Many have asked how New Year's was here. Well, it was pretty uneventful for us. Our city made fireworks illegal this year so we didn't have the 24 hours each day of fireworks we had two years ago in Beijing. Not having them really did make for beautiful days afterward though. We heard that one year on CNY day the pollution index was over 700 here! So, not having them was definitely good in that regard. We tried to look for things to do but weren't able to locate anything like the festivals we attended in the states. Maybe in the bigger cities? There was a show very much like our New Year's Eve broadcast from Time Square with dancing and singing. They even have a ball that drops. We didn't get to spend New Year's with a family here but we did have dinner with friends at McDonald's. Sad right? Last year we had dumplings and all sorts of special Ch*nese treats and crafts. Here in country - we went to McDonald's and played on the playground with friends. While playing, we met a local family who told us about the tv show, ... So, we went in to see what was drawing so much attention. It was pretty neat and much more kid friendly than our New Year's Eve shows in the states. :) At least I think it was, couldn't understand any of the language - lol.
Definitely a different type of new year... We did see a few burnt offerings around the city. Not sure what it was, maybe a chicken? They do this for their ancestors. We've been learning much about the beliefs many hold her. My heart longs to share light and life here.
Just like our winter (Christmas) break, this is winter break here and they too get two weeks off. So, we've been doing a bit of exploring. We still have had assignments from school that have been great for our entire family - going to a Temple, watching relevant videos, cultural assignments and working on language.
On New Year's Eve we visited a very popular Daoist Temple in our city. Many people burned incense, bowed to idols and gave money - in buckets as well as a fountain where they tried to blow it into the center for better luck. There were also fortune tellers. As the people bowed to one of their gods they would shake a container with fortunes until one came out (or they grabbed one). They would pay for it then take a corresponding paper to the fortune teller who would "read" their fortune.
Interestingly, this religion also has a trinity.
It was heavy walking through this, watching. Aili said their idols/gods looked mean and scary. It was very interesting to read the bits and pieces of another true story I know; yet how far from it they are. We continue to lift up those we saw there.
The kids really enjoyed their time looking around. They really like the cultural things here, the beautiful architecture and the open space. Meisi says she likes seeing "cool things." Ian usually isn't excited to go but once there enjoys looking at and exploring each place we visit.
We don't know these kids, but as usual - our kids attract a paparazzi-like following of cameras wherever they go. So far they haven't minded, so we encourage them to participate. Aili says she'd like to start charging for pictures though. :) My little entrepreneur.
A few days after the temple we went to a park which is the people's favorite park here (so we hear).
It was very crowded, but fun to explore. First we stopped for lunch at KFC. Which was funny. We went there for ease... Well, it took us 10 minutes to order. Not sure what we were doing wrong. I think it had something to do with corn on the cob only being available at a certain time. I'm not sure. We ended up with the wrong thing and less drinks than we ordered - but we ate. KFC here is something like KFC at home, only it is all spicier and the chicken pieces are much smaller. Oh - and they have this little chicken whose name I suppose is "Chicky." Doesn't he kinda look like Col Sanders as a chicken? No offense, I mean, I'm a KY girl, but somehow they do resemble one another. ;)
The People's Park had some very beautiful flowers out. :) Almost like Fishhawk ;) Except they were still in their planters, but arranged very well.
I wanted to buy this toy - haha. I mean - where else can you get this? It is the three wheeled carriage bike that I rode in and the kids got to ride in on CNY. So so fun! My kids weren't impressed.
There were paddle boats too! We will definitely have to come back one day for this. There was a long line on this day and it was already getting late.
There were stairs, but also this trail that looked well worn. We chose the trail. Almost like hiking. :)
Tree swings - for real -tree swings. With three little monkeys - a perfect place to play.
Their ingenuity in the use of space and material is amazing to me. This seat may or may not have been carved from a tree,... looks like a tree but their attention to detail in construction could mean this is some other material.
The sign said, "Children's Playground." Haha... yep, exactly what I was expecting! Weren't you? Truly, this is a children's playground here. :) The kids were pleased. Funny thing about this - I hated carnivals in the states and would rarely let my kids get on those things. Being in another land definitely changes us.
We found all the stuff sold at the dollar tree - only here, it is more than a dollar.
Fishhawk Friends - we found an "Art Monkey" equivalent too. :)
And a guy who paints sidewalks like Disney, only he did it in characters AND English!! I tried to talk with him but he only wanted to write out his responses in English. His spelling and grammar were perfect. After writing a while he told me he was going to take a walk. :)
More folks wanting pictures... This one surprised me. The Tibetan Monk was who asked for the picture. :) Again, I can't wait until we can speak more.
As we walked back to the bus stop Ian quickly spotted this - a giant Bumblebee! We went in to take pics with it. Turns out kids weren't supposed to be in there. It is a Karaoke club. Oops! The lady didn't say anything, but Brian saw a sign after we got the pic. :)
Late end to our night - time to splurge- Pizza Hut!! The one on the left is a "small", the one on the right is a "large". It fed us but there were certainly no leftovers. :)
We have really enjoyed exploring. We have one more week of more explorations before returning to full time study. It is wonderful to be amidst the people. Of course, there is a huge language barrier; yet we can use this time to continually intercede while looking at their faces. It is Him who does the work, opening minds and heart. If you have a chance, would you join us in looking though the pictures again, looking for faces to lift up?
Thanks for following along. I really hope you get a feeling for the place and the culture here. More than that I hope these pictures and stories mold your heart for these people, a burden that brings you to your knees.
Thank you for walking alongside us. We love and miss you.
