My Dry November Events: William Yang at The Bookworm, Travel Massive, Art Salon, Job Fair for Foreigners

As my dry November continues, I started looking for some alternative activities that don't revolve around alcohol. Perhaps unsurprisingly, our Events section is full of interesting happenings that provide you with the opportunity to do something other than staring at the bottom of your glass and all present great new ways to meet people. Here's the best sober times Beijing has to offer this week:
 

Wednesday, November 11

William Yang: The Story Only I Can Tell
The Story Only I Can Tell is a talk with image projection that tells the fascinating story of William Yang’s life. His forebears migrated from China to Australia over a hundred years ago and subsequent generations adapted to Western culture. William grew up in North Queensland on a tobacco farm, and has made his way in the world as an architect, a playwright, a photographer, a visual artist, a film-maker, and now a story-teller. He has led a varied life, working alongside many of Australia’s best-known artists from all art forms, including Patrick White, Brett Whitely and Jenny Kee. From behind the camera, Yang connects with audiences around Australia and the world through his intimate photographs and observations of events and people around him, breaking free from social expectation and battling identity. RMB 85, RMB 75 (members). 7.30pm. The Bookworm
 

Travel Massive: Travel Writing and Blogging
As an individual blogger or as a company marketing professional, have you ever wondered how to get the most our of your content? Wonder no more as this month we have invited three great speakers to give you the lowdown on your travel writing and blogging: Katrina Yu who made her name as the host of CCTV International's Travelogue, and Kirk Munroe and Masha Krol who are the co-founders of a new travel start-up called Travelabulous. Join them as they share their insiders' secrets about travel blogging. Free. 7pm. 3/F, Manning International Center, 53 Maizidian Lu, Liangmaqiao, Chaoyang District
 

Thursday, November 12

Art Salon: Matisse
Always wanted to learn how to paint? This workshop is the perfect way to start a new hobby, especially as the weather is getting colder by the week. No art background is needed for this workshop which is led by international artists. You will learn how to paint French painter Matisse's famous Portrait of Madame Matisse step by step, as well as the history and context behind the painting. Call 5900 0270 to reserve your place! RMB 240. 9.30am-12.30pm. Blue Bridge Education 
 

Task Force XX.02
If you are a woman working in tech or wanting to, this is your event. Task Force XX events attempt to create inclusive open spaces of diverse talents to bring about unexpected collaborations. This is an open meet-up aimed primarily at bringing together women and tech. The event also has a dual purpose of raising awareness of and giving assistance to those wanting to apply for a UK-based arts and tech grant of GBP 10,000 (for more information see accelerator.madlab.org.uk). This will include six-months unlimited access to Manchester's hacker space Mad Lab in the UK to make the project a reality. The catch, the applicant must be eligible to work in the UK. Overseas or collaborative applications are accepted however. We will have the Mad Lab team in Manchester on Skype call during the event to answer any questions you might have or to give advice on your application. Free. 7pm. 8-Bit
 

Friday, November 13

Beijing Opera Mask Making
Lianpu, a style of makeup worn by actors in traditional Chinese opera, has various different types for different characters. All colors have different meanings, and surprising significances. For instance, while black signifies a serious disposition and sharp wit, white makeup deceit and treachery. Red signifies courage, honesty, and steadfast loyalty. This workshop will teach you about Chinese opera, Chinese culture, and you'll be able to make new friends, too. RSVP by emailing info@chinaledu.com or calling 5869 5800. RMB 30. 1.30-3.20pm. Chinese Language Education, Jianwai Soho, Bldg. 9, 605

Saturday, November 14

2015 Job Fair for Foreigners
If you've been looking for a new job or thinking about a career change, get to the job fair this weekend. Not only will it be easy to stay away from alcohol here, but you'll also be working on your future: there is no more productive way to spend a Saturday. There's even free CV printing on-site. Free. 9am-4pm. Swissotel Beijing
 

Winter Swap Market
While your body is (hopefully) rebooting, do the same for your space and clear out your clutter and upgrade your closet without spending a dime! The Breathing Space has organized a day for you to swap your clothes and exchange items you no longer want or need. Left over clothes will be given to charity. RSVP here. Free. 2-6pm. The Breathing Space

Saturday, November 14 - Sunday, November 15

Disney on Ice
Seriously, why not relive your childhood at Disney on Ice next weekend? There's shows on both Saturday and Sunday, so you don't have any excuses to sing along to Disney classics as your favorite childhood (or adulthood, who's judging) characters are gliding across the ice. You'll find me here this weekend, my tickets just arrived! RMB 180-380. Various Times. Capital Indoor Stadium

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Email: margauxschreurs@truerun.com
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Photos courtesy of the organizers