Gānbēi,gānbēi,gānbēi,gānbēi.

I went out to dinner last year with a group of Chinese businessman and some work colleagues, which was loads of fun. There were 8 of us and it taught me a lot on how they think. We were having dinner in an authentic Chinese restaurant.

The Chinese believe that they have to be the best hosts possible and more is better. I had no idea what that entailed ,but understood afterwards. The dishes that arrived basically covered the entire menu ,but were sample tasters so everyone could try a bit of everything.There was more than enough food and more than you would eat normally.

We were asked what samples we liked the best and the Duck and fish came out as firm favorites. We had been chatting and drinking the rice wine with the usual Gānbēi which is cheers in Chinese and bottle after bottle was being flattened. There was no sipping but downing of half glasses and over the evening we must have had more than 18 bottles between us.Every gānbēi represented one bottle and it wasn't cheap either.

We thought we had eaten but then 2 whole ducks appeared and a fish appeared and we realized we should of kept quiet. We had no idea by saying what we had enjoyed meant and now this was them showing how good at hosting they were. Most of us were full already , but we had to eat as not to offend them. I can eat with the best of them . but this was ridicolous.It was a fun evening and their personalities came out as we went through the bottles.

This made sense the other week when I went out to dinner with the two Chinese agents. I was a guest ,so they wanted to spoil me. I feel bad now thinking about it ,but I didn't have a starter or pudding and just had a main course.I had some drinks with them and they kept on trying to get me to have more food and drink. I was being polite and kept on saying no thanks the whole evening.

Maybe I should have used an Uber and drank more to make them feel better , but that is not me. I can understand why people like doing business with them as you are really treated and I am sure others take advantage of their hospitality.

Image source internchina.com