Niu Yang ge

      The spitting, burping, and pushing I could do without. But it is things like this that fascinate me:   Driving out of the snowy mountains I asked if we could stop the car to see what was going on in a small village we were approaching. Getting out of the car- camera in hand - I was overwhelmed with the sight of colorful outfits and smiling faces. The pounding of a drum was coming from the bed of a truck that was driven into the outside area where the dances where taking place. I asked if I could come into the area and take a few pictures, and the people of this small northern town could not have been happier or more proud to have a 'la wai' (foreigner) be so interested in their spring festival traditions and culture. 

     They offered me a platter of candy and cigarettes, of which I took a piece of candy. The teenager offering the platter looked up at me worried it seemed as though I had not taken as much as she wanted me to -- and I questioned myself, "should I take a few pieces more or a cigarette to make them feel as though I have partaken the fullness of their generosity, or just this one piece of candy (all that I want and need) so that the others can enjoy the treats?"-- with my best smile of reassurance that this was more than enough for me, I gave a polite nod and bow, as the girl sheepishly smiled back.

     I learned that this is called "Niu Yang ge"- traditional dances from the Northern Provences. I found the energy and excitement there brought about emotions that made me not want to leave. But alas, Baihong was waiting for us to continue our journey to Shenyang.

mountain (meng)

on the way to the mountain, we got caught in a lamb jam...

Nuo Nuo starting early perfecting her peace signs

the mountaineers: Uncle "Shoo Shoo", Aunt Yu Fen, Angela, Yuanyuan, and Nuonuo (oh and me...photographer) 

we made it back... 

ni ga ha na? (dongbei hua-for what are you doing?)

Angela making the green beans for another big lunch!

Yuanyuan standing a the red store front

we have been shooting off lots of bottle rockets, cooking, eating, and more mahjong!

The 'Niu' Year

is what you call it because it is the year of the cow and "niu" is the word for cow. How appropriate, because at home we call it, "Happy Moo Year".

So far, it has consisted of: lots of people over - many of the Meng Family friends. I was told to call all of her father's friends, "Shoo Shoo" which means uncle.

 Lots of jaozi:

an unexplainable amount of fireworks - they went off all through the night and most of the day today. For lack of time to upload my video--check out my friend Joe's video who was in Beijing for the New Year.

The men played "mah jong"

The women chatted and compared their red socks (all with cows on them--of course) my foot is turned out with the 'bamboo green' long johns.

and the teenagers watched jackie chan movies (his Chinese name is "Cheng Long") in chinese with chinese subtitles.

Happy Niu Year! 

new years eve numero dos

   There was a one hour delay in Seoul because of the winter wonderland at hand. 

But it was oh so grand to come around the corner-out of customs- and see Angela in the crowd waving her hand.

   To Angela's house we go! Her father has a factory down the street and they (including her brother-17 and sister-20) live above her mother's restaurant. I slept hard last night, and it has been a full morning of preparing for the New Years Eve celebration tonight.

   Red banners and signs go above, on, and on either side of all the doors. The door to the restaurant, the door to their living quarters above, the back door, and the garage. The ladies, A, her sister, her mother, her mother's sister and I have been making bread, jaozi (dumplings), fish, and cucumber salad. When the clock strikes 12 am tonight, we will be setting off the stack of fireworks "li hua" that where in the garage when we opened it this morning.  

   Oh, the second to last picture is of the fish we made out of dough. Fish is a symbol of prosperity. Angela made an octopus, I made a larger than life goldfish looking thing.

  Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-U3pSQnzoGA

wonderland

Beautiful snow is falling in Seoul. I only hope it does not delay the flight. Looking forward to seeing my Angel soon. Up next: the Chinese Lunar New Year. DongBei style. Say "guo nian hao" to your Chinese friends on Jan 25th.