"What they are doing for the Festival...”

Name: Christopher Astolfi

How long in Beijing? One year plus

Occupation? Director of China Programs for Saint Leo University; An American University based in Florida

Favourite Chinese phrase? Mamahuhu (so, so)

Favourite Chinese dish? Laziji (Spicy Chicken)

Plans for the Festival? Skiing in Harbin, a trip to Shandong

Favourite Beijing tourist site? The Great Wall

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Name: Shannon Roy (English), Luo Shanneng (Chinese)

How long in Beijing? Three years

Occupation? Writer

Favourite Chinese phrase? Chabuduoba (Yeah, something like that…)

Favourite Chinese dish? …Huoguo (Hotpot)

Plans for the Festival? I’m going to Australia

Favourite Beijing tourist site? I love the top of Jingshan Mountain on a cold, clear morning.

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Name: Christine Gough

How long in Beijing? Three months...still a Beijing amateur
Occupation?  Interior designer

Favourite Chinese phrase? Still pretty basic err…neng pianyi yidian ma (Could it be cheaper)?

Favourite Chinese dish?  Huoguo (Hot pot)

Plans for the Festival? First time to experience the Spring Festival. Hanging out with friends in Beijing.

Favourite Beijing tourist site? People watching at Panjiayuan.

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Name:  Clifford Coonan (English), Ke Fude (Chinese)

How long in Beijing? One year plus

Occupation? Journalist

Favourite Chinese phrase? Weishenme? (Why?)

Favourite Chinese dish? Veggie jiaozi (dumplings)

Plans for the Festival? "Vegging" out

Favourite Beijing tourist site? The Forbidden City -- every time I go I see something new. I look forward to bringing visitors for that reason.

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Name:     Leigh Finch (English), Li Feiyang (Chinese)

How long in Beijing: Four months

Occupation: Australian Youth Ambassador for Development, Software Engineer

Favourite Chinese phrase: Shuiluoshichu (When the water subsides the rocks emerge-- the whole thing comes to light)

Favourite Chinese dish: Tieban niurou (Fried Beef in Sizzling Plate)

Plans for the Festival:  Xi’an to see the terracotta warriors

Favourite Beijing tourist site: Shidu (a scenic spot in Southeast Beijing)

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Name: David Bucs (and Li Shu)

How long in Beijing: A year and a half.

Occupation: Animated cartoon designer,

children’s book and magazine illustrator

Favourite Chinese dish: Mopo doufu! (spicy beancurd)

Favourite Chinese phrase: Gai chifanle! (Time to eat!)

Plans for the Festival: Travel to Wenzhou to meet my girlfriend’s family, then on to Suzhou for a romantic few days

Favourite Beijing tourist site: Tian’anmen Square -- you can really feel the country’s power there

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Name: Michael Frechette

How long in Beijing: Ten months

Occupation: English teacher

Favourite Chinese phrase: Nanren bu huai, nuren bu ai (Ladies prefer gentlemen; but only part of the time.)

Favourite Chinese dish:  Yangrouchuan (shish kebab, mutton kebab)
Plans for the Festival: Tianjin for two days, I hear that place has great fireworks. Then up to Jiuhua Hot Springs.

Favourite Beijing tourist site: Summer Palace, specifically the Harmonious Interest Garden.