Visit to Pangu 7 Star Hotel Beijing

Posted on by Gilbert Van Kerckhove

On Friday evening 26 December we were invited by Ms. Janice Tan of the Hotel to have a VIP tour. She had attended the recent Rotary lunch and graciously invited us. Along came Rtn. Don and his wife, Ming Wong of United Family Hospital, Raymond & Julia of the Canada China Business Council, Terence of Vestas and Paolo Alberto Volpe (Vision / Techimp).
The Hotel is located on Beichen Xi Lu, right in front of the Watercube, with a gorgeous view on the Olympic Green.
We met at Karma Lounge, Lobby Floor and then had the welcome cocktail at Happiness Lounge, 21st Floor.
We visited several suites before enjoying a “Culinary Journey”:
– Japanese Appetizer at Kaden Minokichi – 21st Floor
– Chinese Light Main Course at Pangu Wenqi Restaurant – 5th Floor
– Western Light Main Course at Auspicious Garden – 2nd Floor
– Dessert at French Dining Room – 21st Floor
– After Dinner Drinks – Coffee/Tea at Happiness Lounge – 21st Floor
To commute between the different locations we all rode in the “subway car” (!).
The evening ended with an impromptu singing performance by Paolo and two of his musical stars. We all went home stuffed and happy (and impressed, by the hotel and by Paolo).


See some of the pictures taken, including of the “Dragon Wall” (outside)

Meeting Olympic Gold Medalists

Posted on by Gilbert Van Kerckhove

On 27 December we attended a relaxed evening in the luxurious “Golf Central” in Oriental Plaza (it’s in the basement, access next to the Hyatt Hotel) – to meet and mingle again with many famous China sport medalists (I was the only foreigner…). They are gymnasts, ice skating athletes and others. I’ve met them already a couple of times and they are very nice, without big egos.
One reason being there is my history with the Beijing Olympics, the other one is that I am involved in a Chinese company, building and managing several golf courses. And no, I do not play golf. I also did not try the installation in Golf Central as a golf swing is not that good for my back.
We chatted with Huang Xu, a famous gymnast from Jiangsu Province (born 4 Feb 1979 – 162 cm). He couldn’t swing much either as he is still recovering from the grueling training and competition, putting a heavy strain on all joints. His specialties are pommel horse and parallel bars.
His impressive record:
– 2000 Olympics Gold Medal – Men’s Team Combined Exercises (artistic gymnastics)
– 2008 Olympics Gold Medal – Men’s Team Combined Exercises (artistic gymnastics)
– World Championships Gold medals: 1997 – 1999 – 2003 – 2007
(and more…)
He intends to retire after next year’s World Championship and hopes to study again and learn English. His dream: to become a coach, trainer or judge.

Pictured: with Huang Xu (blue vest) and many other medalists; Huang Xu trying a swing for the fun; a view on the installations in Central Golf

Stressed out in Beijing

Posted on by Gilbert Van Kerckhove

Life in Beijing is tough. Champagne, sauna, karaoke, visits to 7 Star Hotel (free of course), watching Belly Dancing while eating Uzbekistan food, having to stop on the way from the gym to have 3 German dark beers (forced to drink coz Happy Hour), then facing the office after waking up in the morning with a rather unhappy face. Or being faced by not being allowed to do all the nice things we like.
unhappycat unhappydog
happyoffice
Ugly mornings, frustrations and too much stress!
Sometimes work is needed and the week is long. And the boss uses to come at the wrong moment.
workingweek workisstress
stresssituation notworking
So we are doing further research in stress relief.
stressedbreaking anti_stress_kit
Further progress is needed. But, HEY! It could be worse!
stressedfish flying_ass

Management Consulting Updates

Posted on by Gilbert Van Kerckhove

With the holiday period our consulting company has done some intensive research in problem solving as well as improving Total Quality Management.


The studies were only possible thanks to the many bottles of red, whisky and champagne.
We are ready to further assist our clients if needed (but we prefer to concentrate on champagne).

One cup only please

Posted on by Gilbert Van Kerckhove

This is what happened when a certain Company put up the following memo:
OFFICE MEMO:
May all members of staff please note that there will only be one drink per person at this year’s Christmas Party.
And please bring your own cup!
Regards,
Management
So…

bringacup2

Now you know dear guests of our Xmas party why I did NOT ask for that. We are more clever!