We had New Year’s Eve dinner at the Beijing Hilton. Although NYE isn’t usually celebrated in mainland China with fireworks, some people use it as an opportunity for the family to have a special dinner together. That is the case with our family.
Shanshan’s father (baba) retired in July of last year, having turned 60, which is retirement age in China.
He had spent the last 21 years working for the company that managed the Beijing Hilton. (Earlier in his life, in accordance with the Down to the Countryside Movement, he spent eight years working in Heilongjiang… Shanshan’s mother [mama] spent seven years in Inner Mongolia under the same program.)
In any event, this was the first meal he’d had in the restaurant, and it turned-out very well. He met friends that he hadn’t seen since retirement (such as Boris Song, the Executive Pastry Chef, who ensured we were appropriately, well, stuffed). And, of course, both baba and mama greatly enjoyed showing-off Chongchong. 🙂
Here are seven pictures from the evening (yes, that last one is of a baby grand):
her parents are survivors!
David (aka Jelly Roll Justice)
Date: Thu, 2 Jan 2014 05:09:32 +0000 To: daverbuck@hotmail.com
great photos! Looks like Shan Shan has her figure back already–good for her! Everyone looks so happy and you look so proud.
Were Shan Shan’s parents married when they went Down to the Countryside? Do they ever talk about what that was like? Must have been so difficult.
Happy New Year Robert. It really looks like things are going well for you and I am so pleased for you. xxx suey
Thanks, and Happy New Year!
Yes, when asked, they do talk about it. Shanshan’s mom still gets together with five or six friends she made during that period (all old Beijing people).
Shanshan’s parents met in Beijing after returning from the countryside.
Took less then two months for Shanshan to loose most of the weight. Diet and a bit of exercise helped, but I think genetics played a major role.
sujinyan.com
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