Yes, on Friday 7 March we had our monthly Old China Hands lunch, as usual in Morel’s. With everybody pretty busy getting back to business, we had “only” 25 participants, with several people who could not make it at the last minute. We had one acting ambassador and three retired ambassadors.

I had to urge all to sit down and order – everyone seemed too much engaged in chatting with each other, a good sign.
Next lunch is Friday 4 April.
Morel’s is a great place and next to our monthly lunch my office was having a lunch meeting, and our Chinese friends just loved it…

Well, sort of. I finally got to meet The Beijing Beatles, a well-known group of foreigners playing Beatles songs. The evening was in The Basement, under Caribe and across from Qmex (the Mexican restaurant).

The performance on 15 February was promoted by the FCGroup and attracted a full house.
It was great. They are not only good at singing but are also good entertainers, keeping the audience thrilled. Especially me, I grew up with the Beatles (and The Rolling Stones) and I still have several of their vinyl records. I sing more The Rolling Stones in my KTV simply because the Beatles’ songs are a bit too high for me!
See here more about the group: http://thebeijingbeatles.com/

Despite an unexpected snowfall and the usual traffic chaos in Beijing, as well as the date being a bit difficult – the first working day just after Chinese New Year – the turnout was great: we were a total of 27! See here two of the three tables.

Some new faces, many familiar faces. This time three ex- ambassadors, a famous CCTV host, several embassy people and some other well-known expats.
Looks like everybody enjoyed the formula: no speeches, no fee, pay for your own food and no particular agenda, except having a lively conversation, meeting friends not seen since long and making new friends.
Next lunch is 7 March!

Since May 2013 I am organizing this lunch, for expats with at least ten years China experience.
Venue is always Morel’s Restaurant on Gongti Bei Lu that offers a great lunch menu at 98 RMB. All included and one simply eats too much. We “go Dutch”; no registration fee but reservation is recommended.
In principle it is on the first Friday of the month, except if there is a conflict with a holiday. Starts around 12:15 and people leave according to their work requirement.
Since December I am partnering with Colin of the FCGroup, the best networking of Beijing.
The approach is simple: no set agenda, we mingle and chat freely. I screen participants: no “local Chinese” and no newcomers. No speeches, no promotions. Conversation is relaxed. Some of the participants have over 30 years of China (like me!). All nationalities.
See here the pictures from our lunch 6 December:

We had then about 16 people.
The last one on 10 January counted 31 people, including the Belgian ambassador and the commercial representative of Flanders (who all have a long track record!). And some other well-known expats…

Anybody who wants to join, drop me a mail so I add you to the mailing list. Spread the word if you want.