Dungguan Annual Dinner

Each year as the Chinese New Year approaches, there is a tradition of annual dinners in most companies. Some are quiet formal affairs, some feature games and competitions, some entertainment but all are filled with good food, friendly conversation and tons of fun for all.

We were lucky to be invited to the Dungguan Annual Dinner this year. Spouses do not normally attend, but our hosts graciously included me in several of the invitations. 

Dungguan is city in mainland China about an hour and a half train ride from Hong Kong. It is the site of a manufacturing facility Steelcase runs where most of the Asian products are produced. Many or most of the workers are considered migrant workers meaning they are not from Dungguan but from other parts of China. Quite often these are rural workers who move to the cities to find more opportunity. Because this makes up most of the work force, companies provide room and board as part of worker compensation.  Therefore, these people work together during the day and live together at night. Because of this, there are many opportunities for group activities and performing which were shown off beautifully throughout the evening.

Wishing Fortune and Prosperity Brightens Your Year of the Snake.

We had four hosts who did an admirable job presenting the evening in two languages. I am always amazed at the ease with which they can switch from Cantonese to English and back.

As is always the case, the food was plentiful and delicious. The carrot temple was a work of art.

 And the conversation lively.

Following dinner the entertainment began. There were dance groups, skits and individual performers. Everyone who performed was an employee or in a few cases children of employees.

One of my favorite numbers featured the children of the employes. A young man played a beautiful piece of music on his violin while two groups of young girls danced. It was a sweet and beautiful moment.

Another big part of the night is the Lucky Draw. I love this tradition. All of the workers are given a number and throughout the evening guests are invited to come up on stage and pick some lucky numbers for the prizes to be awarded. Most of the prizes are cash, but there were also some appliances and a big screen TV up for grabs. First to draw was our friend Zing.

She pulled a group of winners from the "magic" box.

Perhaps the most impressive bit of entertainment during the evening was a group of men and women who read a poem. What made this so impressive was the fact that one year ago these workers could not speak any English. In their off time, workers who were fluent in English tutored them. They met several evenings a week and within one year were able to perform a group recitation. Many of these workers had not been around English speakers prior to joining Steelcase which makes it all the more astounding.

Group photos were being taken throughout the evening.

Next it was ken's turn to do some Lucky Draws. He had a nice group of winners who were all thankful for his "choices."

Another dance group heralded the arrival of the God of Fortune. He comes with the new year and gives gifts to all in the hopes of bringing good fortune throughout the new year.

And for those of us from the U.S., there was even a familiar sight to bring us smiles.

Every variety show needs a hula dancer in drag to provide some huge laughs.

There was one final song and the last and biggest lucky draw equal to 6 months wages.

A few more photo ops (including our choice for "shirt of the evening"), a group photo with a sampling of the workers and then off to Hong Kong.

Sasha at the Zoo

The zoo is so close by and always a fun spot to spend some time. It is especially fun when I spend time there with my friend Tamara and baby Sasha. She loves watching the animals and they love to watch her.

And Sasha isn't the only baby there. The twin orangutans are still in their nursery and on display a few hours each day.

There are a few baby monkeys in the various exhibits as well. Look closely and you can see baby hanging on to mama's stomach.

Afternoon zoo time always makes us smile.

The adult orangutans are so huge. It is hard to imagine them in the wild. There are several orangutan preserves and rehabilitation centers throughout Asia. For Christmas I adopted Wendy at a center in Borneo for Shayne and Kyle. There habitat is being destroyed and this helps save those who have been affected by encroaching civilization.

And what would a zoo trip be without a school field trip?

Around Town

As Shayne's visit neared its end, we spent a little time just enjoying some of our must see spots. Even though it was relatively cold, there were a few hearty souls about.

And some families were getting ready for chicken dinner.

We spent an afternoon in Stanley where we visited the Tin Hau Temple. Tin Hau was born in Fukien Province around 960 and died at the age of 27 after a life of holiness and miracles. Tin Hau means "Empress of Heaven." She is revered for rescuing people in danger. This temple was built by 1767 and has an interesting history. There is a tiger skin hanging inside that frightens off evil spirits. This tiger stalked the grounds in the 1940's. During the Japanese invasion in 1942, local residents took shelter inside the temple. It was hit by two bombs which did not explode and everyone inside remained safe. 

There is a beautiful walkway from the water to the temple. It is built on a particularly good feng shue site.

Inside the temple sits a statue of Tin Hau surrounded by many other deities.

It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed a lunch on the waterfront at The Boathouse.

On their last night in town we took the ferry across the harbor to see the lights. 

And the ICC, the tallest building in Hong Kong, was a beautiful sight - even when my aim was not so steady.

Sadly we had to say goodbye to our guests. But we all have wonderful memories to keep us connected.