One of my tasks while I am at the Beijing office is to act as the token westerner for public events. When the British couple came to visit Dandelion School, I was unanimously voted the presenter. When the donor visited yesterday, Kate insisted I go along as the HQ representative. And this morning, after a miscommunication left me standing outside in the absolutely frigid cold for a half hour in front of The People's Great Hall (where the communist party meets, next to Tiananmen Square) without an invitation, I was to perform the token duty of handing the president of the Chinese Foundation for Poverty Alleviation a large sign showing how much money has been donated through MC, shake hands, be given an appreciation plaque, all the while having our picture taken.
From appearances, it seemed to be a rather important event. There were many celebrities there - the latest Chinese version of American Idol winner, several actors and some singers, as well as the treasured master calligrapher's club and some very high up government officials. During the whole handing over of the cards and accepting the plaques, Chinese march music played continually giving the atmosphere a very surreal feel. We each had corsages and upon departing were given a swag bag which contained a calendar and a men's dress shirt. Huh?? Whoever fits the shirt, it's all yours.
One of my tasks while I am at the Beijing office is to act as the token westerner for public events. When the British couple came to visit Dandelion School, I was unanimously voted the presenter. When the donor visited yesterday, Kate insisted I go along as the HQ representative. And this morning, after a miscommunication left me standing outside in the absolutely frigid cold for a half hour in front of The People's Great Hall (where the communist party meets, next to Tiananmen Square) without an invitation, I was to perform the token duty of handing the president of the Chinese Foundation for Poverty Alleviation a large sign showing how much money has been donated through MC, shake hands, be given an appreciation plaque, all the while having our picture taken.
From appearances, it seemed to be a rather important event. There were many celebrities there - the latest Chinese version of American Idol winner, several actors and some singers, as well as the treasured master calligrapher's club and some very high up government officials. During the whole handing over of the cards and accepting the plaques, Chinese march music played continually giving the atmosphere a very surreal feel. We each had corsages and upon departing were given a swag bag which contained a calendar and a men's dress shirt. Huh?? Whoever fits the shirt, it's all yours.
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