This past Wednesday was another event sponsored by CRCC for all of us interns. It was a business seminar about starting and operating your own business in China, which as you can imagine, is very complex. The event was held at a local bar called Hidden Bar, named so because the bar literally is pretty much hidden. There is only one small sign for it outside and it’s underground. However, this bar instantly became my favorite venue I have been to while in China. The owner is a fellow American from New Orleans who came here 8 years ago and has built up a reputation around Beijing as a man to go to when you need a job, a place to stay, merchandise, just to name a few. I would compare him to Rick Blaine played by Humphrey Bogart from Casablanca. There are always drink specials and CRCC interns get 2 for 1 drinks every day, any time. The bar also had a huge selection of hookah (see previous blog post) and a section where you take your shoes off and sit around on cushions and pillows to enjoy.

Two local entrepreneurs came to speak to us about how they came to be in China and start their businesses, one called Gung Ho Pizza and the other is an internet discount store for foreigners in Beijing called IJustWannaBuy.com. They spoke for about an hour on the process and benefits, in their opinion, of a China operated business. Afterwards we all stayed and had drinks and hookah and enjoyed each others company. After work today my co-workers invited me out to play some American pool and have dinner afterwards. Although they call it American pool the rules were not exactly what I was used to. I blame that as the reason I lost so many times…

Pretty low key week for the most part; tonight were all going back to Hidden Bar for a special event. I cannot remember the name of the artist for the life of me but there is going to be live music performed by an American keyboardist who has played with bands like The Eagles, The Beatles, Eric Clapton, and that’s all I can remember - going to be a great night. I also purchased tickets today with 3 other interns for the China National Ballet on July 30th at the Beijing National Grand Theater (see picture below). A lot to look forward to!