Global village

Expats carry the torch

The search for eight lucky expats to carry the Olympic torch is in full swing and it is not too late to be in the running for the opportunity of a lifetime. To register, expats need to submit a photograph and a 500-word essay outlining their experience in China, and addressing why they should be selected, by the end of this month.

Already there are hundreds of applicants including Jorge Barra Viegas, who is flying the flag for Brazil. The pilot for Shenzhen Airlines and former champion gymnast arrived in China in 2004 and found himself cheering for the nation's athletes in the Athens Games.

"Getting emotional seeing Chinese youngsters competing was creating inside me a strange connection I could not completely understand," he says. "Just like a torch fire was lit up inside my chest and head, it was as if I were in Greece cheering them."

To enter the competition, go to http://pub1.chinadaily.com.cn/olympics/torch/

Irish eyes smile in Beijing

Through Irish Eyes is an exhibition which explores the vision and aesthetic of Irish artists. Some of the exhibitors live in the United Kingdom, following the Irish "tradition" of travel and exile (as did Joyce, Beckett and many others) but still retain their identity as Irish artists. This exhibition brings together the strands of resident and non-resident practitioners. The exhibition at Beijing Institute of Graphic Communications runs up to September 20.

Brazilians celebrate

The Embassy of Brazil was closed on Monday due to the celebration of the Brazilian National Day. Brazil and China have close ties and Brazilian imports from China increased from $1.2 billion in 2000 to $8 billion in 2006. These numbers represent a growth of more than 550 percent in seven years. The participation of China in the Brazilian imports scope increased from 2.20 percent in 2000 to 8.70 percent in 2006.

Jewish holidays

Jewish High Holidays are here and expats of the Jewish faith are invited to join Kehillat Beijing for Community High Holiday observance. Rosh Hashannah began Wednesday and continues through today. Tonight is Shabbat Shuvah, as with all Kehillat Beijing Friday evening services, the service will begin at 7 pm. Yom Kippur begins prior to sundown next Friday.

AND ANOTHER THING...

Expats from London, Paris and Tokyo have a lot to be grateful for, especially when it comes to paying for a good meal. An average meal, including drink, tax and service for London diners now runs to $80, according to the 2008 Zagat Restaurants Guide. For Parisians it was $72 and Tokyo locals fork out $71. New Yorkers cough up nearly $40.

In China, we know how good we get it. A usual order of steamed fish, pork, beef, mushrooms, tofu, spinach and noodles (all perfectly cooked) works out to be $7 a head.

(China Daily 09/14/2007 page19)