I was startled from sleep this morning by a series of very LOUD bangs - sounded like they were just outside the wall of the apartment (quite a feat since I'm 19 floors up). Believe me, it was intense! I looked outside and saw a bunch of men dressed up in suits standing below a window in the building opposite mine. It was apparently the groom's method of proposing. It also created a huge volume of smoke - guess when you're getting married adding to the air pollution is not a big concern! So then the group of men traipsed inside the building and I heard nothing until 20 minutes later when the series of explosions repeated - it was their exit and I suppose symbolized a successful mission...
We have had a terrible week of pollution, but it did clear up for Christmas. Unfortunately, we are back to heavy pollution today... I don't recall having so much of this last year...
So I went to see Han Hong in concert on Christmas night. She is a Chinese singer of Tibetan origin who has a beautiful voice and large fan following in China. I reckon I was the only foreigner in the audience. The hall she sang in was huge and cavernous - the seats we had were the 2nd row from the very back. The had a couple large screens up front to show close-ups and there was a large screen behind the stage. So the venue basically sucked (the chairs were like plastic patio chairs), but the sound was ok and I thought the screen graphics were impressive. About halfway through the concert they turned the heat off and it was as cold inside as it was outside by the end of the show (and it was cold outside!). I couldn't understand any of the music, but it sounded nice and it was enjoyable! I heard 6 English words the entire show - "One, two, three, four" and "If you". She apparently also sang a song in Korean, Tibetan, and in Shaanxi dialect.
Then the day after Christmas, I went to see a movie. Very American thing to do, right?? It was at the new mall - they just opened up some cinemas. Only Chinese movies were showing. We saw "Mr. Six" - I don't know the Chinese name but I can tell you it doesn't translate to Mr. Six. It was in Chinese with Chinese subtitles and English subtitles. Interestingly enough, they have Chinese subtitles for most Chinese movies here - even the Chinese have trouble understanding themselves sometimes! I really enjoyed the movie - I heard it has been released in the US - I recommend it if you see it showing near you. It gives a nice portrayal of changing times and cultures in China told with a good plot...
Speaking of the mall, I just returned from their with a Starbucks latte in hand. It's dangerous having one so close now! As I was sitting there sipping on the coffee, I was looking out a window at the mall entrance. Lo and behold, there was a young boy (2-3 yrs. old) doing his business right in front of the entrance doors - ably assisted by his father. They wear these pants with a split in the rear-end (no underwear) that makes it really easy for them. People just walking by paying no attention... Some say this practice is going away but I have seen it often...
This week we have an unprecedented 2nd 4 day week in a row! Friday is New Years Day and we are being given it off as well! Supposedly it is a national holiday and everyone gets it off - but they always seem to have ways around that it seems. No plans at this time - a few teachers are flying off to a spot not too far away for a quick 3 day weekend (a place that resembles the land in the movie Avatar) but I guess I'm getting too old for that because pulling that off is just too hectic!
I want to say for my final words in this blog for 2015 how fortunate I am to have the family and friends who have helped me during these times so far away. I have met many people over here who do not have anything to help hold them up, and frankly I don't know how they do it. Thank you, to those at home in the US, and to those I have met here in China, for helping me stumble along.
To a great 2016!!
Ggg
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