China and Britain, both have done well in this 2008 Olympics!! I saw many happy celebrations in China, and on TV for the British ones... Very happy for both! Many friends say: Britain has done very well, compared to the population of China, Britain has done much better indeed!
Women Volleyball games between China and USA caught millions and millions Chinese attention that night. The coach of USA team, Ms LANG ping was one of the best three Chinese volleyball players in the 80's. She is now wonderfully leading the USA to one of the best performances we can see!
In China, I can hear the theme song " You and me" everywhere(sang by Sarah Brightman and Liuhuan), a beautiful song! Here, the words go:
"我和你，心连心，同住地球村，
为梦想，千里行，相会在北京。
来吧！朋友，伸出你的手，
我和你，心连心，永远一家人。
You and me
From one world
We are family
Travel dream
A thousand miles Meeting in Beijing
Come together
Put your hand in mine
You and Me
From one world We are family"
(written at Silk Road and the Great Wall area - Jiayu Guan)
Monday, 25 August 2008
Sunday, 24 August 2008
24th August 2008 The Beijing Olympics Closing Ceremony
I am now watching the ceremony from the Silk Road - Dunhuang (North West China). The Olympics is such a great event to unite people around the whole world. I hope that 2012 the London Olympics will be another happy event to meet all people!
I miss all HWLC members of staff and all the students. I hope that they all have a great time when watching the Olympic Games!!!
Having met so many people, then our tour members are very pleased to do both- watching the games and touring this beautiful small town - Dunhuang (Part of the Silk Road), there are only 180,000 people here. It is very clean; air is very fresh; and importantly- beautiful sky!
奥林匹克运动员的闭幕式，我与朋友在甘肃省的敦煌小城度过。想起了一首歌“小城的故事”。我喜欢看奥运会的赛事，我也喜欢这小城的情调，很安宁，很纯美，很自然的美哦！
中国和英国的奖牌都很多，我为此干杯！！！
I miss all HWLC members of staff and all the students. I hope that they all have a great time when watching the Olympic Games!!!
Having met so many people, then our tour members are very pleased to do both- watching the games and touring this beautiful small town - Dunhuang (Part of the Silk Road), there are only 180,000 people here. It is very clean; air is very fresh; and importantly- beautiful sky!
奥林匹克运动员的闭幕式，我与朋友在甘肃省的敦煌小城度过。想起了一首歌“小城的故事”。我喜欢看奥运会的赛事，我也喜欢这小城的情调，很安宁，很纯美，很自然的美哦！
中国和英国的奖牌都很多，我为此干杯！！！
Saturday, 16 August 2008
Day 7 11th August The Great Wall (Part 1)
Another busy day (Photos to be added)
Indian meal: Principal Duan made sure that we could have a meal in a "proper" Indian restaurant in Beijing. Monish was looking forward to try some Indian food in China, so did most of us. Students went for another shopping in Xiushui Market (Beijing Silk Market),then we headed to the Indian restaurant. It was 2.00pm, the restaurant was during the break time for members of staff to have a nap, but some chefs and waitresses waited for us and cooked. Curry chicken for Monish, sweet and source dishes for some students (what a fusion style!). The two Chinese teachers preferred authentic Chinese food... Indian curry prawns for me. Monish said the meal was OK, although it was difficult to understand the spicy flavors...and not being able to see any nan bread...hahaha
The Great Wall Visit: Disappointing！Very disappointing!! Said Monish and students, after they came back from the Great Wall. They could not go very near the Great Wall, not to dream about climbing up there! (but they could take some photos). There were some VIPs visiting there so the security was very tight, other people could not visit at the same time… Monish and all the students were very disappointed as they have been dreaming for the visit even in the UK! I could not go with them this time as I needed to have a business meeting with Deputy Principal Liu. I had climbed up there for a few times. I love the sceneries there very much as you can see so far away when you stand up there. You will feel much healthier! You will have much more energy to do whatever you want to do afterwards!
I hope one day Monish and our students will be able to come again and climb up to the top! Chairman Mao’s saying is well known in China: “If you have not yet climbed up to the Great Wall,you are not a real man!”
Part 2 and Part 3 TBC
Indian meal: Principal Duan made sure that we could have a meal in a "proper" Indian restaurant in Beijing. Monish was looking forward to try some Indian food in China, so did most of us. Students went for another shopping in Xiushui Market (Beijing Silk Market),then we headed to the Indian restaurant. It was 2.00pm, the restaurant was during the break time for members of staff to have a nap, but some chefs and waitresses waited for us and cooked. Curry chicken for Monish, sweet and source dishes for some students (what a fusion style!). The two Chinese teachers preferred authentic Chinese food... Indian curry prawns for me. Monish said the meal was OK, although it was difficult to understand the spicy flavors...and not being able to see any nan bread...hahaha
The Great Wall Visit: Disappointing！Very disappointing!! Said Monish and students, after they came back from the Great Wall. They could not go very near the Great Wall, not to dream about climbing up there! (but they could take some photos). There were some VIPs visiting there so the security was very tight, other people could not visit at the same time… Monish and all the students were very disappointed as they have been dreaming for the visit even in the UK! I could not go with them this time as I needed to have a business meeting with Deputy Principal Liu. I had climbed up there for a few times. I love the sceneries there very much as you can see so far away when you stand up there. You will feel much healthier! You will have much more energy to do whatever you want to do afterwards!
I hope one day Monish and our students will be able to come again and climb up to the top! Chairman Mao’s saying is well known in China: “If you have not yet climbed up to the Great Wall,you are not a real man!”
Part 2 and Part 3 TBC
Sunday, 10 August 2008
Day 6 10th August a cooler day! and the first Great Britain gold medal
Beijing is becoming cooler, calmer... more like a hard fought rugby player turned into a pianist Langlang. However, Sunday in Beijing, banks open, business meetings are on. There is one church near our hotel.
Changping had planned a meeting with us at 8.30am, but as our students, Monish and I worked late into the night, therefore we discussed with Changping to rearrange the meeting to Monday.
Students love shopping in Beijing, Xiushui Jie (Equal to the London Oxford Street) seems to be their favourite, lots of silk stuff...I can see their happy smiles most of the time. They want to go there again tomorrow before the visit to the Great Wall.
Miss Wang, Miss Ye and I were enjoying the Jiaozi (Dumplings with pork and prawns) lunch, the road just outside the restaurant was sealed up for a thrilling women's cycling road race. Exciting! I heard that Nicole Cooke grabbed the first Great Britain gold medal ! Fantastic!! I might see her riding when I was eating Jiaozi!
"We did it, it was perfect. It's a dream come true," said Cooke, who became the first Welsh person to win Olympic gold for 36 years.
奥运中文版 (1)
奥运精神，令人振奋。北京很美，很干净，主题明确－奥运。北京人十分的友好。不愧是中国的首都！在京一周，看到了很多关注的眼神，欣赏了很多开朗的笑容，听到了很多爽朗的笑声。
我们的姊妹学院北京昌平职业学校，派出一千五百学生为奥运服务。指导老师崔老师这段时间工作十分忙碌，经常是早上六时起床，有时深夜三四时才回家！她的先生是副校长,姓刘，可以用英语作基本的对话，谈笑风生，亲切友好，我们的学生都很喜欢他。
Changping had planned a meeting with us at 8.30am, but as our students, Monish and I worked late into the night, therefore we discussed with Changping to rearrange the meeting to Monday.
Students love shopping in Beijing, Xiushui Jie (Equal to the London Oxford Street) seems to be their favourite, lots of silk stuff...I can see their happy smiles most of the time. They want to go there again tomorrow before the visit to the Great Wall.
Miss Wang, Miss Ye and I were enjoying the Jiaozi (Dumplings with pork and prawns) lunch, the road just outside the restaurant was sealed up for a thrilling women's cycling road race. Exciting! I heard that Nicole Cooke grabbed the first Great Britain gold medal ! Fantastic!! I might see her riding when I was eating Jiaozi!
"We did it, it was perfect. It's a dream come true," said Cooke, who became the first Welsh person to win Olympic gold for 36 years.
奥运中文版 (1)
奥运精神，令人振奋。北京很美，很干净，主题明确－奥运。北京人十分的友好。不愧是中国的首都！在京一周，看到了很多关注的眼神，欣赏了很多开朗的笑容，听到了很多爽朗的笑声。
我们的姊妹学院北京昌平职业学校，派出一千五百学生为奥运服务。指导老师崔老师这段时间工作十分忙碌，经常是早上六时起床，有时深夜三四时才回家！她的先生是副校长,姓刘，可以用英语作基本的对话，谈笑风生，亲切友好，我们的学生都很喜欢他。
Saturday, 9 August 2008
Day 5 The day after the biggest event in the world
The picture above is our Travel and Leisure and Tourism team with the Deputy Mayor Ian Clement who asked this blog to be sent to him. We look forward to his comments! Thanks to Deputy Mayor Ian Clement for spending time with us.
From Monish
China woke up with one big hangover this morning after the biggest party in the world last night.
The Travel Leisure and Tourism team woke up in their own time following a night they would never forget! Jenine- who loves her food!!- and Cerise managed to come down for breakfast at 8.30am! Yueqin was up at 8.30 too. The rest of us decided to catch up on our sleep. The Chinese people were so happy last night. Proud of the Opening Ceremony; their hospitality has been excellent throughout.
Today was the first chance we could get to the ' Birds Nest' as security is very tight. We took the number 2 Olympic bus, however, I would recommend to London 2012, to have more people to guide foreign visitors as we were not sure which stop to get off and there were no people we could talk to in English. Unfortunately, Natalie felt ill during the bus ride and wanted to go back to the hotel . Yueqin got off with her and they were immediately helped by five Beijing people who were concerned for her health! One of them took them to her office where she worked, and provided water, it was 35 degrees and sunny today; and provided a massage treatment to relax Natalie! Fantastic! Natalie is fine now and enjoyed the rest of the evening.
Rest of us went on to Birds Nest and took some wonderful photos...the atmosphere was buzzing!
Our travel and tourism students then had to 'work' this evening at the London House. Again, they were at the front of house- the face of London- and still the only college to be there!
I then spoke to Ian Clement, Deputy Mayor of London- who was impressed with our team from Ealing, Hammersmith and West London College. We took a photo with him- picture as above- and he accepted my invitation to visit the college in the new term!
We also chatted to Jean Tomlin, Human Resource Director of The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympics Games LTD. for London 2012, who was delighted with our travel, leisure and tourism students, and expressed interest in working with us on our return !
We arrived back at the hotel at 1am and it is now 2 am so I am signing off!
DAY 4 08-08-08 The Opening Ceremony
(details about the actual ceremony is to be added soon!)
After the Ceremony, we went to a pub next to the lake and the London House which played live music. Monish wanted to show Chinese people how we dance in London ! Whiles dancing to Madonna's "La Isla Bonita" the singer passed the microphone to Monish. Monish managed to sing the whole song with the live band much to the enjoyment of the Chinese people! They all stood up and applauded for the wonderfully professional type of singing! Anna, Agata, Faith and I danced with the song (video to be downloaded soon).
We went to a super Chinese restaurant. Anna, Agata enjoyed the Sweet and Sour Pork dish very much, then I ordered the biggest dish for them to enjoy it further. Fresh pineapples were most appreciated.
We went back the hotel by taxi taking only 10 minutes at 3.30am, plenty taxis were available at that time, but, we heard the story from the two Changping Chinese teachers that they took 3 hours to go back as they left straight after the ceremony. After the ceremony from the London House, no taxis could be hired. Miss Ye Ning accompanied Natalie, Jenine and Cerise back to the hotel by bus. They arrived around 2.45am ( It would have been better if they had danced with us and been more relaxed). Miss Wang had to walk back to the hotel for more than 1 hour after 1.30am!! I believe that Beijing taxi services should be improved as soon as possible as they hire many people outside from Beijing and they are not familiar with the roads. I reported this to the Chinese survey and feedback group and hope that they can action on it asap!
After the Ceremony, we went to a pub next to the lake and the London House which played live music. Monish wanted to show Chinese people how we dance in London ! Whiles dancing to Madonna's "La Isla Bonita" the singer passed the microphone to Monish. Monish managed to sing the whole song with the live band much to the enjoyment of the Chinese people! They all stood up and applauded for the wonderfully professional type of singing! Anna, Agata, Faith and I danced with the song (video to be downloaded soon).
We went to a super Chinese restaurant. Anna, Agata enjoyed the Sweet and Sour Pork dish very much, then I ordered the biggest dish for them to enjoy it further. Fresh pineapples were most appreciated.
We went back the hotel by taxi taking only 10 minutes at 3.30am, plenty taxis were available at that time, but, we heard the story from the two Changping Chinese teachers that they took 3 hours to go back as they left straight after the ceremony. After the ceremony from the London House, no taxis could be hired. Miss Ye Ning accompanied Natalie, Jenine and Cerise back to the hotel by bus. They arrived around 2.45am ( It would have been better if they had danced with us and been more relaxed). Miss Wang had to walk back to the hotel for more than 1 hour after 1.30am!! I believe that Beijing taxi services should be improved as soon as possible as they hire many people outside from Beijing and they are not familiar with the roads. I reported this to the Chinese survey and feedback group and hope that they can action on it asap!
Friday, 8 August 2008
Day 3 7th August - The London House
Written by Monish. (more pictures to be added)
Today, our fantastic Travel and Tourism students were up and ready by 8.30 for another mini adventure. After breakfast, which was a tailored made one; students requested certain things to eat the night before and their wish was granted the next morning! Changping College has been excellent. We set off at 9.30 to head to a place I have always wanted to see...The Forbidden City and Tianan Men square...We all stood in front of it admiring the size and beauty of this amazing place! Memorable morning which will stay with all of us forever. You must see this place...words do not do justice !
Our team then headed off to the centre for some retail therapy! We shopped down Gourmet Road; similar to London's Oxford Street; one of the busiest shopping areas in Beijing.
============== Launch of London House ; VIP / Media Event =======================================
The evening is a night none of us will ever forget. I was very proud of our students and proud to be the only LONDON college helping London promote itself to China as a place to visit, do business and study!
The LDA ( London Development Agency) has built the 'London House' in an exclusive part of Beijing promoting London and showing guests that in 2012 London is the place to be!
Our team arrived at 6pm and changed into their uniform...Each had their task for the night.. Anna and Agata were meeting and greeting CEOs from various high profile companies..inc. Adidas, New York Times, CCTV, ITN, BBC, NIKE. Tessa Jowel and Deputy Major Ian Clement also stopped to chat..EHWLC was mentioned too. Our students were the 'face' of London!
Faith and Natalie were offering specialties from the kitchen and serving the guests and talking about their experience so far in this wonderful place.
Cerise and Jenine were working with the bar team..again showing our guests that London is the place to be for study and to do business.
Yueqin and I were so proud of them all as they only had a one hour briefing....Amazing students who carried on with their duties despite being tired from the visit earlier and they had not eaten ! The MD from LDA has expressed an interest in working with us for 2012! A very rewarding evening...Changping College were also there as VIP guests to witness what London is all about.
A very busy day...our excellent students have been told to rest on Day 4 .....Biggest event in Chinese history....and they will see every minute of it ....here in China!!!
The Chinese website of London House
伦敦之家在中国唯一媒体合作伙伴的新浪网，在奥运期间将会提供伦敦之家的每日活动更新、媒体报道、重要政府官员和商务人士的发言等相关内容，以便网友和公众更好的了解伦敦、关注2012奥运会。
伦敦之家举行的重要活动包括：
8月7日 伦敦之家预展
8月9日 伦敦投资局联合德勤举行宴会
8月10日 伦敦电影局展示后期制作技术
8月13日 伦敦发展署举行关于伦敦基础设施方面投资的座谈会
8月14日 伦敦投资局联合中国网通举行座谈会
8月16-17日 伦敦之家“开放日”展示作为旅游胜地的伦敦
8月18日 举行伦敦格林威治区投资座谈会
8月20日 伦敦发展署举行关于伦敦作为科技中心的座谈会
8月20日 留学伦敦的伦敦毕业生俱乐部
8月20日伦敦发展署关于“设计伦敦”座谈会
8月21日 伦敦发展署关于奥运遗产座谈会
8月21日 伦敦发展署关于奥运遗产的招待会
8月22日 伦敦发展署关于伦敦活动的招待会
8月22日 英国贸易投资署关于创意产业的座谈会
8月23 日 伦敦投资局和中国银行(3.65,0.00,0.00%,吧)进行午餐会
8月24日 交接仪式
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