This has involved a growing number of overseas families settling in Wuxi. With husbands busy at work, many of the wives of foreign businessmen stay at home and enjoy plenty of leisure time. This spare time enables many to indulge their interest in Chinese culture. As a result these women have clubbed together to create the " Wives Club". The club provides members with the opportunity to socialize while learning more about Chinese culture.

The Wuxi Taihu Garden Holiday Resort recently held a class for foreigners interested in learning how to cook Chinese food. The class has proved highly popular with local expatriates.

Luo Gang, from the Holiday Resort, explains why they held such an event.

"Many residents from overseas are very interested in Chinese culture. The culinary art is an important part of the culture. Many foreign people enjoy Chinese food very much, but have little idea of how to cook the many dishes. By organizing classes, we hope to help them learn more about the cuisine and the Chinese people. This will help them to further appreciate their time in Wuxi."

The cooking class is held every Tuesday at the holiday resort. Each session teaches students how to make two new dishes. Experienced Chinese chefs demonstrate and then supervise the efforts of foreign students.

Liv Lewin came to Wuxi with her husband from Norway. She enjoyed the cooking class so much she has also encouraged her two daughters to attend.

"I'm very happy to learn ten different courses, because this is the only way I can do Chinese food when I go back home to Norway again. It's very interesting to be here. I think they are very satisfactory, and I have my daughters here."

Lewin's daughter also spoke of her enthusiasm for Chinese cooking.

"I think it's different but it's really good. I do think I want to take the things I learn here with me home so I can make them for my friends and family. It's nice to learn something different and to taste something new. I'm really happy to have the chance to come here and see how to do this."

Dorothy Thompin arrived in Wuxi a few months ago. She has so far learned to cook a dozen famous Chinese dishes, such as fish-flavored pork shreds, sweet-and-sour pork ribs and spicy bean curd.

"I like coming to the Chinese cooking class because the food is very good. The chefs help me a lot and I have learned a lot from them. Chinese cooking is different from western cooking: you have to chop everything very finely, wash everything and make them clean. I enjoy the class and my husband enjoys the food very much."

Chinese dishes are famous for their combination of taste, aroma and colour, and are enjoyed by many people around the world. Learning the basic skills necessary for cooking Chinese dishes at home has helped lighten the tedium of household chores for many expatriate housewives. It has also provided many with an excuse to hold more dinner parties in order to show-off their new cooking skills in front of friends and family!

(China Radio International June 18, 2002)