Well – one thing is clear – the Chinese certainly finish out the year (the lunar calendar year) with an endless series of parties. Here are a few pictures from our Nianhui (annual party) Marathon!
Xi'an BMW Showroom Grand Opening. FASHION: Ivory Silk Dolce and Gabanna Jacket with a Black Wool Pencil Skirt
We kicked off the celebrations with the Grand Opening of a new BMW Showroom on Xi’an’s newest and most prominent International Shopping Street.
- With Chris – The Most Darling Girl from Xi’an!
Chris is the assistant to Harris, the General Manager of the Xi’an stores. She is such a doll. Not only does she help us plan our trips and arrange our entertainment during our stays – she also talks Gossip Girl with me! (And let’s be honest – with Brett too. He is a shameless fan!)
Brett, Morgan, Oscar, Brandi, Fancy Nancy, and Terry. FASHION: Taupe and Black Lace Dress from Forever XXI with Leopard Print Stockings
Dinner with some of Brett’s Team – from accounting to IT. Lucky for me – we didn’t have to discuss numbers or motherboards! And, I was able to speak Mandarin almost the entire meal. Ok -it might have been 2nd grade Mandarin…but you have to start somewhere!
- Nancy, Morgan, Brett
Fancy Nancy (as I call her – due to her love of bedazzling every office accessory on her desk with pink crystals) is Brett’s amazing assistant. Her english is outstanding (after studying in New Zealand) and she is just a ball of fun!
Me and My Xi'an Boyfriend Edward. FASHION: Black and Royal Blue Polkadot Strapless Dress from Tootsies circa 1986
At the Xi’an Nianhui with Edward (Marketing Director of Xi’an stores and MC of the annual party) who introduced me as a Hollywood Movie Star to the crowd of 500 guests. Who knew all I had to do was move to a country of brunettes to be considered a star? Hair dye…worth it’s weight in gold!
Morgan and Brett Xi'an Nianhui
Seating assignments are taken very seriously in China. In fact – there is a well known science to it. Most (if not all) of the tables are round and seat up to 12 guests. The guest of honor is seated in the center seat facing the stage – to the right and left are the next round of important guests (or me if I am with Brett!) and so on and so on. The special seat is marked with a napkin folded to look like a dragon. In a private room or residence, this seat would be placed furthest from the door, and it would be assumed that the person sitting in the special seat would pick up the check!
Urumqi Nianhui. FASHION: Lavender Silk BCBG Runway Cocktail Dress with Traditional Urumqi Headgear
Urumqi – a city in the most western province of China that borders Kazakhstan and has a population of over 2.5 million – was absolutely freezing! I wore open toed shoes of course and lost feeling in my toes after hoofing through the snow. But I mean – boots just don’t work with a cocktail dress.
Urumqi Nianhui Mask Game
In all fairness, Brett was blind folded when he drew this. But should I be concerned if this is how he pictures me when his eyes are closed? I sort of look like Sloth from The Goonies.
Filling the Ice Sculpture with Champagne at the Beijing Nianhui
This was actually pretty cool. It originally looked like a big plain block of ice – but as it filled with the Champagne – all of the NCGA brand logos (BMW, Porsche, Jaguar, Volvo, and Mini) magically appeared!
Beijing Nianhui
This picture was taken seconds before Brett climbed into a black magic box to “appear” out of nowhere in front of the 1000+ guests. After mysteriously emerging from the box – I was asked to verify his identity – which I did entirely in Chinese! Maybe even 3rd grade Chinese!
- Group Pic at Beijing Nianhui
- Beijing Jaguar Showroom Grand Opening
This showroom (the largest in all of China) is absolutely stunning. Hats off to the designer! Also – a live band performed and at one point, Brett and I thought they were actually playing an Alicia Keys CD. The singer was phenomenal!
Jaguar Showroom Opening
Brett and I with Fiona (left) one of the in-house attorneys and Sherry (right) the VP of HR.
Driver Dinner
Brett and I with our dear driver Allen whom we also consider to be our 21 year old son! We (along with others and their drivers) treated him to Peking Duck and presented him with his Hong Bao (a red envelope filled with his year-end bonus). It was his first time to try Maltai (a Chinese Wine that literally burns your throat and makes your face turn bright red!) Needless to say – we provided him with a driver to get him home. No drunk driving aloud!
Solena, Morgan, Allen, and Brett at Driver Dinner
Solena (our Chinese teacher AND friend) joined us for the dinner.
Allen and Brett
This season of company parties, while a bit exhausting, was also so much fun. I love to experience new ways of celebrating!
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Tags: Beijing, BMW, Brett Hutchinson, Celebrations, china, China Car Industry, Chinese New Year, Chinese Wine, Company Party, culture, Food, Gossip Girl, Jaguar, Maltai, Morgan Blankeship Harbin, Peking Duck, people, Porsche, The Goonies, Travel, Urumqi, Volvo, Xi'an
A Blonde in Beijing 