Life in the city

World’s biggest beer exporter

Posted on by Gilbert Van Kerckhove

Belgium number one

The Federation of Belgian Brewers (104 members) has published the results for 2018: The world biggest beer exporter is Belgium.
Exports went up into the European Union. Exports declined a little outside of the EU (USA, Chine et Canada). The source is in French.

World’s biggest beer exporter

One of the famous beer shops in Brussels near Grand Place

It also mentions:

  • Exports went up into the European Union. Exports declined a little outside of the EU (USA, China and Canada).
  • Overall Belgium beats Germany in terms of exports. Top importers are France, followed by the USA, The Netherlands, Germany, Italy and China.
  • Consumption of beer in Belgium declined a little.
  • There is a notable increase in low-alcohol beer and no-alcohol beer.
  • In Belgium we have about 300 beer production centers; there were 40 new breweries in Belgium in 2018.

The joy of trying out Belgian beers in Beijing

The updated list of beers is here.
See some pictures of my investigation!

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Yeah hard work!

Old China Hands lunch 7 June

Posted on by Gilbert Van Kerckhove

Our monthly lunch at Morel’s Restaurant

Old China Hands lunch 7 June was plagued by a series of problems. Well, first of all I broke my collarbone, I had to be rushed into Chaoyang Hospital for an urgent operation – to insert a metal plate with six screws. Sounds horrible, is horrible. The same day before checking into the hospital I rushed home to pack a few things and decided to quickly send the OCH invitations. All done except I switched off my desktop too quickly, not noticing some 70 mails were still unsent. Oops.
Luckily a new WeChat group set up by Greg helped to spread the news so we ended up with a nice total of 26 despite all the mess.
I did post an update: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/6690555/

And yes, I had just left the hospital the day before and dragged myself to the lunch, to say hi to the friends.
I say thanks to all who expressed concern. Yes, recovery is slow and will take time. No bicycle for many weeks…

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We have many famous members

Our friend had his impressive exhibition of his paintings, the opening well attended by several of the OCH crew, including me. He is now also all over the news:
“Americans in China: Kent Niepert”
http://chinaplus.cri.cn/america/americans-in-china/1659/20190505/284740.html
Congrats Kent!

Our next lunch

Next one is Friday 5 July. That will be well within the “summer holiday months”. But as always, some stick it out in Beijing, like myself.

Old China Hands lunch 3 May

Posted on by Gilbert Van Kerckhove

Our monthly lunch at Morel’s Restaurant

Old China Hands lunch 3 May was on a “normal” day except it was our sixth anniversary. We a total of over 30. We even had our historic group picture taken in front of the restaurant.
We even had our friend from Austria, where he relocated, visiting us. Great to see him again.
Thanks to those who sent more pictures, including of the food.

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Our next lunch

Next one is Friday 7 June. Guess what, again a holiday! Dragon Boat Festival! So, again no excuse you have to be at the office or teaching.
My updated list is well over 100. Unfortunately we will lose some of our regulars as they are to move to another country. We will miss them. But we always have new members coming in, so we keep it all well alive!

Old China Hands lunch 5 April

Posted on by Gilbert Van Kerckhove

Our monthly lunch at Morel’s Restaurant

Old China Hands lunch 5 April was on Tomb-Sweeping Day (Qingming). And yes, few had an excuse not to attend but some were disoriented and … forgot about the lunch. We a total of 36, with some new faces. First time we had the new price of RMB 110, a sweet deal for our attendees (the normal set lunch price is now RMB 118).

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Our next lunch

Next one is Friday 3 May. It is our sixth anniversary! Time flies, some members left, new are joining. If anybody is interested (and qualifies), contact me. Any nationality is welcome but it is for foreign-passport holders with ten years connection with the Middle Kingdom.

Old China Hands lunch 1 March

Posted on by Gilbert Van Kerckhove

Our monthly lunch at Morel’s Restaurant

Old China Hands lunch 1 March was as always, so nothing special to mention, the total of 32 participants were happy. Chatting, eating, chatting.

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Our next lunch

Next one is Friday 5 April. And yes, I know, it’s Tomb Sweeping Day and the the start of a three-day holiday. But not sure many of our friends will be sweeping that day. Let them sweep a nice Belgian dish instead!
As all prices in Beijing have been going up, Morel’s Restaurant finally has had to increase their too-cheap price of RMB 98 for the copious set menu to RMB 118. The new price, still very attractive, is set at RMB 110, only for us!