No place like home
By Enid Chen
Photos by Yao Fan



4月14日, 应厦门大学出版社的邀请, 厦大MBA中心的潘维廉教授给厦大漳州校区的学生做了一场题为"一个老外的厦门情结"讲座. 该讲座是厦大出版社20周年庆系列讲座之一. 潘教授向在场的学生娓娓道来17年在厦的所见所感, 以他一贯的幽默和睿智折服了全场.

"I'm the richest man in the world. Do you want to know why?" Dr Bill Brown from the MBA Center of Xiamen University started with this question in a speech that he delivered to Xiamen University students on Zhangzhou campus on April 14. His speech was part of the series of activities launched by Xiamen University Press on its 20th anniversary. Hundreds of students over-crowded the lecture room and rounds of applause were given on his humorous speech. His book "Amoy Magic" was also quite a hit that night.

"Wealth is more than money. I'm living in the most beautiful city in the most fascinating country on earth today, which enjoys a long history and is a new country since 1949 as well. I have been witnessing China's incredible and amazing changes, and I live and work in Xiamen University where I have the best house on earth and a family who love China." Bill who has been living in Xiamen for over 17 years, proudly said.

"The reason I moved to China was because Chinese food was too expensive in the US." Bill jokingly answered when asked why he moved to China just to earn a "mere" income, which seemed crazy to others.


Students amused by Dr Brown's humorous speech

In his speech, Dr Bill Brown told the students that in 1994 he set out to explore his second home in his car, driving over 4,000 km throughout China, which taught him more about this country. "Every place is unique and beautiful. Overall, Xiamen is the most beautiful. The beauty lies in its special and warm people. If the place is beautiful, but you don't like the people, you won't choose to live there. "

To make his second home known to more foreigners, Bill Brown has written some books, such as Amoy Magic, Mystic Quanzhou and The Fujian Adventure. Now he is working on a new one-Magic Gulangyu, which is to come out in a few months.

In Bill's eyes, Xiamen has much more to offer to tourists. "The Island Ring Road is indeed unique, but more can be added than this most beautiful road. We can even hold art shows there now and then to attract more tourists. We can even build a sculpture of Zheng He's magnificent ship which was 440 feet long, and Columbus's 85-feet-long ship to show people the maritime history of Xiamen." Bill's dream of holding art shows on the Island Ring Road will come true in the coming May Day holiday as the Xiamen Tourism Bureau is working on it. Citizens and tourists will feast their eyes on various local art shows on this beautiful Island Ring Road.

The Chef recommends
By Maikel Liem
Photo by Yao Fan

瑞士人欧文·格拉夫是厦门马可孛罗东方大酒店的新任行政总厨. 欧文从事烹饪事业30几年以来, 积累了丰富的烹饪及管理经验. 其擅长制作正宗的西式佳肴, 同时又精通东方饮食文化的精髓. 他的到来, 为马可孛罗咖啡厅的宾客们带来了全新的美食体验. 酒店每月特别推荐他的拿手好菜, 热爱美食的你不要错过哦.



One of China's greatest assets is without a doubt its cuisine. But if you are in need of good quality western style food in Xiamen look no further. At the Marco Polo Hotel you'll find a kitchen under the command of a more than qualified chef. With more than 30 years of experience in preparing the finest food the west has to offer, executive chef Erwin Graf from Switzerland has worked in many different countries all over the world. He started his career as an apprentice in a Swiss bakery and gradually worked his way up to the kitchen where, after taking additional classes he became a chef, and later an executive chef. His lust for travel has taken him to England and Italy for starters. But his main dish is most definitely Asia. From Thailand to Korea, The Philippines and finally China, Mr Graf has worked and lived in these countries for over 20 years. In Shanghai he was the executive chef in the Huating Hotel, and now his latest travels have led him to the Marco Polo Hotel in Xiamen where he has stayed for 3 weeks now.

Mr Graf is an expert in preparing many western dishes ranging from the Italian to the French and the Swiss cuisine. Even though this is his area of expertise, he can still make a fine Thai or Filipino dish. On his personal menu, Mr Graf likes to eat Thai food, Cantonese style Dim Sum and various kinds of Chinese noodles; he commented that he particularly liked the Xiamenese noodles. With a pleasant working environment at the Marco Polo Hotel and a great view of Yuandang Lake, Mr Graf already feels at home in Xiamen. He further comments that he likes Xiamen because he finds it such a beautiful, cozy and relaxed city.

At the hotel Mr Graf is in charge of all the food in the restaurant, performs quality control and prepares the newly served dishes. When asked why he became a cook he replied that he simply loves food. And for him this is the best part of being a cook along with the ability to travel and work in so many different countries. Whether it's a simple lunch or an exquisite banquet, Mr Graf will ensure that you will be treated to a great western style meal. And if you are not sure what to choose you can always have what the chef recommends. Bon appetite.

Vocabulary
incredible 难以置信的
magnificent 壮观的
apprentice 学徒
lust 渴望
exquisite 精致的