Contents04

08

14

20

24

34

40

46

48

52

04

143442

40 46

AN AMAZING ADVENTURELetter from our Readers

A RECIPE FOR SUCCESSMeet Vijay Poonoosamy

DALIAN IN A DAYA Quick City Tour

RENDEZVOUS OF FRIENDSA Wine Tasting with a Difference

A TO Z OF HOSTINGSummer Davos without a Hitch

FLOURISHING ARTFeaturing Four Dalian Artists

A MANY DIMENSION HOLIDAYMalaysia - Truly Asia!

BEST PAST EVENTA Perfect Evening in Dalian

WHAT & WHERE TO EAT?Eight Gourmet Dishes

WHATS ON WHENDalian Update

THE X FACTOR OF EXPAT LIFEExpat Confession

42

Dear Readers,Even though the beginning of summer in Dalian was a long, dismal, foggy affair, the end of summerturned out to be warm and wonderful. Long sunny days are turning into the golden days of autumn,before autumn itself will be rudely interrupted by the freezing Siberian winds that will turn Dalianinto a refrigerator for the next four months.

But why dwell on what is to come? Instead, let's enjoy every last ray of sunshine as it envelopesDalian in its sunny embrace, reminding us of why we love our adopted city. It is the city of sunshineand romance - remember? Anyway, back to Dalian Today and the contents of its September issue.Business as usual, as we continue our support for the community!

Actually, talking of which, we have firmly resisted the temptation to join the multitudes here inDalian who are viewing the approaching Annual Meeting of the New Champions, or Summer Davosas it is popularly known, as just an opportunity. We at Dalian Today are keeping our feet firmlyplanted on the ground, and refuse to be sidetracked into writing glowing reports of either undeservingbusinesses or WEF celebrities, thus using the event to rake in additional advertising revenue.

Instead, we brain-stormed on how we could help the delegates of Summer Davos and came upwith an idea of giving them some practical help for when they arrive in the city. Therefore, wehave compiled some valuable information on Dalian in a nutshell. Knowing that Summer Davosguests will be here for a very short period, we have highlighted what to see, where to go and whatto eat. We hope this will be of interest and help them explore Dalian and find its many treasures.

While on the subject of Davos, it was great to conduct an illuminating interview with Han Qiang,Deputy Director of the Dalian Summer Davos Coordination Office, who took the time and thetrouble to talk at length about the great pairing of Dalian and Summer Davos. Another interestinginterview was one with Vijay Poonoosamy. He is a pathbreaker with so many milestones to hiscredit. His achievements would find him an assured place any day in any publication that enjoysprofiling outstanding people.

Naturally, for all the obvious reasons it is a big moment for Dalian to host for the third time a majorWEF event. We know that Dalian is very capable of the seamless organization of such large forums.While WEF has solid experience in coordinating its events, it still has many critics. To quote a majorpublication, "WEF continues to be praised and derided in equal doses," and many still do questionwhat it has really achieved. Our take on this matter is that WEF has been around for 40 years andits very continuing existence proves that in spite of the annual civil demonstrations in Switzerland,dissenting voices and accusations of being talk-shops of the powerful and glamorous, at the veryleast it is fulfilling a very major and basic need in today's society and that is no less than the needto communicate.

So, good luck to Dalian, to the Summer Davos meetings, and to all us ordinary people going aboutour ordinary business and contributing daily to the community. It is our job and we shall do it,without praise, power, political or economic persuation. Until our next exciting issue,

Live life large and keep smiling...

to the City of Warm HospitalityWelcome

Zhiwei YangGeneral Manager

Sino - Ocean Technopole

Dalian Today Publications

Sumi SeissingerEditor-in-Chief

General ManagerSINO OCEAN WORLD VIEW

***Haijun Liu

***

Patrick WongGeneral Manager

ETON PROPERTIES

******Managing Director

LINK INTERNATIONAL

Sumi Seissinger

***

***

*****:

8************************8******************************************************************************

************************************************************************************************************************

***************************************************************************************

*********************************************************************

********************************************************

**************************************************************************************Vijay Poonasamy***Vijay********************************************

**********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************40*******************************************

****************************************************************************************************************************

***********

03Dalian Today City Gazette September 2011 DM

Publisher *** ***Masters Publishing & Media Co., Ltd.****************

General Manager ***Minghui Liu ***

Managing Director *****Sumi Seissinger ******

Feature Editors ****Sumi Seissinger ******Michael Paul Hogan **

Regular ContributorsPhilip SageMia SeissingerJing Hao LiongJess KummerlinBrandon BallaraWendy Zhao

Executive Copy Editor ****Michael Paul Hogan **

Typo Editing ****Mia SeissingerJing Hao Liong

Chinese Translation & Editing****&**Wendy Zhao ***Calie Sun ***Zhaohui Guo ***Liuxin **

Studio ****Concept & VisualizationSumi Seissinger ******

Production Manager ****Danny Jun ****

Designers **Mary Ma ***Lizzie Li ***

Photography **Maciej Wolaniecki ***Sumi Seissinger ******Studio Photography *******Do Do **Cover Photograph **

Public Relations **Calie Sun ***Susan Hogan ***

Executive Office ****Calie Sun ***Wendy Zhao ***Lily Zhang **

The Dalian Today City Gazetteis published monthly and copiesare distributed free of charge inFive-star & select Four-star Hotels,Expat Frequented Bars,Restaurants & Coffee Shops,Multi-national Companies& International Schools.

***********************************************************

Articles contained with the Dalian Today CityGazette are under copyright to the publisher andcannot be reproduced or transmitted in any form,without first obtaining written permission.

******************************************************************

Dalian Today Publications****************HQ: Beverly Garden, 45 Fushun Street,DDA, Dalian - 116600, Liaoning Pr., China***************45* *****Tel: +86-411-8753-3896Mobile: +86-138-4282-5571 +86-138-8961-9205E-mail: daliantoday@linkintchina.com.cnWebsite: www.daliantodaycitybooks.com

PS:***********************

THIS SPECIAL ISSUE, FOR THE BENEFITOF DAVOS DELEGATES WILL BE FOUNDIN THE HOTEL ROOMS OF MANY OF FIVESTAR HOTELS OF DALIAN

"China? Why Not?"One day in Dublin, my husband Stiofan(pronounced Stefan) Conneely, who wasworking on his computer, casually said, "Bythe way, I have been asked at work if I wouldlike to go on an assignment to China!" Ijumped up and cried, "What"? However, Ithink he was equally taken aback when I said,"Why not?"

Welcoming Stares in Beijing:What did I really expect? I haven't a clue, Iheard through the grapevine that babies heredo not wear nappies and then I found thephotographs of Chinese babies in split pantson the internet, so the first thing I did wasrun around like a mad woman buying pampers.

We were not given any shipping, so when welanded in Beijing we had ten suitcases, fivecarry-ons and a car seat. Ailbhe, our seconddaughter (pronounced Alva and means radiantand beautiful), was wheeling the buggy withTadhg, our youngest (pronounced Tadhg,which is Irish for Timothy), and Cloda, oureldest (named after a river in Ireland), Stiofanand myself were all lugging our baggage.

It was 4:00 AM Irish time, and we were alltired and totally unprepared for the stares; itwas as if the Martians had landed. We hadto change terminals and nobody helped.Anyway, we managed to get on the bus, anda Chinese guy came up to Stiofan and asked,"Are you from Dublin?" It was our turn tostare when he said, "I am also from Dublin."In fact, he was an Irish Police Officer. It is

only recently that GARDA - the Irish PoliceForce - started recruiting non-nationals. Itwas a nice surprise; he was very kind andhelped us with the luggage.

Arriving in Dalian:Waiting for our luggage at Dalian Airport wewere stared at even more than in Beijing. Thiswas our first experience of people taking ourphotographs and touching the hair of thechildren (two redheads and one blond) withoutpermission. When we came out into the arrivalhall, Stefan's friend, Colm, and four driversgreeted us. Thankfully, they took charge ofthe bags. Due to the national holiday, we couldnot immediately move into our future home,so we stayed at the Dynasty Hotel for a coupleof days and enjoyed the experience.

Colm took us around, and during the firstcouple of days we saw quite a lot of Dalian.

I was amused to spot the babies with slit pantsalmost immediately. I could not believe thatthere were no buggies and that they carriedthe children around in their arms.

Moving into our New Home:We came to Beverly Garden, and felt safeimmediately. We have fantastic neighbors.Mena Edgar, who has now moved back toIreland, was so helpful, and so was Elodie.Our children made instant friends with theother kids in the compound and enjoy livingat the Beverly Garden. It is great for thechildren to have so much freedom and yet forus parents to know that they are watchedquietly in the background by the efficient andfriendly staff.

New School:The week we arrived, the girls did an entranceexamination at the Dalian AmericanInternational School and we were very gladto hear that that they had been accepted. Wecame to Dalian during the summer holidaysso we had two full months without school. Iadmit I was a bit worried about the schooling,since our kids in Ireland attended an Irishlanguage medium school. This would be a bigchange, but I am happy to report that the girlsare taking it in their stride.

They really enjoy going to school, and join inall the extra-curricular activities. I have alsofound a good piano and violin teacher for thegirls, and Tadhg attends a pre-instrumentalclass at the Tongligung.

Another worry was that the school was halfan hour away from Beverly Garden. However,I am so pleased that the children get this extratime in the car to do their daily assigned halfhour of reading.

We get that part of the homework done andit is a big advantage. Doing the summer theyhave had Chinese lessons, from a Chinese ladycalled Ruth who came to the house, and thisgave them a wonderful head-start.

Letter from our Readers

04 DM Dalian Today City Gazette September 2011

Ireland to Dalian

Newbies in Town

An Adventure Like No OtherBy Cliona (pronounced Clena)

The children really love every minute of life inDalian. Of course, they still miss Ireland andtheir friends back home, but it is so wonderfulto see how positively they are taking ouradventure here.

Chinese cuisine:We found out that it is better not to ask whatit is before one tastes it. Naturally, the first twoweeks were difficult, because we did not knowwhat to expect. Not knowing the language andordering from photographs can be tricky. Ourfantastic driver, who is now my right hand,made the difference.

He translates at restaurants and we are enjoyingthe food. Stiofan is not mad about dumplingsbut I will eat everything. The food overall isgood. I also have an Ayi, and I am learning tocook Chinese from her.

Shopping:Grocery shopping was very difficult in thebeginning, not knowing where to find importedfresh milk, etc, but Susanne Maher, who hassince returned home, was extremely helpful.What is really wonderful here are the helpfulexpats.

Medical help:SOS is fantastic, Tadhg has been sick a coupleof times and the care and the attention isoutstanding.

What do we do here that we wouldn't do athome?Acupuncture at Dr. Chens, Nails at Jessica, andDowntown Massage where both Stiofan and Ican go together.

Sport:Stiofan was very active at home with the GAAGaellic Athletic Association, and here he has

become involved with the Dalian Wolfhounds.They train twice a week and now Stiofan willbe joining the group for the Asian Games atSeoul.

Entertainment:Wednesday night is Ladies Night Out andStiofan loves the quiz nights held by the DalianWolfhounds. We are able to go out togethersome evenings, since we have a very good babysitter who is our neighbor and a high schoolkid at DAIS.

Work:Stiofan is happy at work. I think he is quitesuited to working here, since he is very patientand good at dealing with people. He can alsomotivate people in a quiet manner, and doesnot get easily stressed. Stiofan and China area good fit.

Trips:In Dalian, we have visited Ocean World,Discovery Land, Labor Park, Xinghai Square,and the famous Beer Festival. We hope to alsoget out of Dalian and see a lot of China. Wehave already visited Dandong and Beijing, andwill be flying to Shanghai soon.

Stiofan comes from Inishere, which is a smallisland in western Ireland that has a populationof only three hundred people. Life there isbeautiful but slow.

Inishere to Dalian are oceans apart. However,we are having the adventure of a lifetime inDalian, and as long as the kids are happy andthere is modern technology that helps us keepin touch with our families back home, we arenot complaining.

The Million-Dollar Question:If we were given an extension, would we stay?Yes! We would definitely consider it...

05Dalian Today City Gazette September 2011 DM

*****

*********Stiofan*******************Stiofan***************************Why not?******************

****Cliona*****************************************************************************************************************

************************************************************************Colm******************************************************************************************************************************************************************

************************************************************************************Cliona Stiofan*****

********************************************************************************************************************************Wolfhounds****************************************************************Stiofan****************************

******************************************

***************100******* *************************** **********

FYI:******* 87533896

This elite group was created in 1994, and is probablythe only one of its kind in the world. The team trainsregularly on Zhongshan Road and can be viewedby the public between 9:00 and 10:30 AM. Experiencethe equestrian talents of Dalian's graceful and skilledteam at work.

01 Mounted Policewomen

***1994*******************************9:00* 10:30********************

06 Xinghai Square

Xinghai Square (****x*ngh*i gu*ngch*ng)is, at 45,000 sq m, the largest square in Asia. Thereare a number of attractions, including museums, abathing beach, a large aquarium, Xinghai Conventionand Exhibition Center, an indoor tennis court andswimming pool, a number of seafood restaurants,and many beer gardens. It also has a bungee towerand a small amusement park. It is a fun place towander around, ride a bike or trike, or simply justpeople-watch.

***********4.5*****************************************************************************************************************

MUST SEE !

03 Dalian Peking OperaWith its fascinating music, singing and costumes,the Peking Opera is China's national art form. Hereis presented an encyclopedia of Chinese culture, aswell as unfolding stories, beautiful paintings, exquisitecostumes, graceful gestures and martial arts. TheDalian Peking Opera Theatre (Dalian Jingju Yuan),located in Zhongshan District in downtown Dalian,was established in 1949. The company has touredthe world and a list of the famous cities in which theyhave performed would read like an atlas: London,Paris, Lisbon, Amsterdam and New York are merelyfive of the famous cities in which they have appeared.For a visit or related info please call 0411-82304155.

**************************1949*4*********************************************************************

07 Main Street

Renmin Road has all the elegance and prosperityof a Manhattan avenue, with its financial power andpersuasion. It is located just one km. away from theHarbor, and caters to the discerning residents ofDalian. It offers a wide range of luxurious servicesthat give it the hallmark of being the best addressin town. The Shangri-La Hotel is located here, andis an elegant and popular five star hotel which offerscomfort, class and convenience to both businessand leisure visitors, as well as the residents of itsluxurious serviced apartments

******************************************************************************

************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

To quote Samuel Johnson, "The use of traveling isto regulate imagination by reality, and instead ofthinking how things may be, to see them as theyare." The moment you land in Dalian, a city youmight have tried to imagine, is the moment you canstart getting ready for surprises. There is so muchto see and so many places to visit, but since yourtime may be limited, we recommend the following.

04 Golden Stone Park

The Golden Stone Park, with its unbelievable Karstlandscape, is a very rare sight in China and hastaken 600 million years to form. It was discoveredin 1996 when local construction workers were diggingthe foundations of a hotel. After five years ofmeticulous excavation, the breathless beauty of thisamazing rock garden was finally revealed to visitorsin 2001. These ragged, rugged and craggy rocks,resembling turtles, dinosaurs, eagles and dogs, werecreated by the ebb and flow of the ocean by waveerosion. Definitely one of the wonders of Jinshitanand Dalian.

****6******6******6**********************************1996************************************

08 Olympic Square

Olympic Square, which was built in 1999, was a giftto the people of Dalian to commemorate the city's100th anniversary. The huge square has been dividedinto north and south sections. There is a footballcourt and 12 tennis courts at the southern square.On the other side, the northern section is decoratedwith the significant five rings of the Olympic Gamesand also boasts a huge musical fountain.

******1999*****100*********************

02 Natural History Museum

Dalian Natural History Museum, located at 40 XicunJie, near Xinghai Square, is the leading museum ofits kind in China. The collection of 50,000 items isinterestingly displayed over 15,000 sq m. It mainlyfocuses on marine life, and features fossils of 20different kinds of sea animals, including a blackbarebacked whale, the biggest existing fossil in Asia.It also includes a spectacular dinosaur fossil exhibit.

************40*****************************5********************************20********************************************

05 Roadside Attractions of Binhai Road

Binhai (coastal) Road, also named "Lover's Road",is 32 kilometers long, with 12 main scenic viewingplaces along the coastline. A few of the manyattractions include Tiger Beach Ocean Park, XinghaiSquare, Great North Bridge, Swallow Nest Mountain,Silver Beach, and Bangchui Island.

**********************************32*********************************************************

What's On When?What's On When?September 2011

M T W T F S S M T W T F S S1327

1226

1428

11529

21630

317

418

519

620

721

822

923

1024

1125

16BY INVITATION ONLYDALIAN TODAY SUMMER DAVOSPARTY 2011

What: Dalian Today along with EtonProperties will host a mega cultural event ofthe year. Invited guests include local VIPexpats and VIP delegates from abroad. Therewill be great entertainment, gourmet food,fine beverage, and sparkling company. TheDalian Today Phoenix Supertall Award forAchievement will be awarded to many of thedignitaries who are working hard to preserveour world, as well as local VIPs who aregreatly contributing to the community.Guaranteed to be the event of the year!When: 19:00-10:30 on 16, September 2011Where: At Eton PlaceStrictly by Invitation! Check for invitationsin you in-box.!

What: The 2011 SummerDavos Forum will be held fromSeptember 14 to 16 in Dalian.The theme of this year'smeeting is Mastering QualityGrowth. About 1500participants from 90 countriesand regions are expected toparticipate in the forum.When: on 14 -16, September 2011Where: Dalian Expo & Conference Center, Xinghai Square.

14/162011 SUMMER DAVOSANNUAL MEETING OFTHE NEW CHAMPIONSORGANIZED BY WORLDECONOMIC FORUM

30 KEVIN BRADY TRIOWhat: After many critically acclaimedtours & festival performancesthroughout Ireland, Germany & theU.K., Drummer/Composer KevinBrady continues his collaboration withthe innovative U.S. pianist BillCarrothers. Brady has many years ofexperience playing with some oflreland's most successful jazz triosincluding Organics and The Phil WareTrio. With Kevin Brady - Drums, BillCarrothers - Piano & David Redmond- Double - BassWhen: 19:00 on 30, September 2011Where: DDA ThreatreTicket: 100,80, 50*****************************************************?******************?************************Organics***?*************

What: Praised by Strad Magazine fortheir "high-octane" performance, theAeolus Quartet is among the finestyoung string quartets performingtoday. The Quartet is named for theGreek god Aeolus, the keeper of thefour winds. He is known forwelcoming Odysseus and his crewwith music during their journey backto Ithaca in Homer's Odyssey.When: 19:00 on 16 September 2011Where: DDA TheaterTicket: RMB 100, 80 & 50Tel: 8793 5611/ 8793 5711*****************Strad*******************Reading Eagle***********************

16 AEOLUS QUARTET

Important

Reminde

r!

DON'T MIS

S

THE EVENT

OF THE

YEAR!

Check in-

box for

invitation

and RSVP

immediate

ly!

Dalian Update

"Dalian News Frontline" featured author SumiSeissinger and her newly published bookDazzling Dalian- Expat Haven

The popular daily In-depth News Program on DalianTV Channel 1 recently filmed an excitingDocumentary on Dalian. It was divided into fourparts aiming to publicize the city, and was broadcaston Prime Time from September 2 to 5.

The second part of the series, called "BeautifulDalian in Sumi's Book" was a detailed look at thebeauty of our city, as featured in Dazzling DalianExpat Haven and seen through Sumi's own eyes.

In it, Sumi welcomed expat and local audiences ona tour of Dalian, to the beautiful places that sheselected as the most outstanding to visit. Naturally,Bin Hai Lu with its pristine beaches hemmed in byemerald green mountains and man-made wonderslike the Tiger statues were her first pick. The camerafollowed her on her journey through Dalian as itunfolded, one beautiful place after another.

Dazzling Dalian - Expat Haven will be released atDalian Today's special "Supertall" party, on the 16thof September, where invited guests will include VIPdelegates to the Summer Davos Meetings. Copieswill be on sale from the 16th of September 2011in all major book stores in Dalian, China and abroad.

*********

*******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

************************9*16********************************************************9*16*********

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ON DALIANPRIME TIME TV NEWS PROGRAM

25 CONJURO TANGOWhat: Conjuro Tango is a brandnew avant-garde Tango show fromArgentina, which is the birth placeof Tango. Astounding andcaptivating, its dancers and singerstake the audience's breath away withtheir amazing virtuosity and passion.Conjuro Tango is a new generationof Tango, breaking the rules, whilepreserving its roots. It proposes anew look at the world of Tango.With its world renowned youngorchestra, Conjuro Tango's musicbreaks through barriers withenchanting melodies, crossing severalstyles of music that blends Flamencowith Tango. Let yourself surrenderto the sensualility and passion ofTango.When: 25, September 2011 19:15 PMWhere: People's Cultural Hall, Dalian

****************************************************************

What: Just like ChristosSfikouris himself said, "My Goalis to spread around happinessand entertainment, by erasingthe illusion of time and livingin eternity!"Join him in theReality of Illusion!! Magicaltricks and illusions by, "TheGodfather" at People's CulturalHall.When: 28, September 2011 19:15 PMWhere: People's Cultural Hall, Dalian

****.*************

****-****2011********************************************************************************************************************

THE GOD FATHERMASTER MAGICIAN,CHINA TOUR,DALIAN STOP

28

What: The trio, composed of Ulrich Beetz (violin), Birgit Erichson (violoncello)and Gerrit Zitterbart (piano), have been playing in concerts together since1976. Critics have acclaimed their performances as "extraordinary" in manydifferent ways. Intuitive understanding shapes the harmony of their playing" a sense of harmony which can only inspire an ensemble which for threedecades has devoted, with undiminished joy, its energy and passion tointerpretations that remain faithful to the original.When: September 22, 2011 (Check starting time.)Where: People's Cultural Hall, Dalian

2006***********30****Ulrich Beetz***** Birgit Erichson****** GerritZitterbart***********************1976**

22 CONCERT BY ABEGG PIANO TRIO, GERMANY

FYI:******

Ying

ke R

oad

***

Lush

un N

orth

ern

Roa

d****

Hon

gqi E

aste

rn R

oad

****

Hua

nghe

Roa

d

***

Wuy

i Roa

d

***

Zhon

gsha

n R

oad

***

Song

jiang

Roa

d***

Song

jiang

Roa

d***

Don

gfan

g R

oad

***

***

Hua

bei R

oad

Xibei Road

* **

* * *

XiNan Road

***

XiNan Road

Xinan Road

* * *

Bin

hai N

orth

ern

Roa

d

* * * *

* * * *

* **

Zhon

gnan

Roa

d

Bin

hai E

aste

rn R

oad

Jiefan

g Roa

d

***

***

Chan

gchu

n Roa

d

Dongbei Road

***

***

Bayi R

oad

Bin

hai M

iddl

e R

oad

****

Binh

ai w

este

rn R

oad

****

Taiyu

an S

treet

* * *

Xian Road * * *

Shen

gli R

oad

***

****

Gor

ky R

oad***

Zhon

gsha

n R

oad

***

Hua

nghe

Roa

d

Wuy

i Roa

d***

***

Cha

ngjia

ng R

oad

***

Ans

han

Roa

d

Shu

gang

Roa

d***

Xian

gzho

u R

oad

***

Hua

le S

treet

***

Luxu

n R

oad

***

1

12

9

4

79

1012

8

TOUR

IST M

AP O

FDO

WNT

OWN

DALIA

N***

****

1

2

34

5Wom

en M

ount

ed P

olice

***

Wha

t to

see

in Da

lian?

Erqi

Squa

re****

Hepin

g Sq

uare

****

Jiefa

ng S

quar

e****

Olym

pic S

quar

e******

Renm

in Sq

uare

****

Sa

nba

Squa

re****

Victo

ry P

laza

****

Xing

hai S

quar

e****

Youh

ao S

quar

e****

Zhon

gsha

n Sq

uare

****

1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

67

8

910

1

3

2

1

1

2

1

2

Whe

re to

go

in Da

lian?

Mod

ern

Mus

eum

*******

Mus

eum

of N

atur

al Hi

story

*******

Xing

hai N

ew S

hell M

useu

m*****

Dalia

n Pe

king

Oper

a Th

eatre

*****

Tige

r Bea

ch***

Fujia

zhua

ng B

each

*******

Bota

nical

Gard

en***

Fore

st Zo

o*****

Polar

Aqu

arium

******

Sun

Asia

Ocea

n W

orld

******

Tige

r Bea

ch O

cean

Par

k*******

12 3 1 2 1 21 1 2 3

12

3

1

2

34

567

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

1718

1920

21

22

23

24

26

27

Whe

re to

eat

in D

alian

?

Fura

ma

Hote

l Dali

an******

Fura

ma

Nans

han

Gard

en H

otel

*********

Gran

d M

ercu

re Te

da D

alian

********

Hote

l Nikk

o Da

lian

******

Howa

rd Jo

hnso

n Pa

rklan

d Ho

tel

*********

Inte

rCon

tinen

tal D

alian

********

Kem

pinsk

i Hot

el******

New

Wor

ld Ho

tel

*****

Ram

ada

Plaz

a Da

lian

********

Shan

gri-L

a Ho

tel

******

Swish

-Hot

el Da

lian

******

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

1

2

3

4

5

67

89

10

11

Carre

four

***

Dalia

n Do

wnto

wn F

ree

Trad

e Sh

op*******

Dash

ang

Depa

rtmen

t Sto

re****

Dash

ang

Man

's Sh

op****

ErqiT

rade

Wor

ld*******

Erqi

Wen

zhou

Town

***

Frien

dship

Sho

pping

Cen

tre****

Fujia

Xint

iandi

Plaz

a*****

Hepin

g Sq

uare

Sho

pping

Mall

********

Ikea

** Kore

an M

arke

t **********

Met

ro***

Myk

al De

partm

ent S

tore

*******

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

New-

Mar

t Sho

pping

Mall

***********

New

Wor

ld De

partm

ent S

tore

*******

Pacif

ic De

partm

ent S

tore

*****

Park

land

Shop

ping

Mall

***

Park

son's

********

Russ

ian S

treet

******

Shen

gban

g Fu

r****

Tian

bai M

all****

Tian

xing

Roos

evelt

Inte

rnat

ional

Cent

re*********

Victo

ry (S

heng

li) Pl

aza

****

Dalia

n An

tique

Sto

re*****

Dalia

n An

tique

Town

*****

Dalia

n Cr

aftw

orks

Mar

ket

*******

Julia

's Ch

inese

Tre

asur

e Ch

est

********

Whe

re to

buy

in D

alian

?

25

See,

Eat,

Buy i

n D

azzli

ng D

alian

WHAT TO SEE IN DALIAN?Women Mounted Police ***Zhongnan Road,Zhongshan Dist.******8288 3866Erqi Square ****Erqi Square,Zhongshan District*******Heping Square ****673 Gao Er Ji Road, Heping Square********673*Jiefang Square ****Jiefang Square,Shahekou District(Junction of Wuyi Roadand Xi'an Road)**********************Olympic Square ******Olympic Square, Wusi Road************Renmin Square **** Renmin Square, Xigang District*******Sanba Square ****Sanba Square, Zhongshan District*******Victory Plaza ****Victory Plaza,Zhongshan District*******Xinghai Square ****Xinghai Square, Zhongshan Road,Shahekou District***********Youhao Square ****Youhao Square,Zhongshan District*******Zhongshan Square ****Zhongshan Square, Zhongshan District*******

WHERE TO GO IN DALIAN?Modern Museum ******* 8480 018810 Huizhan Road, Shahekou District*******10*www.modernmuseum.dl.gov.cnMuseum of Natural History 8466 1108*******40 Xicun Street, Heishijiao,Shahekou District **********40*www.dlnm.orgXinghai New Shell Museum ***** 8480 1470Xinghai Square, Shahekou District********Dalian Peking Opera Theatre 8230 5411*****1 Qilin Xi Lane, Kunming Street, Zhongshan District**********1*Tiger Beach ***excellent natural views of the ragged cliffs and crashingwaves**********99 Haibin Zhonglu, Zhongshan District, Dalian8268 4335/8268 6295Jinshitan (Golden Pepple Beach) *****Jinshitan is an beach area with splendid coves and rockformations. There's also a golf course, cross countrymotorcycling, an amusement park and hunting groundswithin a forest.Fujiazhuang Beach *******Fujiazhuang Beach having sandy beach bordering two scenicparks, Baiyunshan and Xiuyuefeng. Excellent for swimming,but has few facilities. You can enjoy the pleasant scenes ofDalian peninsula on the way.3963 9670/3963 9672Botanical Garden *** 8273 513639 Wanghai Street, Zhongshan District******39*Discoveryand (GPB) **** 8790 00036 Jinshi Road, Dalian Golden Pebble Beach NationalTourist Resort*************36*www.discoveryland.cnDalian Coastal National GeoPark 8790 0497**********East Part of the Golden Pebble Beach National TouristResort

**************www.bh.jinshitan.comForest Zoo ***** 8249 507260 Yingchun Road, Nanshidao Street, Xigang District**********60*www.dlzoo.comGolden Pebble Harbour **** 8791 2303Golden Stone Park *** 8790 3563International Country Club 8791 5666*******Golden Pebble Beach National Tourist Resort, nearby theGolden Coast**4A***************International Hunting Club 8791 5848 / 8791 5588*******Western Part of the Golden Pebble Beach National TouristResort**************www.shouliejulebu.comPolar Aquarium ****** 8289 3000Polar Museum, 3 Lao Hutan Street, Zhongshan District*******3****www.jdg.com.cnSun Asia Ocean World ****** 8458 1113Xingai Square 500 mt.*****500*www.sunasia.comTiger Beach Ocean Park ******* 8267 86163 Lao Hutan Street, Zhongshan District*******3*www.laohutan.com.cn

WHERE TO BUY IN DALIAN?Carrefour *** 8274 000929-5, Luxun Lu, Zhongshan District******29-5*Dalian Downtown Free Trade Shop 8437 1555*******A Wing, Yida Xin Shijie, 115 Dongbei Street, Xigang District******115 ****** A *Dashang Department Store **** 8388 08881 Qingsan Jie, Zhongshan District******1*Dashang Man's Shop **** 8250 858818 Jiefang Road, Zhongshan District******18 *ErqiTrade World 8271 5250 / 8597 7201*******Erqi Square, Zhongshan District*******Erqi Wenzhou Town *** 8597 72015 Erqi Square, Zhongshan District*******5*Friendship Shopping Centre **** 8265 98988 Renmin Road, Zhongshan District******8*Fujia Xintiandi Plaza ***** 8461 6661 582 Huanghe Road, Shahekou District*******582*Heping Square Shopping Mall 8431 8260********695 Gaoerji Street, Shahekou District********695*Ikea ** 8444 234551 Haifang Jie, Xigang District*******51*Korean Market 8409 2572**********near Victory Square and behind from the main train station***/******Metro *** 8432 888859 Haifang Jie, Xigang District******59*Mykal Department Store ******* 8230 0666 57 Qingni Street, Zhongshan Dstrict*******57*New-Mart Shopping Mall 8388 0893***********30 Youhao Street, Zhongshan District******30*New World Department Store 3980 8888*******200 Tianjin Street, Zhongshan District

******200*Pacific Department Store ***** 8230 699919 Jiefang Road, Zhongshan District******19*Parkland Shopping Mall *** 8210 188819 Jiefang Road, Zhongshan District******19*Parkson's ******** 8463 889922-38 Xi'An Road, Shahekou District*******22-38Russian Street ******1000m north of Zhongshan Square,Zhongshan District*****1000*Shengbang Fur **** 8265 5088154 Tianjin Street, Zhongshan District******154*Tianbai Mall **** 8263 6259160 Tianjin Street, Zhongshan District******160*Tianxing Roosevelt International Centre 8389 6666*********139 Xi'An Road, Shahekou District*******139*Victory (Shengli) Plaza ****Victory Plaza, Zhongshan District*******Dalian Antique Store ***** 8362 5414229 Tianjin Street, Zhongshan District******229*Dalian Antique Town ***** 8262 21901 Gangwan Street, Zhongshan District*****Dalian Craftworks Market 8281 1580*******9 Zhifu Street, Renmin Road, Zhongshan District(behind Furama Hotel)*********9*www.crafts-market.comJulia's Chinese Treasure Chest 3984 5185********55 Renmin Road, Zhongshan District******55*

WHERE TO EAT IN DALIAN?Furama Hotel Dalian ****** 8263 088860 Renmin Road, Zhongshan District******60 *Furama Nanshan Garden Hotel 8271 5555*********56 Fenglin Street, Zhongshan District******56 *Grand Mercure Teda Dalian 8288 1999********205 Zhongnan Road, Zhongshan District******205*Hotel Nikko Dalian ****** 8252 9999123 Chang Jiang Road, Zhongshan District******123*Howard Johnson Parkland Hotel 8499 0000*********95 Huizhan Road, Shahekou District*******95*InterContinental Dalian 8236 6858********6 Youhao Square, Zhongshan District*******6*Kempinski Hotel ****** 8259 888892 Jiefang Road, Zhongshan District******92 *New World Hotel ***** 8807 888841 Renmin Road, Zhongshan District******41*Ramada Plaza Dalian 8280 8888********18 Shengli Square, Zhongshan District*******18*Shangri-La Hotel ****** 8252 500066 Renmin Road, Zhongshan District******66Swish-Hotel Dalian ****** 8230 338821 Wuhui Road, Zhongshan District******21 *

See, Eat, Buy in Dazzling Dalian

I confess that all the farewell parties these past fewmonths have been pretty depressing. It used to bethat saying goodbye was an expected part of anexpat experience. As a professional expat, and havinglived in over five countries and moved over twelvetimes, saying goodbye was a mixed sentiment, butone that I was always prepared for! One dealt withit practically and without too much of negativeemotions, choosing to concentrate on the positiveaspects, such as the new adventure ahead and thegaining of life long friends. Usually, even after oneleft, friends stayed friends, and distance was neveran issue.

However, as I get older, the fact is that it is becomingvery difficult to say goodbye to friends. In the pastI always prided myself on never having regrets -always looking forward, to new adventures, newfriends, and new excitement. Nowadays even thoughI steel myself to being positive and looking at thebrighter side of things it is terribly hard when goodfriends leave. Last week was no different - we wereat the farewell dinner hosted by Verena and BerndtBarthel from Germany. When I saw the numberof Chinese friends and colleagues, who attendedthe party, and saw that there was so much affectionand deep camaraderie between the Barthels andtheir local friends, I realized that I was not the onlyone feeling bad. Both Verena and Berndt wereimmensely sad, and there was genuine sadness onthe faces of all the people who came to the airportto wave them off goodbye. After the tearful hugsand the umpteen promises to keep in touch, Ireturned home down in the dumps.

How can one overcome what is the negative sideof expat life? It is the X factor of expat life,something we all have to face. Verena and Berndtunexpectedly had to cut short their China experiencedue to a new job offer in the US. This was somethingthat they did not expect, and this made it doublyhard to endure. During our talks, I always pointedout that they were going on a new American

adventure, and taking with them all the best wishesfrom their friends in China. It was a consolationbut still not enough to stop the tears.

Berndt and Verena are exceptional expats. Berndtas a connoisseur of food would try anything once,and more often than not, he loved it all. Verena wasjust as obliging when it came to close encounterswith the new culture. Nothing really fazed her. Theywere poster-expats. They did not acquire instantblue blood and sniff at things Chinese, or anythingunfamiliar. Oh no, au contraire, they loved everythingChinese and embraced the difference between lifeat home and life in Dalian. This made them perfectexpats as opposed to so many who either get asuperiority complex, looking down on the locals,as they try to improve their lot - you know the usualcondescending charity deeds or a fear factorcomplex, where everything different becomesthreatening.

Saying goodbye to friends and making new onesare part of the emotional highs and lows that oneexperiences while adjusting to expat life. It is hardto find the silver lining for every cloud, especiallywhen one is so far away from home and in an alienculture. However, what has always helped mepersonally has been never to see alien as bad. It isjust different, and eventually one will discover, thatit also has so much to offer. It could offer you anadventure of a lifetime, if one learns to accept thegood with the bad, and realize that there are thatadjustments that you must make that are predictableand normal in an expat lifestyle. The diversity, theenormous knowledge that one will acquire, and thelasting friendship one makes is a small price to payfor the negatives of expat life. Make goodbyes partof the realistic expectations of expat life and it canovercome the pain if not today, but maybe in aweek or two.

Goodbye Verena and Berndt, Dalian and I willreally miss you both!

52 DM Dalian Today City Gazette September 2011

LAST WORDAn Expat Confession

************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************Verena * Berndt ***********************************************************************************************

*************************************** Verena * Berndt ***************************************************************************************************Berndt * Verena ******************Berndt********************************Verena************************************************************************************************************************************

*************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************Verena Berndt *******************

******

***************************

Through the Eyes of a Foreigner

"PARTING IS SUCH SWEET SORROW"The X Factor of EXpat Life

**************************************************************************************************************************

Sumi Seissinger is a well-known businessexecutive in Dalian, heading a wholly foreignowned enterprise, Link International. As ajournalist, and a successful published writer,she edits Dalian Today as a part time hobby.You can follow her adventures and the lighterside of life in Dalian in her regular column,"Through the Eyes of a Foreigner."

FYI:************** 87533896

12345