#Top Chinese classes for kids in Middle Village
Explore tagged Tumblr posts
Text
Top Chinese School and Classes for Kids in Middle Village and Forest Hill Area
In today’s globalized world, fluency in multiple languages has become an invaluable asset. Mandarin Chinese, spoken by over a billion people worldwide, stands out as one of the most powerful languages to learn for cultural, educational, and professional growth. Whether you’re a parent looking to give your child a head start or an individual passionate about languages, enrolling in the best Chinese classes in Forest Hill or a bilingual Chinese school in Middle Village can open doors to exciting opportunities.
Queens, New York, is home to a vibrant multicultural community, and the neighborhoods of Forest Hill and Middle Village have quickly emerged as hotspots for Chinese language education. Families here value strong educational foundations, and the increasing demand for the top Chinese schools for kids in Middle Village and top bilingual Chinese classes in Forest Hill speaks volumes about the emphasis on language immersion and cultural fluency.

Why Choose Chinese Language Classes for Kids?
Children have an incredible capacity to absorb languages at a young age. Introducing them to Mandarin through the top Chinese schools for kids in Middle Village ensures they not only become fluent speakers but also culturally aware global citizens. These programs are crafted specifically for young learners, offering interactive learning environments that foster curiosity, engagement, and confidence.
Enrolling your child in the top bilingual Chinese classes in Forest Hill or a trusted bilingual Chinese school in Middle Village gives them an edge in both academic and real-world scenarios. They benefit from dual-language proficiency, which strengthens brain development, enhances multitasking skills, and even improves performance in other subjects like math and science.
What Makes the Best Chinese Classes in Forest Hill Stand Out?
The best Chinese classes in Forest Hillare more than just standard language courses. They offer a blend of cultural immersion, tailored lesson plans, native-speaking instructors, and innovative teaching methods that cater to various age groups and learning levels. These programs recognize that learning a language is not just about vocabulary and grammar—it’s about connecting with people, understanding heritage, and embracing a broader worldview.
Students enrolled in these programs often engage in fun activities such as calligraphy, storytelling, singing Chinese songs, and celebrating traditional festivals like the Lunar New Year. This well-rounded approach ensures lasting language acquisition while keeping kids enthusiastic and motivated.
The Rise of the Bilingual Chinese School in Middle Village
Parents in Middle Village are increasingly turning toward education that emphasizes both academic rigor and bilingual excellence. A bilingual Chinese school in Middle Village is the ideal choice for families looking for a structured, curriculum-based environment that offers instruction in both English and Mandarin.
These schools integrate the Chinese language into core subjects like math, science, and social studies, providing a truly immersive bilingual experience. Teachers are trained not only in education but in cross-cultural communication, making the transition to a second language smooth and enjoyable for students.
One of the defining features of a bilingual Chinese school in Middle Village is the personalized attention each child receives. Smaller class sizes and a focus on individual progress ensure that no student is left behind. The curriculum is often aligned with both New York state standards and international Chinese language benchmarks, ensuring students meet high expectations in both languages.

Where to Find the Top Chinese Schools for Kids in Middle Village
The top Chinese schools for kids in Middle Village are known for their nurturing environments, experienced educators, and proven track records. These schools understand that learning Mandarin should be fun, accessible, and integrated into a child’s daily life. Whether it’s through weekend programs, after-school classes, or full-day immersion programs, there are numerous options tailored to fit every family’s needs.
Parents often seek schools that emphasize cultural enrichment alongside language instruction. The top Chinese schools for kids in Middle Village do just that—they organize cultural fairs, student exchange opportunities, and traditional holiday celebrations that help students gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and values.
It’s not just about language acquisition—it’s about building a community where children learn empathy, respect, and the richness of diversity. That’s why these schools consistently rank among the best and enjoy strong support from local families.
Spotlight on the Top Bilingual Chinese Classes in Forest Hill
Forest Hill is another neighborhood that’s making waves in the language education scene. The top bilingual Chinese classes in Forest Hill are gaining popularity among families who want to offer their children a truly global education without traveling abroad.
These programs typically combine English and Mandarin instruction in a way that reinforces both languages simultaneously. For example, a science experiment might be taught in English, followed by a Mandarin vocabulary recap—helping students make natural language connections.
What makes the top bilingual Chinese classes in Forest Hill especially effective is their interactive approach. Lessons are filled with games, hands-on activities, music, and movement, which cater to different learning styles and keep children actively engaged. Parents often report improvements not only in their children’s Mandarin skills but also in their confidence, public speaking, and overall communication.
Community Support and Growth of Bilingual Chinese Classes in Middle Village
As more families recognize the long-term benefits of language immersion, the popularity of bilingual Chinese classes in Middle Village continues to grow. These classes provide flexible scheduling for busy parents, including weekend and after-school options that make it easy to integrate language learning into daily routines.

What truly sets bilingual Chinese classes in Middle Village apart is their strong community involvement. Parents, educators, and local leaders come together to support these programs, ensuring they remain accessible, affordable, and high-quality. Students often participate in community events, talent shows, and bilingual storytelling sessions that showcase their progress and celebrate cultural diversity.
These programs also serve as cultural bridges, bringing together students of all backgrounds to learn Mandarin in an inclusive, supportive environment. This cultural exchange enriches everyone involved, helping children grow up with a broader understanding of the world around them.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Path
Choosing between the best Chinese classes in Forest Hill, a bilingual Chinese school in Middle Village, or the top Chinese schools for kids in Middle Village comes down to your family’s needs and educational goals. Each option provides exceptional language education and fosters a deep appreciation for Chinese culture and heritage.
Whether you're looking for full-day immersion programs or flexible weekend classes, both Forest Hill and Middle Village offer a range of top-tier choices. The top bilingual Chinese classes in Forest Hill and the ever-expanding selection of bilingual Chinese classes in Middle Village provide learners of all ages with the opportunity to become truly bilingual in a supportive, engaging environment.
#Top Chinese school for kids in Middle Village#Top Chinese school for kids in forest hill#Top Chinese classes for kids in Middle Village#Join Chinese classes in Middle Village#Best Chinese classes in Middle Village
0 notes
Text
Top Chinese Classes for Kids in Middle Village – Learn Mandarin with Ease Enroll your child in the top Chinese classes for kids in Middle Village, where language learning meets fun and excitement. Our experienced educators create a dynamic classroom experience tailored to children of different ages and skill levels. From foundational vocabulary to advanced grammar, we guide young learners to become fluent speakers and confident communicators. These top Chinese classes for kids in Middle Village also introduce cultural elements to enhance understanding and appreciation of Chinese traditions. With small class sizes and personalized attention, every child thrives. Begin their path to language success today by signing up for our outstanding Mandarin classes!
0 notes
Text
A Parent’s Guide to Finding the Best Chinese Schools and Childcare in Middle Village
Finding the right early education and childcare for your little one can feel overwhelming, especially when you're looking for quality programs that also offer language development opportunities. If you're a parent living in or near Middle Village, you're in luck! Bright Kids America offers an all-in-one solution for families seeking Chinese schools in Middle Village, language enrichment, and safe childcare options. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through why Bright Kids America isA Parent’s Guide to Finding the Best Chinese Schools and Childcare in Middle Village the top choice and how they cater to every need—from preschool to after-school Chinese classes and full-day childcare.

Why Choose Bright Kids America in Middle Village?
Bright Kids America is a trusted name among families for its innovative learning environment and culturally enriching programs. Whether you're searching for Chinese schools in Middle Village or simply want a high-quality preschool in Middle Village, Bright Kids America has it all. Their dedicated team of teachers and caregivers work closely with children to help them grow emotionally, socially, and academically.
Benefits of Learning Chinese at an Early Age
Children have a natural ability to learn new languages, especially before the age of 7. At Bright Kids America, Chinese classes in Middle Village are taught by experienced, native-speaking instructors who use fun, interactive methods to engage children. Learning Mandarin Chinese can enhance cognitive skills, improve memory, and even support academic achievement in other areas.
By choosing Chinese classes in Middle Village at Bright Kids America, your child gets exposure to one of the most spoken languages in the world—an advantage that can benefit them throughout life.

Top-Quality Preschool Program
If you’re looking for a nurturing preschool in Middle Village, Bright Kids America offers a well-rounded curriculum tailored to young minds. Their preschool program includes:
Daily hands-on learning activities
Language development, including English and Mandarin
Math and science basics
Music and art time
Outdoor play and social interaction
The preschool in Middle Village at Bright Kids America prepares children for kindergarten while fostering independence and creativity.
Reliable Kids Day Care with a Learning Twist
Busy parents need a place they can trust when it comes to childcare. Bright Kids America provides dependable kids day care in Middle Village with a focus on safety, care, and early education. Their full-day daycare services are designed to offer parents peace of mind while also supporting a child’s developmental milestones.
Unlike typical daycare centers, Bright Kids America’s kids day care in Middle Village incorporates learning throughout the day. Whether it’s storytime, music, or play-based lessons, your child will be engaged, active, and thriving.
Why Families Love Bright Kids America
Here’s why so many local families are choosing Bright Kids America:
1. All-in-One Solution
You don’t have to bounce from one place to another for language classes and daycare. Bright Kids America offers Chinese schools in Middle Village, Chinese classes in Middle Village, preschool in Middle Village, and kids day care in Middle Village—all under one roof.
2. Safe and Stimulating Environment
Safety is a top priority. The facility is secure, clean, and designed with young children in mind. Bright colors, learning materials, and spacious play areas ensure a welcoming and stimulating setting.
3. Certified and Passionate Staff
All staff members are certified in early childhood education and bring warmth, patience, and professionalism to their roles. Whether they're teaching Mandarin or leading storytime, their goal is to help each child succeed.
4. Focus on Culture and Community
Bright Kids America not only teaches a second language but also introduces children to Chinese traditions, holidays, music, and stories. This cultural immersion makes it one of the most unique Chinese schools in Middle Village.
What Parents Are Saying
Parents who have enrolled their children at Bright Kids America often mention how their little ones come home singing songs in Mandarin or excited to share new things they’ve learned.
One parent shared, “My son loves his Chinese classes in Middle Village. I’m amazed at how quickly he’s picking up the language—and the teachers are so kind and skilled.”
Another commented, “We were looking for a trustworthy kids day care in Middle Village, and Bright Kids America exceeded our expectations. It feels like a second home for our daughter.”
Enroll Today and Give Your Child a Head Start
If you want your child to thrive in a caring, educational, and multilingual environment, it’s time to consider Bright Kids America. Whether you need a safe and enriching preschool in Middle Village, after-school Chinese classes in Middle Village, or full-day kids day care in Middle Village, this is the place to be.
With a well-earned reputation and an all-inclusive approach, Bright Kids America continues to be a leader in early childhood education and language immersion programs in Middle Village.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right place for your child’s early years is a big decision, but Bright Kids America makes it easier. With its commitment to quality education, safe childcare, and language development, it’s no wonder families call it the best among Chinese schools in Middle Village.
So whether your goal is for your child to learn Mandarin, prepare for school, or simply enjoy their day in a loving environment—Bright Kids America is the answer. Contact them today to schedule a tour or learn more about their programs.
Bright Kids America—where language, learning, and love come together for your child’s bright future!
#chinese schools in middle village#Chinese classes in Middle Village#Preschool in Middle Village#Kids day care in Middle Village
0 notes
Text
Episode 23: Enter Mousse! The Fist of the White Swan
*yawn* Wow, I finally got some good sleep. Back to the Ranma Rewatch, then. Hey there, long time no see, going to try and get back on track. This week we’re still in the middle of the season 2’s opening story arc, and another main character shall be introduced to us. Will I like him better than I did ten years ago? Only way to find out is to look at the next paragraph, from when I’ve watched the episode.
This episode raised my hopes and then gently lowered them a little, but on the whole I’m happier than I thought I would have been.
The story starts with Akane taking Ranma to see Dr. Tofu, under the assumption that as someone with lots of experience with Chinese medicine, he’d be able to fix what Cologne did to Ranma. Sadly, the technique used is something only a master could do, far outside of his wheelhouse. However, there is one thing he could do.
To counteract the Full Body Cat Tongue, Tofu hits a different pressure point in Ranma, one named after old men from Tokyo. Why? Because apparently they’re well known for being able to stand even the most scalding heat in their baths, and this technique gives the user that same ability. Sure enough, it let’s Ranma return to his uncursed state, but there’s a catch. Kasumi calls, turning Dr. Tofu into a bumbler before he can give the warning, so Ranma and Akane just head to school.
After class, Akane harangues Ranma into taking her out for food, which their classmates immediately notice has a lot of romantic energy to it. Then Shampoo and Cologne appear, amazed that Ranma somehow found a way around the elderly amazon’s strategy, but Cologne seems sure anyway that this won’t be an issue.
But wait! Out of nowhere, someone new appears. His name is Mousse, and he’s a man from the amazon village who has been in love with Shampoo since they were kids. He has terrible eyesight, so bad that he frequently mistakes people for the love of his life, and after a series of confusions he learns that Shampoo is dead set on marrying Ranma.
Mousse attacks Ranma, and challenges him to a manly duel for Shampoo. But she refuses that, so instead makes the duel over Akane for seemingly no reason, which Ranma agrees to. Oh, and he’s known for using ‘dark magic’ which is in practice more sleight of hand and weapon-based techniques.
That evening, Akane is doing what she frequently does when pissed off, namely training in the dojo. Ranma shows up, clearly aware he really stepped in it and wanting to make amends by making it clear there’s no way he’s going to lose to Mousse.
But Akane makes it clear that isn’t why she’s mad. The reason she’s upset is that she doesn’t belong to Ranma, and she won’t belong to Mousse. She’s her own person, and this duel doesn’t respect that. Hell, if he loses that’s fine with her, she’ll just beat up Mousse herself. The entire family shows up, interpreting this as kind of a romantic confession to Ranma.
The next morning, it Dr. Tofu calls and gives the warning he’d meant to tell them earlier: the technique he used is a one-use, so if Ranma gets splashed, he’s stuck again. Akane only finds this out after Ranma takes a dip in the pond while sparring with his dad, and they all freak out over what he’s going to do. Why none of them think to just tell Mousse that Ranma has a Jusenkyo curse, I have no clue.
Someone, Cologne probably, turned the match into a huge spectacle, with food carts and seating around the arena and everything, there’s a huge crowd. Ranma’s late, but that’s only because he made a disguise to hide his cursed body. He clowns around a little at first, having prepared a bunch of lame magic tricks, but then ‘does a trick’ by ‘turning into a girl’, giving him an excuse for how he looks.
Mousse buys it, but he’s angry that Ranma’s not taking it seriously. He takes of his...robe? Tunic? Whatever, either way he’s buff as hell under there, and an attack from his barbed footwear ruins the front of Ranma’s stage assistant outfit, bearing his boobies to everyone. This causes a bunch of men in the audience to storm the fighting area so they can sexually assault Ranma and then I paused Hulu and stared at my computer screen for three full minutes before continuing the episode.
*sigh* Anyway, the Kuno siblings show up, interfere with the fight, Mousse gets deadly series, then Akane reminds Ranma he can use his new technique in battle, which he does to win. Then a bunch of his admirers crowd Ranma, and Akane is annoyed. Done.
Let me get into the stuff I found really interesting with this episode, to start with.
The first half was honestly just really enjoyable. Akane and Ranma had a really good chemistry going on, it reminded me a lot of the episode where Shampoo first showed up. There was a casual closeness to them, still tempered with occasional arguments, that was just cute.
I also liked that they thought to try asking Dr. Tofu for help, since his expertise has helped so often in the past. Making it clear this was a problem he could only barely help out with, and only one time, sold how Cologne and what she’s done to Ranma isn’t something that’s going to be solved easily.
What was a bit odd in that scene was we actually got to see the curse take effect, as Ranma’s torso changed, something I’m fairly sure we’ve never gotten that much detail on. It’s usually either off-screen or a cutaway. But I like we saw it with the curse turning him back to his uncursed form, since it emphasized this was Ranma regaining the body that felt right to him.
I’ve talked about this before, but I also couldn’t help noticing throughout this episode the weird dichotomy in who uses Ranma’s preferred pronouns and who doesn’t. Akane, Shampoo, and Cologne all call Ranma ‘he’ even when he’s in a feminine form, but Akane’s siblings call him ‘she’ instead.
The dojo scene was also a treat for me. I just kind of love how it put the focus on how this whole arrangement devalues Akane. Both the engagement from their parents and the terms of this duel take away her say in what she does with her life, and she isn’t having it. It almost sounded like she was comforting Ranma, taking a burden off his shoulders, when she told him he didn’t have to stress over the fight because she’d be fine either way. I am here for Akane stressing her independence and making it clear that no matter what happens in the fight, she is her own person.
That was a lot of nice stuff, but sadly the second half of the episode didn’t really carry it through. It wasn’t terrible, but the fight wasn’t really anything special, and the whole bit with the guys storming Ranma...yeah. Didn’t care for that. But hey! It’s finally time to do another Character Spotlight!
Unlike Cologne, who I am still holding off on doing a Spotlight for since I don’t feel like we’ve gotten to really see enough of her yet, this one episode basically gave us most of what we need to know about Mousse, so let’s just do it.
In terms of voice acting, his English performer is Brad Swaile. He’s done quite a few things, but he’s most well known for being the voice of Light in Death Note, which is quite a funny comparison. Both characters have huge egos, that’s to be sure, but Light is usually taken seriously, while at least in the dub Mousse is basically just a joke the entire time. Swaile plays him very comedically, which does fit the generally goofy tone of his character.
It is in contrast, however, to his original Japanese voice actor, Toshihiko Seki. Like a lot of the seiyuu, he has done a million things, but of particular note are his roles as Legato Bluesummers from Trigun, another anime I love quite a bit, and as the Japanese Dub actor for the Tenth Doctor in Doctor Who. Honestly, finding out the Japanese dub castings is a treat every time I do a Spotlight. But anyway, Seki largely plays Mousse more seriously, as a confident warrior, only going for comedy with how over-the-top some of his attacks get, considering how silly they are. I’m going to tentatively say this is another performance I think works than the dub, which is fairly rare for me as far as anime go.
So, who exactly is Mousse? Well, like I said before, Mousse is Shampoo’s childhood friend, and the first member of their tribe we’ve met who is a guy. His character motivation is literally just that he wants to be with Shampoo, and will beat up/kill Ranma to get her. Pretty simple.
What makes him silly is the combination of his terrible eyesight, a fairly common trope that now that I think about it is kinda ableist, and how he fights. He’s a master of hidden weapons, but more often than not the items he’s fighting with are silly things, like a toilet or a yoyo. Combined with his high self-confidence, and Mousse is fairly Kuno-like, only quite a bit sillier.
Only enough though, he’s more similar to Kodachi than to Tatewaki. Why? Well, because he’s deadly. Of all of Ranma’s primary rivals/reoccurring antagonists, Mousse is easily the one most ready to kill, not unlike Shampoo. When he gets serious, he trades in the silly weapons for genuinely dangerous weapons. He started choking Ranma with his bare hands in their first encounter, then tried doing it again with rope not long afterwards. Ryoga might talk a lot about killing Ranma, but Mousse has done a lot more to actually attempt that.
All of that said, I’m pretty ambivalent on Mousse. I don’t hate him, but of all of Ranma’s primary rivals, he’s easily the most boring. He doesn’t have the je ne sais quoi of Ryoga or the pompous elitism of Kuno, he’s just a deadly joke character who’s obsessed with Shampoo. Maybe my opinions will change over the course of the rewatch, but for right now I’m still pretty meh on him.
But you know what I’m not meh on? This episode! Even with the weaker second half, the first ten minutes or so were good enough that I’m overall pretty sunny on it. Listen, I’m an easy mark, give me some Ranma/Akane fuel and some decent drama, and I’m happy. I’ll put this in the top half of episodes so far between the ending of the fight between Ranma and Kodachi and the climax to Shampoo’s introductory arc.
Episode 7: Enter Ryoga, the Eternal ‘Lost Boy’
Episode 12: A Woman's Love is War! The Martial Arts Rhythmic Gymnastics Challenge!
Episode 15: Enter Shampoo, the Gung-Ho Girl! I Put My Life in Your Hands
Episode 9: True Confessions! A Girl's Hair is Her Life!
Episode 2: School is No Place for Horsing Around
Episode 19: Clash of the Delivery Girls! The Martial Arts Takeout Race
Episode 6: Akane's Lost Love... These Things Happen, You Know
Episode 13: A Tear in a Girl-Delinquent's Eye? The End of the Martial Arts Rhythmic Gymnastics Challenge!
Episode 23: Enter Mousse! The Fist of the White Swan
Episode 17: I Love You, Ranma! Please Don’t Say Goodbye
Episode 20: You Really Do Hate Cats!
Episode 16: Shampoo's Revenge! The Shiatsu Technique That Steals Heart and Soul
Episode 8: School is a Battlefield! Ranma vs. Ryoga
Episode 11: Ranma Meets Love Head-On! Enter the Delinquent Juvenile Gymnast!
Episode 4: Ranma and...Ranma? If It’s Not One Thing, It’s Another
Episode 5: Love Me to the Bone! The Compound Fracture of Akane's Heart
Episode 1: Here’s Ranma
Episode 22: Behold! The 'Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire' Technique
Episode 3: A Sudden Storm of Love
Episode 21: This Ol' Gal's the Leader of the Amazon Tribe!
Episode 10: P-P-P-Chan! He's Good For Nothin'
Episode 14: Pelvic Fortune-Telling? Ranma is the No. One Bride in Japan
Episode 18: I Am a Man! Ranma's Going Back to China!?
But once again, this arc still! Isn’t! Done! No, the end of the Phoenix Pill Arc, if you want to call it that, comes next week with “Cool Runnings! The Race of the Snowmen". Most of my memories of this episode come from a YouTuber I used to follow hating on it, but I’m ready to give it a fair shot. See you then!
#episode 23#Enter Mousse! The Fist of the White Swan#ranma 1/2#ranma saotome#akane tendo#mousse#anime analysis#anime rewatch
6 notes
·
View notes
Text
And then it was him.
(Lan Jingyi x Lan Sizhui)
Jingyi gazed out of the window languidly. In the front of the classroom, the teacher’s voice faded to a monotonous drone as Jingyi watched the leaves sway in the warm spring breeze. He absentmindedly chewed on the end of his pen slightly. The soft early morning sunlight making him doze. He had spent too much time playing mario cart with his friend, Ouyang Zizhen, the night before and the lack of sleep was making itself known.
<p>“Lan Jingyi!”
<p>Jingyi jerked his head up with an undignified yelp. The teacher was levelling him with a fearsome glare. Jingyi hastily wiped the stray drool from his mouth and brushed his curtain of a fringe behind his ear. “Yes Sir?”
<p>“Pay attention. I know that you are still new to this school but I expect better”. Humiliation curled up in his stomach as the rest of the class giggled and Jingyi felt himself blush in shame. He had only been in cloud recess a week but he missed his old school. There had been less rules. ‘And’, he thought as the teacher continued the lesson, ‘the teachers had been nicer too’.
<p>Originally, Jingyi had been born and raised within the rich district of town known as cloud recess. But his dad’s company had fallen in to bankruptcy and Jingyi and his parents had moved to the far away Mo village. Jingyi had been six at the time. However, he had adjusted quickly to the poor but friendly village, making friends with Zizhen and joining the local school.
<p>But whilst he had flourished within the small community, his parent’s relationship had grew progressively worse. It started with drinking, then snide comments which progressed into shouting fights and slamming doors. By the time he was sixteen, there were bruises on both his parent’s faces. The fights having turned physical. Jingyi learnt not to step between them after he had gotten his third black eye. It didn’t mean that he didn’t still try though.
<p>It was Zizhen that raised the subject of scholarships. Jingyi, who was beginning to feel suffocated, jumped at the idea and applied to as many sports scholarships he could. It was only luck that he was able to win a Classical Chinese dance scholarship to the prestigious Cloud recess academy. It was given that something would go wrong and ruin his luck. Just one week in and he was already mucking it up. Curse those who decided that he had to take maths and Chinese classes as well as his dance classes. Whoever they are, they were evil.
<p>The slamming of the classroom door made Jingyi jump, disturbing his train of thoughts. Startled, he turned his head to the doorway to watch as two figures bowed to the teacher.
<p>“Mr Lan, Mr Jin, what time do you call this?” The teacher asked. ‘Ah’, Jingyi thought. He eyed the two boys up and down. ‘The princes’.
<p>“I apologise sir”, Sizhui smiled charmingly, as polite as always. “We got held up in traffic. Jin Ling snorted at the excuse but did not speak. The teacher assessed them warily then sighed.
<p>“Just go and find a seat”. Both Sizhui and Jin Ling nodded before turning their faces towards the class. Sizhui’s purple brown orbs flittered across the room before alighting on the empty space next to Jingyi.
<p>Trying to look busy, Jingyi pretend to be reading through his notes as the chair moved beside him. It was only when Sizhui had sat down did Jingyi notice that he had not actually taken any notes and that his notebook was not even open. Glancing up at his new desk partner, he watched as a neat white pencil case and a clear pale blue notebook were placed on the table. The colour of the notebook matched the famous Lan ribbon tied around Sizhui’s wrist.
<p>Before he even came to cloud recess, Jingyi had heard of the Lan family. His father from from a very distant branch, so removed from the main family that the only thing they shared was the name. They were nothing like the twin jades.
<p>Everyone knew of the twin jades, head of the Lan mafia which controlled fifty percent of China. The other half was split between the Jin clan, the Nie clan and the Jiang clan. All the clans got along famously. Especially due the the fact that the head of the Lan clan, Lan Xichen, was married to Jin Guangyao and sworn brother’s with the fearsome Nie Mingjie. But a more famous story, one that everyone knew, was the love between the Yiling Patriarch and the Second jade. It was Wei Wuxian, adopted brother of clan leader Jiang Wayin, and Lan Wangji who were the most feared.
<p>It was their adopted son who was sitting next to Jingyi now.
<p>As if he could hear his thoughts, Sizhui turned and gave Jingyi a stunningly warm smile. Feeling the blood rushing to his face, Jingyi hurriedly broke contact and turned his head towards the front. It stayed like that for a few minutes before he heard the click of a pen and the sound of Sizhui taking notes, that Jingyi could relax his stiff posture slightly.
<p>Despite being the child of the mafia, Sizhui was an elegant student. Ever since they had first met as kids in preschool, Jingyi had admired him. Sizhui never let his reputation affect him. The guy was as charming and gentlemanly as a fairytale prince. He was the president of the student council and had the top grades of the year. People ignored that he was the heir to the largest mafia in China, and instead treated him like an idol. Jingyi had even heard a rumour that Sizhui had beaten up a gang of bullies single handed, only to then scold them on bullying and assist them to the infirmary.
<p>But despite having been fierce childhood friends, honestly, the guy was a conundrum. They had lost contact when Jingyi’s family had moved away, which his younger self had cried about. He gazed at his new desk partner. Sizhui’s black hair was cut short and neatly against his head. His skin was smooth and unblemished, almost matching the pristine white of his shirt. His uniform was ironed and fresh. Compared to jingyi’s rumpled and still sleepy state, Sizhui might as well have just walked out of a fashion magazine.
<p>“Is everything okay?” Sizhui’s calm voice asked. Jingyi blinked to find Sizhui watching him.
<p>“Oh um yes!” His voice cracked. “Yes! I’m fine. You just have blood on your...” Jingyi broke off, his hand moving to catch Sizhui’s sleeve. He caught the end of the blue Lan ribbon between his fingers and began to absentmindedly rub at the small stain.
<p>There was a beat of tense silence as Jingyi realised what he was doing. Colour drained out of his face. Mercifully, the bell rang. Dropping the ribbon, Jingyi hastily gathered up his stuff and fled the classroom, leaving Sizhui alone at the desk.
<p>“What the hell was that all about?” Jin Ling barked, having watched the scene from his desk a short distance away. He was obviously spending too much time with Jiang Cheng and his potty mouth was increasing because of it.
<p>Sizhui let out a hum, fingers toying with end of the ribbon on his wrist. “Nothing”, he decided finally, despite Jin Ling’s assessing gaze. “Let’s go”.
——
<p>“Good! Again!” The instructor called with a clap of his hands.
<p>Jingyi paused to wipe the sweat off his forehead before taking his position at the beginning of the mats. The mats covered a long line across the floor of the gym, almost like a runway. A runway and Jingyi was a pretty awesome plane.
<p>Grinning, Jingyi started his run up. One flip, head over heels into a forward somersault. He flipped into a series of five forwards somersaults before using the last of his momentum to launch himself up into the air, body twisting sideways before landing on his knees. The mats cushioned his landing, so when he got up it was only with a slight ache.
<p>“Excellent Jingyi!” The instructor, Mr Lee, called with delight. He was a large heavy set man with a encouraging grin. Jingyi liked him the best out of all his teachers. He clapped him hard on the back, almost sending Jingyi stumbling.
<p>“Thanks Mr Lee”. Jingyi grinned and ran a hand through his sweaty hair. His fringe, which was long enough to graze his jaw, was pushed back by a white sweatband. The rest of it was cut short for convenience, but Jingyi still wished that he could grow it out.
<p>Catching his breath, he walked over to the side of the room to grab his water bottle. He took a swig as footsteps sounded behind him. As Jingyi turned around, he choked in surprise. Hurriedly, he wiped at the water dripping down his chin.
<p>“What are you doing here?” He gasped.
<p>Sizhui smiled at him. He was still immaculate in his pristine white and blue uniform. Jingyi felt inappropriately embarrassed. He was sweaty and gross and probably smelt. Sizhui smelt of sandalwood and orange blossom. Even his damn scent was perfect.
<p>“I came to speak to you”, Sizhui’s smile was like dawn light, innocent and pure. Jingyi fought the urge to snort. “Is this a bad time?” Sizhui looked like a kicked puppy.
<p>“Um”, Jingyi glanced around at the rest of the class. “I’m in the middle of practising at the moment. But we should be done by four”. Why did he mention the time?
<p>“Oh”, Sizhui perked up. He beamed at Jingyi. “I’ll wait then”.
<p>“Oh um sure. You do that”, Jingyi averted his gaze and tried to quell his flaming cheeks. He set his water bottle back on the ground. Sizhui lowered himself into sitting cross legged beside it, smiling pleasantly. Jingyi tried not to make it look like he was running away.
<p>“Why is Lan Sizhui waiting for you?” Zizhen hissed as Jingyi preformed a windmill turn. He transitioned out of the movement into a vertical split, holding his position.
<p>“I don’t know”, He muttered back, focussing on maintaining his balance.
<p>Zizhen did not answer for a moment. Throwing himself forward into a travelling straddle jump. Once he had landed, he circled back to Jingyi’s position. “Dude, he’s Lan Sizhui! You must know something”.
<p>Jingyi let his foot touch the ground. Rolling his shoulders, he spared Zizhen a sheepish look. “It may have something to do with the fact that I touched his ribbon earlier”.
<p>Zizhen gasped. “Jingyi! You know how important those ribbons are”. Jingyi winced with the scandalised tone. He did know. Every member of the Lan family had one. They represented restraint, only to be touched by your family or significant other. It was a family tradition that had been held for years. Even Jingyi had been given one at birth like all Lans, but his parents didn’t care much for the traditions. He had lost his as a child and never received a new one. When they had moved away and the Lan family had cut ties with his parents, it didn’t matter anymore.
<p>Jingyi felt a small amount of dread settle in his gut. Those ribbons were held within the highest esteem by the main family. So much so that there were rumours that the last person to try and forcibly touch Lan Wangji’s ribbon had died a gruesome death. Jingyi shivered.
<p>“It can’t be that bad right?” He asked. Zizhen, who was preforming his cooling down stretches, shrugged and patted him on the shoulder. Jingyi put his head in his hands and sighed.
——
<p>Once the class was over, Jingyi reluctantly made his way back over to where Sizhui was sitting. The boy smiled at him and handed him his water bottle, which Jingyi drank from greedily.
<p>“I can talk now if you want”, Jingyi said as nonchalantly as he could. Sizhui stood up, causing Jingyi to mentally curse the few centimetres that the older boy held over him.
<p>“That’s good. Shall we get drinks? I know a coffee shop nearby”, Sizhui asked. Jingyi eyed him warily but nodded.
<p>Together they walked out of the practise room. They made their way through the building, only pausing long enough for Jingyi to pull on a jumper and a pair of shoes in the changing room. Sizhui insisted on taking his bag.
<p>“You shouldn’t have to-“, Jingyi started, hands itching to pull his backpack from the other boy’s shoulder.
<p>Sizhui smiled in that disarming way and shifted the strap up higher. “I insist. Your muscles must be aching from all that practise. Let me do it”. Jingyi grumbled a bit more but eventually gave up with a huff, pouting as they walked to the coffee shop.
<p>The coffee shop was only a few blocks away luckily. The silence as they walked was so awkward that Jingyi felt like crying. When they got there the scent of coffee and the pleasant sound of chatter and clinking cups washed through Jingyi like a wave of calm. The cafe was warm and cozy. The walls were accented with wood and photos. A sign above the door named the place ‘ghostly scent’ and Jingyi found himself feeling a bit better.
<p>“Uncle Ning”, Sizhui greeted as they neared the counter. A frazzled and nervous looking man looked up from the coffee machine and beamed at them. He had long black hair tied away from his face in a low ponytail by a red hair tie which matched his red apron.
<p>“Sizhui”, he greeted in a quiet, stuttering Voice. “What can I get you?”
<p>“I’ll have a black coffee and he’ll have a honeycomb hot chocolate”, Sizhui answered. Jingyi blinked. How they hell did he know his favourite drink? His mind faltered for a moment as Wen Ning turned to make their drinks.
<p>“Wait, I can pay”, Jingyi said, scrambling for his wallet.
<p>Sizhui shook his head dismissively as Wen Ning waved a hand. “No need. Sizhui and his friends always get free drinks here. Just go and sit down. Xue Yang will bring you your drinks in a moments”.
<p>Sizhui thanked him and took Jingyi gently by the wrist. He lead him over to a table in the corner, removed from the main hubbub of the cafe. Jingyi felt like he was going to spontaneously combust right there and then. He didn’t. Instead, he obediently sat down opposite Sizhui, ignoring how he still had his wrist within his grip.
<p>“Um, is this about your ribbon?” Jingyi stuttered. “If so then I’m really sorry. I was half asleep and I didn’t realise what I was doing-“. Sizhui shook his head, cutting him off. Jingyi fell silent as a scowling teenager with badly cut black hair set their drinks on the table.
<p>Sizhui took a long gulp of his tar like drink and Jingyi nervously followed his example. The flavour of honey and chocolate eased his aching body and he found himself relaxing in his seat with a moan. Sizhui watched him.
<p>“To not about the ribbon”, Sizhui smiled. Jingyi blinked slowly at him, not computing.
<p>“Then why am I here?”
<p>“Because I wanted to talk to you”. Sizhui’s grip on his wrist had travelled down to his hand without Jingyi noticing. He linked their fingers together with a smile that had Jingyi blushing as red as Wen Ning’s apron.
<p>Sizhui squeezes his hand and continued. “I want to ask you on a date”, he stated. Jingyi must have died, how could this be happening?
<p>“What?”
<p>Sizhui used his free hand to pull something from his pocket. He unfolded a piece of white material to reveal a embroidered Lan ribbon. With shock, Jingyi watched as Sizhui let go of his hand to tie the ribbon around his wrist.
<p>“Remember when we were kids and you were moving away?” Sizhui asked. Jingyi nodded numbly, brain trying to absorb what was happening. “You had come running to me crying about leaving. I told you that we would see each other again and you gave me your ribbon and made me promise”.
<p>As Sizhui talked, the memory surfaced in Jingyi’s mind. He had been distraught that he would have to leave Sizhui behind and had runaway to his house. He had cried and dropped his ribbon onto Sizhui’s palm before running home.
<p>“I thought I lost it”, Jingyi breathed. Sizhui smiled warmly at him and unravelled the ribbon around his wrist, stretching it out to show the embroiled characters of Jingyi’s name sewn amongst the cloud design.
<p>“Jingyi”, Sizhui asked once he had retied the ribbon. He took his hand again, palm warm against his skin. “We found each other again. Will you go on a date with me?”
Jingyi found himself laughing slightly hysterically. All doubts and fears left his mind as he giggled. He grinned, squeezing Sizhui’s hand. “Yeah. Let’s go on a date”.
18 notes
·
View notes
Text
The Sound of Silence
Summary:
In a world where everyone hears music whenever their soulmate does, two souls struggle to find their other halves.
As far as he can remember, Hanzo has always been deaf but it's ok, because he can still hear music in his head.
As far as Jesse can tell, he doesn't have a soulmate at all.
Words: 8,1k Rating: T Warning: none Note: thank you to @delanbie, the McHanzo sanctuary server and my beta Soap. This fic wouldn’t have been writen and published without them! Art: http://delanbie.tumblr.com/post/170956941912/all-the-art-i-did-for-soulmate-au-from-the-mchanzo
AO3
Since the day he was born, Hanzo has been living in a world of silence. For years, no one knew why the young heir to the well-known Shimada clan did not speak.
At first, his parents thought he was just a quiet child, and the elders thrilled that even as a baby, their new heir was well behaved. It did not last long. When they noticed that Hanzo was starting to fall behind the other kids his age, his family tried to make him speak at all costs. Finally, after many fruitless attempts, they brought him to the hospital where a poor nurse had to deliver them the fatal news: Hanzo was born deaf.
A deaf leader? What a disgrace. The day following the news, Sojiro was called in front of the elders. Within the next month, Hanzo’s mom was pregnant again and nine months later, Genji was born.
They ran tests on the newborn as soon as they could, and all of them came back negative.
It did not take long for the elders to proclaim Genji their new heir, leaving Hanzo in the shadows.
When he was seven, instead of being sent to school, Hanzo was asked to sit for hours and learn sign language properly. He had known basic words, to ask for food or tell his parents he was cold, but even a disowned member of the Shimada clan must be flawless, and so he learned.
It was hard at first, since Hanzo did not know many words in either sign language or Japanese, but it brought him great joy whenever his father would ask him how his day was and he could answer with his own words. Sometimes, one or both of his parents would take the class with him, making his day even better.
Because of this, Hanzo did not have friends but he had something else, something better: a voice singing in his head. He didn’t know why it was the only thing he could hear, or why he seemed to be the only one able to hear it, but it happened nonetheless. Sometimes during class, or over dinner, he could hear either a clear and soft voice or a loud and boisterous one singing.
As far as he could remember, the singing had always been there and so he never wondered nor asked where it came from, or why it was the only thing he could hear.
One night, after a nightmare, he started humming the tune of one of the songs he had heard, unable to hear his own voice but feeling the vibrations through his mouth. It soothed him to pretend he could hear the voice singing. But he hummed so loudly and out of tune that it woke Genji up, upsetting him.
Hanzo tried to apologize to his little brother but Genji had dashed out of the room, crying that Hanzo was being mean to him and keeping him up on purpose.
Of course no one understood what was happening; Hanzo had never tried to use his voice before. When he told them he was simply trying to replicate the song he could hear in his head, his parents looked at each other oddly. His mother started crying and his father laughed.
They told him to go back to bed, that they would explain tomorrow, but Hanzo lingered. The elders weren’t around and Genji was already falling back asleep in their parent’s bed. He looked up and signed, “Can I stay?”
His parents did not even hesitate, signing back, “Of course.”
The following day, they all sat under the cherry blossoms and Hanzo’s mother started telling a story while her husband signed it.
Long ago, a young fisherman man fell in love with a woman whose singing was so mesmerizing that it was said to bring fortune unto whoever listened to it. He loved her so much that he would come by her house every day with a new gift, even though he was not particularly rich. He would bring her fruits, flowers, and on very rare occasions, pearls he had found in the sea.
She kept every one of his presents, and insisted that he did not have to bring any more, that he could come see her whenever he wanted. But every time, the young man arrived with another present.
One day, there was a violent storm and the young man broke his arm. He was unable to work but kept on bringing gifts to the woman. She begged him to stop, to keep what little he had at least long enough for him to heal, but he stubbornly refused.
She proposed to him then, saying, “If I am your wife, you will have no need to court me anymore.” The young man could not refuse such a proposition.
They got married on a beautiful day, had one child they loved above everything else, and grew old together.
The people in the village said they were so in love, their souls must be bound together. But, as the time passed, their health started to decay. The man’s knees protested when carrying him and the woman’s hearing started to fade.
Saddened to see his wife unable to sing or listen to any kind of music, the now-old man prayed to the gods, begging them to give his own hearing to his wife so that she could be happy again.
Upon seeing such great love, the gods agreed that two souls bound to be lovers would be able to hear the same music as their other halves.
When his mother finished her tale, she looked at Hanzo and signed, “I am so happy to know there is someone out there for you.”
As Hanzo grew older and became fluent in Japanese Sign Language, he was asked to learn the American one as well. After all, Genji had to learn English, so why shouldn’t he? And since he was finally able to understand his tutors, why not teach him other things? He was a Shimada after all, and Shimadas must be flawless.
Between being deeply buried in his education, Genji just starting his own, and with clan matters taking up most of his parents’ time, Hanzo started to feel lonely. He couldn’t ask his non-disabled brother to come home early after school and deny him the joy of having friends outside of the family, nor could he stay behind his mother’s robes, so he did what lonely kids with a lot of free time do: he started to draw.
Drawing was a nice, silent and creative activity that Hanzo could practice on his own, and it gave him a way to express himself without signing. At first, the only things he wanted to draw were cool and impressive dragons, just like the ones in his family’s dojo. Then he tried his hand at sentai warriors because Genji would stay stuck to the TV screen on Saturday mornings, watching those superheroes kick butt.
Practice makes perfect, as the saying goes, and Hanzo was a fast learner with lots of free time. At nine years old, he won an artistic contest after Genji had submitted one of his drawings in secret. The elders were not pleased, but Hanzo had a proud smile stuck to his face for weeks.
One day, as he was experimenting with inks, Hanzo heard a young voice in his head singing a song he had never heard before. It was a happy tune, the sort of thing he could picture Genji humming. The song was accompanied by some sort of instrument, but it seemed like the person singing did not know how to play it because some of the notes sounded as though they did not belong. Like that time Hanzo tried to paint a blue sky but messed up his gradient.
That comparison made him pause and look at his sheets of expensive ink paper. What if he tried drawing the song in his head?
During the following years, Hanzo mastered both American and Chinese sign languages on top of his other studies. Frustrated by his dependence on his hands to communicate, he began to take lessons in lip reading and, encouraged by his tutor, started learning how to speak.
Reading lips was hard, and learning how to talk through only vibrations was even harder, but Hanzo could always count on the music in his head to cheer him up. After all, one day he would meet his soulmate and he wanted to be able to explain just how much their songs meant to him, how they inspired him to paint… And how they kept him going.
He may not have been able to hear what people were saying about him, but he was not blind. He could see their fake smiles and hypocrisy from miles away. They pretended to like him, to be proud of him, but they pitied him. The perfect heir, put aside because he could not hear, working so hard to learn. How sad.
Meanwhile, Genji started to show just how little he cared about the clan, and Hanzo knew an argument was brewing about whether or not he should have stayed the heir.
Soon after Genji’s first attempt at rebellion -he had dyed his hair a horrendous shade of green- his mother grew ill and died. His father, facing an increasing number of duties, was all too happy to bury himself deeper into work to drown out his sorrow.
The only thing that brought warmth to Hanzo’s cold and broken world was the music he could hear from his soulmate. But even that was growing more melancholic and sad. He could still hear the musical instrument -his soulmate getting better at it- but more often than not, the music was just a sad acapella. The notes weighed heavily on Hanzo’s soul.
He wished he could sing back to tell his soulmate he was there, that they would meet someday and live happily. But he knew that even if he could sing perfectly, the person he wanted to sing for wouldn’t hear it.
As Hanzo entered adulthood, the music in his head changed. After years of sorrowful tunes, the joy he had heard as a child began to come back. It started as a rare occurrence, one song here and there in the middle of long stretches of silence, but it was definitely coming back, bringing a palette of warm colors to Hanzo’s paintings that hadn’t been seen in a very long time.
Suddenly, life was bearable again. Not quite happy, but good enough. Hanzo started to exhibit his work, and the elders were too busy with Genji’s rebellion to advise him against it.
Success knocked at his door -the people loved his paintings, both the sad and the happy ones. The elders let it slide, pleased to have good publicity for a change.
A couple years before Hanzo turned thirty, he noticed the singing in his head was becoming muffled. The songs were happier and more frequent, but somewhat muted. At first, he thought it was himself paying less attention to it, but soon he realized he had trouble understanding the lyrics when he had once heard them as though his soulmate was sitting next to him.
He started to worry: what if his soulmate was ill? It could be that their strength was leaving them… What if the gods had decided that Hanzo did not deserve this person? He had never tried to leave the city to seek them out, after all.
The days passed and the music grew fainter each day, almost unnoticeably slowly. Anguish rendered Hanzo’s paintings tormented, tortuous. He started painting foggy forests and muddy water, giving the viewer the impression that they could get swallowed and lost.
People called them masterpieces; Hanzo called them nightmares.
The last song he heard from his soulmate reminded Hanzo of his mother’s funeral. It was muted, sad, and made him feel miserable. After that, there was nothing.
Hanzo had always been deaf, but for the first time in his life, he was truly left in silence.
The first few weeks of complete silence were bad but manageable; when it turned into months, Hanzo started to worry a lot more. What if his soulmate had died? What if that last macabre song had been played at their funeral?
Hanzo found the silence smothering, making it hard for him to get up in the morning, hard to wash up, hard to eat.
One day, Genji entered his room with a bounce in his step. Hanzo wasn’t sure just how long it had been since he last left his room, but seeing his little brother admittedly made him feel better. Until Genji really looked at him and his features scrunched up into a frown, sadness and worry evident in his eyes.
“Hanzo, what’s wrong?” Genji signed.
He opened his mouth to answer but could not muster the strength to use his voice. He felt tears form at the corners of his eyes, so he tried to wipe them with his sleeve only to find that he did not have the strength to do that either. So he simply cried.
He didn’t know when Genji sat on the bed to hug him, but once he had calmed enough to feel the world around him, he found himself holding onto his little brother like a lifeline. He was tired; he wanted to sleep and never wake up again, but when he gently pushed Genji to let him know he wanted to rest, his brother signed again.
“I don’t want to force you, but you seem like you need to talk about it.”
So Hanzo did. They sat there for hours as Hanzo spilled his heart, telling his younger brother everything about the music, how it had started to fade, how it had stopped for months and how hollow it had left him.
Genji stayed by his side, rubbing comforting circles on his shoulder through it all. Once he was done signing, Genji took ahold of his jaw, making him look up.
“You know what? The elders don’t need us and you could use a vacation. How does a trip to America sound?”
It took some time to convince Hanzo to leave Japan, then some more time to convince the elders that the vacation was very much needed while their continued presence in Japan was not. But when they finally landed in San Francisco, Hanzo felt some of the tension leave his body.
Genji did his best to give Hanzo the most amazing holiday he could and, in turn, Hanzo tried to be less of a burden on his younger brother. There were still bad days, but he was doing better overall so they decided to stay. They rented a nice, modern house by the sea and started what they called their “second life.”
The elders called about once a month to discuss their “allowance,” as if they were still children, but never asked them to come back. Eventually, Genji found a job as a martial arts instructor in hopes of cutting the bridge between them and the clan. Hanzo likewise began working as a Sign Language teacher and soon their “allowance” was cut off.
Their only link left with the clan was their aging and retired father, who was all too happy to call them both to pass the time.
Eventually, Hanzo took up his artistic hobbies again, painting various places in the city. He could see the pain in his brother’s eyes whenever he showed him his monochrome ink paintings, depicting the world as he saw it: cold, uninviting, and colorless. He refused to use color; the cheerful hues reminded him too much of a time he believed to be over, of a world where he knew someone was out there for him.
A few months after they made the decision to stay in San Francisco and almost a year after the overbearing silence had started, Hanzo found himself humming. He was in the middle of a class, watching his students -people of all ages and origins- practice conversing when it happened.
It came naturally to him, like getting back on a bicycle after winter had passed. That may be why he did not notice it until a bunch of his students looked at him with weird expressions on their faces. He turned to face them and signed, “Is something wrong?”
They looked at each other until one of his favorite students, a young mother learning the language to communicate with her deaf niece, signed back to him.
“It’s just,” she paused to choose her signs carefully, “we have never heard you hum before.”
Hanzo shot her an incredulous look. There was no way he could have been humming; he hadn’t even heard music since-
That’s when he noticed it, that barely audible and rusty hum in his head. A muted song morphing into whispered lyrics:
Fools, said I, you do not know Silence like a cancer grows Hear my words that I might teach you Take my arms that I might reach you But my words like silent raindrops fell
And echoed In the wells Of silence
The rusty voice faded back into a hum then, and Hanzo found himself unable to move. The voice was definitely deeper and harsher than he remembered, but it was there, his soulmate was there.
Hanzo let out a sob, unable to keep the tears from falling. His entire class was looking at him then, and the mother from earlier started to applaud. Soon, all of his students were clapping their hands, congratulating him. Even though they didn’t know the story, they could tell it had something to do with his soulmate and they knew just how important it was.
As soon as he could stand up and hold his phone, Hanzo excused himself to video call his younger brother. He started to cry again when he tried to deliver the news, making it impossible to talk. After ten minutes of fruitless tears, he received a text from Genji, asking Hanzo to join him at the dojo.
When he got there, Genji cut his class short and lead them both to a secluded booth in a café. He got them hot drinks and let Hanzo talk as long as he needed, not interrupting even once, which was a rather impressive feat for Genji.
When Hanzo was finished, Genji gave him a hug and insisted that Hanzo hum him the song. He did, with hands on his temple and throat to better feel the vibrations. It was probably horrible, but Genji listened and thanked him nonetheless before telling him the name of the song: “The Sound of Silence.”
During the next few days, Hanzo heard humming and singing a lot, but there was no trace of a musical instrument. He didn’t know why his soulmate had been silent for so long or why the instrument was gone now, but he suspected a pretty bad accident or severe depression. He tried not to think too hard about it and just enjoy the simple knowledge that someone out there was meant for him and, more importantly, that he could hear them sing.
A week later, Hanzo was sitting in their living room, dozing off while Genji was watching a documentary. They had the subtitles off so he wouldn’t be distracted from the scenery, content to watch as colorful birds performed some kind of mating dance on the screen while his soulmate’s humming played in his head. He burrowed deeper into their comfortable sofa, ready to fall asleep, when suddenly the humming got very loud, startling him.
For a few minutes, the volume of the humming varied wildly before settling on a somewhat normal middle setting. That’s when he realized: his soulmate must be trying out hearing aids. Hanzo grabbed Genji’s shoulder then, shaking him in his excitement. His soulmate’s hearing was impaired; they would be able to relate when they finally met!
Hanzo talked too fast and had to repeat the signs more slowly for Genji, who then grinned and told him that he believed his own soulmate had hearing aids, too. Hanzo gasped, unaware that Genji had heard his soulmate at all. With all his personal turmoil during the past year, he hadn’t even thought to ask his younger brother about it. It was time to change that.
“You did not tell me about your soulmate,” he signed.
“Well, I went to your room the day I heard them for the first time so I could tell you about it but,” he paused and looked away. Hanzo shook his shoulder again, prompting him to continue. “But then I saw you in your bed, unwashed and with the biggest circles under your eyes; it just didn’t seem like the right moment.”
“Well, I am better now and I want to know.”
Genji smiled. “Let’s get started then!”
After that night, Hanzo made sure to regularly ask Genji about his soulmate, learning that once a month they would listen to calm instrumentals while checking their hearing aid settings, that they sometimes listened to music closer to Genji’s tastes, and that one time they had spent a day listening to musical pieces from different periods in chronological order.
“They seem to have a very curious nature,” Genji said over dinner. “Although I’ve never heard them sing or hum anything so it’s a bit weird.”
“Maybe they simply cannot speak,” Hanzo answered.
Genji shrugged it off, asking him about his own soulmate instead. “Do they still practice?”
“Yes.” Hanzo smiled. “They practice every day though they are still very far from how good they used to be. I wonder if they broke an arm.”
“You said they’ve been practicing for, what, a month?”
“A month and 28 days, actually.”
Genji laughed. “You have it so bad, brother! And you haven’t even met them!!!”
Hanzo smacked the back of his head, laughing. It felt so good to be close to his brother. They had never spent much time together as kids, mostly because of the language barrier.
Genji waved at him to get his attention before signing, “Did you make up your mind about the art gallery's offer?”
“I think I will accept it, although I will ask them if they can wait until I have a more… joyful piece to offer. If my soulmate lives in the area, I don’t want them to think I am gloomy.”
“I don’t think they live in the area; from what you’ve told me, they sing way too many country songs.” He laughed but put a hand on Hanzo’s shoulder. “Don’t worry, brother. We’ll find them.”
As time passed, more and more art galleries called Hanzo -they even had to buy a device that could translate the audio into text- to ask if they could exhibit and sell a few of his paintings. Hanzo accepted every offer except when a deal wasn’t good enough, wanting nothing more than to become famous enough that his soulmate would one day see his paintings.
He still taught sign language classes but not as many. Now that he was becoming famous, he no longer needed the money, but he didn’t want to let it go completely as he’d found that he actually liked to teach.
One day, an association called him to ask if he could give art classes to hearing-impaired and mute teenagers and children, to which he immediately agreed because he knew how hard it could be to find a capable instructor. Even his family’s wealth hadn’t lured any deaf-friendly art teachers, and he had to learn to read lips before he was finally able to study with a professional.
Two years after Hanzo had settled in San Francisco -and about one year after he started to hear his soulmate again- the music played by the instrument in his head was almost flawless. But then something weird started to happen.
Every day, for a few hours, Hanzo would hear the instrument play a bunch of notes over and over again, testing new combinations and different rhythms before stopping then starting anew. He didn’t really know what was happening, and he guessed that his soulmate had just decided to practice a complicated song, but after a week, lyrics joined in and Hanzo realized: his soulmate was composing a song.
It was a soft melody, the kind that reminded Hanzo of watching snow fall through the window while snuggling under the kotatsu, but also the kind you wouldn’t mind listening to to drown your sorrow. The lyrics were often half-mumbled as his soulmate was still trying to write them, but after another week had passed, Hanzo heard the complete song for the first time.
It talked about silence, how lonely it felt and how they tried to forget it, how they sang to fill in the gaps. But what touched Hanzo the most was the ending.
When I found out after, That sounds could not reach me, Then I realized that maybe, Your silence wasn’t meant to hurt me.
Hanzo felt tears gather at the corner of his eyes -they understood. When they had partially lost their hearing, they had realized. And they composed a song for him about it.
During the following month, Hanzo heard that song a lot. He briefly wondered if his soulmate had recorded it, because most of the time it had exactly the same intonations and tempo, while it tended to be more relaxed and less controlled in the evenings.
Hanzo very rarely had things made for him when he was younger. Sure, his family learned sign language and bought him presents, but no one had ever crafted something just for him. He never had friends outside of the family and didn’t go to school, so he never even got chocolate for Valentine’s day like Genji did.
Having something as precious as a song gifted to him was so inspiring that he painted an entire polyptych of five canvases based on the song. They were the first and only pieces he refused to exhibit or sell, setting them up in his bedroom so that they would be the first and last things he saw every day.
As months passed, his soulmate composed more songs and Hanzo painted more pieces. He became so famous that a museum contacted him to ask if they could organize an exhibition of his works. It took some convincing from Genji, but eventually Hanzo accepted.
When he contacted them, they decided on a date and asked Hanzo if he could come to their city for the grand opening. It took some more convincing, but he eventually agreed. He had never gone very far from San Francisco and never left Hanamura when he still lived there; maybe a trip to a distant city would do him good.
All things considered, the city was nice. It was noisy and polluted, but lacked the chilly wind of San Francisco and the fake traditional look of Hanamura. It was like most US cities Hanzo had seen in photographs, with huge skyscrapers, geometric streets, and big squares.
He wasn’t particularly awed nor disappointed by the city, but they had some pretty interesting museums he wanted to check out. After meeting up with the organizers of his exhibit, he was given a free pass that was good for public transportation and entry to many museums. They informed him that some of his art pieces hadn’t arrived yet but should be there in time for the opening a week later, and asked him if he wanted to take a look and move any pieces around.
After spending a couple of hours in the aisle hosting his exhibit, Hanzo was invited to check out the rest of the museum. One of the organizers stayed with him, talking animatedly about their impressive collection from all over the world. More than once, Hanzo had to ask them to slow down and repeat themselves, but he didn’t mind the company. It was always nice to meet passionate people.
They explained that this particular museum had a big collaboration going with the local music academy, allowing students and teachers to study and handle the museum's collection of musical instruments from various historical eras and cultures, encouraging them to think outside the box. Once a month, a music teacher came to play in the halls so that museum visitors could hear how various instruments sounded and see how they were played. At the end of their visit, the organizer asked Hanzo if he would mind having a little concert at the end of the opening day. A newly-popular singer was in town, having just finished touring.
Hanzo had no reason to refuse; he had never been to a concert and likely would never go to one if not for this opportunity. He assured the organizer that he would be able to enjoy it as long as he was able to feel the vibrations, and that it would be all good as long as they reserved a private spot for him away from the crowd. They thanked him with a big smile and bid him farewell, telling him to enjoy the city before the opening day.
So he did just that, visiting the city’s zoo and many museums, even bringing Genji to one that was dedicated to superheroes around the world. He also ventured out a couple of times to enjoy the local nightlife.
The day before the event, Hanzo went to the laundromat down the street from their hotel. He liked to do his own laundry with his own detergent. The one used by the servants at Shimada castle had always reminded him of his mother too much. Then he moved to America and there was no one else to do it for him anyway, except maybe Genji, but he wouldn’t trust anyone who used the words “laundry” and “Genji” in the same sentence.
They had only been there for a week, but he was amazed to find just how many outfits his younger brother had stained with sweat, drinks, and sauces as he started to separate the bright colors from the light and dark ones, making three neat piles on a bench. He looked around the place, confirming that it was empty before he started humming his soulmate’s latest song to himself. It was one of Hanzo’s favorites even though it didn’t have lyrics yet. It was an upbeat and innocent tune, like a child talking about their crush.
He was unscrewing his bottle of detergent when someone grabbed his arm, almost making him drop it to the floor. He turned and glared at whoever almost made him spill his perfectly fine and expensive bottle only to be met with an equally angry face. The man who had interrupted him said something, but Hanzo was too surprised to really pay attention -what right had this man to shout at him? If anything, he should be the one shouting!
“I do not understand why you are angry at me,” Hanzo said slowly, a hand on his temple to help him speak. “I wasn’t the one rudely interrupting your laundry time.”
The man answered and this time Hanzo tried to follow what he was saying, but the words were spoken too quickly for him to catch, on top of what seemed to be an accent distorting the motion of his lips. Great.
“Could you articulate? I cannot understand a word you are saying.”
The man puffed up like an angry bird, his brows furrowing further. He started talking again and Hanzo tried really hard to focus on his lips, but despite his best efforts, he still couldn’t make out half the words. Something...play dumb...something? Hanzo frowned, did he sound condescending? He leaned back to look at the man’s face, ready to apologize and explain, only to find that the other’s frown was gone, replaced by huge, surprised eyes.
Hanzo took the time to look at the stranger in an attempt to finally understand what was going on. The man had big brown eyes framed by thick eyebrows, and hair so long it would have fallen into his eyes if he hadn’t worn a hat. A cowboy hat of all things; he must be from the desert, then.
Hanzo watched as the man’s full lips shaped into a big, round “Oh.” He must have finally understood that Hanzo was deaf, good. Then why did his expression turn so hopeful? The man then inhaled through his mouth, pursed his lips, and stood there expectantly.
Hanzo heard humming.
As much as he loved his soulmate’s songs, now wasn’t really the moment; he didn’t know what this man wanted with him and the music distracting him wouldn’t help. But then the man started swaying, and as he opened his mouth to take another breath, Hanzo’s eyes went wide.
The man before him was totally in sync with the humming in his head.
Hanzo watched, mesmerized as the stranger did it again and, without thinking, he laid a hand on the man’s chest to feel the vibrations. His soulmate let out a breathy laugh and sang the lyrics softly. For the first time in his life, Hanzo could hear what he was reading on the lips of another human being.
When I found out after, That sounds could not reach me, Then I realized that maybe, Your silence wasn’t meant to hurt me.
His soulmate smiled warmly at him and pointed at his ear, where Hanzo could see a small transparent device. He could already feel the tears spilling all over his cheeks as he choked out a weak, “I know.”
Hanzo felt his soulmate slowly drawing him in for a hug and rubbing soothing circles on his shoulder blades. He held onto him tightly, trying -and failing- to stop staining the man’s plaid shirt with tears. The humming picked back up and Hanzo found himself so comfortable he never wanted this moment to end.
They stayed like that for what felt like hours until the man gently pushed Hanzo away and cupped his cheek, carefully articulating.
“You ok?”
Hanzo wiped his eyes with his palm and nodded with a smile. He didn’t trust himself to speak through the emotional train wreck this meeting turned out to be.
“May I take you out for coffee?”
Hanzo’s smile grew bigger and he nodded again before taking his phone out, opening a new notes sheet and typing, “I don’t think I can focus enough to speak rn, do you know sign language?” He pointed his phone towards his soulmate so he could read the message.
The man looked up from the phone. “Not enough to have a conversation, but I can give you my number.”
Hanzo nodded and opened up his contact information, turning his phone towards his soulmate again. The man entered the number into his own phone, a big smile splitting his face in two. A few seconds later, Hanzo received a text from an unknown number saying, “Hanzo, huh? That’s a pretty name. Mine’s Jesse :)”
“It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Jesse. I would love to get coffee once I am done cleaning all these shirts,” he typed, hit send and then gestured at the two remaining piles of dirty laundry he came to wash.
Jesse chuckled and nodded, pointing at his own pile of clothes before typing his answer. “Fortunately, I have some cleaning to do myself. How about I keep you company?”
When Hanzo came back to the hotel at the end of the day, Genji immediately jumped on him, asking him what took so long. He grinned, lifted his chin and signed, “I may or may not have met an amazing man whose name is Jesse McCree.”
“Jesse McCree… The singer?” Genji signed and then stopped, his mouth slowly forming a perfect, round O. “HOOOOOOLY SHIT!!! IS YOUR SOULMATE JESSE MCCREE???!” He probably shouted, signing along with his words. ��Hanzo, that’s amazing! They were talking about him on TV just yesterday!!”
“They also talked about me on TV,” he pouted.
“Hanzo, please. They only mentioned you once in passing because of the exhibit. This guy just finished a tour on the West Coast!” Genji slid a hand through his hair, the movement of his shoulders indicating a sigh. “I cannot believe your soulmate is a popular singer, I always thought you’d end up with one of those hobos who thinks they're cool because they wear dreadlocks and walk barefoot.”
“Wow, thanks, Genji,” Hanzo signed, eyebrows raised in disbelief. “I never thought your soulmate would be a disappointment, but I am starting to believe they could very well be an old uni teacher.”
“Now you’re just being mean.”
Hanzo crossed his arms and raised a brow, his face the perfect picture of “Oh, really?”
“Alright, I deserved it. Now tell me! How did you meet? How was he? Does he really dress like that unironically?”
“I will tell you everything, but dinner first, if you don’t mind.”
The next day, Genji insisted on being there for the grand opening of Hanzo’s exhibit, bragging to every single person he met that he had been the first one in their family to believe his brother had a real talent for art, making Hanzo’s eyes roll.
A few people recognized him and stopped to chat, with Genji helping translate when they spoke too fast. It was nice to hear which paintings they liked most, or which technique they preferred. A lot of them were art students, and a few others were hearing-impaired or deaf. He was surprised when an old Japanese man stopped by to tell him that he had been following Hanzo’s career ever since he won his first artistic contest in Hanamura.
He told Hanzo that he had been a member of the jury, and that he hadn’t known he was a Shimada until he showed up to claim his prize flanked by four bodyguards. He also told him how relieved he had been when he saw Hanzo’s huge smile and his brother loudly clapping to congratulate him, that he thought they were good kids then.
When the old man excused himself so that he could continue looking at the pieces displayed, Hanzo gave his most respectful bow and thanked him for taking the time to come over and chat. In the corner of his eye, he saw Genji do the same.
Around lunch time, Hanzo felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. He fished it out and let a happy sigh escape him when he saw a text from Jesse.
“Hey! Organizers said I need to be there around 3pm, wanna grab lunch in the area? :)”
“Sure, do you have a place in mind? We’ll join you there.”
“We? You are full of secrets, Mister Shimada ✨” Hanzo laughed and had already started replying when a new text arrived. “How does Bacon Bros. Diner sound? It’s on 5th”
“What kind of name is that? :’) I can’t stop laughing, people are looking at me.”
“Just two bros having dinner. 5 feet apart because they’re not gay :^D”
“Except we’re gay”
“We’ll just have to eat only one foot apart then!”
Hanzo snickered and quickly typed his answer. “Perfect, meet you there in 15 minutes?”
“Sounds good to me! Can’t wait to see you again ♥”
Genji was almost more excited about the lunch date than Hanzo. When confronted about it, he pretended it was because he wanted to meet someone famous, but Hanzo knew him too well to believe that. Genji wasn’t exactly what he would call a “fan” of Jesse’s songs, being more into kpop, and Hanzo knew his brother had met his share of famous people back in Hanamura.
Lunch went well. Jesse and Genji got along pretty well despite a few embarrassing questions about each other’s fashion choices, and soon they were walking back towards the museum. A few people stopped them on the street, asking if they could take a picture with Jesse. A couple of them also inquired about Hanzo and Genji, but Jesse just put a finger to his lips and said it was a secret they could find hints about at the museum.
They arrived an hour and a half before Jesse had to be present for the last adjustments, so Hanzo invited him to check out the exhibition. The first pieces were sketches and studies from when he was a child. He explained that back when Genji didn’t know sign language very well, he found it easier to express himself through art, and that it was also an entertaining way to pass the time. In turn, Jesse told him a bit about his own childhood and how his mom always told him that music was important because it was his only link with his soulmate. He joked about not being very good at anything besides singing, and Hanzo assured him that he would be the judge of that.
Then they moved on to the paintings he did when he’d thought it would be nice if, when he met his soulmate, he could have something to give them the same way they gave him their comforting music. Jesse put a hand over his heart then and mimed being struck by Cupid, but Hanzo could tell he was genuinely touched.
As they kept walking through the exhibition, the pieces grew colder. Hanzo explained that he painted them around the time Jesse stopped playing the guitar -he was so happy he could finally give a name to that instrument- and sang his sad acapellas. Jesse explained that he stopped playing after his mother died, and that he got into trouble a lot in those days. He didn’t go into much detail, but it was clear Jesse was ashamed of that time period. It was okay though, they would have a lot of time to talk about it after they knew each other better.
Soon, they reached the warm sunsets and soft ambiance paintings Hanzo did when he started having his work exhibited in Japan. He turned to Jesse expectantly and the man explained that after a lot of trouble, one man saw potential in him and plucked his sorry ass out of the desert dirt. It wasn’t quite the freedom he craved, but things were getting better for him. The man who saw potential in him found out he could play the guitar and encouraged him to pick it back up. Hanzo also learned that around that time Jesse joined the army.
“I just didn’t wanna be no trouble to him, especially after all he did for me. I never finished school so there wasn’t much else I could do anyway,” he said sheepishly.
Hanzo hummed, probably too loudly. “I can relate to that.”
They walked into another room then, and Jesse froze only a few steps in. The room displayed all of Hanzo’s misty and darker paintings. They were a testament to his mastery in his field, but they all held an engulfing sadness that always made him shiver. He looked up at Jesse’s face, the perfect picture of shock and hurt. Hanzo’s eyes were fixed on the man next to him, who touched the tiny transparent device in his ear.
“Are those-”
“From when I noticed the music was becoming weaker? Yes.”
They didn’t linger in that room for long, too many dark memories for the both of them. Again, there would be time for that later.
They exited into a hall displaying the few pieces Hanzo drew when he moved to San Francisco. He told Jesse that Genji was the one to insist they move to America, and that those were hard times for him but the distance between himself and the rest of his family had done him good. He talked about how he started to teach sign language for a living and how he managed to get his life back in order.
He stopped in front of the last painting. “I thought you were dead,” he said.
“I’m sorry, Hanzo, I didn’t want this. I never wanted to hurt you.”
“I know.” He smiled before facing Jesse. “The day I finally heard you again, I was in the middle of a class. My students were practicing and I was watching over them like I always do. At some point, I noticed that a few of them had stopped conversing and were looking at me. They said I was humming.”
When Hanzo noticed the tears gathering at the corner of Jesse’s eyes, he gave him a side hug and patted his back. He felt the other lean into him so he kept his arm wrapped around Jesse as they walked all the way to the last room.
It was by far the largest of the entire exhibit, showcasing big polyptychs with bright colors. Hanzo stopped in front of each piece inspired by one of Jesse’s songs and tried to explain which song it belonged to. At one point, he tried to hum the melody instead but since Jesse was right next to him, he could hear himself and it just freaked him out too much.
“One more thing we’ll have time to work on,” Jesse joked, turning towards the next painting. “I was touched when you told me the paintings were based on the music you could hear from me, but these,” he paused, his shoulders moving along with a deep breath, “these are based on things I created. The songs I compose are mighty personal and I have no words to tell you how touched I am.”
“Did you notice? The set of paintings I made for the first song you composed for me are not in this room.”
Jesse paused and looked around, then back at Hanzo. “Where are they, then? Is there some kind of secret room we missed?”
Hanzo smirked. “Come over to my house in San Francisco and I will gladly show them to you. They are way too precious for me to trust anyone touching them.”
Jesse took off his hat and placed it over his heart, looking Hanzo straight in the eyes. “I think my heart just stopped.”
They spent the rest of the afternoon by an improvised stage outside. Jesse explained a few music things to Hanzo and showed him around behind the scenes. At one point, he convinced Hanzo to try playing the guitar. It was awful, his big fingers stumbling over unfamiliar chords. He didn’t know whether he was more frustrated or exhilarated that he was able to hear every single one of his mistakes.
About an hour before the concert, Hanzo was called to his VIP spot where the organizers had left a small bench with a sandwich and a water bottle for him. He was soon joined by Genji who had bought a bag of muffins for the two of them. Of course, his little brother asked to know every single detail of his and Jesse’s “date,” which Hanzo was all too happy to talk about.
A few minutes before the show, Genji joined the crowd, proclaiming that concerts were only good when you could smell everyone’s armpits and feel all those sweaty bodies pressed close to the stage. When Hanzo remarked that it sounded pretty gross, Genji shrugged and signed, “It’s half the charm,” with a toothy grin.
When Jesse arrived on stage and all the people started waving their arms, Hanzo moved his bench to get a little closer. He could see Jesse approach the microphone while clumsily signing, “Tonight is special. The man who paint are in this museum is deaf. I question his brother to sign along the lyrics of my songs.” Hanzo’s eyes widened as Genji jumped on stage and bowed, taking the signing over.
It had always been something to hear Jesse sing inside his head, but it was something entirely different to experience it live. Hanzo had a blast, not only listening to the music but also feeling the vibrations of it, making him feel like he was melting into the music, like he was part of the songs.
After the last song, Jesse leaned in to the microphone again and Hanzo looked to Genji for translation.
“I hope you had a blast tonight because I dedicate this concert to my soulmate, whose paintings are exhibited in this museum starting today!” Both the man on stage and the people in the crowd turned towards him. “Hanzo, darling, I am proud to be your soulmate,” Jesse signed as he spoke.
Hanzo rushed up and jumped onto the stage as fast as he could, throwing himself into Jesse’s arms. Their first kiss was captured by hundreds of cameras as they held each other on stage, but they didn’t care. They were finally united, happy.
#mchanzo#hancree#overwatch#jesse mccree#hanzo shimada#genji shimada#brothers bounding#Genji is a little shit#Deaf Hanzo#Singer McCree#Artist Hanzo#Soulmates AU#ecchima writes#Hanzo POV#I don't even know what to add#Sojiro loves his sons#fanfic
166 notes
·
View notes
Link
Early Years
Born in a small village in southern China, Feng was one of three children in what she describes as a ‘very strong-willed family, where we were taught that being a female was a strength’. In a time when the one-child policy was still being enforced across the country, Feng’s parents were often forced to flee into the nearby mountains in search of safety, and to protect her and her siblings. That early example of resilience has helped to shape who Feng is today.
At a young age, Feng’s natural talent shone through, making a big impression.
’I always loved painting. I just put colour on everything. I studied in my village, and we didn’t have an art or drawing class. When I was in third [grade] a teacher came to our village to teach art for the very first time. I enjoyed the classes a lot, and this teacher was very surprised about how I painted. The teacher even encouraged me to enter my traditional Chinese paintings into a kids art award in Japan, and I won silver!’ explains Feng.
In Feng’s final year of middle school, she swapped the brush for a pencil. Like her painting, drawing came naturally, and she took just months to master techniques that would normally take years to learn.
‘That was a very important moment for me in my life’, she says. And it certainly helped to solidify her calling.
Despite strong encouragement from her school to become a doctor, lawyer or accountant, Feng chose the arts. In a fiery meeting between her father and the school’s headmaster, Feng’s father encouraged her to make her own decisions and follow her own path.
‘He said to me, “Little Feng, now it’s your turn. Please make your own decision." So I did,' she says. 'I made a decision, and it was the biggest decision of my life so far.’
That decision led her to study a BA at one of Beijing’s top universities. There, she refined her craft and, at the conclusion of her degree, secured a fashion internship at a company in Shanghai. From there, Feng took the advice of her senior peers and moved aboard.
‘When you’re younger, you don’t really know who you are. You haven’t had much experience yet, so you listen to the advice of the people who have more experience than you,' she explains, reflecting on her next big decision.
'I took the step. This was the second-largest decision I made in my life!’
Her Move Abroad
‘It was so hard for me’ Feng admits.
‘I started studying MA Fashion Menswear at the Royal College of Art. I was one of 10 people in the course, and I was the worst student! It was my first time studying abroad, I couldn’t speak English very well, and I couldn’t communicate well.’
But those early lessons in resilience held her in good stead, and she persisted in enhancing her craft. She proceeded to teach herself English while studying fashion, and despite some first-year struggles, she became a standout by the second year.
'There was something I knew through the whole journey, and that was that it’s not so much about proving myself to anyone, but actually knowing myself more and more through the journey, and surviving.’ she says.
As the first female designer out of China to focus menswear, Feng's inspirations came from deep within.
'It’s hard to describe why you love what you love. It came from the heart. You feel you love that and, when you’re doing that, you’re just enjoying it a lot, you can’t stop. It’s kind of like when you love a person. You love that person, but you can’t always tell exactly why you love that person.’
The Brand
Working on what she loved, Feng established her own label in 2015. Despite reaching that milesone, her goal to that was much, much broader.
‘As a female designer I wanted to inspire more women to know that they can do what they set their mind to! It’s all about Girl Power.'
Alongside this mission, she also gave herself the task of helping shift the perception of ‘Made in China’ being mass-produced, low-quality product. Part of that mission was to celebrate Chinese culture by highlighting the unique techniques that had been used in her home country for centuries. As a designer, her process starts by looking within.
‘I started my own label with the mission as a designer to look at the inside world – the people I meet, the places I visit, and my own experiences’.
This story-telling often informs the techniques that she chooses to use.
‘Sometimes it’s really hard to describe something as one technique when it’s about a story I am trying to tell or share. My SS19 collection, for example, was called My Half. People always describe that reconstruct/deconstruct as a technique. For me, it’s not that way. It’s merely about telling a story on the other side of who I am. There’s so much story and detail to share from behind the scenes. The craftsmanship seen in the work of artisans in the village is what I saw growing up, and is something that I bring into my work as an independent designer. I collaborate with these people by combining these old techniques with a fairly new brand, to give them new life.’
Feng has used these techniques across many of her collections, most recently seen in her SS20 collection, where she used Resist Dye, a thousand-year-old dying technique used in the Fuijian Provence where she grew up.
I
On-Foot
Since 2017, Feng has been able to tell some of her stories through footwear, collaborating with Jordan Brand and Converse across a range of silhouettes, including the Air Jordan 1, Chuck 70, Pro Leather, and now the Jack Purcell.
Feng’s work with Jordan Brand saw her customise the iconic Air Jordan 1 for her AW18 collection, where she told a very personal story entitled ‘The Way Home’. Through this design, she explored her journey from childhood to the present day, using references of key events and places to extend the narrative. As she described, inspiration was taken from subtle nuances, like numbers referencing the address of her first house, or the materials of a garment that related to fond memories of friends and family.
Another milestone moment was Feng’s reinterpretation of the classic Chuck 70 in 2018. That design set the path for her ongoing relationship with Converse, informing many of the collaborations that we are still seeing to this day.
Earlier this year, Feng took to the Jack Purcell, which hit the runway at London Fashion Week Men’s as part of Feng Chen Wang’s AW20 presentation. Here, she introduced her third capsule with Converse, which featured layers that shone a light on the past with a vision to the future. As Feng explains, ‘What you see [in the Jack Purcell] isn’t a pattern, but actually a graphic. This graphic came out from my name in Chinese characters. People might see that as a pattern, but it’s actually a graphic.’
Feng’s approach to the Jack Purcell included an adjustment to the form and dimensions of the upper, altering the iconic and normally slim profile. Through a material combination of suede and leather, Feng exaggerated the contours through layering, while embedding personal design nuances throughout – like her namesake ‘Feng Chen Wang’ in three Mandarin characters, 王逢陈. With each character serving as a pattern piece, the result was a conceptual take that jointly celebrated the heritage of both Feng and Converse.
The Feng Chen Wang x Converse Jack Purcell collaboration is also complemented with five unique garments and a set of accessories. Each piece in the collection has a strong focus on material, structure and reflectivity with the aim of revealing the silhouette’s unique design elements – like asymmetrical hem lines, blended fabrics, and reflective and textured nuances.
The Feng Chen Wang x Converse Jack Purcell and apparel are available from August 6 2020, online at fengchenwang.com and Converse.
#Feng Chen Wang#Feng Chen Wang x Converse Jack Purcell#collaborations#footwear brands#sneaker blog#nike sneakers#converse#sneakercommunity#sneakerheads
1 note
·
View note
Text
Sydney Life
You dont need a pocket full of pennies to enjoy all that Sydney has to offer. Weve asked some fellow Sydney-based travel bloggers about their favourite things to do in Sydney that wont cost you a thing. Check them out below!

Bradleys Head, Sydney Managing a website about hiking, its no surprise that my favorite free thing to do in Sydney is discovering new walking tracks. Hiking in Sydney is the best way to fully appreciate everything this beautiful city has to offer. Sydney has a very diverse landscape, so you can walk the beaches, the bush, the mountains and of course the magnificent Sydney Harbour.Whats great about Sydney Harbour is that it is home to countless walking tracks that take you past secluded beaches, beautiful parks, picturesque bays, old lighthouses and much more. And you can discover all these exciting places with the city literally only a stones throw away. Some parts of the Harbour also hold lots of relics from Sydneys military history. At Bradleys Head for example you can find a fortification complex that was built in the 19th century to protect New South Wales against invaders. And Goat Island, right in the middle of the Harbour, once served as a massive gunpowder store. So go ahead, dust off those hiking shoes and head outdoors to discover the goodness that Sydney has to offer, for free! Families visiting Sydney can find all sorts of economical activities. For younger kids visits to some of Sydneys truly amazing playgrounds are a must. Visit a playground by a beach and you have a great free fresh air day out. Great playground and beach combos can be found at Bondi, Bronte, Watsons Bay, Clifton Gardens, Balmoral, Collaroy and Mona Vale. Families with older children might enjoy snorkelling, free if you bring your own kit. Try Shelly Beach at Manly for vibrant sea life, rays, wobbegongs and even (harmless) juvenile dusky whaler sharks. Ocean swimming is another super healthy Sydney sport you can enjoy for free. Explore the many rock pools on the ocean beaches. Check out the Bold and Beautiful Swim Squad if you are a confident sea swimmer. Dozens of swimmers enjoy their daily dip at 7am each morning. Meet at Manly SLSC and ask for a free pink cap. One of our favourite free things to do in Sydney is the Bondi to Bronte walk. This iconic cliff-top walk is 2.5km long and joins two of Sydneys most famous beaches. The views of the ocean and the coastal cliffs along the walk are stunning, making this a real Sydney must see. The walk takes us around 2 hours with two young kids in tow. Adults doing the walk without kids could easily do it in one and a half hours. There is also the option to continue the walk all the way to Coogee Beach, which is a further 3 kilometers. The walk is also a popular jogging route, and has a few workout stations dotted along the path. When doing the walk with kids, we usually stop off at Tamarama Beach or Park on the way for a rest and a snack, and end the walk by playing on the beach in Bronte. Bronte has a lovely park with a playground and plenty of nearby cafes, making it ideal for families.The Bondi to Bronte walk is absolutely stunning and one of the most popular places in Sydney for taking photos, so dont leave your camera behind! Sarah Shrapnel Love Swah If youre a culture vulture in the mood for some creative inspiration without breaking the bank, then Sydney is the place for you! This notoriously extensive city is home to a huge selection of budget-friendly art galleries showcasing artworks from emerging and prominent artists, many of which you can visit free of charge. Firstly head on down to the Museum of Contemporary Art to enjoy their impressive permanent collection. Not only does it feature an array of world class modern art from around the globe, this collection is also free! Another permanent collection worth checking out is at the Art Gallery of NSW which is filled with an eclectic range of Australian, Asian, Western and Pacific art works. A local favourite on the smaller end of the spectrum is White Rabbit Gallery situated in Chippendale, which houses one of the largest collection of modern Chinese art in the world.

King Street, Newtown Exploring Street Art in Sydneys Inner West I love exploring the thriving street art culture in the inner Sydney suburb of Newtown. World class murals adorn walls on almost every corner here thanks in part to a local government initiatives aimed at reducing tagging by matching property owners with street artists. Newtown has always been colourful community, but the volume of work by local and international artists here makes it a perfect place for any street art lover to explore. Add to that some great small bars, cafes and several local craft breweries and you have plenty of great rest stops too. Check out Lennox Street Newtown if youre after a high reward to effort ratio with half a dozen full-scale murals in just 2 blocks. Alternatively make an afternoon of it, take the train to St Peters station and snake your way through the back lanes to a nondescript warehouse in the backstreets that is home to local brewery Young Henrys. This is the perfect spot to taste some really inspired local brews and reward yourself for all that walking! Sydneys own street art nirvana is only 10 minutes by train from the CBD. Tip Along the way pick up a lamington from Flower Drum on King Street or a great meat pie from Black Star Pastry, in Australia Street, Newtown! Nothing beats snorkelling in one of Sydneys stunning beaches on a scorching summer day. All you need is a snorkel and mask, and its easy to learn, even if youre new to the sport. Snorkelling is the best way to discover a new side of Sydney, and come face to face with incredible marine life, including rays, blue gropers, wobbegongs, seahorses, and a wide variety of colourful fish, kelp, and rocky reefs. Dont forget your GoPro! In the Eastern Suburbs, Gordons Bay (complete with underwater nature trail!), and Clovelly Beach are perfect places to get started. Clovelly offers easy beach access in a sheltered bay, making it the perfect spot for first-timers. Clovelly is also famous for its resident blue gropers, so keep your eyes peeled for these friendly fish. On Sydneys north, Shelly Beach, near Manly, is part of the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve, and offers pristine blue waters teeming with marine life. Its also popular with divers.Wherever you end up, youre sure to have a fantastic time- snorkelling is one of the best free things to try in Sydney. Bring a friend, some sunscreen, and dive in! Tucked away in one of the myriad bays and inlets on the northside of Sydney Harbour is my favourite Sydney walk. Only a few kilometres long, you can stroll the entire path in less than an hour. The path follows the harbour shoreline beginning at Cremorne Point wharf and ending at Mosman Bay wharf, making it easy to get to by inner harbour ferry. Before you set out take a short detour through Cremorne Point Reserve for spectacular views across Sydney Harbour, or better yet, bring a picnic and enjoy the sunshine. Dont miss Robertson Point Lighthouse, still a working lighthouse guiding boats safely past the point. You cant go inside but you can get quite close. Heading north from the reserve, the path winds past some of Sydneys most exclusive Federation mansions and million dollar water views. At Mosman Bay wharf either catch a ferry back to the city or retrace your steps as far as Hodgson Ave. Follow the street to join up with a parallel path on the east side of Cremorne Point for the best views of theSydneyOpera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge has to offer. Living in Sydney we are spoilt for choice when it comes to scenic natural attractions. One of my favourite free things to do in Sydney is walking the different parts of the The Coast Track in Royal National Park. The entire track is 26km-long and takes two days to complete but it doesnt have to be done all at once. You can easily do parts of the track as spectacular day hikes. The northern part of the track takes you from the village of Bundeena to Marley beach along one of the most beautiful stretches of Illawarra coastline. On top of the dramatic scenery, this walk also gives you the perfect chance to spot Humpback whales during their migration between April and December.The southern part of the coastal track takes you from Otford train station to Burning Palms beach via the Palm Jungle loop trail. This track has the best of all worlds: towering cliffs of the rugged coastline, eucalypt forest, rainforest gullies, beaches, grasslands and even a palm jungle! Attending a conference I discovered this self-made walking trail from North Sydney. Its a great way to watch the city wake and spring to life.Starting on Blues Point Road and passing the eclectic mixture clothing shops, restaurants and bars, walk to Henry Lawson Avenue.Wander alongside Blues Bay to the iconic Sails Restaurant at Lavender Bay. Stop and take in the views of the Harbour, The Bridge, Circular Quay and Opera House. Next, follow the laneway from Sails to E Cres Street veering right onto Bay View Street. Youll walk passed beautiful homes with Bay views. Continually hugging Lavender Bay, walk round to the left into King George Street taking the laneway to the right soon after.Stroll down the lane until Wendy Whiteleys Secret Garden. This marks the beginning of Peter Kingston Walkway. This will take you pass Luna Park and North Sydney Pool.Follow the signs up onto the Harbour Bridge. Explore the Rocks area at the end and walk through to the Quay and Opera House.If you do this walk early in the morning, when the sun is just rising over the harbour, you can enjoy your own private Rocky moment up the Opera House stairs! For more fun and free activities in Sydney, click here! ]]> http://www.sydney.com/sydney-life/feed
0 notes
Text
Sydney Life
You dont need a pocket full of pennies to enjoy all that Sydney has to offer. Weve asked some fellow Sydney-based travel bloggers about their favourite things to do in Sydney that wont cost you a thing. Check them out below!

Bradleys Head, Sydney Managing a website about hiking, its no surprise that my favorite free thing to do in Sydney is discovering new walking tracks. Hiking in Sydney is the best way to fully appreciate everything this beautiful city has to offer. Sydney has a very diverse landscape, so you can walk the beaches, the bush, the mountains and of course the magnificent Sydney Harbour.Whats great about Sydney Harbour is that it is home to countless walking tracks that take you past secluded beaches, beautiful parks, picturesque bays, old lighthouses and much more. And you can discover all these exciting places with the city literally only a stones throw away. Some parts of the Harbour also hold lots of relics from Sydneys military history. At Bradleys Head for example you can find a fortification complex that was built in the 19th century to protect New South Wales against invaders. And Goat Island, right in the middle of the Harbour, once served as a massive gunpowder store. So go ahead, dust off those hiking shoes and head outdoors to discover the goodness that Sydney has to offer, for free! Families visiting Sydney can find all sorts of economical activities. For younger kids visits to some of Sydneys truly amazing playgrounds are a must. Visit a playground by a beach and you have a great free fresh air day out. Great playground and beach combos can be found at Bondi, Bronte, Watsons Bay, Clifton Gardens, Balmoral, Collaroy and Mona Vale. Families with older children might enjoy snorkelling, free if you bring your own kit. Try Shelly Beach at Manly for vibrant sea life, rays, wobbegongs and even (harmless) juvenile dusky whaler sharks. Ocean swimming is another super healthy Sydney sport you can enjoy for free. Explore the many rock pools on the ocean beaches. Check out the Bold and Beautiful Swim Squad if you are a confident sea swimmer. Dozens of swimmers enjoy their daily dip at 7am each morning. Meet at Manly SLSC and ask for a free pink cap. One of our favourite free things to do in Sydney is the Bondi to Bronte walk. This iconic cliff-top walk is 2.5km long and joins two of Sydneys most famous beaches. The views of the ocean and the coastal cliffs along the walk are stunning, making this a real Sydney must see. The walk takes us around 2 hours with two young kids in tow. Adults doing the walk without kids could easily do it in one and a half hours. There is also the option to continue the walk all the way to Coogee Beach, which is a further 3 kilometers. The walk is also a popular jogging route, and has a few workout stations dotted along the path. When doing the walk with kids, we usually stop off at Tamarama Beach or Park on the way for a rest and a snack, and end the walk by playing on the beach in Bronte. Bronte has a lovely park with a playground and plenty of nearby cafes, making it ideal for families.The Bondi to Bronte walk is absolutely stunning and one of the most popular places in Sydney for taking photos, so dont leave your camera behind! Sarah Shrapnel Love Swah If youre a culture vulture in the mood for some creative inspiration without breaking the bank, then Sydney is the place for you! This notoriously extensive city is home to a huge selection of budget-friendly art galleries showcasing artworks from emerging and prominent artists, many of which you can visit free of charge. Firstly head on down to the Museum of Contemporary Art to enjoy their impressive permanent collection. Not only does it feature an array of world class modern art from around the globe, this collection is also free! Another permanent collection worth checking out is at the Art Gallery of NSW which is filled with an eclectic range of Australian, Asian, Western and Pacific art works. A local favourite on the smaller end of the spectrum is White Rabbit Gallery situated in Chippendale, which houses one of the largest collection of modern Chinese art in the world.

King Street, Newtown Exploring Street Art in Sydneys Inner West I love exploring the thriving street art culture in the inner Sydney suburb of Newtown. World class murals adorn walls on almost every corner here thanks in part to a local government initiatives aimed at reducing tagging by matching property owners with street artists. Newtown has always been colourful community, but the volume of work by local and international artists here makes it a perfect place for any street art lover to explore. Add to that some great small bars, cafes and several local craft breweries and you have plenty of great rest stops too. Check out Lennox Street Newtown if youre after a high reward to effort ratio with half a dozen full-scale murals in just 2 blocks. Alternatively make an afternoon of it, take the train to St Peters station and snake your way through the back lanes to a nondescript warehouse in the backstreets that is home to local brewery Young Henrys. This is the perfect spot to taste some really inspired local brews and reward yourself for all that walking! Sydneys own street art nirvana is only 10 minutes by train from the CBD. Tip Along the way pick up a lamington from Flower Drum on King Street or a great meat pie from Black Star Pastry, in Australia Street, Newtown! Nothing beats snorkelling in one of Sydneys stunning beaches on a scorching summer day. All you need is a snorkel and mask, and its easy to learn, even if youre new to the sport. Snorkelling is the best way to discover a new side of Sydney, and come face to face with incredible marine life, including rays, blue gropers, wobbegongs, seahorses, and a wide variety of colourful fish, kelp, and rocky reefs. Dont forget your GoPro! In the Eastern Suburbs, Gordons Bay (complete with underwater nature trail!), and Clovelly Beach are perfect places to get started. Clovelly offers easy beach access in a sheltered bay, making it the perfect spot for first-timers. Clovelly is also famous for its resident blue gropers, so keep your eyes peeled for these friendly fish. On Sydneys north, Shelly Beach, near Manly, is part of the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve, and offers pristine blue waters teeming with marine life. Its also popular with divers.Wherever you end up, youre sure to have a fantastic time- snorkelling is one of the best free things to try in Sydney. Bring a friend, some sunscreen, and dive in! Tucked away in one of the myriad bays and inlets on the northside of Sydney Harbour is my favourite Sydney walk. Only a few kilometres long, you can stroll the entire path in less than an hour. The path follows the harbour shoreline beginning at Cremorne Point wharf and ending at Mosman Bay wharf, making it easy to get to by inner harbour ferry. Before you set out take a short detour through Cremorne Point Reserve for spectacular views across Sydney Harbour, or better yet, bring a picnic and enjoy the sunshine. Dont miss Robertson Point Lighthouse, still a working lighthouse guiding boats safely past the point. You cant go inside but you can get quite close. Heading north from the reserve, the path winds past some of Sydneys most exclusive Federation mansions and million dollar water views. At Mosman Bay wharf either catch a ferry back to the city or retrace your steps as far as Hodgson Ave. Follow the street to join up with a parallel path on the east side of Cremorne Point for the best views of theSydneyOpera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge has to offer. Living in Sydney we are spoilt for choice when it comes to scenic natural attractions. One of my favourite free things to do in Sydney is walking the different parts of the The Coast Track in Royal National Park. The entire track is 26km-long and takes two days to complete but it doesnt have to be done all at once. You can easily do parts of the track as spectacular day hikes. The northern part of the track takes you from the village of Bundeena to Marley beach along one of the most beautiful stretches of Illawarra coastline. On top of the dramatic scenery, this walk also gives you the perfect chance to spot Humpback whales during their migration between April and December.The southern part of the coastal track takes you from Otford train station to Burning Palms beach via the Palm Jungle loop trail. This track has the best of all worlds: towering cliffs of the rugged coastline, eucalypt forest, rainforest gullies, beaches, grasslands and even a palm jungle! Attending a conference I discovered this self-made walking trail from North Sydney. Its a great way to watch the city wake and spring to life.Starting on Blues Point Road and passing the eclectic mixture clothing shops, restaurants and bars, walk to Henry Lawson Avenue.Wander alongside Blues Bay to the iconic Sails Restaurant at Lavender Bay. Stop and take in the views of the Harbour, The Bridge, Circular Quay and Opera House. Next, follow the laneway from Sails to E Cres Street veering right onto Bay View Street. Youll walk passed beautiful homes with Bay views. Continually hugging Lavender Bay, walk round to the left into King George Street taking the laneway to the right soon after.Stroll down the lane until Wendy Whiteleys Secret Garden. This marks the beginning of Peter Kingston Walkway. This will take you pass Luna Park and North Sydney Pool.Follow the signs up onto the Harbour Bridge. Explore the Rocks area at the end and walk through to the Quay and Opera House.If you do this walk early in the morning, when the sun is just rising over the harbour, you can enjoy your own private Rocky moment up the Opera House stairs! For more fun and free activities in Sydney, click here! ]]> http://www.sydney.com/sydney-life/feed
0 notes
Text
Sydney Life
You dont need a pocket full of pennies to enjoy all that Sydney has to offer. Weve asked some fellow Sydney-based travel bloggers about their favourite things to do in Sydney that wont cost you a thing. Check them out below!

Bradleys Head, Sydney Managing a website about hiking, its no surprise that my favorite free thing to do in Sydney is discovering new walking tracks. Hiking in Sydney is the best way to fully appreciate everything this beautiful city has to offer. Sydney has a very diverse landscape, so you can walk the beaches, the bush, the mountains and of course the magnificent Sydney Harbour.Whats great about Sydney Harbour is that it is home to countless walking tracks that take you past secluded beaches, beautiful parks, picturesque bays, old lighthouses and much more. And you can discover all these exciting places with the city literally only a stones throw away. Some parts of the Harbour also hold lots of relics from Sydneys military history. At Bradleys Head for example you can find a fortification complex that was built in the 19th century to protect New South Wales against invaders. And Goat Island, right in the middle of the Harbour, once served as a massive gunpowder store. So go ahead, dust off those hiking shoes and head outdoors to discover the goodness that Sydney has to offer, for free! Families visiting Sydney can find all sorts of economical activities. For younger kids visits to some of Sydneys truly amazing playgrounds are a must. Visit a playground by a beach and you have a great free fresh air day out. Great playground and beach combos can be found at Bondi, Bronte, Watsons Bay, Clifton Gardens, Balmoral, Collaroy and Mona Vale. Families with older children might enjoy snorkelling, free if you bring your own kit. Try Shelly Beach at Manly for vibrant sea life, rays, wobbegongs and even (harmless) juvenile dusky whaler sharks. Ocean swimming is another super healthy Sydney sport you can enjoy for free. Explore the many rock pools on the ocean beaches. Check out the Bold and Beautiful Swim Squad if you are a confident sea swimmer. Dozens of swimmers enjoy their daily dip at 7am each morning. Meet at Manly SLSC and ask for a free pink cap. One of our favourite free things to do in Sydney is the Bondi to Bronte walk. This iconic cliff-top walk is 2.5km long and joins two of Sydneys most famous beaches. The views of the ocean and the coastal cliffs along the walk are stunning, making this a real Sydney must see. The walk takes us around 2 hours with two young kids in tow. Adults doing the walk without kids could easily do it in one and a half hours. There is also the option to continue the walk all the way to Coogee Beach, which is a further 3 kilometers. The walk is also a popular jogging route, and has a few workout stations dotted along the path. When doing the walk with kids, we usually stop off at Tamarama Beach or Park on the way for a rest and a snack, and end the walk by playing on the beach in Bronte. Bronte has a lovely park with a playground and plenty of nearby cafes, making it ideal for families.The Bondi to Bronte walk is absolutely stunning and one of the most popular places in Sydney for taking photos, so dont leave your camera behind! Sarah Shrapnel Love Swah If youre a culture vulture in the mood for some creative inspiration without breaking the bank, then Sydney is the place for you! This notoriously extensive city is home to a huge selection of budget-friendly art galleries showcasing artworks from emerging and prominent artists, many of which you can visit free of charge. Firstly head on down to the Museum of Contemporary Art to enjoy their impressive permanent collection. Not only does it feature an array of world class modern art from around the globe, this collection is also free! Another permanent collection worth checking out is at the Art Gallery of NSW which is filled with an eclectic range of Australian, Asian, Western and Pacific art works. A local favourite on the smaller end of the spectrum is White Rabbit Gallery situated in Chippendale, which houses one of the largest collection of modern Chinese art in the world.

King Street, Newtown Exploring Street Art in Sydneys Inner West I love exploring the thriving street art culture in the inner Sydney suburb of Newtown. World class murals adorn walls on almost every corner here thanks in part to a local government initiatives aimed at reducing tagging by matching property owners with street artists. Newtown has always been colourful community, but the volume of work by local and international artists here makes it a perfect place for any street art lover to explore. Add to that some great small bars, cafes and several local craft breweries and you have plenty of great rest stops too. Check out Lennox Street Newtown if youre after a high reward to effort ratio with half a dozen full-scale murals in just 2 blocks. Alternatively make an afternoon of it, take the train to St Peters station and snake your way through the back lanes to a nondescript warehouse in the backstreets that is home to local brewery Young Henrys. This is the perfect spot to taste some really inspired local brews and reward yourself for all that walking! Sydneys own street art nirvana is only 10 minutes by train from the CBD. Tip Along the way pick up a lamington from Flower Drum on King Street or a great meat pie from Black Star Pastry, in Australia Street, Newtown! Nothing beats snorkelling in one of Sydneys stunning beaches on a scorching summer day. All you need is a snorkel and mask, and its easy to learn, even if youre new to the sport. Snorkelling is the best way to discover a new side of Sydney, and come face to face with incredible marine life, including rays, blue gropers, wobbegongs, seahorses, and a wide variety of colourful fish, kelp, and rocky reefs. Dont forget your GoPro! In the Eastern Suburbs, Gordons Bay (complete with underwater nature trail!), and Clovelly Beach are perfect places to get started. Clovelly offers easy beach access in a sheltered bay, making it the perfect spot for first-timers. Clovelly is also famous for its resident blue gropers, so keep your eyes peeled for these friendly fish. On Sydneys north, Shelly Beach, near Manly, is part of the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve, and offers pristine blue waters teeming with marine life. Its also popular with divers.Wherever you end up, youre sure to have a fantastic time- snorkelling is one of the best free things to try in Sydney. Bring a friend, some sunscreen, and dive in! Tucked away in one of the myriad bays and inlets on the northside of Sydney Harbour is my favourite Sydney walk. Only a few kilometres long, you can stroll the entire path in less than an hour. The path follows the harbour shoreline beginning at Cremorne Point wharf and ending at Mosman Bay wharf, making it easy to get to by inner harbour ferry. Before you set out take a short detour through Cremorne Point Reserve for spectacular views across Sydney Harbour, or better yet, bring a picnic and enjoy the sunshine. Dont miss Robertson Point Lighthouse, still a working lighthouse guiding boats safely past the point. You cant go inside but you can get quite close. Heading north from the reserve, the path winds past some of Sydneys most exclusive Federation mansions and million dollar water views. At Mosman Bay wharf either catch a ferry back to the city or retrace your steps as far as Hodgson Ave. Follow the street to join up with a parallel path on the east side of Cremorne Point for the best views of theSydneyOpera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge has to offer. Living in Sydney we are spoilt for choice when it comes to scenic natural attractions. One of my favourite free things to do in Sydney is walking the different parts of the The Coast Track in Royal National Park. The entire track is 26km-long and takes two days to complete but it doesnt have to be done all at once. You can easily do parts of the track as spectacular day hikes. The northern part of the track takes you from the village of Bundeena to Marley beach along one of the most beautiful stretches of Illawarra coastline. On top of the dramatic scenery, this walk also gives you the perfect chance to spot Humpback whales during their migration between April and December.The southern part of the coastal track takes you from Otford train station to Burning Palms beach via the Palm Jungle loop trail. This track has the best of all worlds: towering cliffs of the rugged coastline, eucalypt forest, rainforest gullies, beaches, grasslands and even a palm jungle! Attending a conference I discovered this self-made walking trail from North Sydney. Its a great way to watch the city wake and spring to life.Starting on Blues Point Road and passing the eclectic mixture clothing shops, restaurants and bars, walk to Henry Lawson Avenue.Wander alongside Blues Bay to the iconic Sails Restaurant at Lavender Bay. Stop and take in the views of the Harbour, The Bridge, Circular Quay and Opera House. Next, follow the laneway from Sails to E Cres Street veering right onto Bay View Street. Youll walk passed beautiful homes with Bay views. Continually hugging Lavender Bay, walk round to the left into King George Street taking the laneway to the right soon after.Stroll down the lane until Wendy Whiteleys Secret Garden. This marks the beginning of Peter Kingston Walkway. This will take you pass Luna Park and North Sydney Pool.Follow the signs up onto the Harbour Bridge. Explore the Rocks area at the end and walk through to the Quay and Opera House.If you do this walk early in the morning, when the sun is just rising over the harbour, you can enjoy your own private Rocky moment up the Opera House stairs! For more fun and free activities in Sydney, click here! ]]> http://www.sydney.com/sydney-life/feed
0 notes
Text
Best Chinese Classes for Kids in Middle Village and Forest Hills – Enroll for Expert Lessons
Chinese language learning has gained immense popularity among parents who want to equip their children with bilingual skills from an early age. Learning Chinese opens up a world of opportunities in education, career, and cultural understanding. If you're searching for the Top Chinese school for kids in Middle Village or the Top Chinese school for kids in Forest Hill, you are in the right place. In this guide, we will explore the Top Chinese classes for kids in Middle Village, Join Chinese classes in Middle Village, and the Best Chinese classes in Middle Village to help you make an informed decision.

Why Choose Chinese Classes for Kids?
Cognitive Development – Studies show that bilingual children have better problem-solving skills.
Future Career Opportunities – Mandarin is the second most spoken language in the world.
Cultural Enrichment – Learning Chinese connects students to an ancient and rich heritage.
Boosts Academic Performance – Bilingualism enhances critical thinking and memory.
Easy Learning at a Young Age – Kids grasp languages faster than adults.
Top Chinese Classes in Middle Village and Forest Hill
1. Top Chinese School for Kids in Middle Village
Finding the Top Chinese school for kids in Middle Village ensures your child receives professional instruction with immersive learning experiences. Many schools provide interactive lessons, native-speaking teachers, and a curriculum tailored to young learners.
2. Top Chinese School for Kids in Forest Hill
Parents searching for the Top Chinese school for kids in Forest Hill can find institutions that offer structured programs focusing on both spoken and written Chinese. These schools use engaging methods like storytelling, music, and games to make learning enjoyable.
3. Top Chinese Classes for Kids in Middle Village
If you are looking for the Top Chinese classes for kids in Middle Village, choose courses that emphasize phonetics, character recognition, and speaking fluency. Small class sizes and interactive activities make learning Mandarin fun and effective.
4. Join Chinese Classes in Middle Village
If you want to Join Chinese classes in Middle Village, consider weekend or after-school programs that offer flexible schedules for kids. Some classes even provide online learning options for added convenience.

5. Best Chinese Classes in Middle Village
The Best Chinese classes in Middle Village prioritize hands-on learning, experienced teachers, and cultural immersion. These programs enhance language acquisition through real-world application and engaging coursework.
6. Top Chinese Classes in Forest Hill
When looking for the Top Chinese classes in Forest Hill, select programs with positive reviews, certified teachers, and interactive teaching methodologies. Schools with a focus on Mandarin fluency and comprehension help kids become confident speakers.
7. Top Chinese Classes in Middle Village
Parents seeking the Top Chinese classes in Middle Village should opt for courses with structured lesson plans, storytelling, and writing exercises. The best classes use engaging resources like songs, visual aids, and cultural activities to enrich learning.
8. Best Chinese Classes for Kids in Forest Hill
The Best Chinese classes for kids in Forest Hill focus on age-appropriate learning strategies, such as picture books, conversation practice, and digital tools. These methods ensure kids grasp the language naturally and effectively.
How to Choose the Right Chinese Classes
Check the Curriculum – Ensure the program covers listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
Evaluate the Teaching Staff – Look for native or fluent Mandarin teachers with experience.
Class Size Matters – Smaller class sizes mean more individual attention.
Interactive Learning – Games, songs, and cultural elements make learning fun.
Flexible Schedules – Weekend and evening classes are ideal for busy families.
Parental Involvement – Schools that encourage family participation enhance learning at home.
Conclusion
Enrolling your child in the Top Chinese school for kids in Middle Village or the Top Chinese school for kids in Forest Hill is a valuable investment in their future. Whether you want to Join Chinese classes in Middle Village or find the Best Chinese classes in Middle Village, selecting the right program can make all the difference. With expert instruction, engaging lessons, and immersive cultural experiences, your child will gain confidence and fluency in Mandarin, opening doors to endless opportunities.
#Top Chinese classes for kids in Middle Village#Join Chinese classes in Middle Village#Best Chinese classes in Middle Village#Top Chinese classes in Forest Hill#Top Chinese classes in Middle Village#Best Chinese classes for kids in Forest Hill
0 notes
Text
Top Chinese Schools & Classes for Kids in Middle Village & Forest Hill - Bright Kids Chinese
Are you looking to introduce your child to the world of Chinese language and culture? Look no further! Bright Kids Chinese offers exceptional Chinese language education, making us the top Chinese school for kids in Middle Village and Forest Hill. Our bilingual programs are designed to foster language skills in a fun, engaging environment while ensuring your child gains a deep understanding of Chinese culture.
Why Choose Bright Kids Chinese?
At Bright Kids Chinese, we pride ourselves on offering the best Chinese classes for kids in Middle Village and Forest Hill. Our curriculum focuses on helping children develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills through interactive lessons. Whether your child is starting from scratch or already has some background, we offer tailored programs to suit every learning level.
Top Chinese School for Kids in Middle Village
Our top Chinese school for kids in Middle Village is dedicated to providing a solid foundation in the Chinese language. With a focus on bilingual education, we aim to make learning Chinese an exciting and rewarding experience. Children will engage with native speakers and develop practical language skills that will serve them well in future studies or travel.
Top Chinese Classes for Kids in Forest Hill
Our Best Chinese classes for kids in Forest Hill offer immersive learning experiences that help children not only master the language but also build a strong cultural understanding. We combine traditional language lessons with fun activities, making learning enjoyable while reinforcing key concepts.
Join Chinese Classes in Middle Village
Looking to enroll your child in Chinese classes in Middle Village? Bright Kids Chinese is the perfect place! Our experienced teachers use a variety of techniques, from games to storytelling, to keep children excited and engaged. We understand that kids learn best when they're having fun, which is why we create a dynamic environment for learning.
Top Bilingual Chinese Classes in Forest Hill
Our top bilingual Chinese classes in Forest Hill are designed for children who want to grow up fluent in both English and Chinese. These classes offer an excellent foundation in both languages, helping children navigate between cultures effortlessly. At Bright Kids Chinese, we strive to create confident bilingual learners.
Join a Bilingual Chinese School in Middle Village
If you're interested in a bilingual Chinese school in Middle Village, we offer a comprehensive educational experience that supports children in becoming fluent in Chinese while maintaining their English language skills. Our program is designed to equip children with the skills needed to thrive in a globalized world.
Why Chinese Language Education is Important
Learning Chinese opens doors to a new world, from business opportunities to cultural experiences. At Bright Kids Chinese, we aim to prepare the next generation for a globalized future, where bilingualism will be an essential skill. Your child will gain access to a wealth of educational and career prospects by mastering one of the most spoken languages in the world.
Get Started with Bright Kids Chinese Today
Ready to introduce your child to the beauty of the Chinese language? Whether you're interested in the top Chinese school for kids in Middle Village or Forest Hill, Bright Kids Chinese has the right program for you. Contact us today to learn more about our offerings and enroll your child in our vibrant, engaging classes.
At Bright Kids Chinese, we believe every child has the potential to be fluent in Chinese, and we're here to help them unlock that potential!
#Top Chinese classes for kids in Middle Village#top bilingual Chinese classes in Forest hill#Join Chinese classes in Middle Village#Top Chinese classes in Middle Village#Join a bilingual Chinese school in Middle Village
0 notes
Text
Why Bright Kids America is the Go-To Preschool, Day Care, and Summer School in Forest Hills & Middle Village
Are you looking for a place where your child can grow, learn, and have fun? Look no further! Bright Kids America is the best choice for families in Forest Hills and Middle Village. We offer everything from preschool and day care to summer school and Chinese classes. Our programs are fun, safe, and perfect for young learners.
At Bright Kids America, we believe that every child is special. Our teachers are kind, caring, and trained to help children learn at their own pace. Whether your child is just starting preschool or wants to learn a new language, we have something for everyone. Keep reading to find out why so many families trust us with their child’s education.

A Top Preschool in Forest Hills
Bright Kids America is proud to be a leading preschool in Forest Hills. Our preschool helps kids get ready for kindergarten in a fun and loving way. Children learn letters, numbers, colors, and shapes through play and hands-on activities. Our classrooms are bright and clean, and we use age-appropriate toys and books to help children learn.
Parents love our small class sizes. This means your child gets lots of attention from the teacher. Our goal is to help every child feel happy, confident, and ready for school.
Trusted Day Care Centre in Forest Hills
We are also a trusted day care centre in Forest Hills. Our day care is perfect for working parents who want a safe and happy place for their kids. We take care of children from morning to evening. Our staff makes sure every child feels safe, loved, and cared for.
Kids enjoy playing with their friends, learning new things, and eating healthy meals. We also have nap time, story time, and outdoor playtime. Parents say their kids can’t wait to come back each day!

The Best Chinese Schools in Middle Village
Do you want your child to learn a new language? We offer one of the best Chinese schools in Middle Village. Our Chinese classes are fun and easy for kids. We use songs, games, and stories to teach words and sentences in Chinese.
Learning a second language at a young age helps the brain grow. It also helps children do better in school later on. Our Chinese program is great for kids of all levels, whether they are just starting or already know some Chinese.
Excellent Chinese Schools in Forest Hill
Bright Kids America is also one of the top Chinese schools in Forest Hill. We teach kids how to speak, read, and write in Chinese. Our classes are small, so each student gets personal help. Our teachers are native speakers, and they make learning fun!
Parents love how their children come home excited to share new words. Some kids even teach their parents how to say things in Chinese!
Engaging Chinese Classes in Middle Village
In addition to schools, we also offer Chinese classes in Middle Village for all age groups. These classes help kids practice speaking and listening. We also teach culture, so kids learn about Chinese festivals, food, and traditions.
Our Chinese classes help build confidence and communication skills. Children become more open-minded and curious about the world. It’s not just a class—it’s a new adventure!

Fun-Filled Summer Schools in Middle Village
Looking for something fun to do during the summer? Check out our summer schools in Middle Village. Our summer program is full of learning and laughter. Kids do arts and crafts, science experiments, outdoor games, and more.
We also include Chinese lessons in the summer! This way, kids keep learning while having fun. Our summer school keeps your child active, social, and ready for the next school year.
Why Choose Bright Kids America?
Bright Kids America is more than just a school. We are a community. Families from Forest Hills and Middle Village trust us because we care about every child. We offer:
Safe and clean facilities
Friendly and trained teachers
Fun learning activities
Bilingual programs
Affordable prices
Whether you need a preschool in Forest Hills, a day care centre in Forest Hills, or Chinese schools in Middle Village, we are here for you. We also offer exciting summer schools in Middle Village and fun Chinese classes in Middle Village.
If you're also searching for Chinese schools in Forest Hill, Bright Kids America has the best program for your child. We are proud to help children grow smarter, kinder, and more confident every day.
Contact Us Today!
Are you ready to give your child the best start? Come visit Bright Kids America! Call us to schedule a tour or ask questions about our programs. We can’t wait to meet you and your little one.
Bright Kids America—where every child shines!
#chinese schools in middle village#chinese schools in Forest hill#preschool in Forest Hills#day care centre in forest hills#Summer schools in middle village#Chinese classes in Middle Village
0 notes
Text
The Top 8 Things to Do in Toronto’s Yorkville Neighborhood
At the intersection of Yonge and Bloor in downtown Toronto you’ll find Yorkville, an upscale neighborhood home to art galleries, museums, high end shops, restaurants and more. The area was once an enclave for musicians and hippies in the 1960s, but eventually transformed into a mecca for retail therapy. That being said, Yorkville is about a lot more than shopping.
If you’re curious about the area or just want to get a better idea of what it offers both locals and visitors, here are eight of the best things to do in Toronto’s Yorkville neighborhood.
01 of 08 Visit the Bata Shoe Museum
If you’ve never thought about shoes as anything other than something to put on your feet for either fashion or function, the Bata Shoe Museum offers a fascinating look at the history of footwear. Home to the world’s largest, most comprehensive collection of shoes and footwear-related objects, the museum’s international collection contains over 13,000 artifacts spanning 4,500 years of history.
The semi-permanent exhibition, All About Shoes, focuses on the extensive history of footwear through the ages, including the evolution and symbolism of what we put on our feet and why. Three other galleries feature changing exhibitions covering various aspects of footwear. One of the museum’s many highlights includes the extensive array of celebrity footwear, including Terry Fox’s running shoe, Queen Victoria’s ballroom slippers, Robert Redford’s cowboy boots, Elton John’s monogrammed silver platform boots, and Elvis Presley’s blue patent loafers.
02 of 08 Check Out the Gardiner Museum
Located steps from Yorkville, the Gardiner Museum is Canada’s national museum of ceramics and one of only a small number of specialized museums of ceramics in the world. Established in 1984 by George and Helen Gardiner, the unique museum offers visitors a detailed look at the ceramic process and it’s role in various civilizations throughout history. The museum’s vast collection includes everything from the ceramics of ancient America to Chinese and Japanese ceramics to European earthenware. Not only that, the museum also offers classes for adults and children, including Family Sundays wherein the whole family can try their hands at clay making or tile painting workshops.
03 of 08 Do Some Gallery Hopping
Spend an afternoon in Yorkville exploring some of the area’s many art galleries. Some of your best bets include the Canadian Fine Arts Gallery specializing in contemporary as well as historical Canadian art, Loch Gallery specializing in 19th and 20th century Canadian art, Mayberry Fine Art specializing in paintings by the Group of Seven as well as Canada's post-war artists and leading contemporary artists from across the country, Mira Godard Gallery showcasing contemporary Canadian and international art, and Miriam Shiell Fine Art specializing in 20th century modern and contemporary art since 1978.
04 of 08 Explore the Royal Ontario Museum
You don’t want to visit Yorkville (or even Toronto for that matter) without taking some time to check out the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). Founded in 1914, the museum showcases art, culture and nature from around the world and throughout history, and is home to a collection of 13 million artworks, cultural objects and natural history specimens, showcased in 40 gallery and exhibition spaces. Whether you’re interested in dinosaurs, South Asian art, Chinese temple art, art of the Middle East, or artifacts from ancient Egypt—you’ll find at the ROM. In addition, the museum houses a gift shop, an area just for kids, and a café.
05 of 08 Shop Until You Drop
Whether you just want to window shop or you’re ready to dip into your wallet, Yorkville is home to a wide array of designer boutiques, upscale department stores and independent shops covering everything from men’s and women’s fashion and footwear, to accessories, skin care and home décor. Shop skin care and makeup at Sephora, stock up on healthy and gourmet groceries at Whole Foods, browse high fashion and accessories as well as beauty and skin care at Holt Renfrew, nab some designer goods courtesy of Chanel, Gucci, Hermès and Louis Vuitton—just to name a few spots to spend your hard-earned cash.
06 of 08 See a Movie
Sometimes the best way to spend a relaxing afternoon or evening is to simply go see and movie, something you can do in Yorkville courtesy of Varsity Cinemas. The popular theater shows first-run movies and offers VIP areas where you can order food and drinks (including wine, beer and cocktails) right to your seat before and during the movie.
07 of 08 Hang Out in Yorkville Park
Stop for a rest or to do some people watching in Yorkville Park, a small but welcome enclave in the bustling neighborhood aimed at celebrating the history of the Village of Yorkville and reflecting the diversity of the Canadian landscape. In fact, the park is divided into various sections designed to represent the broad range of Canadian landscapes that make up an urban forest of sorts. One of the highlights here is the 650-ton rock (that is over one billion years old) transplanted from the Canadian Shield that acts as the park’s centrepiece. You’ll also find bistro tables here for anyone who wants to linger with a coffee from one of the area's many cafes, as well as a wooden boardwalk around the marshy terrain, and a waterfall known as The Rain Curtain.
08 of 08 Visit the Toronto Reference Library
Even if you don’t live in Toronto, making time to check out the Toronto Reference Library (TRF) can be an interesting way to spend a couple of hours. Five floors house a sprawling collection of reference materials including, of course, books covering a huge array of topics, but also rare books and literary memorabilia, magazines, music, and much more. In addition, the TRF also houses an art gallery showcasing art, artifacts, manuscripts and more from the library's extensive Special Collections. You can also take part in the library’s wide array of talks and workshops and enjoy a coffee courtesy of the on-site Balzacs café.
The post “ The Top 8 Things to Do in Toronto’s Yorkville Neighborhood “ was seen first on tripsavvy by Jessica Padykula
Naturopath Toronto - Dr. Amauri Caversan
0 notes
Text
Where to find the best Myanmar beaches?
Where to find the best Myanmar beaches? https://www.indochinavoyages.com/travel-blog/myanmars-best-beaches
Myanmar is well-known as one of the most mysterious and undiscovered destinations all over the world. Myanmar attracts travelers by a golden land with ancient temples and unique architecture. Also, it is a great destination for those who love unspoiled silvery beaches; where the blue sea merges into an eternal embrace with blue sky and amazing sunset. Have you ever dreamed of traveling to truly pristine beaches? It is a place where beaches are covered in smooth white sand and running alongside local villages. It is a place where the sea from a distance is the color of sapphire but when you dive in its so clear of water you can see the incredible diversity of underwater creatures. In that case, Myanmar beaches are the ideal destinations for you.
[caption id="attachment_16542" align="alignnone" width="960"] The sea from a distance is the color of sapphire[/caption]
With 2,000km of coastline and much of it long stretches of white sand, Myanmar offers many unspoiled and undiscovered beaches. The best time to visit Myanmar beaches is December through April with sunny days, warm temperatures (30-32 degrees Celsius) and blue sky. By spring, the water is warm. The most important thing to remember about the Myanmar beach scene is that resorts close down during the monsoon season. It is from May to October in preparation for the high winds and heavy rainfall that batter the coast annually.
Here are the top four of the best beaches in Myanmar to visit:
Ngapali
Ngapali beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Myanmar. Located at the Bay of Bengal, the beautiful beach stretches about 3km which processes the natural scenic beauty of the blue sea, white sand, lovely sun, and romantic coconut palms. The best and quickest way to Ngapali from Yangon is by plane. Each direct flight will take about 50 minutes, then you will need 20 minutes more to get to Ngapali beach from Thandwe airport.
[caption id="attachment_16543" align="alignnone" width="960"] Ngapali beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Myanmar[/caption]
Many local people say that Ngapali is named by a wayward Italian reminiscing about Naples years ago. This young Italian traveler lived for awhile along this beach. He fell in love with the sand and the sea reminding him of his home in Naples. Most probably over the years Naples and the local pronunciation of its Burmese name meaning “inveigling Fish” became known as Ngapali.
Ngapali Beach Myanmar is an ideal choice for a beach lover's dream. In addition to swimming, walking, exploring the surrounding natural landscape, you can immerse yourself in excursions. There are many things to do in Ngapali beach such as visiting small fishing villages and local markets; exploring the countryside by car; even a boat trip to the magnificent islands of the sea if your wallet is plentiful; studying the life of local people. After sunset, the sea in front of the beach is lit by the lanterns of the fishermen’s boats.
Until now, Ngapali still continues to maintain a charming fishing-village vibe, as evidenced by the small boats heading out day and night to catch a bounty that is later served up super fresh in restaurants and hotels. Ox-drawn carts amble along the beach as locals find the sand-ways a smoother ride than the rough one-lane road. Ngapali is currently experiencing something of a construction boom, fewer than two dozen bungalow-style resorts spread across more than 15 miles of the coast. However, there is still a lot of space on the beach.
[caption id="attachment_16544" align="alignnone" width="960"] Ngapali still continues to maintain a charming fishing-village vibe[/caption]
Especially, Ngapali Beach also offers the best seafood cuisine in Myanmar. Almost all the restaurants are seafood restaurants, but they also serve dishes that come from other countries such as Thai, China and Western countries. On the beach-side of the main road are the resorts’ restaurants and on the other side, you will find somewhat cheaper local restaurants. Prices are affordable, even in the resorts.
Ngwe Saung Beach
Ngwe Saung Beach is about 48 km from Pathein, the capital town of Ayeyarwaddy region, about 254km from Yangon. It is on the western seaboard of the country, facing the Bay of Bengal. There are 35-minute flights from Yangon. If you are budget travelers, let take a 6-hour bus ride to get to Ngwe Saung beach. However, a standard express bus is a better option because a cheaper bus will be stopped anywhere to take more customers.
The magnificent landscaping fringed with palm trees, and the endless white sandy beaches, transparent seawater, pretty islands nearby make Ngwe Saung an irresistible attraction for beach lovers. The turquoise and clean seawater with no dangerous animals and gentle waves is the best place for swimming, surfing, swimming, and enjoying the sun. It is also home to a special collection of oil wells, your travel hobby won't be found anywhere else in the world.
Besides, you can go around the small fishing villages and local markets, explore the countryside by bike or enjoy a boat ride to the amazing islands. The tradition of riding a Bullock cart, riding a horse, cycling or simply walking along the coast will give you exciting memories to follow for a lifetime. Fresh coconut juice will make you completely relax here.
[caption id="attachment_16545" align="alignnone" width="960"] Ngwe Saung Beach[/caption]
The best time to visit Ngwe Saung is from November to February; as this is outside the monsoon period and the weather is usually dry. The busiest month for tourism is in January, followed by July and February. Prices for hotels and flights will be most expensive during these months; though you can save if you purchase well in advance.
Chaung Tha Beach
Chaung Tha beach is located only 246km north-west of Yangon, only 5-hour drive via Pathein. The beach is still a secret to foreigners but a very popular place for locals, especially on the weekends and holidays since it is suitable for middle-class families in urban areas. It is a good place to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea. There are many bungalow resorts and hotels along the beachfront with standard facilities. The beach is well–developed and the service here is also more professional.
A major attraction is a small pagoda built on a limestone boulder at the southern end of the beach. Nearby fishing villages and tidal mangrove forests are also popular among travelers.
[caption id="attachment_16546" align="alignnone" width="960"] A major attraction is a small pagoda built on a limestone boulder at the southern end of Chaung Tha beach[/caption]
Chaung Tha is where locals head when they want to relax. There are many things to do such as paddling in the water, floating about on rubber rings, plodding up and down on ponies, wasting money on tacky souvenirs, boisterous beach football games, happy family picnics and setting off Chinese fireworks in the evening. Those who find the atmosphere of cities stifling, the pressures of work stressful and the responsibilities of modern life becoming burdensome, may shed their manifold worries for a while by visiting and enjoying a restful holiday interlude at Chaung Tha. If you need to squeeze some sand and sun into your visit to Myanmar, Chaung Tha is a relatively convenient and affordable option.
Kanthaya beach
Located in the south of Ngapali beach, but Kanthaya is lesser-known. It is the unspoiled beach with many offshore islands and reefs to explore. Kanthaya means “Pleasant” in Burmese. This beach is shallow and 4.5-km long. Kanthaya beach will get you to a private space to escape the noise of the city. Unlike the white sandy beach of Ngapali, the sand here is golden and a bit gritty. On the beach, there are no services for sports games or shops but perhaps that is the most attractive point of Kanthaya. You can walk along the coast, climb small hills, watch birds and talk to local fishermen. Even though there are not many things to do, you will enjoy the completely quiet moments of natural sites and tranquil retreat in a few days.
Among that, there are many types of tropical birds spotted from the beach or the mouth-watering range of local seafood being hauled from boats by local fishermen. Also, you can see the oriental style of the local huts and houses with their hand-woven mat walls. Besides, talking with the local fishermen is definitely an exciting experience. They are simple and honest, to one of the small islands off of the shore. Kanthaya beach is a true hideaway from modern civilization.
[caption id="attachment_16547" align="alignnone" width="960"] Kanthaya beach is a true hideaway from modern civilization[/caption]
Suggested Myanmar tours
Essence Of Myanmar 12 Days
Don’t be surprised that the Burmese people can wear jeans when swimming, also wear shorts, pajamas, but definitely not bikinis. The standard of the holiday costume on Myanmar beaches is a jean and T-shirt. Not kidding, that is true!
Have a wonderful beach holiday!
Nam Lucas - Travel Specialist
#Indochinavoyages #Indochinatours #Timlee #Vietnamtours #Myanmartours #Cambodiatours #Laostours #Thailand tours
0 notes
Text
Sydney Life
You dont need a pocket full of pennies to enjoy all that Sydney has to offer. Weve asked some fellow Sydney-based travel bloggers about their favourite things to do in Sydney that wont cost you a thing. Check them out below!

Bradleys Head, Sydney Managing a website about hiking, its no surprise that my favorite free thing to do in Sydney is discovering new walking tracks. Hiking in Sydney is the best way to fully appreciate everything this beautiful city has to offer. Sydney has a very diverse landscape, so you can walk the beaches, the bush, the mountains and of course the magnificent Sydney Harbour.Whats great about Sydney Harbour is that it is home to countless walking tracks that take you past secluded beaches, beautiful parks, picturesque bays, old lighthouses and much more. And you can discover all these exciting places with the city literally only a stones throw away. Some parts of the Harbour also hold lots of relics from Sydneys military history. At Bradleys Head for example you can find a fortification complex that was built in the 19th century to protect New South Wales against invaders. And Goat Island, right in the middle of the Harbour, once served as a massive gunpowder store. So go ahead, dust off those hiking shoes and head outdoors to discover the goodness that Sydney has to offer, for free! Families visiting Sydney can find all sorts of economical activities. For younger kids visits to some of Sydneys truly amazing playgrounds are a must. Visit a playground by a beach and you have a great free fresh air day out. Great playground and beach combos can be found at Bondi, Bronte, Watsons Bay, Clifton Gardens, Balmoral, Collaroy and Mona Vale. Families with older children might enjoy snorkelling, free if you bring your own kit. Try Shelly Beach at Manly for vibrant sea life, rays, wobbegongs and even (harmless) juvenile dusky whaler sharks. Ocean swimming is another super healthy Sydney sport you can enjoy for free. Explore the many rock pools on the ocean beaches. Check out the Bold and Beautiful Swim Squad if you are a confident sea swimmer. Dozens of swimmers enjoy their daily dip at 7am each morning. Meet at Manly SLSC and ask for a free pink cap. One of our favourite free things to do in Sydney is the Bondi to Bronte walk. This iconic cliff-top walk is 2.5km long and joins two of Sydneys most famous beaches. The views of the ocean and the coastal cliffs along the walk are stunning, making this a real Sydney must see. The walk takes us around 2 hours with two young kids in tow. Adults doing the walk without kids could easily do it in one and a half hours. There is also the option to continue the walk all the way to Coogee Beach, which is a further 3 kilometers. The walk is also a popular jogging route, and has a few workout stations dotted along the path. When doing the walk with kids, we usually stop off at Tamarama Beach or Park on the way for a rest and a snack, and end the walk by playing on the beach in Bronte. Bronte has a lovely park with a playground and plenty of nearby cafes, making it ideal for families.The Bondi to Bronte walk is absolutely stunning and one of the most popular places in Sydney for taking photos, so dont leave your camera behind! Sarah Shrapnel Love Swah If youre a culture vulture in the mood for some creative inspiration without breaking the bank, then Sydney is the place for you! This notoriously extensive city is home to a huge selection of budget-friendly art galleries showcasing artworks from emerging and prominent artists, many of which you can visit free of charge. Firstly head on down to the Museum of Contemporary Art to enjoy their impressive permanent collection. Not only does it feature an array of world class modern art from around the globe, this collection is also free! Another permanent collection worth checking out is at the Art Gallery of NSW which is filled with an eclectic range of Australian, Asian, Western and Pacific art works. A local favourite on the smaller end of the spectrum is White Rabbit Gallery situated in Chippendale, which houses one of the largest collection of modern Chinese art in the world.

King Street, Newtown Exploring Street Art in Sydneys Inner West I love exploring the thriving street art culture in the inner Sydney suburb of Newtown. World class murals adorn walls on almost every corner here thanks in part to a local government initiatives aimed at reducing tagging by matching property owners with street artists. Newtown has always been colourful community, but the volume of work by local and international artists here makes it a perfect place for any street art lover to explore. Add to that some great small bars, cafes and several local craft breweries and you have plenty of great rest stops too. Check out Lennox Street Newtown if youre after a high reward to effort ratio with half a dozen full-scale murals in just 2 blocks. Alternatively make an afternoon of it, take the train to St Peters station and snake your way through the back lanes to a nondescript warehouse in the backstreets that is home to local brewery Young Henrys. This is the perfect spot to taste some really inspired local brews and reward yourself for all that walking! Sydneys own street art nirvana is only 10 minutes by train from the CBD. Tip Along the way pick up a lamington from Flower Drum on King Street or a great meat pie from Black Star Pastry, in Australia Street, Newtown! Nothing beats snorkelling in one of Sydneys stunning beaches on a scorching summer day. All you need is a snorkel and mask, and its easy to learn, even if youre new to the sport. Snorkelling is the best way to discover a new side of Sydney, and come face to face with incredible marine life, including rays, blue gropers, wobbegongs, seahorses, and a wide variety of colourful fish, kelp, and rocky reefs. Dont forget your GoPro! In the Eastern Suburbs, Gordons Bay (complete with underwater nature trail!), and Clovelly Beach are perfect places to get started. Clovelly offers easy beach access in a sheltered bay, making it the perfect spot for first-timers. Clovelly is also famous for its resident blue gropers, so keep your eyes peeled for these friendly fish. On Sydneys north, Shelly Beach, near Manly, is part of the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve, and offers pristine blue waters teeming with marine life. Its also popular with divers.Wherever you end up, youre sure to have a fantastic time- snorkelling is one of the best free things to try in Sydney. Bring a friend, some sunscreen, and dive in! Tucked away in one of the myriad bays and inlets on the northside of Sydney Harbour is my favourite Sydney walk. Only a few kilometres long, you can stroll the entire path in less than an hour. The path follows the harbour shoreline beginning at Cremorne Point wharf and ending at Mosman Bay wharf, making it easy to get to by inner harbour ferry. Before you set out take a short detour through Cremorne Point Reserve for spectacular views across Sydney Harbour, or better yet, bring a picnic and enjoy the sunshine. Dont miss Robertson Point Lighthouse, still a working lighthouse guiding boats safely past the point. You cant go inside but you can get quite close. Heading north from the reserve, the path winds past some of Sydneys most exclusive Federation mansions and million dollar water views. At Mosman Bay wharf either catch a ferry back to the city or retrace your steps as far as Hodgson Ave. Follow the street to join up with a parallel path on the east side of Cremorne Point for the best views of theSydneyOpera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge has to offer. Living in Sydney we are spoilt for choice when it comes to scenic natural attractions. One of my favourite free things to do in Sydney is walking the different parts of the The Coast Track in Royal National Park. The entire track is 26km-long and takes two days to complete but it doesnt have to be done all at once. You can easily do parts of the track as spectacular day hikes. The northern part of the track takes you from the village of Bundeena to Marley beach along one of the most beautiful stretches of Illawarra coastline. On top of the dramatic scenery, this walk also gives you the perfect chance to spot Humpback whales during their migration between April and December.The southern part of the coastal track takes you from Otford train station to Burning Palms beach via the Palm Jungle loop trail. This track has the best of all worlds: towering cliffs of the rugged coastline, eucalypt forest, rainforest gullies, beaches, grasslands and even a palm jungle! Attending a conference I discovered this self-made walking trail from North Sydney. Its a great way to watch the city wake and spring to life.Starting on Blues Point Road and passing the eclectic mixture clothing shops, restaurants and bars, walk to Henry Lawson Avenue.Wander alongside Blues Bay to the iconic Sails Restaurant at Lavender Bay. Stop and take in the views of the Harbour, The Bridge, Circular Quay and Opera House. Next, follow the laneway from Sails to E Cres Street veering right onto Bay View Street. Youll walk passed beautiful homes with Bay views. Continually hugging Lavender Bay, walk round to the left into King George Street taking the laneway to the right soon after.Stroll down the lane until Wendy Whiteleys Secret Garden. This marks the beginning of Peter Kingston Walkway. This will take you pass Luna Park and North Sydney Pool.Follow the signs up onto the Harbour Bridge. Explore the Rocks area at the end and walk through to the Quay and Opera House.If you do this walk early in the morning, when the sun is just rising over the harbour, you can enjoy your own private Rocky moment up the Opera House stairs! For more fun and free activities in Sydney, click here! ]]> http://www.sydney.com/sydney-life/feed
0 notes