Well, that was a nice and friendly invasion, by a GSE team from Switzerland (Group Study Exchange), led by Rtn. Peter Buri from the Rotary Club of Lenzburg. The Groups touring Beijing, Shanghai and Suzhou from 29 March to 23 April and is being supported by our sister Club of Shanghai. Veronique of the Huaqiao Foundation (also Shanghai Rotaractor) is with the group. The group of young people counts one lady and three young professionals.

See the pics of our meeting in The Local (Sanlitun), some of the shots of the group visiting famous tourist spots in Beijing and also three pictures of the latest “Storytime”, with our Beijing Rotaractors visiting the school supported by the Migrant Children’s Foundation of Rtn. Helen Boyle.

Instead of our usual meeting at The Local on Monday 17 March, this time a social evening for ‘young professionals”. A good crowd, big fun and many opportunities to chat.

With the cooperation of The Local: for every Vedett Beer, RMB 5 going to the charity  Migrant Children Foundation.
I did my very best to contribute as much as possible but got home safely on my bike!

Our Rotary Club of Beijing has launched “Fireside Chats” at the homes (or any other location), organized by one member to invite others, based on a lucky draw.
I already had joined one at Rtn. Benno’s home for a lavish afternoon session with gorgeous cakes (done by one of our German lady members), coffee, tea, and copious amounts of champagne.

On Sunday 16 March, a Sunday lunch at my home for five Rotarians of our Beijing Club.
Sun was a great cook as usual and we all had a good time to chat and know each other better.

On 10 March we had one more meeting of the Rotaract Club of Beijing, as usual 8 pm in The Local, upstairs.

A pretty international group with people from China, USA, UK, Latvia, Honduras, Germany, South Korea, Czech Republic and … Belgium (myself).
The Club has several ongoing and planned projects, such as Storytime for the Migrant Children Foundation (MCF), Art Jam, Networking Events, Food Drive, Charity Run, and more.
On 17 March there is a social evening for Young Professionals at The Local with some proceeds going to MCF, see the flyer.