What's That Incredible Flavoring You Use?

Is he tying his shoe?  Did he drop something?  

WAAAAAAIT!! Is that a manhole??  Oh dear, it is!!

Recently, I watched a clip online of some clever entrepreneurs doing their best to help the world reduce waste... almost literally!  In a way, you have to give them kudos for their imaginative creativity.  However, I think you will agree with me when I say "recycled oil" may not be your thing.

In China, it is common practice to dump oil down the sink where it makes its way below the city streets and bumpy sidewalks, straight into the sewer.  It appears that there is a large top layer of oil sitting there, sad and lonely, just waiting to return to its glory days.

It is then that hardworking immigrants trying to support their families, come with buckets and large ladles in hand, for collection.  The mixture that they gather is then taken to a distillery, where it is cleansed with cleaning agents and resold for a reduced price in the market.

Chitrak and I happened to chance upon it as we exited one of our favorite haunts.  Yes, it even happens in Kunshan.  I stared with shock and wonder as the man bent down to take the manhole cover off.

Ahhhhh, I realized as I noticed the mush spilling onto the sidewalk, That must be why there are black oil stains around the manholes in town!

It is illegal in China, and the government does its best to stop this "gutter oil" production, but with such a large population it simply can't be eradicated.  Know that the gross part really isn't that it is a mixture of oil and unknown sewage, because after the distilling process, it is pretty clean.  It is the chemical agents that you consume that make it a health risk and dangerous.

Words of advice:  be wary of street food and check out their oil bottle first before ordering.  Better safe than sorry I always say.  :-)

Kunshan Beer Festival, 2013

The German Beer festival is a major Kunshan highlight.  Held once a year in August behind the Swissotel, this event puts Kunshan on the map with other beer festival towns like Qingdao and Dalian. People from out of town come in to attend, including overnight guests from Shanghai and Suzhou.  Entrance tickets are about $25 USD (120-150RMB), and includes two 500 mL beers with two snacks at the German tent.  It's not cheap, but its good food and great company!

Inside the German tent, the most sought after tent for foreigners, you'll find a lively music act imported from Germany.  You'll always find them in their best lederhosen and dirndl.  Don't miss their "kissing gag" (I'll let you attend to find out what that is!).  They've been performing here for the past ten years and are definitely a stand-alone reason to attend.  The German tent is also the only tent with an A/C, and usually has the most foreign food.

Companies, such as mine, can rent tables for their companies.  We get a little excited when it comes to town.

We warmly invite you to dine with us!