Welcome to the Ivy Tech China Blog for the trade delegation from Northwest Indiana –
(Please note that I’m unable to access the blog from China and won’t be able to read any posts from the readers as this is being posted each day from the college by Marcos Rodriguez)
Day 2 was a long travel day as we left Chicago & traveled NNW(north/north/west) towards Canada & the Artic Circle via the great polar circle route (see the attached map) over Siberia/Russia to the northeastern China landing in Beijing, China on Sunday, May 11, 2008 at 2:30pm-
Here are a few facts:
1) The plane averaged 528 miles/hour- with a top speed of 637 m.p.h. over the artic circle due to a strong tailwind.
2) The lowest outside temperature was -72 degrees below zero again, over the artic circle.
3) When we landed in Beijing all passengers, all passengers were greeted by a few ladies
dressed in traditional Chinese silk dresses. (Photo to follow)
4) During the flight I read a National Geographic Magazine totally written on the country of
China. So I’ll share some of that information on the blog during the week.
The culture, education & economic growth in China is changing as the population grows. Currently, Beijing is the 3rd largest city in China with 17 million residents. Please note that each family may have one child without penalty, due to the population growth. The family may opt for a second child, but must pay a very substantial payment for this decision. The farming family is the only families allowed to have 3 children to help with the chores. 3 children in any other family isn’t allowed.
Travel within the city is sometimes a little slow due the traffic of all the residents. According to the National Geographic Magazine information the education of the students is very competitive. Each student is tested prior to entering 1st grade & then placed in appropriate schools as to their scores, similar to the U.S. The difference is that during elementary school the parents have the option to send their “child” (see the note above for this explanation) to a private school. The normal school day is approximately 8am to 5pm – Monday through Friday. The difference is that the students are under extreme pressure to learn at a very fast pace. Failure to keep pace is considered a disgrace in the Chinese culture as each student is expected to perform at a certain level. The article continued to mention the very busy, almost regimented daily schedules for the students.
The day ended with a traditional Chinese dinner at the “King Chou Restaurant”. A 200 year old Beijing restaurant with all the cultural effects. (see the attached photo)
Below is the Itinerary for Sunday & Monday:
May 11, 2008 – Sunday – Beijing
3:00 PM Arrive at Beijing International Airport
After going through Passport Clearance, you will pick up your luggage
and then leave the secured area. On the plane, you will be given 3 forms to complete: Chinese Entry Form, Health Form and Customs Form. On the Entry Form, list the Days Hotel & Suites Beijing as the place you will be staying.
After leaving the secured area, Jenny and Ross will meet you and assemble everyone for the chartered bus ride to the hotel.
5:00 PM Check-in at Days Hotel & Suites Beijing
27 Hua Wei Li
Chao Yang District
Beijing 100021
Tel: +86-10-6773 1234-3589
Fax: +86-10-8778 9200
Email: sales@mail.dhsbj.com
http://www.dayshotelsuitesbeijing.com
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Reception
This will be an opportunity for the delegation to meet with the leaders of the China Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (CASME) who have organized the Beijing activities.
The delegation will be briefed by CASME about the details of the Beijing
itinerary.
May 12, 2008 – Monday – Beijing –Day 3
8:00 AM Breakfast at hotel
9:00 AM Meeting with City of Beijing Vice Mayor
10:00 AM Tour of Beijing Economic Development Zone
Noon Luncheon with Beijing City Officials
2:00 PM Visit to Russian Trade Center
7:00 PM Dinner hosted by Chinese Association of Small and Medium
Enterprises (CASME) – Mr. Ximin Shao, Chairman at Zou Jiaz huang
Restaurant
City of Gary Presentation
“Doing Business with Gary” – Mayor Rudy Clay
