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圣诞节晚会 - Christmas Party

It's been a while since the last update but our activities continue apace. Rather than an indication of things slowing down, the lack of updates has actually been due to a combination of VPN issues (now resolved, fingers crossed) and new business ventures occupying most of my time. But rest assured, we're still here...
To bring you up to date, I introduce out biggest event yet and, as far as I've been told, the city's first traditional Christmas party! This event was on a different scale to what we've peviously organised and was so popular that we had to limit the amount of attendees; we actually ended up with a waiting list in double figures. It was a great night and, hopefully, we can build on this success and make an event big enough for everyone to attend next year.
With traditional Christmas snacks and drinks, including home made mince pies, mulled wine and cider, peppermint creams, chocolate drops, garlic breadsticks and many more treats, this was many attendees first experience of an English taste of Christmas. The food and drink was prepared over the course of two days by six group members and their efforts were very much appreciated. The mulled wine was a particular success, ensuring evereyone returned home with a merry heart and rosey cheeks.
To add to the Christmas spirit, we spent hours decorating our regular haunt, turning it into an image of Christmas that the locals present couldn't believe. Again, the support of regular group members was essential to making this happen. Throw in a selection of Christmas tunes, including classics like Stay Another Day by East17, All I  Want for Christmas is You by Marah Carey and that really odd song by Bowie and Bing Crosby, and the scene was set.
For many, the highlight of the night was some festive themed games, including 'Dress the Santa' and 'Shaving Santa's Beard'. Games were requested by many of our Chinese members, for whom the idealised image of Christmas extends beyond drinking and eating excessively before passing out in front of the Queeen's speech. Dress the santa lead to some spectacular failures and, thus, the best picture from the night, with poor father Christmas looking like he's been subject to an Extraordinary Rendition by the US Government.
We hope to welcome even more people to next Christmas' follow up so, as ever, if you're in Liuzhou for a visit or a longer stay, contact us via email to get involved in future events. And if you fancy a change of scenery, there are plenty of jobs available in the city now at competitive salaries - get in touch!

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