling-mask-blue.html#/701-200-s_m">snorkeling mask</a>, <a href="https://www.decathlon.sg/p/8361997_10l-watertight-duffel-bag-grey.html#/2486-132-10l">waterproof bag</a>), <a href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Universal-Waterproof-Case-CHOETECH-2-Pack-Clear-Transparent-Cellphone-Waterproof-Dustproof-Dry-Bag-Neck-Strap-iphone-7-7-Plus-6S-6S-Plus-Devices-6-In/608251433?athcpid=608251433&athpgid=athenaItemPage&athcgid=null&athznid=PWVUB&athieid=v0&athstid=CS002&athguid=466001f5-5f21307a-e0ed817ed68b3e53&athena=true">Walmart.com</a>, <a href="https://www.travelingmom.com/packing/family-beach-vacation-packing-list/">travelingmom.com</a>, <a href="https://cheonsadiana.wordpress.com/2017/06/03/review-miniso-lemon-aloe-cleansing-wipes/">Cheonsa Diana</a>; <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/group-of-people-on-beach-860937/">Oleg Magni</a> and <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/beach-coast-island-ocean-179124/">Adrianna Calvo</a> via Pexels.com
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<title>Filipino WeChat Community Group Makes Their Scorching Debut at the Beijinger’s Hot & Spicy Festival</title>
<link>https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/04/28/filipino-wechat-community-group-makes-their-scorching-debut-at-the-beijingers-hot-spicy-festival/</link>
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<dc:creator><![CDATA[coolkidandy]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sat, 28 Apr 2018 10:30:10 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[beijingkids]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Filipino]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/?p=3961</guid>
<description><![CDATA[When the Beijinger announced their first ever Hot & Spicy Festival, one community group thought of it as a perfect opportunity to gather and promote their country’s products. Kusina ni Kabayan (“Kabayan’s Kitchen” in Filipino) started out as a WeChat community group of Filipino expats who long for their foodstuff and native cuisine, but progressed as … <a href="https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/04/28/filipino-wechat-community-group-makes-their-scorching-debut-at-the-beijingers-hot-spicy-festival/" class="more-link">Continue reading Filipino WeChat Community Group Makes Their Scorching Debut at the Beijinger’s Hot & Spicy Festival →</a>]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[When the Beijinger announced their first ever Hot & Spicy Festival, one community group thought of it as a perfect opportunity to gather and promote their country’s products. Kusina ni Kabayan (“Kabayan’s Kitchen” in Filipino) started out as a WeChat community group of Filipino expats who long for their foodstuff and native cuisine, but progressed as one of the strong contenders at the festival despite not being a restaurant.
We caught up with Perlita Pengson, the owner of the community group, and asked her how they put the Philippines in the spotlight at the festival.
<figure data-shortcode="caption" id="attachment_119037" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-119037" style="width: 1280px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-119037 size-full" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.beijing-kids.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/IMG_6719.png" alt="" width="1280" height="854" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-119037" class="wp-caption-text">Perlita Pengson (left) together with Kusina ni Kabayan organizers, cooks, and volunteers.</figcaption></figure>
What prompted you to set up this WeChat group? 
Pengson: Even though there’s a lot of Filipino chefs in Beijing, there are no Filipino restaurants or stores here. So when I crave for native delicacies I usually contact those chefs and buy their products. Last year, I created a WeChat group solely for that reason and named it “Kusina ni Kabayan” or Kabayan’s Kitchen (“kabayan,” Filipino for “compatriot”) in English. My friends who have the same cravings also wanted to join that group as well. So from the 10 original members of the Kusina group, now we have grown to more than 230 after the Hot & Spicy Festival!
What prompted you to join the Hot & Spicy Festival? 
Pengson: I’m a risk-taker and realized that the festival is the right opportunity for us to promote Filipino cuisine, as well as give chance to our members to organize an event [the booth]. Prior to signing up for the event, I made sure that the members and volunteers knew the purpose of the group: to support Filipinos with small food businesses and help them promote their products.
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-118975" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.beijing-kids.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/WechatIMG2810.jpeg" alt="" width="1920" height="1080" />
You still managed to organize the booth despite not having the resources other restaurants have. How did you pull off your booth? What were the challenges that you’ve faced? 
Pengson: Our WeChat group is essentially a community of talented Filipinos and I know a lot of them who can really deliver and have the skills and passion for helping others. The Hot & Spicy Festival is the first and biggest event that we’ve joined in. We were quite nervous at first because we’re not a fully fledged restaurant, hence we don’t have enough equipment and other materials. Another issue was funding, but our members helped us fundraise and find sponsors.
After we secured the necessary documents and funding, I assigned several volunteers to lead different teams. Lorena Zhao and Gandy Gulaiman led our design team and made sure our booth decorations and other branding materials would stand out. Thea Trani coordinated with our chefs while Roxanne Monalim contacted Filipino sellers across China. Yes, we invited Filipino sellers from other Chinese provinces! Meanwhile, JR Torres took care of our photography and helped with food preparation, and Cecil Cagape organized the ordering and delivery of our food equipment. These Filipinos have their respective day jobs but still dedicated time to make our booth possible.
The people who cooked our dishes are chefs by trade and they accept catering services. If you loved our sisig (pork seasoned with lime and chili peppers), Jason Eugene Sagun did it, together with his wife. Our Bicol Express (pork stew with long chili, coconut milk, and shrimp paste) specialty was made by Ana Liza Siman, who can’t eat spicy food! The spicy longanisa (Filipino-style sausage) was made by Tianjin-based entrepreneur Roger Esguerra. The tasty humba dish (southern Philippine version of adobo) that we served was prepared by Gilbert San Jose, while the unique Don’t Be Silly, Eat Sili (chili) Ice Cream was specially made by our chef coordinator, Thea Trani. Our samalamig (Filipino refreshments) were prepared by JR Torres, who used to be a barista in the Philippines.
You mentioned that there were other sellers from across China. Tell us how you came up with that idea. 
Pengson: The Kusina ni Kabayan community got bigger because the members invited their Filipino friends from outside of Beijing. Other members were recommended to me, and then I asked them if they could deliver their products to Beijing. Most of them said yes, so our organizing team thought it would be nice to promote them in our Hot & Spicy Festival booth.
These sellers gave us boxes worth of their products for free and shouldered the delivery to Beijing. We used their products for sample tasters and a lot of people who lined up in our booth loved those products! (To see the list of sellers, <a href="https://kusinanikabayan.wordpress.com/">visit this page</a>.)
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-118976" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.beijing-kids.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/WechatIMG2808.jpeg" alt="" width="1920" height="1080" />
So what’s next for Kusina ni Kabayan? 
Pengson: We were very happy that all of our customers were satisfied and many of them brought home our products! And did you know that 6 out of 10 customers at the booth asked us where they could buy our products? We were very thrilled that a lot of people were asking where our restaurant was. We told our customers don’t have a physical location yet, though our sellers and cooks accept deliveries and catering services.
With that being said, I thought maybe it’s time to have a new Filipino restaurant in Beijing (there used to be one called <a href="http://www.thebeijinger.com/directory/speedy-v">Speedy V</a>). We’re talking about the details and finding sponsors to make this community group a restaurant. While doing that, we are preparing our vendors and cooks for smaller events like seasonal bazaars and markets. Another team is also organizing another big project which gathered many other talented Filipinos to give them an opportunity to experience event planning and management.
To find out more about ordering Filipino food, or helping Kusina ni Kabayan grow their community group through sponsorships or donations, add Pengson on WeChat at PerlitaPengson1.
<hr />
Photos: Courtesy of JR Torres and Kusina ni Kabayan; Andy Penafuerte 
This <a href="http://www.beijing-kids.com/blog/2018/04/25/filipino-wechat-community-group-makes-scorching-debut-at-tbj-hot-spicy-festival/">post</a> first appeared on beijingkids.
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<title>Top Story: Mountaineer Jon Otto Helps Daystar Students Reach New Heights</title>
<link>https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/04/21/top-story-mountaineer-jon-otto-helps-daystar-students-reach-new-heights/</link>
<comments>https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/04/21/top-story-mountaineer-jon-otto-helps-daystar-students-reach-new-heights/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[coolkidandy]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sat, 21 Apr 2018 10:30:28 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[beijingkids]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[travel]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/?p=3973</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Reaching the top of the class perhaps is the recognition that many students want to achieve. But there’s more to strive for than always getting academic accomplishments, such as staying happy and healthy. There are a lot of ways to attain that, but the most fun is playing outside and getting into sports. We invited … <a href="https://coolkidandy.wordpress.com/2018/04/21/top-story-mountaineer-jon-otto-helps-daystar-students-reach-new-heights/" class="more-link">Continue reading Top Story: Mountaineer Jon Otto Helps Daystar Students Reach New Heights →</a>]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-118022 size-full aligncenter" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.beijing-kids.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/2018_04-WIGU-Jon-Otto.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="667" />
Reaching the top of the class perhaps is the recognition that many students want to achieve. But there’s more to strive for than always getting academic accomplishments, such as staying happy and healthy. There are a lot of ways to attain that, but the most fun is playing outside and getting into sports.
We invited a sports enthusiast for this month’s When I Grow Up, and his pursuit always takes him to new heights. Jon Otto is an American mountaineer who has reached a lot of peaks, including Mt. Muztagh Ata, the second highest of the mountains on the northern edge of the Tibetan Plateau. He is also an educator, and the current director of LeadClimb Mountaineering and Resource Center, an organization providing mountaineering courses for people of all abilities and ages. Daystar Academy students were excited to know what inspired Otto to stay on top of his game!
<img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-118021 size-full aligncenter" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.beijing-kids.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/DAV_5387.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="667" />
Jonathan, 11 (China): How did you start climbing? 
Otto: I started rock climbing in summer camp when I was 14 years old. I had no idea about climbing, but after the first time rappelling down a rope I was hooked. Then when I was 17, I convinced my mother to send me to a mountaineering camp in the Wind River mountain range of Wyoming, US. I learned many mountaineering skills and climbed six peaks within a month.
Tiffany, 12 (China): What is the most important gear for rock climbing? 
Otto: Hmmm, this is hard to say. It depends on what type of rock climbing you do – bouldering, sport climbing, traditional climbing, or big wall. The common gear to all of these is rock shoes, which are form-fitting to your foot and have special sticky rubber soles. But maybe the most important gear is your brain: having a clear state of mind is always the best.
Dante, 12 (Canada): How did you start your climbing school in China? 
Otto: I was doing a lot of personal climbing in China, and during the years saw many accidents which could have been easily avoided if the victims had more basic knowledge and skills about the mountains. It moved me to do something to help the outdoor community within China. This impetus may also have to do with the fact that most of my family members are educators, so it runs in the blood. I wanted my climbing to be more than for me, to be for a greater good, so to speak.
Skye, 12 (Canada): What’s the best place in the world to climb? 
Otto: That’s the million dollar question! And that’s the wonderful thing about climbing: it’s very personal. Everyone thinks their place is the best… and it is. Just like everyone has their favorite dessert and thinks it’s the best, everyone has their favorite climbing place. It’s completely subjective.
Lukas, 14 (China): Have you ever considered going to Mt. Everest? 
Otto: Honestly, there’s not much that attracts me to Mt. Everest. For one, it’s too commercial. The sherpas do most of the work for you and you “simply” have to walk in a line following a long rope. There’s not much real climbing. Also, it’s not a very aesthetic mountain. However, from a career perspective, it could be good to climb. In many ways it’s a pity that Everest is the tallest mountain in the world.
Danny, 12 (China): Where’s your next trip? 
Otto: I love to climb smaller, technical (steep) peaks 5,000 to 6,000 meters high. Most of these peaks are ones that no one has heard of before. So my next trip will probably be to a peak like this in Sichuan Province. I also would love to climb the second highest mountain in the world. Do you know which one this is? Hint: on the border between Pakistan and China. I am planning on doing this peak within the next three years. It’s tall, technically difficult, and a beautifully stunning pyramid-shaped mountain.
Jian, 12 (US): What do you do in your free time? 
Otto: I spend time with my 11-year-old daughter. Sometimes we go outdoors, but overall she’s not into climbing. She loves to camp and sleep in a tent. We’ll go to a beautiful valley and she’ll ride horses all day to a camping spot. She also loves to ski, so we do that together.
Joshua, 12 (UK): What’s your favorite sport? 
Otto: Well, climbing of course. But I want to do kitesurfing. I’ve never tried but it’s the one sport that’s not related to climbing that looks really fun and challenging.
<hr />
<img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-117921 size-full aligncenter" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.beijing-kids.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/wechat-900x500-.jpg" alt="" width="900" height="500" />
Photos: Dave’s Studio 
This article first appeared on p32-33 of beijingkids <a href="http://www.beijing-kids.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/kids-2018.04-.pdf">April 2018 issue</a>
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