Guess now I know why Chinese New Year is called Spring Festival. Symbolically and in old agriculture based cutures, the spring festival denoted the end of Winter and a welcoming of Spring. Well, given the mild weather we have enjoyed this past week or so, I’d say at least for now, Winter is on Hiatus. I am kind of hoping it doesn’t return with a vengeance. And so I would still advise everyone not to pack up the long underwear just yet… just in case.
Along with this wonderful weather, traffic has been extremely light this week. Those who have been commuting this week probably havenoticed that things have not gotten “back to normal”. It often takes 15 days before things get to “normal” as many out-of-towners” will stay home as long as possible, of have logistical issues with getting train tickets and such back. Its not an excuse, as those coming form smaller communities in the poorer areas of China are fighting everyone to get on a train to get back out to work. Some of our staff still have not made it back due to the inavailability of tickets and the archaic ticket sales system that only releases tickets 6 days in advance making it impossible to plan around. Sigh.
As the economy continues to affect us all, it is apparent to at least me , that many expats are not coming back and many more are leaving. BUT there are also those getting newly assigned here so that will reduce the decline in numbers some. But, I expect it may be easier to get a seat at your favorite restaurant soon, and for a while.
For anyone looking out for new positions in this new year, FCC is hosting an executive career development evening featuring a Certified Professional Resume writer, and the oooprtunity to network. This is happening at the new Moon’s Steakhouse inside the Swiss Hotel Jing an, on Thursday , February 12, from 7:30-10:30p. Easy on-line registration: http://www.fcclub.com/events/feb122009/
For something a bit more casual, Napa Wine Bar and Kitchen is hosting a winemaker’s lunch this Saturday and Sunday, Feb 7&8. 248 pp for an all you can eat lunch. Selected wines at regular price to pair, including this week’s specially featured Tuscany wines. For bookings: 6318 0057
Next Thursday, February 12, join with people across the globe in attending Twestival, an event devoted to raising awareness and funds for those on earth that still do not have accesss to water. 100rmb for a free drinka nd finger foods, annd cheap drinks, according to the organizer. Come be apart of Twestival which is being hosted in 200+ cities around the world which bring together Twitter communities for an evening of fun and to raise money and awareness for charity:water Hosted by Kakadu Bar & Restaurant .http://www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id=625680239#/event.php?eid=47726942701
Saturday Coffee meets in ZhongShan Park will be featuring two regular monthly exhibitors in 2009. This coming Saturday, (tomorrow), Directway will be back supporting the SHXP Community and providing info on Shanghai Water and water filter solutions for locals and expats alike. Also in the mix will be info on some of their new products: high-end memory foam mattress toppers, nutritional supplements that help those with diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol, and as the year goes on, more and more organic and healthy foods.
And two weeks later, February 21, Pierro will be back with his book collection to to the regular book swap. Just bring your English or French books to trade or donate, and you can peruse what Pierro has to see what you can take home to read. Donate, buy, or trade. Any proceeds from sales are donated to the Red Cross. See below for details of location.
Charity announcements:
Help save the lives of babies in need of critical life saving medical procedures. Two of the co-founders of this foundations are friends of mine that I have only the utmost respect for in that they truly work hard for what they believe in, saving children’s lives, one at a time. Please check out the BaoBei Foundation and donate to a good cause… Give the gift of LIFE! http://www.baobeifoundation.org
Helping Hand Shanghai is distributing an environmentally friendly re-usable shopping bag that can be bought to benefit a choice of Shanghai charities: Shanghai Sunrise, Charity Carnival, Second Chance Animal Aid or Roots and Shoots. Just go to the link for more details: http://www.helpinghandsh.com/ .
((Sponsor)) Clean healthy drinking water in Shanghai? YES! Come by the DirectWay store at 509 West Beijing Rd to see the Atlantis Drinking Water Purifier in action. BRING A SAMPLE OF YOUR WATER to be tested and see what you have in your HOME.
THIS Saturday, Directway will be at the Saturday Coffee meeting from 1030-12, so come by with questions or just to see the Atlantis drinking water purifier at work. Other filters will be displayed as well so pop on by!
DirectWay is a proud supporter of the ShanghaiExpat! Clean drinking water? Chlorine-free showers? Reduced Detergent use for laundry for eco-friendly washes. Preview the whole line of fine Water filters on the web site at: http://english.obusiness.cn/yhhnj/en/water/productlist.jsp ((Sponsor))
Regular event announcements:
Saturday Mornings: The Original Saturday Morning Coffee Meet – this event is an informal place where expats and friends can come and meet old friends and new expats, to compare notes of just simply chat over coffee. Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf at Zhong Shan Park’s Cloud Nine Mall graciously hosts the event and offers attendees a discount on drinks and food during the event, every Sat morning from 10:30-12:30. Informally, many in the group will continue onto have lunch together before splitting off to the many activities of the weekend. A great way to start off each weekend. Feel free to contact me about this event as I personally host this one.
Sunday Brunch at XinTianDi is hosted by ShanghaiExpat at the Coffee Bean there.. This event goes from 12 noon- past 2pm and is also a good place to meet up with those in the community .
Wednesday Night Mixers at Malones has been on going now for four years and running strong. Every Wednesday night, Shanghai Expat and Malones come together to host this mixer as a great place to come for food, friends, and fun. Located on the third floor, the mixer is a private space for Shanghai Expat community members new and old to get together and relax and chat. Runs from 9-12midnight, weekly , 3rd floor loft at Malones, 225 Tong Ren Rd near Nanjing Rd .
Well, that’s it for now! Next week will be a special one for me as my family will come visit and so just in case I miss the newsletter deadline… and early apology on that. Anyhow, have a wonderful week!
Cheers!
ed
Cross posted on Facebook.
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