imi2beijing2008

Day 26 - Friday 22nd August - The Olympic Games are a success

2008-08-21T17:26:00.018+08:00

Beijing has shown its best side today and offered exiting competitions to the Olympic spectators. In the House of Switzerland there are still many visitors and Swiss companies using the opportunity to present their products and services.

Picture above: The rain from yesterday was good for the flowers and they are fresh again.

Picture above: The Bangu 7 Star Hotel Beijing in the shape of a dragon is managed Herr Rene Peter, a Swiss, and has 234 guest rooms, including 134 suites.

Picture above: The fantastic construction of the Olympia Stadium "Bird's nest" enthusiastic visitors visit again and again.

Picture above: In the National Indoor Stadium, in the semi final Russia against the team from Denmark. Russia won 28:27.

Picture above: It was very hot today for the athletes in the Men's 50 km walk competition In the end Alex Schwarzer won from Italy the gold medal.

Weather in Beijing today: Blue sky and bright sunshine, very very warm.

At the House of Switzerland its soon time to say good bye.

Day 25 - Thursday 21st August - Beijing is sinking in the rain

2008-08-21T16:31:00.018+08:00

Today, it rained heavily all day, so not many people came to the House of Switzerland. When it rains in Beijing the the streets look like small rivers.

Picture above: The logo of Swiss Olympic says: Passion, Power, Performance.

Picture above: Securitas Switzerland makes a control carefully at the entrance for security reasons.

Picture above: The House of Switzerland salutes people of all nations.

Picture above: The Chinese visitors listen and are fascinated by the sounds of the alp horns.

Picture above: A lot of god business in the Swiss souvenir shop, the Olympic articles sell well.

Picture above: In Beijing it is fashionable to carry a Swiss bag!

Picture above: Mr Bürki ended his visit in Beijing and moves on to Malaysia. Have a good journey, and thank you for visiting the House of Switzerland.

Weather in Beijing today: Heavy rain and warm

The last 3 days of this Olympic games are coming to an end now. Although, many decisions are to be made in the final days. Many dreams came true but there were many disappointments as well.

Day 24 -Wednesday 20th August - 100'000 visitors in House of Switzerland

2008-08-20T16:05:00.021+08:00

Today was rather a quiet day in the House of Switzerland but there were many Chinese visitors in the house inquiring about Switzerland. Also many visitors from other countries are coming to the House of Switzerland.

Picture above: The sign from the House of Switzerland, unfortunately diificult to see as it is almost under the ceiling.

Picture above: Ms Cheng Bixuan from Beijing was the 100'000th visitor in HoS. She was accompanied by her parents. Victorinox the Swiss knife factory gave her a nice gift.

Picture above: Barkeeper Brian mixes a special Olympia-Cocktail.

Picture above: Pik Shin from KDU is talking with Mr Bürki about her experience in Beijing and Mr Bürki's forthcoming visit to Malaysia.

Picture above: In the Volleyball-Arena many viewers saw the semi finals. Mr Hermann was lucky, he had ticket for this competition.

Picture above: In the Park Beach Volleyball Ground the teams from Brazil, Georgia and the USA participate in the final. USA and Brazil qualified.

Picture above: The IMI Beijing Team (not complete) which work extremely well and with great motivation.

Fascinating fact for today: Already there has been 100'000 visitors in the House of Switzerland

Weather in Beijing today: Very warm and sunny

Day 23 - Tuesday 19th August - The IMI Presentation

2008-08-18T17:59:00.017+08:00

Today was an important day for IMI with a presentation at the Olympics in the House of Switzerland. Mr Bürki presented the school and there were some very important discussions. The interest in IMI's educational offerings are very popular in China.

Picture above: Attentive listeners to the IMI presentation in the cinema of the HoS.

Picture above: After the presentation the participants enjoyed an apero with canapés on the piazza.
Picture above: The former students were happy to have a picture taken with Mr Bürki the President of IMI.

Picture above: An in-depth discussion about IMI and an exciting future career.

Picture above: For a prize draw our former student Sumire won the prize and was congratulated by Mr Bürki.

Picture above: Mr Mosimann is a famous chef and the owner of private dining clubs in Belgrave Square and Lavander Hill. Mr Mosimann is cooking during the Olympics for the International Olymic commitee (IOC) in Beijing.

Weather in Beijing today: Hot, clouds, no rain.

Fascinating fact for today: There was a very interested audience at the presentation and the visit by Anton Mosimann.

The Olympic Games are slowly going to the end and a few interesting finals will take place in the comming 5 days. For the Swiss they are particularly excitied about the mountain bike competitions and we hope for more medals.

Day 22 - Monday 19th August - A quiet day in house of Switzerland

2008-08-18T02:22:00.023+08:00

Today was a quiet day in the House of Switzerland.There were fewer visitors than over the weekend. As always the ice cream from Mövenpick was very popular. Unfortunately Switzerland has missed out on a Bronze medal today with only a 4th place in the team horse jumping competion.

Picture above: Mr Bürki has arrived well in Beijing after a long journey and was warmly welcomed by the IMI students.

Picture above: The IMI prospectus could also be found in the Surgenta (Nestle) exhibition stand.

Picture above: Mr Bruno Heini together with Mr Hermann in front of the Lindt & Sprüngli Chocolate Factory. Mr Heini is a well-known Confectioner and the owner of the sugar bakery Heini in Lucerne.

Picture above: Art Zone 798 is in Beijing where the House of Switzerland is located and is an arts district with many galleries.

Picture above: This sculpture reminds those of a time with Mao.

Picture above: Will the phone ring in the right way?

Picture above: The bus from the House of Switzerland which makes many kilometers for us and provides a good service.

The fascinating fact for for today: The arrival of Mr Bürki

The weather in Beijing today: Sunny and hot with 30°.

Tomorrow there will be a presentation of IMI in the House of Switzerland. Many participants have registered and we look forward to a great event.

Day 21 - Sunday 17th August - Victor Röthlin is visiting the House of Switzerland

2008-08-17T22:52:00.028+08:00

In the House of Switzerland alot happened today and there are interesting things to tell you. There was the surprising visit from our marathon runner Victor Röthlin. Every day several Swiss athletes come to our restaurant and enjoy the good food.

Picture above: Victor Röthlin signed the football of Paul Salih our world record holder.

Picture above: The office of the organization is the heart of the House of Switzerland. Around twenty employees work here.

Picture above: Sabrina and Andy enjoy their day off. They work hard and are glad to forget work for one day.

Picture above: With a IMI prospectus in front of her this young visitor is watching the programme by Paul Salih.

Picture above: Today Mr Hermann has a special visitor, Mr Hansjörg Inauen the Executive chef of Beijing Air catering Co.LTD. He is Swiss and has lived for 20 years in Asia. Per day he cooks with his team around 60'000 meals for flight passengers. His staff includes more than 800 people.

Picture above: In the Acquatics stadium they swim daily for new world records. Michael Phelps (USA) is on top with 8 gold medals. A fantastic stadium with new infrastructure.

The weather in Beijing today: Cloudy but dry. The temperature is a pleasant at 25°.

Fascinating fact for today: The two special visitors in HoS, Mr Victor Röthlin and Hansjörg Innauen.

Tomorrow Mr Bürki will come to Beijing and we will give him a warm welcome. On Tuesday there will be the IMI marketing day in the House of Switzerland. We look forward to welcoming old an new faces. At the presentation the participants will learn the latest news about IMI.

Day 20 - Saturday 16th August - Federer's and Wawrinka's Final

2008-08-16T16:36:00.027+08:00

In the House of Switzerland we felt a certain tension during the day. Can Roger Federer and Stanislas Wawrinka win the gold medal in the men doubles tennis competition? At least later in the evening we knew it, they did!

The picture above: Roger Federer and Stanislas Wawrinka, the proud Olympic champions present their gold medals.

Picture above: The traditional Olympia victory cake from the kitchen of HoS .
Picture above: In honor of the Swiss Police cars in Beijing are adapted to the Swiss National colours!

Picture above: Mr Hermann together with Christine Kyburz from the Swiss Embassy in China. Mrs Kyburz is responsible at the Embassy in Beijing for education.

Picture above: The girl group "Lopperörgeler are doing a great job and delight the audience. They teven teach the visitors how to play "Schwyzer Örgeli".

Fascinating fact of today: The victory of Federer and Wawrinka in tennis

Weather in Beijing: Still summer wetather but today there are a few clouds in the sky.

Day 19 - Friday 15th August - A sunny day in Beijing - 15th August

2008-08-15T11:11:00.028+08:00

Today in Beijing was a wonderful sunny day and the many flowers which has been planted especially for the Olympics look wonderful. It was like being on the French Riviera!

Picture above: The visitors enjoy the cinema in the HoS: a fantastic film from the Swiss Tourist Board about the snow-covered Swiss alps.

Picture above: Although we will are half way through, Michael looks very fresh and starts the new day full of energy.

Picture above: Bryan waits for the first guests at the bar; the bar is frequented well and equipped with the Swiss Sport TV programme.

Picture above: Today in the kitchen there is a lot of work to do. The chefs prepare dishes for the banquet of the National presidents of the International Handball Association.

Picture above: In this weather the guests in the Public Restaurant of the HoS are very thirsty. Ying serves them refreshing drinks.

Picture above: Washing dishes is a hard job. Shin is flexible and makes this work you can love.

Picture above: The Chocolate Chef has a new employee who makes the work easier or more difficult perhaps?

Picture above: Mr Hermann obtained a handball ticket for the women's game; France against Norway. France had no chance and lost the match by more then 10 goals.

Picture above: Mr Peter Mühlematter, Secretary General of International Handball Federation, between Mr Edwin Rudolf, Project Manager of HoS, and Mr Heinz Steimann, Reporter from NLZ. Mr Mühlematter says: "Handball provided fantastic viewing figures at the 2004 Games, but in 2008 he wished handball to be among the best ranked sports in the IOC general statistics. Edwin Rudolf is proud of the 75'000 visitors until today. Mr Steimann is reporting daily in the NLZ about what's going on in Beijing and his enthusiasm about the games.

Weather today in Beijing: Sunny and very warm if not hot! Blue sky in Beijing!

Fascinating fact for today: A day without rain in Beijing.

The Swiss victory in the Men's double gives hope for another Swiss medal, maybe there are even more! The HoS with our fantastic working students is always ready for more medal ceremonies.

Day 17 - Wednesday 13th August - what a day in House of Switzerland

2008-08-13T11:06:00.035+08:00

Switzerland today won a total of 3 Olympic medals. This is really fantastic and of course we at the House of Switzerland celebrated this in style. This however means a lot of work for our hard-working students.

Picture above: Chef Dawai is preparing the green "power" beans for the Swiss Olympia athletes.

Picture above: Sabrina is preparing for the Apero buffet for a medal celebration party.

Picture above: The three Swiss Olympic medal winners show proudly their medals.

Picture above: Mr Fabian Cancellara our Swiss Gold and Bronze Medal winner.

Picture above: Mr Hermann together with the Olympia Bronze Medal winner Sergei Aschwanden.

Picture above: Sumire together with the Olympia Bronze Medal winner Karin Thörig.

Picture above: All the Swiss are very proud and the partying goes on until early morning.

Fascination fact for today: 3 Olympic medals for Switzerland in ONE single day. This has never happened before. Swiss medals for Fabian Canchellara (Gold), Karin Thörig (Bronze) and Sergei Aschwanden (Bronze) and all celebrated at the place to be, the House of Switzerland.

Weather in Beijing today: Muggy and hot.

Now it is time for me to go to bed and dream for another fantastic day in Beijing.

Day 16 - Tuesday 12th August - Mr Gavin Caldwell's farewell to Beijing

2008-08-12T22:32:00.019+08:00

Today there is a switch to a new citizen journalist. Fully motivated I start my Beijing blog which I take over from Mr. Caldwell. I am happy to report you on a daily basis of all that happens around the Games and especially to give insights from the House of Switzerland and the IMI students workng so very hard here 24/7.

Pictures above: Beijing, with its many wonderfull luxury hotels, is a place where many of our IMI alumni can find great job opportunities, check it out in our new Alumni online db with the Job finder application.

Picture above: The Swiss "Lopperörgeler" girls are in the hearts of everyone and enjoy their time at the HoS bar.

Picture above: I watched the wrestling competition and was fascinated on how the athletes give it their all to win a medal.

Picture above: A goodbye to Mr. Caldwell who is starting his 20 hour journey back home. Thank you for everything from from myself and your fans and for your daily fun and updates. From Beijing and we wish you a good trip over Singapore to Zürich.

Fascinating fact for today: The wellknown girl group "Die Lopperörgeler" from Hergiswil come to the HoS and will start their music tomorrow. (see picture above)

Weather in Beijing today: Blue sky and sunshine. As the Swiss say:"when angels travel laughs the sky".

The Olympic competitions inspires many viewers everyday from China and around the world. The Olympic games are an event of higest quality.

Day 15 - Monday 11th August - My last day in Beijing but the Blog continues!

2008-08-11T14:19:00.024+08:00

Good morning, good afternoon and good evening to all my blog readers across the globe. Today is my last blog (no, don't be sad!) so I would like to thank all those who posted comments and told me how bad the grammar was, the poor quality of the amateur photographs and to the person who said it was like reading another dissertation on 'Customer Service' (for the ninth time!). Alas, I know how you feel!

However, enough of the good times, here are a selection of my final photos which I hope you will enjoy. Tune it tomorrow because the blog continues...

Picture above: If its not happening at the HoS then it might be happening here!

Picture above: Advertising to the House of Switzerland is everywhere, well not everywhere, just outside the House of Switzerland actually, but its the thought that counts!

Picture above: Regular entertainment is featured in the HoS. Today we witness Herr Paul Sali (not a young chap!) doing magical things with a football on a ladder! Next season he hopes to play for FC Luzern to help them climb up the Swiss league table!

Picture above: The Swiss Ambassador in China, Mr Martinelli, is in a very good mood and clearly enjoying the atmosphere in HoS.

Picture above: The Swiss Ambassador like the Chinese just can't get enough of traditional Swiss Music. Looking good dressed in red today boys!

Picture above: Brian Li, Ivan Lin and Cindy Liu are sending e-mails about Beijing and the Olympic games back to their families. Is that a box of chocolates I see on the table?

Picture above: Mr Gavin Caldwell and Mr Hans Jost Hermann are visiting IMI students in the staff restaurant.

Picture above: For my last blog I just want to tell the young man above that his Papa is coming home!

Fascinating fact for today: Ticket touts are selling tickets to some of the sporting events and charging extortionate amounts, take it from someone who's been well and truly had and still never got to see anything! It's a long story so ask me some other time but not right now!

Weather today in Beijing: Still raining, still hot, still no blue sky, still humid, in other words still the same!

Finally, as mentioned this is my last blog and from this moment forth Mr Hans Jost Hermann, IMI's In-training Manager will be writing to you everyday so keep on logging in. I will be reading the blog religiously from my office at IMI in Kastanienbaum although very much missing China and the air conditioning! So see you in Switzerland, enjoy the games and goodbye Beijing.

Day 14 - Sunday 10th August - IMI proud to be on display at the HoS!

2008-08-10T23:54:00.012+08:00

A warm welcome to the start of the week, today's blog is about IMI attracting alot of attention, which of course it is because our students, Michael and Dawei are doing such a great job.

Everyday the House of Switzerland (HoS) gets busier and busier which is good news for everyone. It has to be said that the Chinese just love the place; the Movenpick ice cream the Nespresso coffee, the Lindt chocolate all free of charge and with live Swiss music too. To be honest for us it's just like being at home only not as expensive!

Everyone is interested in the Olympics and all the games/sports. A big cheer is always heard when China or Switzerland win something. More often than not its China winnng another gold.

Picture above: IMI literature has been very popular with the many Beijingers who like to read information (in Chinese) about IMI. Let's face it don't we all!

Picture above: The IMI brochures are readily available on the Embassy counter for interested visitors.

Picture above: The public restaurant is quite busy today! Raclette is still selling well.

Picture above: Visitors of the HoS are watching the games on the big screen in the cinema.

Picture above: Sonja Duderstad is cleaning the tables in the VIP restaurant. Come on Sonja put you heart and soul in to it!

Picture above: Ying Low and Sumire Sakuma happy at work. Good girls!

Fascinating fact for today: Great Britain won a gold for their first medal, can you believe it! (P.S. Subject to a drug test!)

Weather for today: Rain, heavy at times that should mean blue skies for tomorrow! Don't quote me on this!

Tune in for my last blog before Mr Hermann takes over the editors role later this week!

Day 13 - Saturday 9th August - The Swiss President in the HoS!

2008-08-10T12:42:00.013+08:00

Hello to today's blog coming to you directly from the heart of Beijing. Before we get started lets congratulate Fabian Canchelara who won a Bronze medal for Switzerland in the street cycling. Just the first Olympic medal but for sure more to come (especially if Mr Federer is on top form!) Hopp Schwiz!

This evening at the House of Switzerland (HoS) a special event was hosted by the President of Switzerland with invited guests from all over the world. It was a grand function with many notable high profile and important VIP's, for example Mr Hans Jost Hermann and Mr Gavin Caldwell!

Anyway, enough with text, lets see the photographs....

Picture above: Everyone starts to wait for the arrival of the Swiss President with the exception of the Swiss TV crew who are in the bar!

Here are some photographs taken at this prestigious event that I am sure you will enjoy. Don't forget if you want to take see any pictures of the HoS then please let me know your requests and at a small charge I will place on this blog!

Picture left and above: Dawei Sun and Andy Choy always hard work in the kitchen serving and creating popular Swiss creations for the this important National Swiss event.

Picture above: Mr Michael Hyvärinen offering Swiss dessert delicacies on a tray. In other words working!

Picture above: Mr Hermann thirsty after (and looking fresh) after 26 hours of flying and airports. Pictures with Herr Walter Widmer from Bucherer and a representative from the Mount of Pilatus but without dragons!

Picture above: Herr Pascal Couchepin, President of Switzerland the host of the reception. Mr Sepp Blatter, the FIFA President was also close by but out of shot talking eagerly to Hans Jost and I about Swiss football being better than the English premiership!

Picture above: Sonja Duderstadt serving the President of Switzerland. A great honour for the President and a great for a Sonja!

Picture above: Mr Hermann with the President of the Luzern Tourism AG.

Fascinating fact today: After Switzerland's first medal it's only a matter of time before the next one and you never know Switzerland could top the medal table...but not in this games!

Weather in Beijing today: Raining, cloudy but still warm and air conditioning essential!

Tune in as always to tomorrow's blog, not to be missed! But then I tell you that everyday!

Day 12 - Friday 8th August - Let the games commence!

2008-08-09T10:26:00.017+08:00

Fantastic, impressive, exciting, spectacular...these are just a few words to describe the opening ceremony for the 29th Olympic games in Beijing. The House of Switzerland (HoS) hosted many local Beijingers and Swiss nationals who watched the history of China unfold with wonderful laser lighting, traditional dancing, pageantry, fireworks all of which featured 14, 000 participants at the 'Birds Nest' stadium. It was a truly exciting 3 hrs with the Chinese and Swiss national team getting the largest reception in the HoS. If you missed the opening ceremonies...then buy the DVD!

Picture above: Dawei Sun, IMI's very popular chef here in Beijing just moments after being asked by the American network NBC on how he viewed the Chinese Olympic games. Dawei looked directly in to the camera and said 'he was very proud to be Chinese' as were 1.3 billion other Chinese. Well done Dawei!

Picture above: The clock was counting down to the 8th minute past the 8th hour in the year 2008 for the most watched sporting event of the year and over 7 years in the making!

Pictures left and above: The atmosphere in central Beijing was electric come the final few hours before the Olympic games officially opened.

Pictures above: Myself and Dawei Sun on a little 'downtime' leaving a restaurant famed for its Beijing Duck...what's left of it!

As we wind down after the celebrations of yesterday let's not forget IMI's hard working students, here are a few more photographs.....

Picture above: Sumire Sakuma just about to go for her lunch and taking something to drink with her! Hick!

Picture above: Cindy Liu stocking up the hot plate. Someone has to do it!

Picture above: Andy Choy still hard at work! Does he ever stop? Not that I've noticed! Keep that pan moving chef!

Fascinating fact for today: After the lavish and impressive opening ceremony at the 'Birds Nest' stadium yesterday, those in the London Olympic Committee for 2012 must be wishing its not their turn next! Not an act they will want to follow!

Weather in Beijing today: Still very humid and hot but the air con is on where I am so who's complaining!

After Friday's excitement don't forget to tune in tomorrow and keep those comments rolling in! Occasionally I read them!

Day 11 - Thursday 7th August - Food and more in the HoS!

2008-08-07T19:27:00.014+08:00

Welcome back to all my readers. Today's blog focuses on the great food being served in the House of Switzerland (HoS) brought to you as always by your requests and comments. Before I wet your appetite, please note a new feature to this blog, the 'slideshow' to the right of this text, which is thanks to my colleague Lukas Ritzel back at IMI's base camp. Keep watching this for more unedited pictures.

It's less than one day now to go until the Olympic games officially starts and everyday the HoS gets busier with a flurry of activities happening in every corner of this very impressive 1950's warehouse in the 798 Art Zone district, which receives thousands of visitors everyday. It's the place to be as they say, right after front row seats in the Olympic stadium tonight!

Pictures say so much more than words, so lets get started with today's photographs...

Picture left and above: The Swiss Olympic emblem being promoted on entrance to the HoS in the very popular 798 Art Zone in North East Beijing. Still waiting for Mr Federer to make an apperance; come on Roger this is where you should be spending all your time! Forget the tennis for now!

Picture above: Yours truly sitting back on a trip up to the peak of Titlis! Also on a well earned break before anyone asks!

By popular demand here are some 'foodie' shots of dishes on sale in the HoS. The menu on offer features a numbers of small traditional dishes called 'tastes of Switzerland' although there is also an 'athletes' menu available for those with a larger appetite. A full range of Swiss drinks and wines are also popular...Rivella actually outsells Eichof beer although the Swiss musicians are doing their best to re-address the situation....

Picture above: Evidence that Raclette is sold at the HoS and is by far the best seller!

Pictures left and above: a selection of food being served at the HoS. Disclaimer: Please note the photography is not professional, without assistance, unpaid and the best possible shots considering the extreme conditions I was working in and never a reflection on taste! Phew!

Picture above: 'Lindt' chocolates with demonstrations twice a day and everyday at the HoS and the locals just love it!

Picture above: Swiss horn anyone? Everyday at the HoS and the Beijingers love this too!

Fascinating facts for today; There will be over 15, 000 performers at the Opening ceremonies for the Olympics games with 19, 000 spectators in the 'Birds Nest' stadium but this is just a fraction to the billions who will be watching on TV including me!

Weather in Beijing today; If it rains tonight then someone high up has been cloud busting! Putting it another way the rain clears the air of 'hazog'! Still confused see yesterday's blog.

Tune in tomorrow and don't forget to reserve your place in front of the TV for the Opening ceremonies of the Olympic games...its a must see!

Day 10 - Wednesday 6th August - Business as usual in the HoS!

2008-08-06T13:38:00.009+08:00

Welcome back to the IMI daily blog from Beijing. No text today just a selection of photographs featuring IMI staff and students. Those who are not shown were either off duty, sleeping, camera shy or strangely enough....working!

Keep your comments coming in. All those here in Beijing would love to hear from friends and colleagues so please post a comment when you have time.

Enjoy the pics by popular request...

Picture above: Michael Hyvärinen and Cindy Liu just can't get enough of this blog! Can you blame them!

Picture above: Dawei Sun cooking himself up a few snacks in between meals!

Picture above: Ivan Lin still concerned about SARS but he need not worry he's not eating from the staff canteen! Is that a pot noodle I see before him!

Picture above: Cindy Liu smiling as always working (not drinking) in the bar! That's Luzern on the TV in the background not Beijing, why? because I can see blue sky!

Picture above: Sumire Sakuma serving customers and explaining the menu in the Public restaurant.

Picture above: Andy Choy back by popular request, being creative by peeling a potato and smiling to the camera at the same time! Just three more sacks of spuds to go Andy!

Picture above: The very laid-back 'Brian Li'. Currently working in the wash up and by the time the HoS closes he probably would have washed up more plates than I've had hot dinners!

Picture above: It was pleasue to take this photograph to show Sonja Duderstadt 'smiling' happy at work and out of chef's whites! Also Michael Hyvärinen (sitting down) on yet another break!

Fascinating fact for today: The Chinese authorities have apparently spent an unprecedented 40 billion dollars on the Olympic games most of it going towards Beijing's infrastructure. New stadiums, roads, subway's, buildings and even a new sewage system, odd really as my toilet still doesn't flush!

Weather in Beijing today: Some call it 'haze' others call it 'smog'. Either way its still here and only the rain and wind will shift it! Personally, I'm neutral on the matter and call it ' hazog'. Nobody understand what I'm talking about of course!

Check out tomorrow's blog: Why would you want to miss it?

Day 9 - Tuesday 5th August - Visions of China & Beijing is so ready for the games. Bring it on!

2008-08-02T12:12:00.000+08:00

Welcome back to your favorite blog. Today I take a break from the House Of Switzerland (HoS) to show you some pictures of Beijing that should give you a feel of how fantastic the capital of China is and how it is so prepared to host the Olympic games that starts this Friday, in only three days.

There is an excitement throughout the city that is captivating, exciting and hopefully the following pictures will give you an essence of the big build up....

Picture above: Just three days to go and Beijing is ready, looking great and with a buzz all over the city, so let the games commence!

As I walked around Beijing these are just some of the wonderful sights I saw in such a modern and fascinating new city that still captures a charm like few others....

Picture above: One of many impressive Olympic displays all over the city.

To make up for yesterday's blog and the lack of photos here are a selection from the Beijing city center starting with some 'foodie' shots....

Picture above: Fruit on a stick in food market/street in downtown Beijing. Seems simple enough, read on!

Picture above: Bugs on stick anyone? Scorpions to the left and some other insects to the right. They were selling like hotcakes but taste nothing like one!

Picture above: Seahorses on a stick. No salt added!

Picture above: I thought I would treat myself to some local souvenirs to bring home! They don't say much these two!

Picture above: Now here's a young man taking his 'duties' very seriously, obviously a keen follower of the PA system!

Picture above: 'Crouching tiger, hidden Dragon'. No, it's a lion of course guarding the Forbidden Palace.

Picture above: Beijingers queuing orderly for the bus; makes the UK's favourite pastime look disorganised!

Picture above: The view from my apartment. Today is a good day with a clear view, in other words I can see the balcony rail!

Fascinating fact today: The busiest place on a Saturday morning in Beijing is not the Forbidden Palace or Tiananmen Square but IKEA! Yep, hotdogs for less than a franc and free flow coffee! It can't be beaten. I think they sell furniture as well!

Weather in Beijing today: Blue skies, 33 degrees, a little haze in the distance and ice cream and bottled water essential refreshments every hour on the hour!

Check out tomorrow's blog: and don't forget if you are a friend, representative or alumni of IMI you are warmly invited to IMI's Open/Marketing day on the 19th August held in the HoS at 13.00 (local time!). Please let us know if you wish to attend.

Day 8 - Monday 4th August - What no photo's!

2008-08-02T12:10:00.000+08:00

Today, IT technology has let me down! Unfortunately, I cannot upload any photos for you because of a technical hitch with this Blogs website. I know this is traumatic moment for all my readers but alas this is the IT days and times we live in. Could you imagine Youtube without videos, Facebook without embarrassing photos, okay you get my point. Don't shoot the blogger!

However, the show must go on so perhaps this is an opportunity to inform you of my challenging visit to the Bank of China yesterday just a few hundred yards off Tiananmen square. I was aiming to exchange some Swiss francs in to Yuan (RMB) and naturally approached the window that read 'Olympic rapid express foreign exchange service' Impressive I thought. Almost 2 hrs later I left with cash in hand! What took so long, well the process was actually very efficient but after a very comprehensive check on my passport (and I mean comprehensive!), three cashiers having to be involved and paperwork which amounted to a finished dissertation I finally left knowing that I could afford my next soup noodle! The moral of this story; China is a big country and the cogs of industry turn but sometimes a little slowly than one would wish! Thankfully I was the first in the queue but by the time I left I think most of the Olympic teams and their entourage were behind me! So much for their VIP passes!

Anyway, enough for now, I need to write to Blogger.com to let them know that my blog depends on photographs and their ability to transfer all their resources to rectify their technical glitch by tomorrow.

The usual features are still present however....

Fascinating fact for today: No other country in Olympic history has spent so much, built so much and done so much to host the Olympic games than China. So far the UK committee for the next Olympic games to be held in London 2012 have promised one thing; they will raise taxes to pay for it!

Weather today in Beijing: The smog is back, a grey haze fills Beijing's skyline, the world's press have something to write about so the Chinese have ordered rain to ensure the blue skies return by Friday! It's as easy as that, no problem!

Tune in tomorrow. Those who refuse will have their PA mark reduced significantly! Big brother (aka Mr Currie) is watching!

P.S. I really am working on the pictures in tomorrow's blog, so stop complaining!

Day 7 - Sunday 3rd August - In full Swiss swing!

2008-07-31T21:36:00.001+08:00

Welcome back to my daily blog which according to some sources has become an addictive read, so much so that Google are expected to make a bid for ownership as soon as Wall Street opens on Monday morning! That aside, The House of Switzerland (HoS) saw its busiest day today with all the Swiss stands and F&B outlets fully occupied. The word about the HoS is clearly spreading. An example of this is that it only took me 25 minutes to explain to my taxis driver where the HoS was located and after the usual tour of the city this morning I arrived two hours earlier than the day before!

Seriously, the 798 Art Zone area where the HoS is located is already a very popular area in North East Beijing and everyday the crowds increase in number hoping to find out all about Switzerland and Luzern and on the look out for that famous Swiss tennis player, Roger Federer. Incidentally, Roger is due to carry the Swiss flag at the Beijing Olympic games for the opening ceremonies although apparently Swiss officials will give him the flag at the very last minute to avoid Roger losing this as well!

Picture above: The 798 Art Zone is dotted with statues and arty monoliths; here is one of many and, if I'm not mistaken, bears a slight resemblance to IMI's In-training Manager, Mr Hans Jost Hermann!

Picture above: The Public restaurant in the HoS (again) this time with more customers feasting on an a la carté menu called 'tastes of Switzerland' .

Here are some more photographs from the HoS that will hopefully give you a feeling of what its like to be in one place for 17hrs a day! Not me of course I'm busy writing this blog in the comfort of my furnished apartment with the air conditioning on maximum watching the news on TV for the seventh time in Mandarin!

Picture above: Michael Hyvärinen washing his socks in the 'still room' while Ying Low waits her lucky turn to hang them up for drying. Clean socks essential for speedy service!

Picture above: The Hos wouldn't be complete without traditional Swiss music. No comment here for fear of not being allowed back in to Switzerland!

Picture above: Attractive Swiss Olympic merchandising on sale in the HoS. And don't even think about it, my wife has already given me a shopping list as long as the Great Wall!

Picture above: Twin sisters? Not quite but Sumire Sakuma and Pik Shin Wong are still smiling on a deserved break in the public restaurant. (For all my fans in KDU I hope you are satisfied with a more desirable picture of Pik Shin!)

Picture above: The queue for free ice cream supplied by Movenpick, a complimentary IMI brochure with every scoop! I wish!

Fascinating fact for today: Today I was offered a ticket for the opening ceremonies at the Birds Nest Olympic stadium; cost CHF 3, 500. If you want me to write Friday's blog directly from the stadium please send your money to....

Weather in Beijing today: Air conditioning, it just has to be the best invention since sliced bread! Life in Beijing wouldn't be the same without it! Sorry, its very hot!

Don't miss tomorrow's episode!

Day 6 - Saturday 2nd August - The HoS is now open for business!

2008-07-30T23:01:00.000+08:00

Welcome to the most popular and highly ready Blog on the Internet which comes directly from Beijing, on a Saturday evening, on an empty stomach, on a broken chair and without any accrued overtime! So now I have got that off my chest let's get on with it....

Picture above: Firstly, farewell to my 'opposite' from Cesar Ritz Colleges, Mr Christian Conrad, who despite contracting the dreaded 'Beijing belly' fly's home back to Switzerland tonight (to begin recuperation) and has yet to realise that he forgot his passport on the bar last night when he left at 4.20 am!

Today the House of Switzerland (HoS) was opened in its entirety and the Beijing public poured in to view the many sponsors and stands (Lindt, Nestlé, Bucherer and UBS for example) and of course the public and VIP restaurants, bar and lounge all serviced by our capable students from IMI and those from Cesar Ritz Colleges. The students are doing a great job and have now agreed to sleep after the Olympic games due to finishing work last night at 4am and starting again this morning at 7am. Their accommodation is 1.5 hours away...do the maths!

It is expected that the HoS in the 798 Art Zone will be very busy over the next 3 weeks being the only national house in Beijing with free entry. I have yet to visit the 'House of Great Britain' because I have yet to receive an invitation or free ticket! Anybody listening?

Scroll down for more photographs taken today at the HoS. If you wish to see anything particular on this blog then please let me know. I am of course a slave to your requests!

Picture above and my favourite for today: Dawei Sun and Andy Choy imitating the kitchen version of 'Silence of the Lambs'! Nice beard Dawei!

Picture above: Yours truly very carefully holding up the tower from the Chapel Bridge in Luzern, which was re-located to Beijing with no expense spared. The current one in Luzern is a temporary hologram!

Picture above: The Public Restaurant in the HoS now clearly open for business. Check on chef! We have two customers for Raclette!

Picture above: The popular 'Lindt' stand at the HoS. Are those chefs real? Look carefully?

Picture above: The new state of the art kitchen/service POS ordering system at the HoS. Currently out of order!

Fascinating fact today: There are three times as many people in Beijing from the world's media and press than there are athletes! Perhaps they should widen the drug testing!

Weather today in Beijing: Blue sky, hot, very hot, sometimes too hot, but who's complaining, the smog is gone!

Thanks for reading this block. Don't forget to tell your friends, family and pets to 'blog on' everyday!

Day 5 - Friday 1st August - Swiss National Day!

2008-07-30T18:02:00.001+08:00

Happy Swiss National Day to all the readers of this Blog. I hear my fan base has now crept in to double figures!

Today I have cut down on the text (due to popular demand, thanks Mr Currie!) and added more photos (and a video) for you to get a flavour of the House of Switzerland (HoS) which opened today although the F&B outlets will start officially tomorrow. As a valued patron I have booked a table for one in the public restaurant everyday....food tasting of course!

If you have any comments then please post them at the end of this daily blog and let us know what you think?

Picture above: Just in case you think Mr Hyvärinen and I are not doing any work, you would be right!

Picture above: Brian Li having his breakfast, attending a morning F&B meeting and waking up all at the same time!

Picture above: Ying from IMI working closely with Ian from Cesar Ritz Colleges....looking exceptionally happy....and celebrating Swiss National Day!

Picture above: Mr Hyvärinen busy at work moving his office to the other side of the HoS to be closer to the staff canteen!

Picture above: The HoS doctor at your service! I've seen him 5 times already and for a tidy sum he assures me my medical documents are safe! He also stated that I was fit enough to run the Olympic marathon in a time of 4 days, 17 hrs and 23 minutes!

Fascinating fact for today: The author of this blog spent almost 2 hrs yesterday trying to place the picture of Ying Low from yesterday's blog the right way up! Doh! Thank you Lukas!

Weather in Beijing today: Clear, sunny, beach hats, sunglasses, i-phone essential!

Till tomorrow!

Video below: Very amateur footage of the HoS hours after its opening! More video to follow:

Day 4 - Thursday 31st July - HoS almost open!

2008-07-30T16:18:00.001+08:00

Welcome to my daily blog direct from Beijing: read it now and every day before its old news...

Picture above: The entrance to the House of Switzerland (HoS) in the 798 Art Zone of Beijing. Note the discreet advertising board!

Two days to go before the (HoS) finally opens and its all coming together nicely. The public and VIP restaurants together with the bar are now due to open to the general public (Beijingers) on Saturday and all the team here are ready and willing for action. Over the next three weeks there will also be many events most notably IMI's Open/Marketing day on 19th August. If you are reading this and just happen to be a friend, colleague, Alumni, future or prospective student of IMI in Beijing at that this time please let me know and come along for a 'taste of Switzerland' and true IMI hospitality.

Picture above: Ying Low serving tequila shooters flavoured with sheep's blood! Sorry, I meant small offerings of 'Gazpacho' (a Spanish favourite in Switzerland naturally!).

Today the House of Switzerland (HoS) served its first guests. However instead of 550 paying guests sipping champagne and delightful canapes courtesy of the kitchen from Gamma Catering, served professionally by our students and those from Cesar Ritz in true style, it was in fact for reporters, journalists, the press and media, so definitely not guests at all! The HoS was more like a bees nest (not birds nest!) of people clambering to take photos and interviews with models, celebrities and fashion designers for a carefully orchestrated fashion show hosted by 'Triumph'. That said, it broke the ice for those in F&B and sets the HoS up nicely for Swiss National day in the HoS tomorrow. One that will certainly be a more dignified affair! And now for some more photos of IMI students....

Picture above: Sumire Sakuma and Cindy Liu clearly enjoying every minute working 15 hrs a day!

Picture above: Pik Shin Wong and Andy Choy in the kitchen and always smiling despite the long hours! Please note Andy is wearing a delicate and hand embroidered chef's jacket supplied by 'Triumph' which is light, soft to touch yet revealing in a discreet kitchen kind of way!

Fascinating fact for today: Michael Hyvärinen did not meet any supermodels contrary to his imagination!

Weather in Beijing today: Not a good day to start smoking!

Until tomorrow! Keep posting your comments!

Day 3 - Wednesday 30th July - Yes Chef!

2008-07-29T21:38:00.000+08:00

Picture top: Sonja Duderstadt and Sabrina Erni happy in their work although at the moment they are only working 14hrs a day and the restaurants are yet to open!
Picture above right: Dawei Sun (IMI Chef) busy on the phone placing important orders...to his wife!

Picture above: The main kitchen at the HoS. How many chefs can you find?

As the smog in Beijing returns the activity in the kitchen at the House of Switzerland (HoS) is definitely on the up! The restaurants and bars are still to take shape but with all the staff and students pulling long shifts the HoS will be ready and to open to the public on 1st August. The kitchen however is constantly busy with menus being tasted and tested before Beijingers poor in to the restaurants looking for a 'taste of Switzerland', that's the culinary theme by the way.

All the IMI students are on top of their game and in the forthcoming days I will bring you all their stories and comments. Let me know if you have any questions for our students or just want to say hello.

Fascinating fact for today: Heidi Klum (Germany's top model) is in the HoS tomorrow and IMI's Service lecturer, Mr Michael Hyvärinen thinks his Mandarin will impress her...stick with the English Michael and watch out for aggressive seals!

Weather in Beijing today: If my arm is outstretched I can just see my hand!
Until tomorrow!

Day 2 - Tuesday 29th July - Chinese Cloud Busting!

2008-07-28T19:47:00.000+08:00

Picture above: The Olympic venues stand out but so does the skyline after many days of smog!
Picture above: Brian Li and Ivan Lin on wash up duty but without running water! Not a problem a challenge!

After a night of rain and continued reports of 'smog' in the sky I awoke this morning to see the city of Beijing! And what a city! Rumor has it officials from the Chinese Environmental dept were 'cloud busting' all night and it worked! The Chinese have thought of everything and the games are most definitely on! From a privileged view in the 7 star Pangu hotel (where we have 3 Alumni students working; Nancy, Joe and Joe) the 'Birds Nest' Stadium and Aquatics center clearly stand out.

The House of Switzerland (HoS) is still in full swing for the opening at the end of the week and over the next few days I'll be posting unflattering pictures of all IMI's hardworking students plus pictures of the HoS which is impressive and Switzerland at its best!

Thank you for posting your comments, I will try to respond to as many as I can. Please do not send me your shopping lists I'm already a prime target for customs! Before I sign off for tonight (we are 6 hours ahead by the way) I must ask our English students back at IMI to be gentle on my spelling, any yoou fund r on porpoise! Don't forget our TV poll just to the right of this post. Talk to you tomorrow, off for more bedtime noodles, its the Beijing thing to do!

Day 1 - Monday 28th July - It's almost time!

2008-07-28T19:21:00.000+08:00

Picture: Mr Caldwell greeting local Beijingers (volunteers) outside the Olympic Stadium.

12 days to go before the Olympic torch is lit but only 3 days to go until the House of Switzerland (HoS) hosts its first banquet for 700! Yes, its all go here in Beijing! As visible preparations are carried out across the city of Beijing the HoS is full of workmen bustling from one side of the building to the other industriously ensuring that all will be ready in a matter of days. Staff, exhibitors and of course IMI's lucky students are all busy assisting and eagerly awaiting the official opening on Switzerland's national day, 1st August. There's an excitement building not just in the HoS but throughout Beijing as the most important sports event is about to take place with the eyes of the world watching.

In the forthcoming weeks I will bring you all the news as it happens from the HoS with interesting stories, fascinating insights and a touch of British/Swiss humour! I would love to hear your comments and questions in return. More tomorrow so change your homepage now to this URL and view this blog over brekfast! Time for dinner in Bejing. Noodles anyone!

IMI's Information and Marketing day in the House of Switzerland

2008-06-10T14:09:00.000+08:00

IMI have a confirmed information and marketing day in the House of Switzerland. This will take place on 19th August. It will be hosted by the President of IMI, Mr Heinz Bürki and in due course invitations will be sent out to many people such as dignitaries, representatives, alumni's, press and friends of IMI. It is hoped that the Chinese Ambassador to Switzerland will be able attend.