C’est le Gabon aujourd’hui!

Posted on by Gilbert Van Kerckhove

On 12 September, the big reception for the 53rd anniversary of the independence of Gabon, in Millenium Hotel (CBD).
Many guests but few from Western embassies. But a couple of friends to meet again.

See the speech, with a nice Chinese lady playing the guzheng (Chinese plucked zither. It has 18 or more strings and movable bridges) and the harp. And with the Lady Ambassador of Cyprus.
I tried to strike a conversation with a diplomat from the DPRK but little to say. He did not have a card. I guess his budget must be tight.

You will never see blind people on Beijing’s streets

Posted on by Gilbert Van Kerckhove

Beijing has spent lots of money to impress outsiders with walkways for the blind on the sidewalks. A complete waste of city money. No blind person would ever use them as cars, bikes, vendors, and other stuff blocks those guide paths. Just imagine a blind person crossing the street: even an athlete has to be careful making it to the other side. Traffic lights and pedestrian crossings are for decoration only. Same for disabled people. How many do you see on the streets? For Chinese, those people should stay home.

Even the Chinese media admit the problem:
“Quotable” – China Daily (28 August 2013)
“It is not an exaggeration to say that blind people are ‘seeking death’ if they dare to take blind pathways. Unless blind people are very familiar with the situation nearby, they would never dare to take the paths.”
Li Weihong, deputy chairman of the China Blind Persons’ Association, told the Beijing Morning Post. Even though the capital has about 1,600 kilometers of blind pathways, hardly any blind people use them due to their awkward design and obstructions.

2013 Charity Bazaar, 9-10 November 2013

Posted on by Gilbert Van Kerckhove

See here the announcement of the upcoming Bazaar!

2013 Charity Bazaar, 9-10 November 2013 – Kempinski Hotel (Beijing)

It is our pleasure to invite you to participate in the Rotary Club of Beijing’s annual charity Bazaar, which is our key event to raise fund to support our charity work. This year we are again offering a fun day of pre Christmas shopping, entertainment, food and games for the entire family. With our exciting offering, we are expecting a very large turnout from the expatriate communities. As a charity event, all proceeds will be donated to support our charity projects.
The Kempinski Hotel has generously provided the venue for our Bazaar which will take place over two days from November 9th to November 10th. The event will be heavily promoted through the media and by the hotel.

Highlights:

– Over 70 vendors offering fashion and accessories, jewelry, handicrafts, health and beauty products, toys, etc.
– Exciting musical and dance performances
– Free wine tasting and makeovers
– Kids corner so parents can enjoy their shopping
– Raffle draw with great prizes

With excellent promotion, the Bazaar is sure to be a big success. Moreover, with your support, we will have more fund to help more people in need.
As a vendor, your table fee will serve as a donation to support our club’s charity projects. The amount will be based on the space available and location (Please refer to the floor plan for details.)  Also, you are invited to donate 1 to 2 prizes with value of CNY 100 – 500 for our raffle draw to help us raise more fund.  All proceeds from the Bazaar will be used to support charity work.
If you are interested, please complete an application form and return it to us before September 30th, 2013.  Should you have any questions, please contact us.  Thank you for your generous support!

Rotary Club of Beijing Bazaar Committee
5 September 2013
Email: rotarybazaar[at]126.com

InterNations Beijing: Book Reading Club

Posted on by Gilbert Van Kerckhove

Sunday afternoon 1 September, 3 to 5 pm at a new location: IQIYI CAFE, where TERRA restaurant was a year ago. Close to Zhongyu Building, Sanlitun Nan Lu.
As it happens more, I was the only man among all the girls – no complaints.
I managed, unexpectedly, to finish the assignment right in time: to read the book of the Brazilian author Paulo Coelho, “The Alchemist”. Pity I had no time to find the Portuguese version in time, so I read the English translation.
We had a lively discussion about the book, with the additional remarks if some of the thoughts could be applied the same way in a Chinese environment: how well can one pursue his/her Personal Legend, or if you prefer, how can you succeed in your quest to fulfill your dream. Indeed, Chinese society urges a lot of conformity and pursuing very personal goals are often made difficult by peer and family pressure.

For me the added value of the discussion was that it made me reflect on possible themes for my new book(s). Won’t comment on it right now.
Thanks for the pics from Jing and Windy (I improved them a bit).
Looking forward to the next round.