IN BRIEF (Page 19)
Urumqi
Riding into history
An ambitious Finnish crew of horseback riders are commemorating the efforts of Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim who rode through Asia to Beijing while serving in the Imperial Russian Army. In 1906, Mannerheim, then Lieutenant Colonel, later Marshal of Finland, was commissioned by Tsar Nicholas to undertake the scientific expedition through Kyrgyzstan and China over two years. Last year, Kristian Nyman and Tony Ilmoni set off from Osh, Kyrgyzstan with eight horses and a couple of vehicles. The adventurous riders are expected to arrive in Beijing in January.
Beijing
Greeks bearing gifts
Canadian rock band, Chairman George and the Ministers, this week wrapped up a series of open-air performances in Beijing with a medley of original songs sung in Mandarin. The Ottawa-based group's frontman George Sapounidis, who has a Greek background, sings in more than six languages and performed a combination of Chinese folk pop and Greek bouzouki blues in public squares around the capital.
US travel registration
Travel registration is a free service provided by the US Government to US citizens who are traveling to, or living in China. By registering you can record information about upcoming trips abroad that the Department of State can use to assist in case of an emergency. US citizens can access this site at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs.
Chongqing
London calling
John Stuttard, the new Lord Mayor of London, led a trade mission comprising representatives from top UK financial service companies and relevant government officials to visit Chongqing late last month.
This was the largest investment and trade mission from the UK to visit Southwest China this year.
Chengdu
Uncle Sam wants you
The US consulate general in Chengdu is seeking speakers for its "Wednesday lecture" series covering American history, society, culture and current affairs. And they pay $35 for your trouble. Next week Eric Wolf will be discussing business opportunities in Southwest China. On May 23 filmmaker Eric Byler will discuss the art of short film making and on May 30 Misha Cao will discuss American and Chinese Cultural Differences. For more information contact the consulate Public Affairs Office (8558-3992 x 6922).
Hong Kong
A royal tipple
Germany's reigning wine queen Katja Schweder will spearhead a delegation from the Ministry for Economic Affairs, Transportation, Agriculture and Viniculture of the German federal state Rheinland-Pfalz. The group will visit Hong Kong on May 19 with wine-makers presenting their products.
And another thing...
The big chill
Be warned. The recent sudden change in weather has caused a bout cold and flu among unprepared expats. As the heat rises, many are quick to wear lighter clothing, however when there is a sudden temperature drop later in the day, people are being caught out and catching colds.
The devil wears a rugby jumper
China Daily reporter Erik Nilsson was researching an article about Beijing nightlife when came across the Beijing Devils rugby players celebrating a major victory. It was 3am when he approached the merry lads and soberly asked them for a comment. The rugby players were dumbfounded, until one player shouted: "Let's get him."
The boys "kidnapped" Nilsson and bustled him into taxi bound for another late-night waterhole. He was then "forced" to drink beer and hear about their on-field exploits. Nilsson was sorry he asked.
(China Daily 05/11/2007 page19)
