Waiting out the Weather
(City Weekend)
Updated: 2005-03-15 09:21

So the weather's been a little schizophrenic lately. One day there's clear skies and sunshine, bringing spring to our minds. The next day brings more cold, so we reluctantly bring out the coats and scarves yet again. Such is the last gasp of the Beijing winter-and it's not as if there are any fun holidays coming up to anticipate. You can't take off the warm clothes just yet, but venues around the city are offering great inside activities, such as talks, classes, and parties, to keep you entertained until spring and beyond.

Brand new to the mix of Beijing community events is Leon Guan's Brunch in the City, a monthly get-together at different venues featuring a discussion on various cultural topics, with great food and wine to spark things up. "I want to promote great conversation and friendship amongst Beijingers, as opposed to just doing business promotions," says Leon. The first brunch talk, "Art" Brunch in the City at Nuage on February 27, featured a conversation on contemporary Chinese art with Beijing artist Ling Zi and 798 Space Art Director Natalie Sun. The delicious Vietnamese food, good wine and friendly folks of all ages made the event a success. Leon Guan welcomes suggestions for future Brunch in the City talks; see his contact information below. The next event (topic to be announced) is on March 27 at 8 Over 8, a fusion restaurant. Make sure to shine those shoes, as preferred dress is "Sunday best."

What better way to win friends and influence people, as they say, then with some massage skills under your belt? The known and loved Chinese Culture Club offers regular courses in Chinese tuina body massage. (YY480 for 8 sessions, or YY70 for one class.) Taught by professional massage therapists in English, new course cycles begin right after the current ones, so don't worry about schedules. CCC also offers good expat-friendly Chinese calligraphy courses (YY480/8 classes, or YY70 for one class), as well as Film Club movie nights (featuring new and old Chinese films with discussion) and much more-see below for contact information.

Wine buffs can warm themselves up with Montrose Wine's Wine Party on March 15 at the snazzy St. Regis hotel. Montrose Wine Parties are informal seminars on how to taste wine, featuring vintages from all over the world. If you're already an oenophile, or just want a good party, head over to the Montrose Wine Party on March 17 at the Big Easy.

While the wind is a-blowing, outmaneuver your friends at the venerable game of mahjongg at Bridge School China's regular courses. Mahjongg, a tile game that's a bit like gin rummy, involves lots of strategy and can heat up those brain cells and while away a windy afternoon. Beginner's courses are YY60, while old hands can play for YY40.  If you want something more delicate, Bridge School also offers courses in Chinese knot making for just YY30 a class. These are plaited silk ornaments made in a variety of patterns, used in clothing or in house decoration.  These activities should keep us all entertained, even when spring finally comes and we can slip on a tank top or running shoes and get outside. Till then, keep that sweater on-warmer days are on the way.

Brunch in the City
Events held at different venues.
E-mail Leon Guan at leons-production@vip.sina.com. 

Chinese Culture Club
No.29, Anjialou, Liangmaqiao Lu
East of Kempinski Hotel and Century Theatre
Tel: 6432-9341 or check: www.chinesecultureclub.org for course booking and information.

Montrose Food and Wine
Tel: 6591-6491 or check: www.montrosechina.com

Bridge School China
Guang Ming Hotel location:
Room 1308, 3rd Floor, Liangmaqiao Lu,
Chaoyang District
Tel: 8451-7605

e-Tower location:
Room 903, 9rd Floor, Guang Hua Lu C12,
Chaoyang District
Tel: 6506-4409
E-mail info@bridgeschoolchina.com or check:www.bridgeschoolchina.com.

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