After a long hiatus, we are finally back with more videos - sorry for the delay!
We went "adventuring" to find a Christmas tree for our apartment. Needless to say, this is not common in this part of the world (fake trees are available if you know where to go, but where is the adventure in that?)...
Watch the video and see if we were able to find one.
This is (correction) was a safari park located near where we live. Apparently an accident at another park lead to the closure of all safari parks in the country... (Possibly something relating to the last scene of a foreigner petting a tiger).
Enjoy the video. The music is from an asian band called 12 Girls.
One month after our 2 year old broke her arm, the doctors declared Alanna “healed”.
Which is great considering their first diagnosis said it was broken twice and it would take 6-12 months to heal, but it turned out to be a minor fracture just in one place (elbow).
Well, the doctors now say there is no longer any sign of any fractures, so we know Who really heals;)
This clip was from an ordinary day at “The People’s Park”. (winter ’05) Keep in mind there are no scheduled events—people just show up and share their love for the arts!
Click on the black image below to get the video to start playing...
Qu Yuan was an official who fought corruption during the Chu empire (~300BC). After being slandered, he made a public statement and drowned himself in the river. People used hundreds of dragon boats to search for him, while beating drums to frighten the river into returning his body – all the while they threw rice dumplings into the river to keep the fish from eating his body.
Asian food anyone??
Western food and Asian food are prepared a little bit differently… Watch our good friend “Red Cloud” prepare some local dishes, with plenty of red hot chilis!
Please Note: Hong Yun is a real special lady, grew up in the countryside pretty much dirt poor—came to the city for work 8 years ago, has since then learned how to speak English, clean AND cook western-style. With that powerful combination and some of her extended family’s help- she and her husband have just bought their first house! It’s an understatement to say it’s a dream come true- being that only a year ago they (and 10 year old daughter) used to rent the upstairs of a concrete block house with zero insulation and no plumbing—having to use a neighborhood outhouse etc. Notice how even in the nice new apt. no heat is used!
This is a look at a modern Asian wedding. Traditionally the bride would be arranged and the bride and groom didn't know who they were going to marry. The bride would wear a red cloth over her head and face - and neither would see eachother's face until they entered the bridal chambers!
Today things are much different with a blend of both East and West - depending on the desires of the couple. Take a look, and discuss what you find interesting below!
The following video is of something that happened in our apartment courtyard. Watch the clip and leave some comments below as to what you think the product is? Notice all the Olympics focus as well - the guy in all the posters is Liu Xiang – a famous track star – the Michael Jordan of Asia…
This clip is “Sichuan Opera” ~ which is not really opera at all! Traditionally performed in teahouses, it is kind of variety show with live band~ including a short play, singing, puppetry, tea pouring from a long spout, shadow figures, and the most incredible and famous “face changing”. (Holly marvels at this EVERY time and still can’t figure it out!! Can you? I know where they put it, but how?!;) Depending on which teahouse you go to, you will see variations on each of these performances depending on the local talent. Culture culture culture!
Well, this is a brief look at the more "cultural" side of our city. Much of the footage is from an area called the "wholesale market" and reflects a more traditional view of the culture.
The following is from a trip we took a year and a half ago to a 2000 year old village several hours outside the city. It was absolutely beautiful. The house we stayed in was lived in by the same family for 300 years, and the family before that, for over 100. No one knew the real age of the house! Notice the defensive towers connected to many of the houses. Enjoy!
This clip is about a local specialty. Kind of like fondue..
It is by far the favorite dish for the locals. A few years ago there were
over 6,000 Hotpot Restaurants in the city..
WARNING:
Those with weak stomachs should not see what REAL Asian food looks like!
This array is tame compared to what locals themselves would order…
p.s.. That special sauce~ is pure beef oil. According to yin-yang, the uncooked beef is considered a cold food, then cooked in hot, it then must then return back to its former cold state in the dipping sauce. Thus, keeping balance and harmony.
Here is a short clip showing Cassie's first day of a local kindergarten. :) If you are wondering what the school nurse is spraying in her mouth, it's not mouth wash, it's vinegar. :P
The fun of Chinese New Year - 10 million people shooting off fireworks at once! This went on practically all night for days. This video is of midnight, on the start of the Chinese Lunar New Year.
