This evening Leo’s friend Ashley joined us for dinner. I think they knew each other from something called “English Corner”, of which there seem to be several groups in Hangzhou. We went to an Italian restaurant above (or part of, I’m not quite sure) a hostel. I think we all agreed it wasn’t great.… Read more...
This evening Jessica came to meet me at my hotel and took me to “Citizen Center”.
It seems like it’s always Christmas here…
There was an epic half hour light show, with music, using lights placed around the windows of all the buildings! This was something they created for the G20 summit a few years ago.… Read more...
I messed up today rather. I had on my plan to go to the Summer Palace, but yesterday Leo suggested that “Gong Wang Fu” (高王府, the Emperor’s Palace) might be better, especially since it is nearer the railway station where he needed to go to return to Shanghai. Without thinking I agreed. … Read more...
Today was the big day of two graduation ceremonies for students who have graduated from the University of Surrey in the last ten years or so. These were the first graduation ceremonies to take place in China and were laid on as part of the university’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
Having made so many friends at Surrey through volunteering with Friends International in Guildford for the last 16 years or so, I was privileged to be invited as a guest for both ceremonies.… Read more...