Who invented the automatic pen? How did the tie come about? Why was Marco Polo a Croat?On November 28, 2019, the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in China successfully hosted a series of activities called "Friendly Little Ambassadors" initiated by China Service Center for Friendship and Cooperation with Foreign Countries(CSC) and Ansheng International. Led by The Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to China, H.E. Dario Mihelin, "Friendly Little Ambassadors" began their exploration of Croatia.
His Excellency the Ambassador shook hands with the "Little Ambassadors" one by one, and carefully prepared gifts for them—Introduction of Croatian Scenic spots,Refrigerator magnets with images of historic Croatian buildings, a ceramic gingerbread heart-shaped Christmas decoration representing Zagreb, Croatia and the famous children's book from Croatia, "The Adventures of The Little Apprentice".The story is a classic that the Ambassador read as a child, so the Ambassador is very happy to present the Chinese translation to the "Little Ambassadors".
Next, the Ambassador introduced in detail the geographical environment and places of interest in Croatia.Croatia is home to world heritage sites, historic sites and national parks, and the capital, Zagreb, is home to one of Europe's best Christmas markets. In addition, Croatia has a long coastline, which is well appreciated through water sports such as swimming and sailing.Because of this, The Croatian water polo team is one of the best in the world, along with the football, tennis, basketball and handball teams. The Ambassador warmly welcomes the Chinese youth to Croatia for sports exchanges and to jointly improve the sports level of the two countries' youth.
In the ambassador's warm and humorous introduction, the little emissaries learned about the elegant accessories of formal occasions——necktie originated in Croatia and can be traced back to the 16th and 17th centuries.Slavoljub Eduard Penkala was a famous Croatian inventor of the automatic pen, a modern writing tool.As to why Marco Polo was a Croat, his Excellency explained in detail that Marco Polo's hometown was in the south of Croatia, and that his family's former residence was still well preserved in the center of the town.The Ambassador also said movingly, hundreds of years ago, Marco Polo connected the two continents of Asia and Europe through his travels. There are still many memorials of Marco Polo on the two continents. Therefore, His Excellency also hopes that the "Little Ambassadors" can serve as a bridge of friendship between the two countries and continue the friendship between China and Europe.
During the talent show and gift giving, the children performed hip-hop, violin, Beijing Opera accapella and cucurbit flute for the Ambassador.The Ambassador was deeply moved after receiving the gifts of a small table lamp, a model dragon boat, calligraphy, painting and paper cutting made by the children. He took a photo with the children one by one. The leaders of CSC presented the children with "Friendship Passport" and a certificate of gratitude to the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in China.
Happy times are always unforgettable. During the two-hour visit, the children not only received gifts from the Embassy, but also received sincere messages from the respected Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to China, His Excellency Dario Mihelin. I believe that in the future, the friendship between China and Croatia will be just like the calligraphy that the children presented -- The friendship between China and Croatia will last forever!
