From 22 to 27 May, a three-person delegation from the Chinese Peoples' Association For Friendship With Foreign Countries (CPAFFC, or Youxie) visited Ireland as guests of the Society. The delegation was led by Mr Wang Jianhao, Director-General of the European Department of Youxie; the other members were Mr Xu Fenghua, Deputy Director, and Ms Zhang Ruoning, Second Director of the European Department. The Delegation had a full and interesting programme lined up for them.

Day 1.   Tuesday 22nd May

The Delegation arrived at Dublin airport on Tuesday night about nine o'clock on the 22nd May. Dr Da-Wen Sun and Denis Mullen were there to meet them and bring them (minus Wang Jianhao's luggage) to their accommodation for the visit.

Day 2.   Wednesday 23rd May

My (Jane Almqvist) involvement began with the choice of guesthouse for our three visitors - I felt that one look at them on the morning after their arrival would give some Indication of their satisfaction on that score. When I met them, they had just finished breakfast and looked happy and rested. So all was well. The guesthouse chosen was Greenbrier in Ballsbridge and I would recommend it to anyone who would like a place well run but far more personal and Irish than a hotel.

The first stop of the programme (with Wang Jianhao still luggageless) was a visit to the Mansion House to meet the Lord Mayor, Alderman Maurice Ahern. In the informal discussion, the Lord Mayor, not long home from his visit to Beijing, had plenty of memories to share. He then accompanied the delegation on a tour of the Mansion House. The delegation admired the architecture of the House, and the valuable paintings.

Having thanked the Lord Mayor for this gracious reception, the delegation, still accompanied by Dr Da-Wen Sun and Dr Fergus Gaines, then moved to their next engagement, at the National Museum to meet Dr John de Courcy Ireland (who is on the Board of Governors of the Museum) and Director Dr. Pat Wallace. Dr. Wallace presented a book written by him about the Museum to the delegation. The group were then given a tour of all the wonderful treasures which are on display. The delegation showed great interest in both ancient and modern Irish history.

The delegation expressed thir sincere thanks to Dr Wallace and said their goodbyes, before going to meet Senator Labhras O'Murchu, who had arranged lunch in Leinster House. The restaurant was very nice and the food was good. Senator O'Murchu recalled the enjoyable trip to China he had made with Comhaltas Ceolteoiri Eireann. After lunch the delegation had an opportunity to visit both Dail Eireann and the Seanad, and to listen to live debates in both Houses to learn more about Irish democracy.
On behalf of the delegation, Mr Wang thanked Senator O'Murchu for his kind hospitality.

At 4:30, the group were guests of IONA Technologies, Shelbourne Road, For the visit of the delegation, IONA Technologies had raised the Chinese flag in front of the IONA Building.

Chris Horn (Executive Board Chairman) gave an insight into the world of information technology, and gave an impressive presentation on the history and work of the Company, especially its operations in China and the Far East.

Wang Jianhao outlined the ways in which the CPAFFC could help regarding cooperation in China with Irish enterprises, and expressed the Delegation's thanks to Chris Horn for personally according us such an informative meeting.

Then back for a reunion of Wang Jianhao with his luggage, and a rest: though not for long - we met again for dinner, kindly hosted by Chris Horn on behalf of the Ireland China Association, in the Lobster Pot, Ballsbridge. A most enjoyable occasion, attended by several members of the Association having commercial or educational connections with China. It was an excellent opportunity for informal discussions with members of the delegation. Mr Wang thanked Chris Horn and the members of the Association for their great hospitality.

Day 3.   Thursday 24th May

At 9.00 a.m., I (D.J.) collected the Delegation, and headed for Mespil Road and the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands.
Our group, augmented by Dawen Sun and Jenny Slevin-Williams, was received by the Secretary General, Mr Philip Furlong, and Mr Michael Grant, Assistant Secretary. Mr Furlong explained that the Minister was out of the country, accompanying the President on a State Visit
He gave an outline of the wide remit and work of the Department, and in particular of the developing cultural links with China. In the ensuing general discussion, his detailed knowledge of, and interest in, these links was evident and impressive. Dawen gave special praise to the work of one of the Department's centres, the Botanic Gardens, in creating the new Chinese Slope, following up on a suggestion of the Chinese Ambassador. Wang Jianhao expressed the thanks of the Delegation for their reception by the Secretary General and the Assistant Secretary, and talked of how the CPAFFC, with its widespread network throughout China, could be helpful as an adjunct to inter-governmental contacts.

After this meeting, we (minus Dawen) went for a Patrick-Kavanagh-centred stroll along the Canal, in glorious sunshine (the Delegation having kindly brought excellent weather with them).

Then it was on to the Four Courts, where Mr Justice Dermot Kinlen had made splendid arrangements for meeting us.
Jenny and I had our cars ushered into special parking slots, and we went up to the judge's chambers. Judge Kinlen, a former President of the ICCS, who was renewing a friendship of long standing with Wang Jianhao, welcomed us, and also two members of the Chinese Embassy staff. He showed us his court and its surroundings, and conversed about his many links with China

We were then brought to meet other members of the judiciary and the legal profession who had connections with, or interest in, China, and the delegation chatted with them over an excellent buffet lunch.
Jianhao thanked Mr Justice Kinlen very warmly for his kindness in arranging this reception.

Then on to the Chester Beatty Library, where the Director, Dr Michael Ryan, and Dr Clare Pollard were waiting, very patiently, to greet us as we screeched to a halt and leaped out - the Four Courts visit having overrun somewhat.
Dr Ryan showed us round many of the highlights of the Library's collection, and then Clare Pollard took us into a private room (with a magnificent ceiling, bought by Chester Beatty in China and reassembled here), and showed us some of the specifically Chinese treasures not currently on display.
As spokesman for the Delegation, Wang Jianhao, clearly deeply impressed, thanked Dr Ryan and Dr Pollard for this outstanding, privileged tour of the Library.

But the day was not over yet - after a short brush-up period back at base, the delegation members were brought to the Chinese Embassy for a dinner in their honour, hosted by Councillor Li Yuanming, to which ICCS Committee members were invited. It was a most pleasant occasion, and both the Delegation and the ICCS members expressed their great thanks for the Embassy's hospitality.

Then the Delegation split up: I brought Wang Jianhao to Dalkey, to renew another old friendship, with Dr John DeCourcy Ireland. It was near midnight when I left them - I believe that many of the wee small hours had elapsed before Jianhao took a taxi back.

The other two members of the delegation, Xu Fenghua, and Zhang Ruoning, were brought to an Irish music pub to sample a little of our rich traditional music heritage. They, too, were brought home after midnight, and were truly exhausted with their full day's activities.

Day 4.   Friday 25th May

(C.C) Day four and a pick up at nine o'clock, the delegation was off through the city traffic for a 9.30 appointment at the Civic Offices. On arrival we were met by Tom Vaughan of the City Managers Office who first took us on a quick walk through Christchurch to City Hall.
Inside the rotunda we met our guide who explained about the history of the building, its past uses and now its current use as the meeting room for Dublin Corporation Councillors. All of the statues were pointed out and explained. The pictures around the inside the rotunda all depicted Dublin throughout its history.

Next we visited the basement museum were the history of Dublin is exhibited. There are models of Dublin Castle from earlier times, pictures and re-constructions of past buildings. Video and computer interactive displays to show Dublin’s history. The robes of office of the Lord Mayor, The Sword and Mace also on display plus the robes and chain of the councillors and Lord Mayor . We learnt that the Lord’s Mayor Chain worn is a copy, as the genuine Chain is far too heavy to be worn.

Tour ended we visited the debating chamber of the Dublin Corporation Council. Notting firstly the modernisation of the room with air-conditioning, speakers and microphone at each desk and designed so all can be seen together.

Our time was moving along so we made the short walk back to the Civic Offices, the hub of the workings of the City. Our first stop there was to the Traffic Control Room. Here a bank of cameras captured the city traffic as it passed through the capital. The controller demonstrated how to rotate the cameras, and their capacity to zoom in to be able to read a car's number plate. He showed our group how they measure the flow of traffic at the various junctions and how the traffic lights can automatically adjust to meet build-up in traffic flows.

Our Chinese delegation was very impressed and had many questions to be answered. From there we went directly for coffee with Kevin Dowling the Principal Officer with the City Manager and with Jack Gilligan the Arts and Culture Officer of Dublin Corporation. A short and frank discussion followed about joint assistance projects and about the work of Dublin Corporation in its Arts portfolio. A quick look at the Liffey from the roof of the Civic Office Building and some photo opportunities and we were off to our next destination, Portobello College.

At this time we were running ¾ hour late and Dr Da-Wen Sun and Norman O'Galligan were patiently waiting for us. We had only three phone calls asking where we were! The delegation delivered to Portobello College, Norman takes up the story of the visit.

(N.O'G.) Da-Wen and I arrived at Portobello College in good time. By the wonders of modern telephony we contacted Colm to find out that the delegation's schedule was running a little late.

When, eventually, the delegation arrived, they were given a guided tour of the College. The administrative building was once a hotel for travellers on the adjacent Grand Canal; what is now the car park was originally a dock, before being reclaimed. In the adjacent college building, many students had just finished exams, but the delegation were able to meet a few Chinese students in their Cafeteria. The students looked a little surprised. The tour continued with visits to computer and lecture rooms and to the library, which included Chinese newspapers.

Next, to the newest building of the college, on the walls of the foyer were impressive large photographs of student graduations. This building also contained a large lecture theatre with seating for almost 200 students. From there, the tour went across the road to a large, modern, well equipped gymnasium where many of the students were engaged in strenuous exercise to the sound of pop music. A Labrador was sleeping on the floor, perhaps he was deaf!

Back to the Admin building where a couple more Chinese students were met, some photographs taken and then to lunch.

After lunch I brought the delegation to the National Gallery to meet Jane and Jenny who took over for the afternoon.

Having taken the delegation back to their Guesthouse in late afternoon I was soon back with Da-Wen, to take them to UCD, where we were met by Dr. Patrick Gibbons and Dr. Declan Downey. Here Da-Wen was on familiar territory and he showed the delegation some of the lecture rooms, which he had used, one having tiered seating in a cylindrical shape. We then visited the Students Union building, recently built, it has various meeting rooms, restaurant areas, etc. We also saw a large hall, which was set up for a formal dinner.

A leisurely stroll around the artificial lake brought us eventually to a modern building known as the O’Reilly Hall. This is a most impressive building, mainly comprised of a large exhibition hall, which can be sub-divided into smaller units. At the time of our visit it was set up for an anaesthetists conference with one half with seating for the conference and the other half with a related trade exhibition.

After a very enjoyable meal at the Radisson hotel, the evening was rounded off in Da-Wen’s house with a Chinese Karaoke session, before I brought the delegation back to their guesthouse, late on what turned out to be a very wet night.

Day 5.    Saturday 26th May

(D.J) At 9.15 a.m. the delegation was colleced, and brought, through an amazing volume of traffic, to the GPO.
Jane and Paddy, who had been wondering where we were, then took the delegation in charge.
(C.C.) Paddy McElroy pointed out the many monuments in O'Connell Street and explained their history. Then the delegation split up: some to spend a little time shopping, whilst others just went people-watching over a cup of coffee.

At eleven o'clock the delegation, in the company of Jane Almqvist, our Hon. Programme Officer, visited Arnotts Department Store to meet Mr Bill Kelly, Executive Director of Arnotts.
Bill took the group on a tour of this fine store, pointing out all the developments and various departments which make up the biggest department store in Ireland.
The visit was followed by a light lunch in the Boardroom of Arnotts where Bill gave the delegation some background information on the Company. Business cards were exchanged and prospects of possible co-operations were debated. Then it was time to go for the delegation's planned trip to Glendalough and Powerscourt.

Leaving Dublin by the southern suburbs we diverted slightly to see a very large illegal Traveller encampment on the Dodder at Rathfarnham. Our guests were interested in our minorities problems and in the differences between these Travellers, New Age Travellers and Romany Gypsies.

Then it was up the Military Road to Killakee car park for a panoramic view of the city; across the Featherbeds, explaining its wartime importance as a source of turf for individual Dubliners; and on to the next stop for a glimpse of Lough Bray, the first of the tarns. At Sally Gap we left the Military Road to show our guests Da-Wen's favourite view of Lough Tay with Lough Dan just visible in the distance.

Sally Gap	Lough Dan

Passing through Roundwood, Annamoe and Laragh we reached Glendalough. After seeing the Round Tower and Churches our guests made a wish while embracing the High Cross. Walking along to the Upper Lake by the Green Route. Jane told our guests two stories about St. Kevin – one nasty (the despatch of Kathleen the Temptress) and one gentle story (holding the bird's egg in his hand until it hatched) to illustrate two sides of the saint's character. We saw the very interesting natural history display and then the Upper Lake from which some of us returned to the car park by the new wooden pathway.

We came back to Enniskerry by the back road across Calary Bog with its dramatic views of the Sugar Loaf. Unfortunately, Powerscourt House was closed, but we managed to drive in to the Estate and show our guests the view across the Dargle Valley towards the Sugar Loaf. We saw a wedding party at the House and Gardens, but, despite several attempts to gain entry to the Gardens from the back, we had to admit defeat! Zhang Ruoning was also disappointed not to see the bride.
En route to the Court Hotel, we diverted through Dalkey, Coliemore Harbour (with its view of Dalkey Island), and the Vico Road, the group's last chance for scenic pictures.

So to the final part of the visit of the delegation from Youxie to Ireland. Our society hosted a farewell dinner to our new friends at the Court Hotel, Kiliney Bay. We deliberately picked this location as we know of the fondness Chinese people have for looking at the sea. Fifteen members made up the dinner party; they were all were amazed at the stamina and freshness of the delegation after four most compressed and intensive days of visits and engagements. The delegates faced lots of questions about their varied programme.

A splendid meal was served and we all retired to the conservatory for coffee or tea. At this point Dr. Da-Wen Sun spoke to the delegation, thanking them for having come; he hoped they had enjoyed their trip and had learnt a great deal. He thanked them for hosting many Irish delegations to China in recent times. He reaffirmed the society's interest in all matters cultural between Ireland and China and hoped that they would not leave it too long for a return visit. Da-Wen then presented Mr Wang Jianhou, Director General of the European Department, with a beautiful sculpture of an Irish dancer made from Mulingar pewter.

Mr Wang Jianhou then made a speech thanking the society most profoundly for all of their kindness to himself and his colleagues; he was most impressed by the programme, where timings were precision-planned with the aid of a computer spreadsheet. He felt the contacts he had made with all different groups and people he had met had re-affirmed his understanding of the Irish people. He said that although Ireland is spoken of as a "Tiger Economy", the people still make time for friendliness to others from all diversities, an admirable quality, which he hopes the Irish will never lose.

He commented that they had enjoyed their stay immensely, and were sad that this short visit was drawing to a close. He thanked Da-Wen and the other society members for all the travel assistance and company over the few days; he was very impressed by the knowledge and interest of the members, and their pleasure and talent in sharing information.

Wang Jianhou finished by making a presentation on behalf of Youxie to Dr Da-Wen Sun our President, of a beautiful lacquered box depicting a Chinese garden scene. Some other gifts were exchanged, photos taken and promises of return visits made; and the last night of this trip drew to a close. It was a great night, tempered only by a real sadness that the visit, planned and prepared for so long, was over, and that we had to say goodbye.

Day 6.   Sunday 27th May

The next morning the delegation were collected from their guest house and brought to the airport for a flight to Malta. For them, the next leg of their itinerary: for us, a void after a memorable week.

Looking back:   if our three new friends from Youxie enjoyed the time we shared, and appreciated the privileged hospitality that we received, even half as much as we ICCS members did, then their visit was an outstanding success.

I would like to thank the many committee members for submitting articles covering the delegation's visit to Dublin.   (ED)