PEOPLE AND CULTURE - Living Abroad in Beijing - page 79

The artistically minded have several options for expression. Beijing Playhouse
( www.beijingplayhouse.com ) , an amateur acting group for adults and kids, produces Broad-
way shows such as the Wizard of Oz and Guys and Dolls . While it can be extremely reward-
ing, this group isn't for everyone, given its hefty time commitments. For something much
less time intensive, Beijing Improv ( www.beijingimprov.org ) runs free bilingual work-
shops once a week for anyone who's willing to get up say the first thing that pops into their
head. If, however, you'd rather chew through a plate of Sichuan chilies than stand up in
front of strangers and ad lib, then simply fill a seat at one of the shows by its Mainstage
English Players. The company's premier comedy troupe, they put on monthly shows, which
sell out without fail.
Finally, if you need to tweak your technical skills, the Expat Learning Center
( www.beijing-classes.com ) is more of your typical adult education center. One night a week
you can come here to study fashion design, photography, German, Photoshop, or many oth-
er interests.

Baby and Toddler Groups
While you might expect it's the kids who have the most difficulty adjusting to life in a new
and foreign city, often it's the parents who struggle to adapt, especially those who have
come for their spouse's job rather than personal interest. In Beijing, there is no need to feel
alone, and there are various ways to make sure you're connected to help or just a friendly
ear.
One of the main groups out there is Beijing Mamas ( http://groups.yahoo.com/group/
Beijing_Mamas ) . This friendly email group makes an excellent starting point for solving
any problem you might have relating to kids. Whether it's for party ideas or a recommend-
ation for a pediatrician, ask and you shall be answered.
If you fall pregnant while in Beijing and decide to stay here for the birth, you may need
a little extra support. While the international hospitals are similar to what you'd expect at
home, local Chinese hospitals, even the private ones, don't really pile on the TLC. Even
first-time mothers won't get much in the way of prenatal or breastfeeding education. This is
where La Leche (for English, contact Serena via [e-mail] , www.llli.org )
can provide some friendly support. The group meets to discuss such topics as the benefits
of breastfeeding, getting started and family adjustments, overcoming difficulties, nutrition,
and weaning.
Once your baby's born and ready to meet the world, you and your spouse can clue
yourselves

in on early childhood development at KindyROO (tel. [phone],