Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter

Left: Thalia Lyn (second right) presents a painting to Chinese Ambassador Zhao Zhenyu and wife, Wang Xiaoju, as husband, Michael Lyn, looks on. The Lyns hosted a farewell brunch for the diplomats.(center) The inseparable Marigold and Ossie Harding look picture-perfect at the farewell brunch.( Right l-r) John Issa makes a point to French Ambassador Francis Hurtut, Canadian High Commissioner Denis Kingsley and Lascelles Chin. - photos by Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

On a very cool Sunday afternoon, Island Grill's petite dynamo and Honorary Consul General to Thailand, Thalia Lyn, and her husband, Captain Mike Lyn, hosted another fine brunch.

This one was for Chinese Ambassador Zhao Zhenyu and wife, Madame Wang Xiaoju. Last-minute plans to make it a double send-off to include the Japanese Ambassador didn't work out, but the Lyns made it a festive occasion with very few speeches and plenty of conversation. Guests gathered to bid the Chinese couple 'zai jian' (goodbye), making the pleasant drive into the St. Andrew hills for the celebration.

In thanking his hosts, Ambassador Zhao joked that Mrs. Lyn might consider opening an Island Grill in Beijing, and if his country ever wanted to appoint an honorary consul, she might 'cross the floor' from her Thailand duties. It was all in good fun though, and he reiterated that the friendships he and his wife had made helped make their stay more meaningful and enjoyable. He thought it ironic that the brunch was hosted on October 1, China's National Day, and used the occasion to give the best news of all: his government had asked them to stay on for another month and a half! This brought out shouts of approval indeed!

Rich meal

Now, the beauty of any brunch is the meal. And with a Chinese brunch called 'dim sum', the food takes on a more extravagant taste. Served with tea (brewed by Michael Lyn himself), the food was unbelievably delicious, and who could resist the vegetable spring rolls, roast pork, tofu and fish balls, noodles and fried wontons that were placed invitingly on the table? Guests didn't hesitate to go for seconds.

Guests included Anthony and Jeanne Watson; Liu Wei; Ambassador Douglas Saunders and Angela Robertson; Tessanne Chin; Kurt Wright; Charmaine and Philip Liu; David and Mary Wong-Ken; Delroy Chuck; Ossie and Marigold Harding; Sandra Grant-Griffiths; Parris Lyew-Ayee (senior and junior); Howard and Linda McIntosh; Robert MacMillan; South African High Commissioner Faith D'Radebe; Canadian High Commissioner Denis Kingsley and wife, Jo'Ann; Jennifer Lim; Zein Issa-Nakash; sister, Muna Issa and Anne-Marie Feanny.