CHINA 2010 MONDAY 5th

We were up early, which for once was not a problem for me as I had been awake for ages because of the traffic noise which we are not used to. It was an important day for Keith not just because it was his first day but due to an Official Welcoming Ceremony, something that has not happened in the past. He had been requested to wear a suit! Unfortunately being told that he would be working in a similar environment to Dalian he had brought only smart casual clothes. At least I could dress the part. He was anxious to be on the move so hanging out the washing would have to wait until later in the day.

We only have to go down to the ground floor but with 26 levels, although the 3 lifts do not stop at every floor, at this time of the day they are in constant demand. The office is situated on the ‘Great Power Building’ across the road from our apartment and easy to reach by a footbridge so we were there well before 9am. As we descended the footbridge steps we saw a familiar inflated arch with lucky symbols on top and a sign stating ‘Welcome Ceremony of Maritime English Training for Senior Seafarers across the Strait’ at the building entrance.

Taking the lift to the 27th floor we were greeted by several members of staff and escorted to the large training room which was to be used for the presentation. Ladies in their traditional red dresses greeted us outside the door and whilst one pinned a decorative purple orchid buttonhole onto our clothes another called out “Pam – it’s me, Helen”. I did not recognise her with her hair tied up and wearing makeup. How beautiful she and the rest of the ladies looked. We had cameras everywhere and once Helen had got us to sign a 3 section bright red heavy card, and given us a bag containing a gift, we were shown into the room. What a surprise – rows of chairs leading down to the end of the room where on the low platform the long table was decorated with a large floral arrangement in the centre. Tiers of potted plants covered the front of the table. The welcoming ceremony officials’ names were displayed including Keith’s. On the wall above was a duplicate banner of the one outside the building. I was shown to the front row where a green baize covered table had been placed with more name places added. I was to sit in the centre chair. Behind me were Keith’s students and other members of Hailong Manning. As time went on more cameras appeared and the room began to fill. Keith was in a small adjoining room along with Tina, the Company’s translator, and the other dignitaries some of which we had met last night.

Proceedings began and I was pleased to hear people laughing as Keith gave his speech even before it had been translated. Presenting a few students with parcels of books the Ceremony was over. Only one thing left to do. The dignitaries came down to an area in front of our table and a large round floral arrangement set on a wooden base was brought into the centre. A red velvet cloth covered part of the display and when Keith, K.C. Lai from the Formosa Plastics Marine Corporation and Mr Cai from Hailong Manning pulled the cloth away a large clear ball was revealed. All of a sudden sparks began and blue Chinese writing began to revolve inside the ball. It was the same meaning as the banners. Confetti flew everywhere and our view was blocked by the media. If only I had had my camera to hand but I am sure we will be able to have a copy in due course.

Work was now to begin and Keith and his students moved into the computer room next door. It was to be a short lesson as we were all going out to lunch again. Mander suggested I went to the office but I had already made arrangements to stay with Keith and officially meet his students. With only 12, 2 from Taiwan and the remainder from the Mainland Keith should be able to make good progress in the next 6 weeks.

Just after llam Mander, who had decided to sit in the meeting along with another gentleman, said it was time to go to lunch. We all walked, including the students, along the road to the same restaurant he had taken us to the night we arrived only this time we were shown into a large private room where the tables had been beautifully decorated. Once again Mr. Lai was our host and once again so much food was served and eaten.

As everyone returned to work Mander (or Minder, as Keith now calls him, which Mander is happy about as he says he now has a name that means something) had arranged for a car to be available for more sightseeing this afternoon. We duly thanked him but said we would prefer to stay home as I had housework and washing to do! We would also like to familiarise ourselves with the surrounding area something we have not been able to do yet. So late afternoon when it feels much cooler we went across to the Rainbow departmental store where Helen said there was another supermarket. So much nicer that Trust Mart and I was able to find my cornflakes!Time to take a stroll to visit ’Yudang Waihu’ (a large lake) before sunset, which is around 6.30pm every day, and isn’t too far from our apartment. It was quiet but then Helen had said we should go late in the evening a more popular time. We crossed a bridge onto an island known locally as ‘Bailuxhou Park’ which has two water features, one of which a large fountain operates from 7.30pm. At this point we had reached a main road cutting across the island. Most of the eating places around this part of the lake were closed, some looked as though they were closed permanently. At this point we returned home via the streets eyeing up several eating places.

Tonight we ate nearer home where the staff were very friendly and the food exceptionally good. The Menu is in pictures too which is always a great help but we have been known to get the main ingredient or vegetable wrong!