Global village
BEIJING
Passing it on
Old China hands are set to share their collective wisdom, via a group-writing project on the web. The initiative was announced on Lost Laowai's blog, in a post by the site's author, Ryan.
Under the theme: "If I knew then what I know now", the posts would be linked to create a resource comparing collective pre-China ideas and knowledge they have since acquired. Submissions can be in any form - including "songs, poems, rants, humorous posts", and the deadline is June 18.
A final list of submissions will then be published on Lost Laowai.
Beware of Greeks bearing gifts
At a Greek wine tasting party this week Chinese importers, journalists and Greek dignitaries were seated in front of six glasses as speakers discussed the significance of each variety.
When nibbles were served after the quaffing, many Chinese guests seemed a little less enthused about the savory snacks. Piles of Gorgonzola cheese balls were left untouched but the sweets were a hit.
The Hellenic Foreign Trade Board, which organized the event, may realize that introducing Euro-centric foods in the Middle Kingdom may take some time.
Chongqing
Darling of the dumpling
Expats are pouring into Chongqing, a mega municipality in Southwest China, and the place to be is Yang Ren Lu or Foreigners Street. The 5,000-odd expats who live in this bustling metropolis are finding more interesting eateries popping up every week.
According to Gary Go, a Chinese-born Australian citizen, the flavor of the month is a Malaysian expat who is wowing everybody with her special dumplings. Gary has set up a website to help expats better understand the city. Check out www.cqexpat.com
Xi'an
Bollywood nights
During her tour of China, Shobhaa De, known as the Jackie Collins of India, turned on her TV late one night in a Xi'an hotel room recently and was amused: there was a Bollywood movie on local television.
"It was dubbed into Chinese," she said. "The fact that local people are aware of our film industry, are enjoying our films sends a strong statement about the industry."
And Another thing...
Blooming marvelous
The Irish never need a reason for a party, however tomorrow the Irish pubs around China will be especially cheerful. Fans of renowned Irish author James Joyce will celebrate Bloomsday, a day dedicated to toasting his masterpiece Ulysses.
"Ulysses is also a book for outsiders, for those who resist corruption at the heart of life," says China Daily Shanghai correspondent Jake Hamilton. "So, when you meet others on Bloomsday, it feels like you are meeting a dear old friend, one who knows everything about you except your name."
(China Daily 06/15/2007 page19)
