16 Feb: Internations Book Reading Club

Posted on by Gilbert Van Kerckhove

On Sunday 16 February, another book discussion: “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.
Hosted by Lilly at iQIYI CAFÉ (South Sanlitun Road near Zhongyu Plaza)
When I was in primary school, sometimes around 1958 I was part of the play. I only remember it was all a magical tale and also mysterious for us, kids.

The discussion between “adults” from all corners of the world turned out to be pretty diverse: not all were impressed (“he could written it all down in 3 pages”). And “Many of the French writers write in an intoxicated state and French people like fables”.
Anyway the discussion was interesting, even for me who had failed to read the book again…

Old China Hands Monthly Lunch 7 February 14

Posted on by Gilbert Van Kerckhove

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!

How we spent Chinese New Year Eve

Posted on by Gilbert Van Kerckhove
in Family

It has become routine: we have our Nianyefan (New Year’s Eve dinner) next door at the “Feng’s family”. Feng Zongpu (daughter of late Feng Youlan and also a famous writer) joined us at the beginning but she had to rest soon as she is pretty weak. Sun had made in our home a fabulous turkey, Valerie and myself carried it straight from our oven to the other apartment.

We then moved back to our home to watch to (in)famous CCTV Gala, this year worse than ever. As soon as I arrived back home I got a call from the Belgian radio VRT and was interviewed live … Several people heard me in Belgium.
From our living room we have a pretty good view on the fireworks in Gongti Xi Lu. No need to go out. I can sip my champagne and watch CCTV, the fireworks and WeChat messages… As a result, being too busy, I missed my idol Sophie Marceau…

Old China Hands Monthly lunch going strong

Posted on by Gilbert Van Kerckhove

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.

The yearly Mega Xmas Eve Home Party

Posted on by Gilbert Van Kerckhove

Yes, normally on 24 December we turn our home/office upside down, so people cannot recognize the place. And we all work like crazy for 2 to 3 days to do the shopping, the rearrangement, the cooking and whatever other preparations. All the cooking is done in-house, zero outside catering. This year we were exactly 60 people, all eager to eat the best turkey in the world, plus all the other goodies. A lot of drinks, this year a lot of Chinese tea and red wine. While some regulars join every year, we do have some rotating guests. Most foreigners are away or busy with family but we still find more than enough friends to celebrate with us. This year ago, many from Rotaract. Many nationalities and obviously many Chinese.

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Thanks to all for making this another success, for eating and drinking well and not breaking down the house.
By 1 am everything was back in its right place, dishes washed and ranged. And some totally knocked out by exhaustion and red wine. Sun, our major chef and commander-in-charge did a fantastic job again, seconded by our “Xiao Li” plus the servants Valerie and Gilbert.