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Sunny Shanhaiguan
The Travelers
Pat Sommer and her daughter Ellie (8), and Julie Johnson with her daughter Kaylen (10).
The Cost
The total cost of the three-day trip was roughly RMB 1,300. Roundtrip train tickets set them back RMB 290, a double room at their hotel was RMB 310 per night; meals, tickets and taxis made up the rest of the costs.
The Plan
The Sommers and Johnsons packed their bags for a last-minute weekend getaway to Shanhaiguan. There was a lot on the itinerary: exploring the Old City, visiting the Jiaoshan section of the Great Wall, swimming at the beach, visiting the Great Wall museum, and more.
The Accommodation
And Baby Makes Three (Or Four...)
Fifteen years ago, having a baby in Beijing wasn't an option for most expat moms. Now, with a range of world-class facilities and professionals, moms-to-be can expect family-friendly private rooms, longer stays and midwife support. But navigating the system still involves some trial and error, which is why beijingkids is here to walk you through one of the most important times in your life.
In the Beginning: Conception
As a general rule, couples should start planning for a baby long before they actually conceive. First things first: Does your insurance provider cover you and at which hospitals? Once you're up to speed with your health insurance coverage, you can move on to the fun stuff.
Escape to Commune by the Great Wall
The Commune's collection of modern villas sits nestled in a green valley about 80km outside central Beijing. For those looking to splurge on a retreat from Beijing's bustle, the Commune combines beautiful scenery with striking architecture and award-winning service.
Modern Luxury
The Commune began as twelve unique modernist houses, each designed by a different Asian architect. The contemporary designs, with their sleek angles and sharp silhouettes, stand out from the verdant hillside while still complimenting the valley's natural beauty. Large windows, sweeping porches, and rooftop patios make every house feel open and airy.
Due to rising demand, the Commune has since duplicated the original designs; now, a total of 42 villas sprawl across the valley. Each has several private bedrooms and a common living room and kitchen, stocked with complimentary sodas and water. Couples can rent an individual room for privacy, or families can rent out an entire villa.
Sniffle Solutions
For many of us, summer brings simple pleasures: picnics in the park, pistachio ice cream, walks with the dog. However, for those with severe allergies these basic activities can trigger miserable sneezing fits, nasal congestion, itchy eyes and even rashes. Seemingly harmless to most people, a spectrum of substances found in everyday life can cause debilitating allergic reactions. So what can we do about it?
Giving Birth, Naturally
Wanting a natural birth is simply another way of saying you want the least amount of medical intervention as possible. Giving birth naturally has many rewards for both mother and child: The mother feels a high sense of accomplishment, her rate of recovery is often faster and she is quickly able to attend to her baby. At the same time, the baby is alert and ready to begin feeding. Any possible unwanted side effects due to the medication have been thwarted. But with every important decision, it's best to arm yourself with the facts first.
