Memoirs of Beijing

Beijing was painted in green as expats celebrated St. Patrick’s Day on 17 March 2010. Always finding an excuse to bond and drink, expats has been partying the whole week to celebrate this Irish tradition. Last Saturday, the St. Patrick’s Day celebration was started by the annual St. Patrick’s Day Ball organized by the Irish Network in China.

Tickets to this ball was RMB 998 per person but there’s no stopping the 720 Irish, Scottish, English and other expats who attended the event. I was lucky enough to be able to attend by winning tickets through one of their sponsors, thebeijinger. The venue was Kerry Center’s Grand Ballroom with drinks starting at 630pm and dinner at 730pm. A live band who came all the way from Europe played cover tunes from the 60s to the 90s. A world famous harpist serenaded the guests with Irish songs. Young ladies and gents tap danced their way using Irish tunes. Dinner was good though the steak was a bit bloody. Booze is overflowing with pint of Guinness, Irish whiskey, red and white wine. The goodie bag was a bit disappointing as there’s only a pack of gummy bears. A silent auction was also held with signed photos, Olympic torch, signed U2 guitar which were up for grabs and proceeds to be given to their favorite charity. It was all glitz and glamour with ladies all made up and men in kilts and black ties. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would go again next year if I win tickets (*wink-wink*).

On the day itself, it’s better to be with all the booze drinking expats at Paddy O’Shea to enjoy a pint of Guinness to celebrate the event. Online, facebook games are giving away gifts or changing their theme to match the occasion.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day y’all!