EAS Sojourner 2016 - April - Expatriate Association of Suzhou

EXPAT MEET AND GREET
SAVE THE DATE
You are cordially invited to attend the EAS
Meet and Greet on
Tuesday, April 12 from
10:00am to 12 noon at
the Renaissance Hotel,
Suzhou Dadao Xi Lu,
SIP. This event is open to all Suzhou expats and is an excellent opportunity to make new friends. While enjoying light refreshments, you
can sign up for upcoming EAS activities and enjoy a presentation by
two of our guest vendors, Ombra and Finland Home Café.
Please RSVP at easMembership@gmail.com no later than noon on
Monday, April 11. The cost of this event is 50rmb for members with an
EAS card and 70rmb for foreign passport holding non-members.
IN THIS ISSUE
Meet and Greet ··················································································· 1
March Cooking Class ············································································ 2
DIY Cooking Class Recipe ······································································ 3
Painting with Fun ·················································································· 4
Thrift Store Anniversary Party ····························································· 5
Tongli water town trip ·········································································· 6
EAS Explorers & Green Mix and Mingle ··············································· 7
Annual General Meeting ······································································ 8
Spring Fling, Nifty Thrifty ································································· 9-11
Tea-riffic Trip, Cooking Class, Lunch and Walk ······························ 12-14
Tai tai trips ····················································································· 15-16
New Members and Language Ambassadors ······································ 17
New Vendors ······················································································ 18
Compound Ambassadors, Regular Monthly Activities ······················· 19
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MEET & GREET
Tuesday, April 12
10:00-12:00 noon
Renaissance Hotel, SIP
easMembership@gmail.com
TEA-RIFFIC TRIP
Wednesday, April 13
8:30am—3:30pm
Xishan, Taihu
easActivities@gmail.com
XITANG WATER TOWN TRIP
Thursday, April 14
9:00am-5pm
Meet at Singa Plaza
easTaitaiDirector@gmail.com
CHARITY SPRING FLING
Saturday, April 16
11:00am-4::00pm
Dulwich College, Suzhou, SIP
easCharity@gmail.com
COOKING CLASS
Wednesday, April 20
10:00am-2:00pm
Kelli’s House
Golden Lough, SIP
easActivities@gmail.com
TAI TAI FAMILY WEEKEND
April 22-24
Kaifeng City, Henan
easTaitaiDirector@gmail.com
EAS LUNCH AND WALK
Wednesday, April 27
12noon-2:00pm
The Bookworm
easActivities@gmail.com
MIX AND MINGLE
Friday, April 29
7:00pm-?
TBA
easActivities@gmail.com
MARCH COOKING CLASS
On Wednesday, March 2, the EAS hosted a cooking class at Lucy’s Bar and Restaurant at
Golden Lough. Participants learned the art of making Gan Guo Potatoes and Steamed Buns
which was followed by a full lunch. After the festivities at Lucy’s, there was an additional session
on how to make, and of course drink, Irish coffee with Bailey’s!
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MARCH COOKING CLASS RECIPES (DIY)
Dry Fried Potato Recipe
Ingredients:
2 large potatoes (peeled, sliced, and soaked to remove starch)
1 large Chinese onion (the one that looks like a leek)
1 green pepper (coarsely chopped)
2-3 dried (Szechuan?) peppers/chilis
1 Tbsp salt
1-2 cups high temp (soybean?) oil
1 Tbsp chicken powder
¼ - ½ tsp Chinese 13 Spice
1-2 Tbsp light soy sauce (thin)
1 Tbsp dark soy sauce (thick)
Directions: Rinse potato slices to remove excess starch, then add to hot oil. Cook until golden-brown and the potatoes are tender throughout. Remove potatoes from the oil and discard most of the oil, leaving just 2-3 Tbsp. Add sliced onion, green pepper
and chilis (with seeds, cut on diagonal) and saute for 2-3 minutes to release flavors. Return drained potatoes to the pan, add seasonings, saute another 1-2 min then serve.
Baozi Recipe
Ingredients:
Dough: (Note – this makes a LOT of dough!) Combine ingredients, mix well, then cover with moist towel and set in a warm area
until doubled in size (approx. 2 hrs)
300 g Flour (white or wheat)
3 g salt
50 g milk
3 g yeast
100 g warm water
30 g sugar
Filling: Combine the following ingredients and mix well to create filling
3 Chicken breast (ground or minced/finely diced)
1 bunch of spring onion
½ Tbsp sugar
(diced)
1 tsp chili flakes
1 large carrot (diced)
1 small head of cabbage
1 red/bell pepper (diced)
1 Tbsp chicken powder
(diced)
1 Tbsp salt
½-1 tsp Chinese 13-spice
2 Tbsp sesame oil
Directions: Grab a handful of dough and roll into a rope approx. 1 inch in diameter, then cut top into sections (40 g each) and roll
into balls. Once cut, allow the balls to rise an additional 10 minutes or so. Then, on a floured surface, pat ball into a flat circle,
then roll into a thinner, larger circle (approx. 4 inches in diameter or roughly the size of a saucer). Place dough-circle in your
palm, then add 1 Tbsp of filling and accordion pleat/twist and pinch top. Continue to do the same until you have enough baozis.
(and do so quickly, as the dough dries out if you take too long!) Placed finished baozis into a bamboo steamer lined with greaseproof (parchment) paper and steam for 15 minutes. Turn off heat and allow baozi to sit another 2 min before serving with vinegar, soy, or your favorite sauce.
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PAINTING WITH FUN
Look out Rembrandt and Van Gogh! The EAS has unleashed their hidden artists. On Wednesday, March 9, the EAS visited Painting with Fun and learned how to paint a water town scene. All
participants enjoyed refreshments, fun, and went home with an exquisite masterpiece!
4
NIFTY THRIFTY THIRD ANNIVERSARY
After a thorough cleaning and reorganization, the EAS
thrift store, Nifty Thrifty, celebrated three years of providing
quality items at bargain prices to the Suzhou community.
There were delicious refreshments, mulled wine, coffee, tea,
and a 50/50 raffle. There were many happy shoppers, and
everyone received a special anniversary discount of 50% off
everything in the store. All Thrift Store sales go to 100% support emergency needs in the Suzhou Community!
5
TONGLI WATER TOWN TRIP
The town of Tongli, ‘Venice of the East’, was visited by the EAS on March 16. Tongli is located
30 minutes from Suzhou city and is best known for its system of canals. Travelers were able to
tour a tea house, take a canal ride, shop the local vendors, and enjoy a tasty lunch.
6
EAS EXPLORERS
The EAS Explorers were on the move again during a beautiful, sunny day on March 4. The
group enjoyed a walk at Tiger Hill along with a stop for a casual picnic lunch.
GREEN MIX AND MINGLE
The Luck’OThe Irish welcomed the EAS membership at Ollie’s
Bar in Li Gong Di on March 17, St. Patrick’s Day. Green was the color
of choice for the festive evening. The revelers enjoyed green drinks,
food, and friends.
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ANNUAL EAS AGM
The Pan Pacific Hotel welcomed members on March 30 for the Annual
General Meeting of the EAS. Members were greeted with a welcome drink, a
western style buffet, and door prizes. EAS committees presented their annual
reports, and elections were held for the 2016-2017 Board.
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EAS CHARITY 5K FUN-RUN REGISTRATION FORM
NAME: ______________________________________________________________________
E-MAIL: _____________________________________________________________________
PHONE: _____________________________________________________________________
AGE: ______________ SEX: ___________
T- SHIRT SIZE: (ADULT) Small  Medium  Large  XL  XXL 
Youth T-Shirt Sizes: Small  Medium  Large  XL 
SIGN ME UP FOR:
 5K RUN  5K WALK  KIDS FUN RUN (12 years and under)
**T-Shirts only guaranteed for registrations before 4/11/16**
Entry Fee: 5K RUN/Walk
Kids Fun Run
50 Rmb before 4/11/16
25rmb before 4/11/16
100rmb after 4/11/16
50rmb after 4/11/16
This is a Rain or Shine event (no refunds for any reasons).
WAIVER, RELEASE AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT (Read before signing) In consideration of acceptance of my entry, I hereby release, discharge, and agree to hold harmless the
“EAS Charity” 5K organization, Dulwich International School, officials or organizers of this event and each of them together with their successors, assigns, officers, agents and
employees from any and all liability for injuries to property or person suffered by me as a result of my participation in this event. By execution of this waiver, I assume all risks
associated with my participation in this event including, but not limited to falls, the effects of weather, traffic, road and trail conditions, and all risks associated with running or
walking in an urban setting whether or not such risks are specifically known or appreciated by me. I verify that I am physically fit and have sufficiently trained for this event and
that my physical condition has been verified by a licensed medical doctor. I agree to indemnify any of the parties listed above for damages cause by me to any such party or
parties and any third parties, by virtue of my participation in this event.
Signature (or Parent’s Signature if under 18): ____________________________________________________________________
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Contact :easActivities@gmail.com for more information.
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Contact :easActivities@gmail.com for more information.
Expatriate Association of Suzhou (EAS)
The EAS is an organization of foreign passport holders and their families, residing or working in
Suzhou. We provide a network of short and long time foreign residents to help newcomers become
familiar with their new environment. The EAS also coordinates activities for members such as
Mahjong Group, Crafting Group, Charity Committee, luncheons, tours, and many annual events.
If you are interested in joining, please contact easMembership@gmail.com.
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TAI TAI FAMILY WEEKEND IN HENAN PROVINCE
April 22-24, 2016
The name Henan comes from its geographic location. Henan means ‘the south of the river’, indicating that the province lies south of China’s Yellow River. It covers an area of over 160,000 square kilometers (about 62,000) square miles.) It is populated by Han, Hui, Manchu, Mongolian and other ethnic groups
totaling 92,560,000 people. During our weekend visit to Henan, we will again see and experience several
top spots of China. As always Ricky and Eugenia will be our TaiTai Weekend Activity Planners. Come and
enjoy!
COST: 5,550rmb per person (double/twin bedroom), single room fee add 500rmb, extra bed reduce
200rmb. Price includes everything except souvenirs. Program as below, flights, transport in air-conditioned
bus, 4-star hotel, local English speaking guide, international guide, travel insurance, daily breakfasts and
meals as listed, tips to driver and guide.
SIGN-UP: Contact Raija, EasTaiTaiDirector@gmail.com. Include full name, passport copy, email, and mobile phone number for all adults.
Payment: Meet Raija at EAS Monday Coffee in iDaily Café or Meet and Greet.
FRIDAY
Start 17:00 from Singa Plaza Starbucks, SIP
Transfer to Airport and Flight 2030-2220Shanghai/HongQiao–Zhengzhou CZ3598
Transfer by bus to Kaifeng city and to the Hotel
SATURDAY
Breakfast in the Hotel and Check Out
Kaifeng Mansion
Xiang Guo Monastery
Lunch
Transfer by bus to Dengfeng
Shaolin temple
Kungfu show
Dinner
Night Show: Shaolin Zen Music Ritual
Transfer to Hotel in Dengfeng
SUNDAY
Breakfast in the Hotel and Check Out and Transfer by bus
to Luoyang
Longmen Grottoes
Lunch
Peony Garden
Dinner
Transfer to Airport and Flight 2150-2335 Luoyang –
Shanghai, HongQiao MU5528
Bus to Suzhou, Singa Plaza
15
XITANG WATER TOWN TAI TAI DAY TRIP
As we know Suzhou is very famous for its water towns, but let’s this time explore a very special Xitang Water Town in our neighbor province Zhejiang in Jiaxing City. Xitang Ancient Water Town is famous
for its Cobbled streets, old buildings, bridges arching over canals, rowing boats and local folk songs. This
activity is open to all members, relatives, and friends.
Full-day Outing on Thursday, April 14, by bus starts 9 a.m. ending about 5 pm at Singa Plaza Starbucks
Cafe.
Cost (incl. bus, boats, lunch, entrance fees etc.) is 300 rmb/person – min. 20 people.
Our Tour Guide Eugenia will join us all the way.
For more detailed information and sign-up contact Raija, EasTaiTaiDirector@gmail.com
with your name, e-mail and mobile number latest by April 7 (no money returned if cancelled after)
Sights to see during the day
Zhongfu Hall --- Private residence
Root Carving Museum --- 300 works by Mr. Zhang have won many national and global awards.
Button Museum --- six exhibition rooms showing ancient, recent and modern buttons
Tile Eaves Display Hall --- 300 types of them with different patterns
Yellow Wine Exhibition Hall --- show the history and traditional technology of processing the wine
We will also take a boat to enjoy the water view.
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If you are not a native English
speaker and would like to talk to
someone in your own language,
please contact one of our
Language Companions.
LANGUAGE
Cantonese/Mandarin
Danish
Dutch
Finnish
French
India
Swedish
German
COMPANION
Susanna Croucher
Gitte Doj
Brenda Schaefer
Raija Aflatuni
Laurence O'Connor
Yamini Menezes
Carina Elworth
Anika Jedlicka
EMAIL
susannalo7@yahoo.com
gisledoej@gmail.com
brenda@brendaschaefer.NL
aflatuniraija@hotmail.com
laurence.oconnor1@btinternet.com
yarani.menezes@gmail.com
carina@elworth.se
anika.jedlicka@gmx.de
NEW MEMBERS
Ana & Francois Llorens with Jean-Francois and Sarah, from France, living in
Portland Street
Anders & Katrin Lindahl with Emil and Hampus from Sweden, living in Marina Cove Garden
Jutte & Manfred Schwenk from Germany, living in Royal Peninsula
Calle & Katarina Beillon from Sweden
Sibel & Öguz Kökel with Yeliz from Turkey, living in Royal Peninsula
Suzi & Kevin Holm from the US, living in Fraser Suites
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NEW VENDORS
Ombra
No. 56 Li Gong Di, SIP
Monday to Sunday 10:00am-9:30pm
Reservations: +86 512 6288 6838
szlgd@brandwell.com.cn
www.ombra.com.cn
Members receive 10% discount from April 1, 2016, to
September 30, 2016
Kahuna Kang offers EAS members 10% discount
Computer service: Mobile, VPN, PC, Network
English speaking service
Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotions and events
Contact: Kahuna Kang
Mobil: 189 1543 6805
kahunakang@gmail.com
456 GanJiangXiLu (corner of ChangXuLu) U-Town,
A3078 (3rd floor)
Ganesh Indian Restaurant
Offers EAS members 15% discount with their
discount card at all locations including:
@Ollie’s
Moon Harbor, Building 3
Located at 1912 Bar Street, Li Gong Di, SIP
Xietang Laojie
Phone: 0512 6956 9808
Offers members 15% off on food
20% off on drinks, except daily specials
Finland Home Café
Shi Lin Si Xiang 99, Suzhou
zekro.aflatuni@gmail.com
http://www.happyhomeclub.org
+86 138 0621 3442
Offers members special offer of 15% off from April to
June, 2016. After June, 12% discount except special
offers and promotions.
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MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
AND COMPOUND AMBASSADORS
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
NAME
EMAIL
Grace Residence
Bayside/Bayshore Garden
Cora Betz
Anika Jedlika
corrine.betz@gmx.de
anika.jedlicka@gmx.de
COMPOUND
AMBASSADOR
EMAIL
BaiLing Mansions
Join in th Grand
German Villas
Golden Lough
Lakeside Palace
Horizon Resort lll
Casa de Esplanada
Marina Cove Garden
Marina Cove Garden
Portland Street
East West
Elaine Moxon
Angela Barker
Rae Chen
Tracy Greene
Susanna Croucher
Mariette Brugger
Carolyn Glaspie
Sally Faulkner
Laurence O'Connor
Maggie Mullan
Gitte Doej
elainemoxon55@gmail.com
angela.rocks@hotmail.co.uk
rchen09@yahoo.com
masonebay@yahoo.com
susannalo7@yahoo.com
marietteprivat@hotmail.com
cglaspie1@yahoo.com
sallyafaulkner@btinternet.com
laurence.oconnor1@btinternet.com
Smmullan@gmail.com
gisledoej@gmail.com
Did you know that you can SAVE MONEY with your EAS Membership Card? Simply present your card at
participating businesses in Suzhou for discounts and deals! See the complete and up to date list of
businesses on the EAS website at www.suzhoueas.org Click on EAS Member Discounts
BABIES AND BUMPS
MONDAY COFFEE
Pacific Coffee
EAS PLAYGROUP
iDaily Café
Thursday, April 7, 14, 21, 28
Marina Cove Garden
April 11, 18, 25
Monday, April 11, 18, 25
MAHJONG
Bailing Mansion
NIFTY THRIFTY
German Villa Compound
Tuesday, April 5, 12, 19, 26
CRAFTS CLUB
Cancelled for April
Thursday, April 7, 14, 21, 28
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