Back to Reality

So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, adieu…. Hello! Bonjour! Hej! Ni hao!

For expats around the world, spring is the time when we either pack up our belongings, say goodbye to our friends or just breathe a sigh of relief that we do not have to do either. All we have to do is get through the last few days or weeks of the school year, organize the class parties and teacher presents, attend countless going away parties, organize our house before summer, pre pay all bills, board the pet, instruct the help and pack our bags for a hopefully relaxing and rejuvenating summer holiday.

Coming back after the summer holiday is bittersweet. We leave clear blue skies, driving a car without feeling like part of a video game, picking berries and fruits straight from the tree, biking on country roads, meeting horses, easy parking and being able to go to one store, and one store only, for the whole shopping list. What luxury!

Coming back also means reconnecting with Beijing friends and, of course, meeting new people. We have all been there. Being new not only to a new home but to a new country, city, language and culture. And China is a special place to be new. It is overwhelming with its noise and dirt, all the people and the smells, strange food and people who already seem to know each other so well. Being an expat often means starting anew over and over again and there are times when we just don’t feel like it. When meeting new people seems like a chore and finding things to do is a struggle. The cashier becomes your new best friend because that is the face you see almost every single day.

As the STARA team embarks on our second year, we are happy to announce our Back to Reality event, held in tandem with our friends at Clicia’s Designs and Shayne’s Treasures.   Bring a new friend and join us for a drink and a nibble.  Please be sure to RSVP for yourself and your friend as there are special surprises for those who do!  

Back To Reality

Clicia's Design and Shayne's Treasure

Lake View Place at Dragon Bay Villas

Wednesday, September 3

11:30am – 4pm

RSVP - clicia@cliciasdesigns.com

This event is a great opportunity to grab a space in your favorite STARAcooking classes.  This year we will offer new takes on old favorites, along with some exciting additions (chocolate or tapas anyone?).  

We are also excited to announce our STARAseries.  These two four-week sessions focus on a different country each week, offering more in-depth tips and techniques.   Our first series focuses on the cuisines of the Old World - Italy, France, Spain and Scandinavia (or you choose!).  Our second takes us west to the New World of the Americas.  Dates for the STARAseries are flexible and will be set to the schedules of our students.  This is an excellent opportunity to gather a group of friends and have fun in a relaxing environment.  Contact us for more details.  

We look forward to seeing everyone soon!  As always, email us at starafood@gmail.com with any questions and check out the blog – www.starafood.blogspot.com.

Happy Cooking!