Amiram Hayardeny's My China Experience

Winter Coming to Beijing

Jintian hen fang da – it is very windy today, said my Chinese teacher when he came in today wrapped in his coat. Beijing is getting ready for the winter. Bluest sky, chilly air, my favorite weather. Indeed, my wife is freezing, but apparently there's nothing we can do about it. I asked and found out that the law in Beijing indicates that landlords must turn the heat on on November 15 at the latest. It seems that most actually do it on the very last day. The fact that some subzero temperature already registered is irrelevant.

I am at the Beijing airport this morning, on my way to Seoul. I thought about it and realized that I have visited the Beijing airport quite a few times in the last year, and every time I see it, it is different. A new terminal is being erected, but not only – the place is becoming bigger, cleaner and friendlier. Even the airport expressway is being rejuvenated. Today, driving to the airport, one day after the China-Africa summit concluded, we saw workers taking down the large red balloons, and the huge posters saying: “Friendship, Peace, Cooperation and Development”. The entire city was celebrating this summit. Representatives from almost 50 African countries came, including over 40 heads of state. Four thousand people in all. The coverage in the news media was impressive. My thoughts were – the world abandoned Africa, and now China is picking up where the rest of the world has left off. Obviously, it is just a thought.

Saying goodbye to the kids in the morning was difficult. Probably more for me than to them. Although we are used to travel, and the ceremony is well rehearsed and performed, it is still tough. But this is the way it goes: “are you going again?”, “yes, but I will be back shortly”, “what will you bring me?”, “I will get you something, I promise”, “I want a real train, where all my friends along with my dolls and cars can sit in the back, and I will drive the engine”. “I am not sure I can find one”. Mom adds: “and it won't fit in the house, where will you sleep?”. And it goes on and on, until we compromise on something which guarantees disappointment... Very difficult to reason with three years old kids. Just to remove doubt, I will look for something for him (and for the less demanding seven year old daughter of mine).

I am looking forward to Techdays in Seoul. Meeting new people, particularly customers and potential customers is always exciting to me. The opportunity to present to new people, explain some concept and technology to them, and get them excited about it, is an opportunity not to be missed. In this case, being in a new country adds to the excitement.

Posted at 08:47PM Nov 07, 2006 by Amiram Hayardeny in Personal  |  Comments[1]