A Festivus for the Rest of Us.

I was rather disappointed by the fact that no one was taking the initiative to celebrate this holiday season. I pulled off a fantabulous party last year which included an authentic roast turkey from Paul's Steak & Eggs and had hoped that someone else in the community would reciprocate this year. Clearly, something had to be done, so several core members of CS got together to brainstorm. I pulled it off once again: a successful all-inclusive Festivus for close friends, CouchSurfers, and everyone else who could come. Despite the fact that I had a train to Xi'an to catch at night, I accommodated and made arrangements with friends to 'close up' for me. Thanks meldymel and affeegon for all your help!











The invitation was then posted on the CS Beijing forum as follows:

So it would appear that no one is doing anything special this holiday season, or at least not taking the initiative to start something up and be inclusive of ALL, leaving expats and visitors with nothing to look forward to but reminisce in fond memories of what used to be back home.

From the desperate cries left by the few on the forum, and as the time draws nearer, it was made quite clear that something needed to be rectified.

For those of you not attending extravagant private dinner parties at the Hilton, swishing copious amounts of Champagne with your noses high up in the air, and conforming to oppressive dress codes, I open my doors to you:











A Festivus for the Rest of Us

You are cordially invited to petshopboy's flat on Tuesday, December twenty-fifth, two-thousand-seven, at sixteen-hundred hours, for a low key celebration to what was, what is, and what will be.

Please bring your own plates, cups, and utensils (preferably an environmentally friendly, non disposable kind), a wrapped gift valuing between 30 - 40 RMB (we'll be playing Secret Santa), and enough food for yourself as a contribution to the pot-luck dinner (something home made is always best, but take-away and store-bought food and alcohol will be accepted as well).

Address:
DongWangZhuang
Building 26, Unit 6, Suite 301
Wudaokou

A 10 minute walk north from the Wudaokou subway station.

For assistance, please call any one of the core group members of CS Beijing:

petshopboy - 133.nine.one.nine.eight.6290
ranran-bj - 132.four.one.four.three.5456
meldymel - 158.one.zero.nine.six.3549
leoloso - 131.four.six.eight.four.0684

So there you have it. Because I try hard to be accommodating, I had to make a compromise. I've got a train to catch right after the party, so I'm afraid I'll have to say good night to you all at 1900.

Peace, love, and joy to you all!


Aside from having one unfortunate incident involving a local CSer (couplewang) and his Chinese entourage using my gathering as a platform for him to advertise his money-making enterprise, the Festivus went very well, indeed. People came in from the woodwork with gifts, food, and drinks and were having a merry time.

Festivus '07.