The nature of blogs is that it reads from the later date back to the earlier date.
However, for this blog, to get a better picture of our journey, you should go back to the earlier date, and move through the pages until you end up here.
To make that easier there are some links on the side bar.
I hope you enjoy reading about our Rotary Group Study Exchange in 2009.
Click here to see more photo's at our Photobucket site .
Our Last Day Together
Sunday November 22
This is it. Four weeks have past and we are spending our last day as a group in China.
The morning started with a visit to the Antique Markets, followed by some Indian Cooking lessons, which we shared for lunch, before taking some time to pack our bags, and back to John Barnes home for a big dinner with many more of the Rotary friends we spent time with in Beijing. A Christmas theme was chosen, and we gorged ourselves on Turkey and Pork, Roast Vegetables, Trifle and Plum Pudding.
The team also had the opportunity to share some of our memorable experiences from the Group Study Exchange. As you can read in this Blog there were so many experiences, this blog barely covers all the things we did. It is too difficult to sum up the experience in a short story, except that I think we all agree that the experience is what it is because of the generosity of the people we met in Rotary.
Monday most of the team head home, a couple are off to Xi'an to see the Terracotta Warriors before returning to Australia.
Thanks and recognition must go to Rotary District 0052, especially Cisca, the GSE co-ordinator from Shanghai, and Jo, the GSE co-ordinator from Bejing. They humbly allowed five Australians to come and disrupt their lives for a couple of weeks each, and in doing so, have given us more than an experience of a lifetime.
This is it. Four weeks have past and we are spending our last day as a group in China.
The morning started with a visit to the Antique Markets, followed by some Indian Cooking lessons, which we shared for lunch, before taking some time to pack our bags, and back to John Barnes home for a big dinner with many more of the Rotary friends we spent time with in Beijing. A Christmas theme was chosen, and we gorged ourselves on Turkey and Pork, Roast Vegetables, Trifle and Plum Pudding.
The team also had the opportunity to share some of our memorable experiences from the Group Study Exchange. As you can read in this Blog there were so many experiences, this blog barely covers all the things we did. It is too difficult to sum up the experience in a short story, except that I think we all agree that the experience is what it is because of the generosity of the people we met in Rotary.
Monday most of the team head home, a couple are off to Xi'an to see the Terracotta Warriors before returning to Australia.
Thanks and recognition must go to Rotary District 0052, especially Cisca, the GSE co-ordinator from Shanghai, and Jo, the GSE co-ordinator from Bejing. They humbly allowed five Australians to come and disrupt their lives for a couple of weeks each, and in doing so, have given us more than an experience of a lifetime.
The Beginning of the End
Saturday November 21
Only two full days left in China, and we were kept busy with lots still to do and see.
Saturday morning we attended a fundraising event organised by the Rotary Club of Beijing. The Christmas Bazaar, at the Marriot Hotel in Beijing. It was a very well organised event with many stallholders selling gifts for Christmas, raffles and musical performances.
In the afternoon we visited Tsinghua University in north west Beijing. The University is one of the best ranked Universities in China, and attracts many overseas students. We were given a tour by an Ambassadorial Scholar from Belgium who is studying Economics at the University. We rode on tandem bikes, which drew a lot of attention from the public, but was also a fun team exercise - not something we would normally do. The University has 30 000 people living on campus, there were some beautiful parklands, a lot of space for sports, with many people using it for soccer and basketball while we were riding around. Many buildings had a very American College feel to them as there is a historical relationship with America and Tsinghua. This was an interesting visit, allowing us to see how the Rotary Scholarship is helping someone to study, and to find out a little about University life in Beijing.
That evening we were taken out by some Rotary friends to share a meal of Beijing Duck. This was a favourite meal that people bragged about in Beijing, and with deserved bragging rights - another meal we thoroughly enjoyed, especially with the company.
Only two full days left in China, and we were kept busy with lots still to do and see.
Saturday morning we attended a fundraising event organised by the Rotary Club of Beijing. The Christmas Bazaar, at the Marriot Hotel in Beijing. It was a very well organised event with many stallholders selling gifts for Christmas, raffles and musical performances.
In the afternoon we visited Tsinghua University in north west Beijing. The University is one of the best ranked Universities in China, and attracts many overseas students. We were given a tour by an Ambassadorial Scholar from Belgium who is studying Economics at the University. We rode on tandem bikes, which drew a lot of attention from the public, but was also a fun team exercise - not something we would normally do. The University has 30 000 people living on campus, there were some beautiful parklands, a lot of space for sports, with many people using it for soccer and basketball while we were riding around. Many buildings had a very American College feel to them as there is a historical relationship with America and Tsinghua. This was an interesting visit, allowing us to see how the Rotary Scholarship is helping someone to study, and to find out a little about University life in Beijing.
That evening we were taken out by some Rotary friends to share a meal of Beijing Duck. This was a favourite meal that people bragged about in Beijing, and with deserved bragging rights - another meal we thoroughly enjoyed, especially with the company.
A Very Special Day
Friday November 21st
Today, Friday, Club President John Barnes took us to see a school where the Rotary Club of Beijing has provided funds and spent time working with the school to improve conditions. Xingxing Yu - Stars and Rain is not a typical school, but an institution that helps autistic children and their parents by teaching them management technqiues. Parents take part in an 11-week structured program with their autistic child (ages 2 to 6), being taught how to manage behaviours and understand this condition. The program is run in-house, meaning the families leave their homes and stay at the school for the duration of the course. I am sure you can imagine how amazing it is to see this type of program being run in China, with the implications of one child policy, misunderstanding of disabilities, poverty of rural families needing this support. The program that they run is unlike anything any of us had seen before, and very humbling to see the professionalism of the people running this program under very difficult conditions, with little funding and limited resources.
We also took a short walk to see the group home the school runs. This is a home for autistic teenagers. There are currently 6 people who stay at the home Monday to Tuesday, with staff to help them develop skills to independent living. The group home is fantastic in its ideals and goals, but again, a home with very few resources and in need of support.
The Rotary Club of Beijing supports Xingxing Yu through donated funds to upgrade school facilities and equipment, including play equipment for children, and time spent at the school painting and renovating the building.
This has been one of the better things we have witnessed in terms of the role of Rotary in China, and to see the impact that a few people can have on social reform and acceptance of disabilities within a community.
Today, Friday, Club President John Barnes took us to see a school where the Rotary Club of Beijing has provided funds and spent time working with the school to improve conditions. Xingxing Yu - Stars and Rain is not a typical school, but an institution that helps autistic children and their parents by teaching them management technqiues. Parents take part in an 11-week structured program with their autistic child (ages 2 to 6), being taught how to manage behaviours and understand this condition. The program is run in-house, meaning the families leave their homes and stay at the school for the duration of the course. I am sure you can imagine how amazing it is to see this type of program being run in China, with the implications of one child policy, misunderstanding of disabilities, poverty of rural families needing this support. The program that they run is unlike anything any of us had seen before, and very humbling to see the professionalism of the people running this program under very difficult conditions, with little funding and limited resources.
We also took a short walk to see the group home the school runs. This is a home for autistic teenagers. There are currently 6 people who stay at the home Monday to Tuesday, with staff to help them develop skills to independent living. The group home is fantastic in its ideals and goals, but again, a home with very few resources and in need of support.
The Rotary Club of Beijing supports Xingxing Yu through donated funds to upgrade school facilities and equipment, including play equipment for children, and time spent at the school painting and renovating the building.
This has been one of the better things we have witnessed in terms of the role of Rotary in China, and to see the impact that a few people can have on social reform and acceptance of disabilities within a community.
TCM
Wednesday November 18th - Thursday November 19th
TCM - Taditional Chinese Medicine. We visited a hospital specialising in Traditional Chinese Medicine. In particular they performed back surgery using micro-techniques, leaving minimal scaring, and quick recovery. We met and spoke with some patients and their family, some were going in for surgery, others were recovering from surgery. Elke was treated with a dep tissue back massage. The is a desire from staff at the hospital to promote the techniques they use within Western medicine, and find a balance between Eastern and Western practices.
Later we went to Wangfujing, a shopping/market place. Tony, Des and Matt enjoyed - maybe enjoyed is too strong a word. Tony, Des and Matt consumed some skewers with scorpion (which were still moving before they were cooked), star fish and caterpillar lavae.
TCM - Taditional Chinese Medicine. We visited a hospital specialising in Traditional Chinese Medicine. In particular they performed back surgery using micro-techniques, leaving minimal scaring, and quick recovery. We met and spoke with some patients and their family, some were going in for surgery, others were recovering from surgery. Elke was treated with a dep tissue back massage. The is a desire from staff at the hospital to promote the techniques they use within Western medicine, and find a balance between Eastern and Western practices.
Later we went to Wangfujing, a shopping/market place. Tony, Des and Matt enjoyed - maybe enjoyed is too strong a word. Tony, Des and Matt consumed some skewers with scorpion (which were still moving before they were cooked), star fish and caterpillar lavae.
Thursday we had the opportunity to visit the Lama, Confuscias Temple. Later, Tony, Matt and Des went cycling with Spring, and Elke and Lora visited Jingshan Park (near the Forbidden City) ad back to Wangfujing (no crawling animals were consumed). Beijing is very different to Shanghai - particularly for the number of historical places to visit. Each place offers a new wonder or thing of interest like the huge 18m tall Buddah carved of a single piece of sandalwood, or finding the place where Emperor Chongzhen committed suicide in Jingshen Park.
Another thing of wonder is sitting in a Chinese Tea House listening to traditional Chinese instruments, only to realise you know the tune they are playing, and finding yourself singing along to "Click Go the Shears Boys". That is what happened on Wednesday night when we were taken out to dinner by two of the Chinese team members who travelled to New Zealand as part of GSE in 2008. We were able to swap stories about the difference in culture and hear a little about how the experience impacted on them. This opportunity to share with others who have had a similar experience was very valuable. We then visited a Wine Bar that was opened by a Chinese person after visiting Australia and experiencing some of our wines. Many familiar labels were found inside.
What Do Michael Jackson, Barack Obama and Torvill and Dean Have in Common?
Tuesday November 17th
All have had an influence on our day today.
The morning started simply enough with a visit Don's office (Don from Rotary, Des and Matt's host). Don is in mining, and spends a lot of time in the rural areas of China where his company supply machinery for processing coal. Some of the modern equipment he showed us for grading the coal was very interesting, with application to more than the mining industry.
Michael Jackson
This week we presented to the Rotary Club of Beijing. Before we spoke some other guests were introduced, including Howard McCrary, an award winning musician who performed with Michael Jackson. Howard sang for us, and he thoroughly enjoyed listening to Des on the didgeridoo.
Barack Obama
More traffic chaos in the afternoon. We spent 2 hours in the car travelling across town. Roads were closed, we took detours, we waited. However, much to our disappointment we did not see Obama.
Torvill and Dean
Bunrei (from Rotary) took us to the National Ice Skatig Centre in Beijing. Her (adorable) 6-year old son is a National Champion, so through her contacts we were able to go to watch National Pairs Figure Skaters in training in a private ice rink. It was very exciting to see the incredible way they could move on the ice, a real inspiration to Elke, Des and Matt who went back to the public rink for a lesson of their own with the national coach.
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All have had an influence on our day today.
The morning started simply enough with a visit Don's office (Don from Rotary, Des and Matt's host). Don is in mining, and spends a lot of time in the rural areas of China where his company supply machinery for processing coal. Some of the modern equipment he showed us for grading the coal was very interesting, with application to more than the mining industry.
Michael Jackson
This week we presented to the Rotary Club of Beijing. Before we spoke some other guests were introduced, including Howard McCrary, an award winning musician who performed with Michael Jackson. Howard sang for us, and he thoroughly enjoyed listening to Des on the didgeridoo.
PP Kevin
Barack Obama
More traffic chaos in the afternoon. We spent 2 hours in the car travelling across town. Roads were closed, we took detours, we waited. However, much to our disappointment we did not see Obama.
Torvill and Dean
Bunrei (from Rotary) took us to the National Ice Skatig Centre in Beijing. Her (adorable) 6-year old son is a National Champion, so through her contacts we were able to go to watch National Pairs Figure Skaters in training in a private ice rink. It was very exciting to see the incredible way they could move on the ice, a real inspiration to Elke, Des and Matt who went back to the public rink for a lesson of their own with the national coach.
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But Wait, There's More ...
Monday November 16th
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Our final week.
On Monday, while Tony, Des, Matt and Elke went to the Summer Palace with Spring, Lora had the opportunity to visit a Chinese Primary School, talk with the Principal and teachers (through and interpreter), and observe and participate in an English lesson with 6 year olds. School is definitely different to Australia, the content, expected behaviours of children and lack of choice in education, but kids are kids, and it was a pleasure to see the children singing songs in English.
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Over at the Summer Palace we found Emperor Matt and Empress Spring.
The Summer Palace has beautiful landscaped gardens, lots of water, and mountains surround behind the Palace. The snow is still hanging around, providing that special glistening look.
After lunch we all went together to visit the Bird's Nest. It is quite an impressive structure. Unfortunately they were digging up the centre of the stadium. Not sure if they were preparing it for use, or if snow had damaged the ground - but we could have been back in Shanghai amongst the roadworks.
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Speaking of roadworks ....
Barack Obama is in town. As a consequence traffic is chaos and evening plans were changed because of the delays with transport. Just the first of our Barack Blunders.
HELP - I Can't Feel My Face
Sunday November 15th
Oh my goodness did it get cold. Charles and Kevin from Rotary took us on a leisurely Sunday morning stroll around an area of Beijing known as they Legation Quarter. It was an easy, and very interesting walk starting with a visit to the Urban Planning Museum and getting an idea of the history of Beijing and how it came to be the Capital of China (silly really - because there is no water source in Beijing), then moving through the Legation Quarter which is an area that historically had many foreign offices and was under siege during the Boxer Rebellion, with most existing buildings being destroyed. However, it was windy, and cold, and it wasn't long before my face was so cold I could not feel my face, and I felt out-of-body as my mouth tried to form words but couldn't make any recognisable sounds. Fortunately, Charles took us to a wonderful brunch, much envied by other Rotarians and we were able to thaw out and enjoy each others company for an hour or two.
By this time Elke had gone to visit a vineyard outside of Beijing. Known as a "real" French Chateau right in China, Elke was able to see the tourist side of the winery and restaurant.
Meanwhile, back in Beijing, Lora, Matt and Des headed off in the cold again to do some more sight seeing, and battle taxi's that don't want to pick you up. Moral of the story is: take the subway.
I Can See Clearly Now the Snow Has Gone - Almost
Thursday November 12th - Saturday November 14th
It is so dry in Beijing that the snow does not melt, it turns directly into gas. However, most of the snow hangs around, and each day we watch it being shoveled and moved. Not sure where it is going, I have suspicions that it is being shoveled to the left, and the next day shoveled to the right.
It is so dry in Beijing that the snow does not melt, it turns directly into gas. However, most of the snow hangs around, and each day we watch it being shoveled and moved. Not sure where it is going, I have suspicions that it is being shoveled to the left, and the next day shoveled to the right.On Friday we visited Siemens and the Asia Headquarters in Beijing. It was an eye-opener to hear of the many and varied projects that Siemens is involved in, and the type of technology being developed for the future. It seems that China will be leaders in the development of the electric car, this is an idea we have heard on more than one occassion.
Some of the team had dinner with Rotoractor's on Friday night and a chance to find out about what they do in Beijing. While Rotoract has been active in Shanghai for a few years, in Beijing they have only just started meeting 4 months ago, and are eagerly taking on projects.
Saturday was Rotary District Conference, involving members from both Shanghai and Beijing. The GSE Team had the chance to present a little information about our Vocations in more depth. But what was most interesting was listening to the presentation from the team leader who took a team from Shanghai to our District 9710, and had arrived back in China just the day before. We smiled as he mispronounced Australian town names and spoke in wonder of the free outdoor BBQs and kangaroos on the golf course.
It was also good to see some people from Shanghai again. It was like catching up with old friends.
Beijing - We Have Arrived
Monday November 9th - Wednesday November 11th
Farewell Shanghai, hello Beijing, and what a welcome we received.
Farewell Shanghai, hello Beijing, and what a welcome we received.
Monday was spent on the train from Shanghai to Beijing – a trip of about 10 hours – reaching speeds of 250km/hour. We arrived at 9pm and went to our hosts for a good nights rest. On Tuesday morning we woke to a snow covered Beijing. There had been a snow storm overnight, and everything was covered white.
It has been a bit of a surprise – no one was really prepared for these conditions – but so beautiful. We have a wonderful helper while in Beijing, her name is Spring and is spending each day with us making sure we know where to go and guiding us. We went to Tiananmen Square on Tuesday morning. This really is just a big square, Parliament is on one side, Mao’s body on another, the Forbidden Temple is opposite, and in between is concrete. Not sure what to say in acknowledgment of the history of this area, being a foreigner certainly gave a different meaning to visiting this place, particularly when there were huge screens playing footage showing the” greatness” of China.
Tuesday lunch was our first Rotary meeting in Beijing. Although we didn’t present, we were introduced to everybody at the meeting and had the opportunity to mingle and meet a few people. We were warmly welcomed and are looking forward to having the opportunity to speak at next week’s meeting.
Spring took us to an Art area in the afternoon. It is laneways of small gallery’s where artists can display and sell their work. It was really very interesting, with different art forms and a little something different for everybody. It was surprising to see this flourishing artistic area in Beijing.
Wednesday we visited the Forbidden City. There was still snow around, making it even more interesting and unique apart from anything we see in Australia. This is one of the few ancient places that was left untouched in the Cultural Revolution. This is an imperial palace with over 600 years of history. It has about 9000 halls and rooms, the front part is masses of stone and wood, then through the back is gardens and trees. Everything about it is on such a huge scale – which I suppose in perfect for the Emperors wanting to show their power.
After lunch we tried to thaw our hands and toes and headed to the markets to buy warm coats, socks and gloves as the snow was predicted to continue, which it did.
We had a wonderful meal at the home of Club President John Barnes, along with the team who went to New Zealand from China last year. This was an excellent way to learn more about the GSE experience from a very different point of view and ask them what they gained from their experiences in New Zealand (no sheep jokes please).
Although Wednesday night produced no snow, it did start to fall on Thursday morning, and continued all day. We all had our warm clothing on, and spent most of the day at the Great Wall of China. The weather was not good, but it did not dampen our spirits as we trekked the Wall through the snow. No rabbits were seen.
Final Days in Shanghai
Saturday November 7th - Sunday November 9th
Our last two days in Shanghai continued to offer exciting visits and new things to see and do. Saturday was at the Chinese Antique Market learning about the types of antiques and reproductions available to purchase and the market for these. There is not a lot of genuine antiques available because so much was destroyed in the Cultural Revolution, however there is interest in Chinese Antique furniture, hence the ability to make reproductions, or new furniture from old items. Matt had the chance to visit a physio working in Shanghai, then we were taken to lunch by Lora’s host Matthias.
Our last two days in Shanghai continued to offer exciting visits and new things to see and do. Saturday was at the Chinese Antique Market learning about the types of antiques and reproductions available to purchase and the market for these. There is not a lot of genuine antiques available because so much was destroyed in the Cultural Revolution, however there is interest in Chinese Antique furniture, hence the ability to make reproductions, or new furniture from old items. Matt had the chance to visit a physio working in Shanghai, then we were taken to lunch by Lora’s host Matthias.
After an afternoon rest (or shopping) we gathered at Cisca’s place for some drinks, cheese and bikkies; a term (bikkies) that Cisca found a little strange, but she enjoyed using the Aussie slang anyway. It gave us a chance to spend some time with people that had helped us a lot while in Shanghai including Cisca and her husband Tom, Tom from Rotary and a young Chinese man Michael – who was invaluable help on many occasions.
Sunday we took a 2 hour bike ride along the riverside and through small farming village. When we stopped for a break I think we offered the locals a lot of entertainment as they do not often get foreigners through their village, and they gathered around to watch us. But the bike ride was fun, and offered a new perspective and view of China we hadn’t seen. After the ride we went to a water town, ate some lunch and took a gentle boat ride.
Farewell Shanghai, thanks to Cisca and Tom, and everyone from the Rotary Club of Shanghai for showing us so many things, teaching us about Shanghai, and making us feel very welcome.
The Out-of-Towners
Monday November 2nd - Friday November 6th
This week has seen us separated and moving around a bit more with vocational visits. Monday was a chance to rest or shop. Tuesday Tony left to visit a bottle manufacturer he deals with which is located in another region, while the rest of the team visited Tyco, which is Des’s workplace in Australia. After seeing how crowded Shanghai is, we were surprised by the amount of space at the factory. After lunch we went to the Shanghai Financial World Center, the tallest building in Shanghai at 492m high. We went into one of the offices then decided that rather than pay to go to the observation deck we would go into the Park Hyatt and have a drink while looking out over Shanghai. we were on the 87th floor, looking over the top of everything in the city, watching the sun set, and the lights come on over the Huangpu River, sipping cocktails and port (yes it is a hard life).
This week has seen us separated and moving around a bit more with vocational visits. Monday was a chance to rest or shop. Tuesday Tony left to visit a bottle manufacturer he deals with which is located in another region, while the rest of the team visited Tyco, which is Des’s workplace in Australia. After seeing how crowded Shanghai is, we were surprised by the amount of space at the factory. After lunch we went to the Shanghai Financial World Center, the tallest building in Shanghai at 492m high. We went into one of the offices then decided that rather than pay to go to the observation deck we would go into the Park Hyatt and have a drink while looking out over Shanghai. we were on the 87th floor, looking over the top of everything in the city, watching the sun set, and the lights come on over the Huangpu River, sipping cocktails and port (yes it is a hard life).
On Wednesday Des took off to a foundry out of town. Matt got the chance to see an American practising traditional Chinese medicine, while Cisca took Elke and Lora to look at restaurants on the Bund. Many places here have been opened by Australian chefs and restaurateurs. After visiting the silk markets and meeting up with Matt we went to learn about dentistry in China. It was interesting learning about some of the difficulties faced in providing a good service to people all around China, and found the needs and challenges somewhat similar to work done by the Fred Hollows Foundation. It is easy to forget while sipping cocktails in the Park Hyatt that China is still a place of absolute poverty, little hygiene standards or facilities, and no understanding, or superstition of hygienic practices. There is so much construction happening in Shanghai, it really is not a place of history, but a city looking to the future. The difference in standards of living between the haves and have nots is dramatic, the number of people in Shanghai (20 million) exaggerates the problems even further. This is a worthwhile conversation to have once we are back home.
Thursday took us out of the city to a place called SuZhou. We travelled by train, meeting Des while there. SuZhou is less built up than Shanghai. We travelled out to the mountains to see ancient temples and walk through Bamboo forests. It was with great joy that we stood amongst trees and enjoyed the smell of nature. The area is known for silk, gardens, and its canals. We walked through the Humble Administrators Gardens, sailed down the canal, and walked through traditional streets. It was a stark contrast to Shanghai, and there was so much more we could have seen.Now it is Friday. Lora had the opportunity to visit the Shanghai International School in Pudong, very interesting to contrast this school with the little we have seen beyond the Government school gates, and school in Australia. Tonight is the Rotary Club of Shanghai 90th Anniversary Dinner, it is a prestigious occasion and great that we can be here for it.
Language, History and Food
Wednesday October 28th - Sunday November 1st
Where has a week gone to? We keep sitting, stunned that we have done so much in so little time. Wednesday and Thursday we spent time taking Mandarin lessons. It was both fun, and useful. Des definitely has a knack for the language and has remembered far more words that the rest of us, especially Tony who just makes up his own words when he can’t remember (chick-chick-duck-duck). We were asked on Thursday what has been a highlight so far but this is too difficult to answer. Wednesday was a vocational visit for Lora. We all went to the Montessori School in downtown for Shanghai, with students from 18 months-5 years. The school is located In the French Concessions in a beautifully renovated French villa. There are both International and Chinese students at the school. It is interesting that as the Montessori method is to teach independence, that a child can do things for themselves, we felt that this is not a Chinese custom, especially with the one child policy, Chinese children tend to have things done for them, so in this way the school’s method was unique. After lunch we went to Jing An Temple, and after an hour of shopping on 7 floors of technology we had a meal of a variety of lamb dishes with Northern Chinese/Uighur influence.
Thursday included a visit to Pudong. Shanghai is basically split by the river. Pudong is where the new growth is happening, a lot of high rise building and known for global finance. We met with Rotarian Brinton Scott who was able to outline a little of the history of law in China, as well as business in China. We also had lunch with Rotary Club members who meet in Pudong regularly on Thursdays. The idea is that as it is difficult for them to get to the Tuesday evening meeting, they join for lunch on Thursdays, and hope to turn that in to an official Rotary meeting. Thursday evening was another fabulous meal generously provided with great conversation.
Friday was spent sightseeing. We went to the Pearl Tower, a TV tower in Shanghai. We went to the lookout, and stepped on to the glass floor so we could see below. There was also a very interesting historical tour with extremely well crafted scenes depicting the history of Shanghai. We keep being reminded that 30 years ago Shanghai was basically a fishing town. It’s growth has been in the last 15 – 20 years in particular. The afternoon was completed with a boat ride on the Huangpu River. In the evening we went to see Shanghai Acrobats, and sat in front of some Australians, some were from Canberra (small world). The acrobats were astounding, the show was excellent and watching the way they could move their bodies was a wonder.
Saturday we attended a Leadership Forum in the morning, which particularly promoted how to be a leader in Chinese business, or as a non-Chinese person in China. We had the opportunity to meet Allen, from the Rotary Club of Beijing, and enjoyed a spectacular view over lunch. There was opportunity for a rest (our first time) or shopping for those keen enough before a trip back to Pudong for a Japanese meal.
Sunday was a 3 hour walk around the French Concession in Shanghai. The weather was wonderful, and the walk was interesting, we were able to see some grand homes from the 1920s and 30s, also to walk in and through the streets and alleys where Shangainese are living today. In Shanghai nobody seems to mind if you are walking around the streets and around houses or little back alleys, it is very safe. The afternoon and evening included a vocational time for Elke with a wine talk and information about being a seller in China. Cisca made us some delicious Moroccan food and we all enjoyed Sangria.
One week down, these two entries can only begin to tell you of the things we have seen and done. It is a very busy time, there is so much to see, experience and learn.
Where has a week gone to? We keep sitting, stunned that we have done so much in so little time. Wednesday and Thursday we spent time taking Mandarin lessons. It was both fun, and useful. Des definitely has a knack for the language and has remembered far more words that the rest of us, especially Tony who just makes up his own words when he can’t remember (chick-chick-duck-duck). We were asked on Thursday what has been a highlight so far but this is too difficult to answer. Wednesday was a vocational visit for Lora. We all went to the Montessori School in downtown for Shanghai, with students from 18 months-5 years. The school is located In the French Concessions in a beautifully renovated French villa. There are both International and Chinese students at the school. It is interesting that as the Montessori method is to teach independence, that a child can do things for themselves, we felt that this is not a Chinese custom, especially with the one child policy, Chinese children tend to have things done for them, so in this way the school’s method was unique. After lunch we went to Jing An Temple, and after an hour of shopping on 7 floors of technology we had a meal of a variety of lamb dishes with Northern Chinese/Uighur influence.
Thursday included a visit to Pudong. Shanghai is basically split by the river. Pudong is where the new growth is happening, a lot of high rise building and known for global finance. We met with Rotarian Brinton Scott who was able to outline a little of the history of law in China, as well as business in China. We also had lunch with Rotary Club members who meet in Pudong regularly on Thursdays. The idea is that as it is difficult for them to get to the Tuesday evening meeting, they join for lunch on Thursdays, and hope to turn that in to an official Rotary meeting. Thursday evening was another fabulous meal generously provided with great conversation.
Friday was spent sightseeing. We went to the Pearl Tower, a TV tower in Shanghai. We went to the lookout, and stepped on to the glass floor so we could see below. There was also a very interesting historical tour with extremely well crafted scenes depicting the history of Shanghai. We keep being reminded that 30 years ago Shanghai was basically a fishing town. It’s growth has been in the last 15 – 20 years in particular. The afternoon was completed with a boat ride on the Huangpu River. In the evening we went to see Shanghai Acrobats, and sat in front of some Australians, some were from Canberra (small world). The acrobats were astounding, the show was excellent and watching the way they could move their bodies was a wonder.
Saturday we attended a Leadership Forum in the morning, which particularly promoted how to be a leader in Chinese business, or as a non-Chinese person in China. We had the opportunity to meet Allen, from the Rotary Club of Beijing, and enjoyed a spectacular view over lunch. There was opportunity for a rest (our first time) or shopping for those keen enough before a trip back to Pudong for a Japanese meal.
Sunday was a 3 hour walk around the French Concession in Shanghai. The weather was wonderful, and the walk was interesting, we were able to see some grand homes from the 1920s and 30s, also to walk in and through the streets and alleys where Shangainese are living today. In Shanghai nobody seems to mind if you are walking around the streets and around houses or little back alleys, it is very safe. The afternoon and evening included a vocational time for Elke with a wine talk and information about being a seller in China. Cisca made us some delicious Moroccan food and we all enjoyed Sangria.
One week down, these two entries can only begin to tell you of the things we have seen and done. It is a very busy time, there is so much to see, experience and learn.
Our First Few Days in Shanghai
Monday October 26th - Tuesday October 27th
Here we are. We arrived safely on Sunday evening, 6pm local time, and were welcomed very warmly by members of the Rotary Club of Shanghai, Cisca, Tom, Marjorie and Judy. Off to the hotel, then Cisca took us out for a meal, she decided not to throw us in to the deep end and give us a traditional Chinese meal, but we enjoyed some lovely food sitting outside in the warm weather. Monday was free time for us, a chance to catch up on sleep, explore a little of Shanghai. We took a 2 hour walk around the streets by the hotel and saw so much in just a small area. Learning to look both ways for cars, bicycles and bikes was an important first step, but watching the traffic and how well organised it is, despite the horn honking and tooting of bicycles, was impressive. We found a pretty public park tucked into a side street in between buildings. There were people reading, playing games and exercising. We also watched people selling vegetables on the street from carts and bags, as well as browsing through some antique shops and galleries in street known for its French influence. For lunch, Des, Matt and Tony all had some chicken feet – they all enjoyed it. At dinner we were taken to a restaurant that served traditional food from Northern China. We were taken there by Cisca and her husband Tom, Rotarian Randall and his wife Randall first treated us to some street food, a tasty lamb shish kebab cooked over some coals – very nice.
Here we are. We arrived safely on Sunday evening, 6pm local time, and were welcomed very warmly by members of the Rotary Club of Shanghai, Cisca, Tom, Marjorie and Judy. Off to the hotel, then Cisca took us out for a meal, she decided not to throw us in to the deep end and give us a traditional Chinese meal, but we enjoyed some lovely food sitting outside in the warm weather. Monday was free time for us, a chance to catch up on sleep, explore a little of Shanghai. We took a 2 hour walk around the streets by the hotel and saw so much in just a small area. Learning to look both ways for cars, bicycles and bikes was an important first step, but watching the traffic and how well organised it is, despite the horn honking and tooting of bicycles, was impressive. We found a pretty public park tucked into a side street in between buildings. There were people reading, playing games and exercising. We also watched people selling vegetables on the street from carts and bags, as well as browsing through some antique shops and galleries in street known for its French influence. For lunch, Des, Matt and Tony all had some chicken feet – they all enjoyed it. At dinner we were taken to a restaurant that served traditional food from Northern China. We were taken there by Cisca and her husband Tom, Rotarian Randall and his wife Randall first treated us to some street food, a tasty lamb shish kebab cooked over some coals – very nice.It was Randall’s birthday, as per Chinese tradition we watched him as he was fed a long noodle to represent a long life, he was sung what I suppose is a Chinese birthday song which we had to clap with, and introduced him to the Didgeridoo as Des played while we sang. Randall owns a chain of massage businesses. We were all treated to a 2 hour massage including head, feet, arms, legs and back – luxury.
Today, Tuesday, we have been taken to Urban Planning Museum where they have a huge scale model of Shanghai (or a part of Shanghai). It was awesome to see, and have a clear view of the city and the buildings. We were also able to see how the city has been changing, especially in the last 15-20 years with high rise buildings being constructed and old buildings of Shanghai gone. A how then important building project at the moment is for the World Expo 2010. A huge amount of land is being used to build the site, with very impressive buildings, but along with this is major road construction consisting of lengths of concrete highways to keep cars moving. While thinking about long roads the Museum also showed the Shanghai shipping port was constructed. Basically 32 km of road was constructed to a few mountainous islands off Shanghai, and the port was constructed around the islands (not on, but all around). Incredible.
We then went down Nanjing Road, which had many shops, very Western influence here. We stopped and ate at a Japanese Noodle Bar, before being taken onto the subway for a train ride – just for the experience. The train was much faster than any in Australia, and the trains and platforms are very clean.
Tonight, Tuesday, was our first meeting with the Rotary Club of Shanghai at the Hilton. It was a wonderful meeting and we all had the opportunity to meet many people from many different countries. The GSE Team presented at the meeting, talking about Rotary in Australia, talking about ourselves, and our vocations. It was a great success. Des received an encore for his Didgeridoo playing.But now, we are all with our host families – although believe a few team members are off to watch the Michael Jackson movie premier at midnight.
Goodbye - don't forget to Follow us
The time has arrived. We fly out early tomorrow morning. Thanks to family, colleagues and friends who are supporting us along the way, and of course to our sponsoring clubs
Des - Rotary Club of Berry/Gerringong
Elke - Rotary Club of Queanbeyan
Lora - Rotary Club of Ginninderra
Matt - Rotary Club of Bega
As you read along over the next four weeks we would love it if each of you would become a Follower by selecting the Follow link on the side bar.
Also, please leave comments as often as you can. We will be looking forward to your responses and feedback, which will offer lots of encouragement.
But now, off to do the last minute organising. Where did I put my passport ...
Des - Rotary Club of Berry/Gerringong
Elke - Rotary Club of Queanbeyan
Lora - Rotary Club of Ginninderra
Matt - Rotary Club of Bega
As you read along over the next four weeks we would love it if each of you would become a Follower by selecting the Follow link on the side bar.
Also, please leave comments as often as you can. We will be looking forward to your responses and feedback, which will offer lots of encouragement.
But now, off to do the last minute organising. Where did I put my passport ...
ATTENTION - only 1 week to go!!!!
What?
Can it be?
In only 1 week we will be on a plane and flying to China.
This is incredible. We all thought it was so close when we were counting 9 weeks. But now, everyone is finishing up at work and getting last minute jobs done, counting down the days, not the weeks.
We have an intinerary from Shanghai which makes it all the more exciting. Looking forward to meeting our hosts over there.
With some luck, our next post will come to you from China.
Can it be?
In only 1 week we will be on a plane and flying to China.
This is incredible. We all thought it was so close when we were counting 9 weeks. But now, everyone is finishing up at work and getting last minute jobs done, counting down the days, not the weeks.
We have an intinerary from Shanghai which makes it all the more exciting. Looking forward to meeting our hosts over there.
With some luck, our next post will come to you from China.
Rotary Presentations - Off to a Good Start
We have now completed two formal presentations, first to the Rotary Club of Ginninderra and secondly to the Rotary Club of Queanbeyan. The presentation was received very well at both clubs and we would like to thank everyone for their encouragement, positive feedback and support for the GSE Team (even though Lora was fined at Ginninderra for not being able to work the technics - Craig where were you?) We were able to present in uniform (we all looked outstanding) and it gave an even greater sense of being a team.
It's now time to start packing with only 2 weeks before we leave.
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It's now time to start packing with only 2 weeks before we leave.
Practice Makes Perfect
Des is back from PNG where he has been volunteering with RAWCS - he has a funny story about his phone if you get the opportunity to ask. So today we got together to perfect our presentation we will deliver to Rotary Clubs both in Australia and China. A lot of effort was put in to making the presentation very professional. Everyone on the team have some really interesting things to say, it is unfortunate that there is a time limit. We practiced delivering our presentation to some family and friends who provided very valuable feedback on what they liked and where we can improve the presentation. It was good to practice, but it was also good to meet some family members of those we are traveling with. I think we have a great presentation and am looking forward to delivering it to the Rotary Club of Ginninderra (Lora's Sponsor Club) on Tuesday October 6th and the Rotary Club of Queanbeyan (Elke's Sponsor Club) on Wednesday October 7th. Meanwhile, uniforms are sorted, badges are ready, we have team water bottles and are individually getting ourselves ready to go.
4 weeks.
Question: Why don't we have a photo of Tony?
4 weeks.
Question: Why don't we have a photo of Tony?
Planning
We have been busy planning over the past few weeks. Our travel plans have been confirmed. After attending the District Conference in Cooma on October 24th, we will be flying out of Canberra at an insane time of morning on October 25th, and will arrive in Shanghai on the evening of October 25th. Before leaving we will be presenting to two Canberra Rotary Clubs, this will be a great opportunity to work together and get our presentation technique just right.
A little over 5 weeks now. Not long at all.
A little over 5 weeks now. Not long at all.
Meet the Team
Saturday August 22nd was our first team meeting and an opportunity to officially congratulate each other in person. We all had stories to share about the interviews last weekend, and first impressions of Tony. I think we all agree he will be able to give as good as he gets - and we'll be giving him heaps at every opportunity. But seriously, Tony hosted a fantastic day which was very thoroughly organised and prepared. The team sports were particularly spectacular. We started with Chinese Checkers, and although Des emerged as an early strategist, Elke led the girls to victory. Our second competition was using chop sticks to sort Smarties into colour. Another victory to the girls thanks to Lora's technique of flicking Smarties, looking forward to what that looks like when it comes to eating food. However the third team sport was a magnificent group effort, demonstrating we were able to discuss, communicate and come to a joint decision of providing Chairman Mao with the ultimate "Aussie Experience" as our gift. We learnt much about each other throughout the day, enjoying some music from Des, photographs by Matt and wine from Elke (http://www.shepherdsrun.com.au/). A big thanks to Emma, who went to France with a GSE Team earlier this year. Emma shared a little of her experience with us, helping us to understand some of the demands, and the rewards of being part of a GSE Team. She certainly shared some interesting tips and spurred on our own enthusiasm for what is to come. We now have a lot of individual planning to get done before our next meeting.
Only 9 weeks to go. Taking a deep breath.
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