The Chinese have a really different notion of decorum. They have to thank everyone and anyone there is to thank for the holding of the conference.
I sat through one of the most boring opening addresses in my life this morning. Get this, there were probably about 10 freaking opening speeches and addresses I had to endure from various "distinguished"/"honourable" (the Chinese seem to LOVE those words) guests who all end up thanking the same people over and over again. They cannot leave out anyone. Well fair enough, 'cos it's only right to acknowledge people for their efforts. But surely once is enough???? Do we really have to get different people thanking the same people 10 times????
Like get on with it already!!!!
*rolls eyes*
Posted by DSD at November 4, 2005 6:00 PM*Yay! First comment lah!*
I think that's a Chinese (cultural) thing.
When I'm at banquets or events where there are old people involved, EVERYONE over 50 gets introduced ad nauseaum and they wind up thanking all the other old people there.
It's their revenge on the rest of us for being young or having lives or something like that by making us sit through that drudgery.
It's hella boring and a waste of time. Waste of time because all the banquets I've been to, they do this BEFORE the food comes out. Because if they did the speeches during the food, you would not have to pay attention to them. Makes the banquet at least an hour longer.
Did individual tables at your event just continue talking through the speeches? We get that here about half the time...
Posted by: Rodney at November 5, 2005 2:21 AMWe weren't sitting at tables. It was an auditorium. Surprisingly, most people were very polite and sat quietly through all the speeches. Never again for me!
Posted by: dsd at November 5, 2005 9:49 AMI organised one of those meetings too, and yes they are protocol freaks. Must have huge poster to announce the event, lots of photo-ops with the big shots like town mayor etc even though they didn't attend the event, also a long table on stage decorated with big flowers and colourful little flags. During the breaks they also like to sit on the armchairs and puff on their cigarettes.
Was there also a two hour lunch break, so that some delegates can go have a nap?
Posted by: umami at November 5, 2005 11:34 AMumami: Yes! Tell me about those big flowers and little flags! And yes to the part about sitting on the armchairs and puffing on cigarettes!
Posted by: dsd at November 5, 2005 4:53 PMYeeech! It was just a big assembly and no food?? Maybe ppl there thought it was better than being at work..? But no food or drinks (alcoholic or otherwise)??
Unbearable!
I woulda taken a LOT of looooong bathroom breaks...
Posted by: Rodney at November 6, 2005 1:58 AM