Getting invited to have dinner at The Great Hall of the People in Beijing (wikipedia article) is comparable to being invited to have dinner at the White House. So last night when i had the privilege of joining a few friends for dinner at The Great Hall i knew that this was a night i should tuck away in my brain to remember forever.
The first thing i noticed when we arrived was that this felt like a red carpet event, and truly, it was. There were foreigners from all over the world at this event. The purpose of the night was to celebrate foreign involvement in the development of China. This week is very special as we are approaching the 60-year anniversary of the founding of The People’s Republic of China. I was told last night that our banquet was one of only three major banquets that will be held in The Great Hall to celebrate the coming anniversary.
The evening was fairly simple: Make it through security (felt like airport security), take a few photos on the red carpet, take some more photos in the banquet hall, find our seat, cruise through the room to say hello to friends, listen to a speech, eat dinner, and go home.
The speech was given by China’s State Council Vice-premier Li Keqiang (wikipedia article). My favorite line from the speech is this:
“In today’s world, peace, development and cooperation are the overwhelming trends of the times. China’s magnificent cause of building a moderately prosperous society in all aspects is just beginning to unfold.”
All-in-all, my take-aways from the event are these:
- It’s fun to get dressed up every now and then.
- China believes it’s important to show its appreciation to foreigners who are helping advance their country.
- Once-in-a-lifetime moments never get old. I want to have moments like that everyday.
Here are a couple of photos from the evening:
On the red carpet.
On the red carpet stairs.
The banquet hall.
Sometimes you just gotta look good.
Mom
September 27th, 2009
We have GOT to talk- I have to hear more about this event. And you look great- you should dress like that more often. Love, Mom
Amanda
September 27th, 2009
Snazzy!!!! ‘Bout the baddest thing I ever seen, straight up outta movie scene….
Bryan
September 28th, 2009
OMG I was there once to attend a celebration the success of the spaceship.(I am kind of the rockets major just in case you ask why me) And i saw hujintao!!
that was the only time I am in the hall.
I wonder when is my time to eat there!
hendu
September 28th, 2009
MAN! You clean up nice!
DAD
September 28th, 2009
Looking like a REAL professor!!!
Rita
September 29th, 2009
Wow! Cool!
Raul
September 29th, 2009
you look really sharp! I feel jealous~~