Where to buy Americana?

[Brian US]

I was asked to participate in the International Culture Festival at Renmin University for this Sunday. I didn't realize that by participate, they actually meant I would be the only one putting it together for the American booth. There are over 30 countries represented with ambassadors and members of the department of education attending. Apparently the 60th anniversary of foreign students in China is a big thing.

My problem is finding things to represent America for the event, mainly a flag and map. I have two Chinese students helping me, but even they are not sure where to purchase such materials. I have called the U.S. embassy twice with nothing more than getting transferred to a random voice mail.

The only experience I have with such events is witnessing one at BLCU. It was mainly pictures of American football, Lady Gaga, Obama, with Chinese students dressed as a cowboy and Sponge Bob Square Pants. I would like to avoid going to this level of cheesy.

Thanks for any insight and feel free to stop by Renmin University this Sunday from 10am-5pm to see the International Culture Festival. I'll probably be the only American at the American booth. I just don't want the Canadians to out do us.

[Xiwang]

Peking University had its 7th Annual International Cultural Festival on September 29. You might want to try reaching out to some American students there to see if they have any leftover American stuff from their booth.

We almost had a mini diplomatic incident at the Festival two years ago. Someone had set up a small basketball hoop in the American booth so everyone was throwing a plastic basketball around. One errant toss went over the wall into the next booth and hit some guy. Unfortunately, the neighboring booth was the Iranian booth; and the guy who was hit happened to be the Iranian ambassador.

The result was a bunch of very angry Iranians.

[Brian US]

This is pretty last minute with the event two days away. I didn't even get details about the event until a few days ago. Not sure if other schools will be helpful, because Renmin isn't giving me any contacts.

Glad you brought up the basketball incident as that was an idea being "thrown" around to have a hoop setup. Looks like the British and Vietnam booths are next to the American. Some of my classmates recommended going to Xidan or Wangfujing for flags and maps.

[gougou]

Did you check Taobao?

Oh, and nice story, Xiwang!

[Brian US]

Thought about Taobao, but I have never ordered from it and didn't know if I could get it last minute. Noticed one listing for a map that has a phone number in Beijing. Anyone just meet up with a person on Taobao? I think I might try Xidan/Wangfujing tonight. Just talked to the Chinese students helping me and they said they would help tomorrow if I can't find anything. Maybe just have them call the listings on Taobao.

[Xiwang]

The Zhongguancun Book Building located a couple of blocks southwest of Peking University sells folded wall maps of different countries. I'm sure that most larger book stores would also have such maps.

http://www.beijingimpression.com/beijing-shopping/zhongguancun-books-building.shtml

You can also buy American magazines at the Bookworm bookstore if you want to get some pictures and articles to show the students.

You should be able to borrow an American flag from your university. Surely they must keep an American flag around just in case an American politician drops in to give a speech. Maybe the Center for American Studies at Renmin University might have something.

[gougou]

Good tips that Xiwang gave there, too.

As for Taobao, I have quite frequently filtered the listings to only display offers from Beijing and then went over to their store - mostly to get an impression of how trustworthy they are in case of larger purchases, but it might also make sense if you're in a hurry. You can also check whether they offer express delivery or could just bring it over in person or something.

[Brian US]

Thanks Xiwang, the bookstore is only two blocks north of where I live! Just picked up a map, but it is a little on the small side. I called a few departments at Renmin, but couldn't get through. I went to the international office, but didn't get much help. They told me Renmin didn't have anything for an American display and I could always rent the material. My followup question pertained to where I may rent said materials. The response was a I don't know and I should ask a Chinese student.

If anyone is interested, there are over 40 American students currently enrolled at Renmin University. According to the office they have all been called several times to participate with no success.

I will be providing Seattle coffee from my small stash.

[gato]

You could buy some movie or rock 'n roll posters. Maybe D-22, the night club near Tsinghua, can lend you some.

Interesting that they only gave you 2 days to prepare.

Here are few ideas. Try to stay away from fromage, if you can.

http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=3757641330

电影海报：荒野生存[DY08219](Into the Wild)

http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=3426598749

摇滚海报★〓linkin_park林肯公园乐队

http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=3426578709

摇滚海报★〓Rage-against-the-machine乐队

[Xiwang]

Food is always a good draw. However, I recall that one of the most successful booths had a somewhat bare display about one of the Baltic countries. Nonetheless, the Chinese students (mainly guys) were all lined up in order to get their picture taken with the blond co-ed working the booth.

Have fun. Please let us know how the weekend goes.

[Brian US]

I think the booth turned out alright. The weather was pretty bad this past weekend with several of the booths (including ours) collapsing. They repaired it once, but after it happened again they said it might take until morning to make things right.

I had two Chinese students that helped out a lot. We ended up going to that mall west of Xizhimen that has all the Christmas gear outside. One of the buildings has office supplies on the second floor. You may also find mini flag stands there. I find them a little cheesy, but mini American/Chinese flags work for any banquet.

It was a long and cold day. I ended up getting a Polish guy to pretend to be an American while I could check out the other booths. The tall blond girls might get all the attention, but I was very busy posing for pictures for being a short guy with dark hair. I also found you never have to clean up for a public event. As soon as closing time comes, your booth will be stripped of everything by random locals.