Experiencing Worship in the Abbey
Today I got up and braved the cold to go line up at the Big West door of Westminster Abbey to attend the Palm Sunday service. Several groups of people were willing to do this, including the tourists who arrived on Sunday to discover that The Abbey was only open for worship on Sundays and it was this or nothing. The second group were tourists who realized they could get in for free if they were attending worship. The third group were the music enthusiasts who appreciate the quality of the organist, the pipe organ and the choir. Then there were the people who regularly attend services at home and felt like they should. The final group were those of us looking to experience the awe inspiring worship in community with other pilgrims.
As a tourist, the first impression is often of the opulence and political nature of organized religion. Evensong at The Abbey in Bath and Palm Sunday at Westminster Abbey were far more about the reflection on the presence of God. The pipe organs and the high ceilings create the same sense of smallness that I get being beside the ocean. The amazing quality of the choir, the beauty of the stained glass windows and the church are so conducive to quiet reflection of those things that matter most to me. Sharing the experience with people who have come from all over the world who are on the same journey to understand, is just so cool.
This morning, as we entered we were presented with our palm leaf crosses and we gathered in the nave. The line of people spiraled outside. Then the choirs of Westminster Abbey and St. Margaret's Church (Westminster Abbey) led us singing All Glory Laud and Honour around the sanctuary, through the Quire Screen and to my seat in the Lantern facing the northern transept with Christ with welcoming hands in the centre of the rosary window. People continued to fill up the Transepts and the seating area in the nave. The Passion according to Luke (Victoria Missa Laetatus sum Lassus) was sung as was much of the service. As we lined up for communion down into the Quire, I was surrounded on either sound by the choir singing. Sometimes life is just that good and it evokes the same feeling as when the light is separated by the clouds and it feels like the hand of God.
I was also pleased to discover that half of the collection was directed to a Jewish/ Palestinian peace project. Evidence of a working a church :). I'm so glad I went
Monday, March 25, 2013
American Presence in London
I have been avoiding Starbucks as the inappropriate extension of American economic imperialism in Europe. Instead I've been heading to Caffe Nero, the Italian Coffee chain with free WiFi access first thing in the morning while I wait for the others to get ready. After all, Italy knows far more about coffee than the USA. Distinctly America feeling in the cafe because in fact it is American. The difference is it is serving Italian coffee. Just add that to the McDonalds, KFC, Nando's, the Gap, American Eagle, Banana Republic, and practically every other big American label. Yet at the end of the day, it does have free WiFi access and great coffee. Hohum...
Saturday, March 23, 2013
English Cuisine
I think perhaps English food gets a bad rep due the reference to "French Cuisine" and "The Art of Italian dining.". The weather has in every way brought to life, Jane Austen's frequent references to dark and stormy nights, complete with gale force winds and sheeting rain. In the midst of "the coldest March since the year of my birth," my aunt and I have enjoyed each and every breakfast, tea time, and dinner.
Having a grandmother with Scottish/ English roots and my fast friend/ mentor with English/ Scottish roots, tea time has been a constant in my life. After a hello kiss, the kettle was put on. It has taken me through ordinary visits, grand celebrations and the times of ultimate despair. With my current administrator, again with similar roots, tea guarantees my passage through each day at work. Drink tea and Carry On.
In England, they understand that the quality of the tea matters and that the perfect accompaniment is a fresh baked scone. Add butter, jam and clotted cream and you have a perfect break in a blustery day. Even little diners pour a lovely spot o'tea. And to boot, Earl Grey tea is a standard! What more could you want.
The English Breakfast makes good sense. You stuff yourself first thing in the morning and then have the entire day to wear it off. At Henrietta House in Bath, we have had our most amazing breakfasts. The juice is fresh squeezed or pressed. There is an option of salted or unsealed butter. The coffee is French pressed. You begin by visiting the buffet for a choice of fresh fruit salad or stewed fruit compote, yogurt, croissants, toast, or a lovely little piece of cake. This is followed up with a selection of 4 or 5 main courses of hot food. The first morning I stayed with the traditional meal of sausage, bacon, two eggs and mushrooms. There is something quite reassuring about knowing the farm where the meat comes from. The second day, I was adventurous and had the omelet with smoked salmon and a lovely sour cream based sauce.
The Traditional English Breakfast is an interesting thing. The tradition seems to be the two eggs, the sausage and the bacon. The potatoes, baked beans, mushrooms or ? seem to be defined by the family tradition of the owner of the establishment. And the prices are decided less than the same meal at Cafe Zen in Kits or anywhere else in Vancouver. Fortunately for me, I also need to choose between sausage or bacon at home. I'll be rolling off the plane at this rate.
I'm not a grand fan of fries at home. I eat them but I don't LOVE them. I do LOVE chips in England. They are always fresh and don't carry the taste of grease. The first order of fish and chips that we ordered caught us off guard. We have grown up eating fish and chips at the beach, but they have never actually looked like a fish in batter! Who knew?
Hmmm. Time to eat. Apparently Harrod's has a nice breakfast. I'll let you know.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Off to England for Spring Break 2013
A wonderful adventure for Spring Break started only five days ago, but feels like far longer. Nothing like the pursuit of new discoveries to bring life into focus with far greater clarity.
My aunt and I arrived in Bath yesterday afternoon to relatively clear skies. This was fortunate because our directions to Henrietta House took us in a circuitous route that allowed us to see far more of the city than was necessary with our bags. We were pleased to discover our B&B was not just reasonable but delightfully quaint.
Bath has celebrated two great phases in it's history, the discovery of the hot springs and subsequent building by the Romans, then the building to entertains the wealthy and middle classes in the Georgian times. Our first stop was Cream Tea for two - complete with Earl Grey tea, two scones each, our choice of salted or unsalted butter, jam and devonshire cream. Then next stop was the thermal baths.
A new thermal spa has recently been built to provide the true experience of what the Romans and English in Georgian times flocked to the area to experience. You enter for 2 hours, 4 hours, or the entire day. I paid my £26 to enter for two hours and went to the roof top pool overlooking the city. Experience with Harrison Hot Springs and Fairmont Hot Springs had me expecting very hot water. The pools in both the rooftop and indoor pools are kept a little cooler than body temperature, apparently optimal temperature for bathing pools. My initial thought was that I wouldn't be staying the entire time to float in these pools. Then I discovered them.
The steam rooms were on the middle level. Four cylindrical shaped glass steam rooms were lit with four different colours of light in a dim room with a mineral water circular shower in the middle. The green room was scented with eucalyptus and mint. The purple room was lotus flower. The red room was sandalwood. My very favorite room was scented with lemongrass and ginger. The rest of the time floated in the process of heating up, cooling down in a pool, in the shower or on the outdoor terrace. This is what the baths were all about. The pursuit of complete relaxation. Something far too elusive in my life. The good German/ Scottish work ethic has not really allowed for this to fully unfold. Perhaps I need to live in Bath or take something of Bath home with me.
Today another massive and splendid English breakfast. The farm that my sausage and bacon came from was cited and the orange/ pear juice was a smoothie of real juice. We discovered today that Jane Austen was not exaggerating about the windy, cold rain that pelts down in the country. Our first decision was to buy tickets for the Hop On Hop Off bus rather than take a leisurely stroll through the rain. We hoped off at the Jane Austen Museum. Jane Austen is one of my "coping with life strategies". I have my own well watched dvd's and Netflix for backup to deal with the stressors of life. So I LOVED the museum and delighted in having Cream Tea once again in the tea room.
We Hopped on to finish our City Tour. Then it was off to The Roman Baths. It was like walking into another time. Yet the whole notion of a current day swimming pool was very much there. NI Loved this quote:
"The picture is not complete without some quarrelsome fellow, a thief caught in the act, or the man who loves the sound of his own voice in the bath- not to mention those who jump in with a tremendous splash."
Seneca
Epistulae Morales, 56
1st century AD
This could be Kits Pool in summer
When we Hopped On the bus again, we headed for the Abbey. Inadvertently we ended up in a very deserted St. John's Cathedral and were able to explore on our own until closing time. Very cool. Then the rector shepherded us out to see the steam train that only comes through town once a week. A significant event that we needed to witness.
When we did make it to the Abbey, it was in time for Evensong. Attending church for worship rather than to sightsee brings a difference in perspective. The voices, the music from the huge pipe organ as well as the beauty of the architecture and the stained glass made for a very moving experience. Quite perfect in fact.
Our next stop was the oldest
My aunt and I arrived in Bath yesterday afternoon to relatively clear skies. This was fortunate because our directions to Henrietta House took us in a circuitous route that allowed us to see far more of the city than was necessary with our bags. We were pleased to discover our B&B was not just reasonable but delightfully quaint.
Bath has celebrated two great phases in it's history, the discovery of the hot springs and subsequent building by the Romans, then the building to entertains the wealthy and middle classes in the Georgian times. Our first stop was Cream Tea for two - complete with Earl Grey tea, two scones each, our choice of salted or unsalted butter, jam and devonshire cream. Then next stop was the thermal baths.
A new thermal spa has recently been built to provide the true experience of what the Romans and English in Georgian times flocked to the area to experience. You enter for 2 hours, 4 hours, or the entire day. I paid my £26 to enter for two hours and went to the roof top pool overlooking the city. Experience with Harrison Hot Springs and Fairmont Hot Springs had me expecting very hot water. The pools in both the rooftop and indoor pools are kept a little cooler than body temperature, apparently optimal temperature for bathing pools. My initial thought was that I wouldn't be staying the entire time to float in these pools. Then I discovered them.
The steam rooms were on the middle level. Four cylindrical shaped glass steam rooms were lit with four different colours of light in a dim room with a mineral water circular shower in the middle. The green room was scented with eucalyptus and mint. The purple room was lotus flower. The red room was sandalwood. My very favorite room was scented with lemongrass and ginger. The rest of the time floated in the process of heating up, cooling down in a pool, in the shower or on the outdoor terrace. This is what the baths were all about. The pursuit of complete relaxation. Something far too elusive in my life. The good German/ Scottish work ethic has not really allowed for this to fully unfold. Perhaps I need to live in Bath or take something of Bath home with me.
Today another massive and splendid English breakfast. The farm that my sausage and bacon came from was cited and the orange/ pear juice was a smoothie of real juice. We discovered today that Jane Austen was not exaggerating about the windy, cold rain that pelts down in the country. Our first decision was to buy tickets for the Hop On Hop Off bus rather than take a leisurely stroll through the rain. We hoped off at the Jane Austen Museum. Jane Austen is one of my "coping with life strategies". I have my own well watched dvd's and Netflix for backup to deal with the stressors of life. So I LOVED the museum and delighted in having Cream Tea once again in the tea room.
We Hopped on to finish our City Tour. Then it was off to The Roman Baths. It was like walking into another time. Yet the whole notion of a current day swimming pool was very much there. NI Loved this quote:
"The picture is not complete without some quarrelsome fellow, a thief caught in the act, or the man who loves the sound of his own voice in the bath- not to mention those who jump in with a tremendous splash."
Seneca
Epistulae Morales, 56
1st century AD
This could be Kits Pool in summer
When we Hopped On the bus again, we headed for the Abbey. Inadvertently we ended up in a very deserted St. John's Cathedral and were able to explore on our own until closing time. Very cool. Then the rector shepherded us out to see the steam train that only comes through town once a week. A significant event that we needed to witness.
When we did make it to the Abbey, it was in time for Evensong. Attending church for worship rather than to sightsee brings a difference in perspective. The voices, the music from the huge pipe organ as well as the beauty of the architecture and the stained glass made for a very moving experience. Quite perfect in fact.
Our next stop was the oldest
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Summer 2011
We have finally moved back to Vancouver after raising our children in the suburbs. Coquitlam afforded lots of kids, parks, soccer fields, swimming pools, hot tubs, big back yards, and lots of rooms to accommodate the endless stream of friends and colleagues. Tough move for the kids to lose their reference point and rooms and grasp that their parents had lived another life that they REALLY liked.
Brad and I met when he was living in the West End and I was living at 2nd and Maple with my Mom. We decided this summer that we'd stay in town and do all of the things we missed or could do without driving. The sailing lessons at Jericho were fun until we were faced with actually taking out a sailboat while we were both still quite clueless! We've decided that we need to sail separately and then take turns with the skipper role. Fortunately our membership was put to good use in the restaurant. Great food right on theof edge of the ocean.
Although the weather wasn't overly cooperative, I spent LOTS of time on the deck overlooking the beach and at Kits Beach. Can never get enough! I read professional sources for my Professional Growth Plan. Books on the list of "books to read". Beach reads. Magazine - Macleans, Time, PDK, The Reading Teacher, Amnesty, Vanity Fair and of course, Oprah- the ultimate determinant of holidays. We took advantage of being able to walk everywhere. Shopping on Broadway. To Jericho Beach- the beach of my childhood. To Bard on the Beach. Granville Island and beyond to Monk McQueen's. To the movies. To St. Andrew's Wesley where my friend was a minister so long ago! Such a luxury. Larkyn regularly biked to work at Granville Island and Tyler could walk to the Wall Centre Hotel to work in the Wine Store or the Coffee Shop.
We still haven't broken the habit of eating out. Sophie's, Cafe Zen and the Epicurean are favorites for breakfast. The Smoking Dog is great for cloudy days. Nothing beats The Sandbar on the top floor or happy-appy hour at The Boathouse. And of course, Local for the ultimate burger.
Yes, life is good in Kits! And yes, you can go home! next challenge - renovations!
Brad and I met when he was living in the West End and I was living at 2nd and Maple with my Mom. We decided this summer that we'd stay in town and do all of the things we missed or could do without driving. The sailing lessons at Jericho were fun until we were faced with actually taking out a sailboat while we were both still quite clueless! We've decided that we need to sail separately and then take turns with the skipper role. Fortunately our membership was put to good use in the restaurant. Great food right on theof edge of the ocean.
Although the weather wasn't overly cooperative, I spent LOTS of time on the deck overlooking the beach and at Kits Beach. Can never get enough! I read professional sources for my Professional Growth Plan. Books on the list of "books to read". Beach reads. Magazine - Macleans, Time, PDK, The Reading Teacher, Amnesty, Vanity Fair and of course, Oprah- the ultimate determinant of holidays. We took advantage of being able to walk everywhere. Shopping on Broadway. To Jericho Beach- the beach of my childhood. To Bard on the Beach. Granville Island and beyond to Monk McQueen's. To the movies. To St. Andrew's Wesley where my friend was a minister so long ago! Such a luxury. Larkyn regularly biked to work at Granville Island and Tyler could walk to the Wall Centre Hotel to work in the Wine Store or the Coffee Shop.
We still haven't broken the habit of eating out. Sophie's, Cafe Zen and the Epicurean are favorites for breakfast. The Smoking Dog is great for cloudy days. Nothing beats The Sandbar on the top floor or happy-appy hour at The Boathouse. And of course, Local for the ultimate burger.
Yes, life is good in Kits! And yes, you can go home! next challenge - renovations!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
In Search of Higher Learning at Harvard
Wonderful opportunity to attend "The New and Aspiring Leaders" Institute with other educators at Harvard University. Boston is a wonderful city. A "must return to" on my personnel travel list. I wish I had more time here. I took the milk run on the way here. Brad drove me to Bellingham, then I flew to Seattle, then Los Angeles. Good ole' LAX, I almost missed the flight because I had to wait for the shuttle to the next gate to avoid security. Arrived just on time to load on the flight to Boston. I arrived at the hotel at 6 in the morning. Although I requested early check in, I realized that it was insanely early. However the guy at the desk took pity on me and upgraded me to the available suite and let me get a few hours sleep before the institute started.
My suite is quite wonderful. 12th floor with a view of the Charles River. It reminds me of the Czech Republic when you stand on a bridge and can see a whole series of other bridges. I'm in walking distance of Harvard, but the shuttle makes it SO easy to just ride to Harvard Square (which is actually a triangle), have coffee and read about the implications of the newly adopted Health Care legislation that Obama FINALLY has been successful in passing! I love the old brick buildings and bridges and the history of the city. Everywhere you walk around Harvard, you're passing the 1st church, or the graveyard for civil war soldiers, or some other historic monument. One lecture hall has a flag with 46 stars that was flown prior to 1912. Very cool!
The actual institute is quite intense 8:30 am - 5:45 pm with pre-readings for each of the sessions. Interesting mix of people attending including principals, vice-principals, department heads, district personnel, mentors - whole range of leadership positions from international schools, charter schools, public schools from elementary to university level. Interestingly enough of the 90 people attending, the principal sitting beside me from the International School in Mozambique - actually from Toronto and currently living in New York with her family due to her husband's posting with Unicef. The assistant principal behind me- actually born and raised in Winnipeg, schooled in Ontario and recruited to teach in New York.
It is so interesting that our physical proximity to the US is so close and yet the differences in our school systems are so significant. Nice surprise was the first speaker, had done a lot of work in Calgary and Toronto and set up Canada as a strong example of how it should be done. Learning lots and having lots of great conversations around the topic of systemic change theory.
Yes, Tyler... I will talk about the food. Amazing. Lots of restaurants with lots of types of cuisine. Big shock looking at the menus for Indian food. High end and very expensive specialty food. We're so spoiled with such a lot of high quality Indian food in Vancouver. Lots of influence of the South...Louisianna gumbo which I forgot is more of a solid that a liquid - wonderful. My lunch with shrimp and crawfish quesidillas was supersized in the tradition of the great USA. WAY too much food for one person. SO good! Last night we went to a Mongolian grill which was actually called "Improvisational cuisine". We improvised like crazy and practically rolled home. Tonight, The OM Restaurant - salmon sashimi to die for, super spicy Thai coconut soup, filo wrapped trout and creme brulee! Doesn't get much better. Drinks are also amazingly creative. Lavendar cosmos, blueberry-lemon margs..,
Time to go get my reading done. One more night before the odyssey trek back.
My suite is quite wonderful. 12th floor with a view of the Charles River. It reminds me of the Czech Republic when you stand on a bridge and can see a whole series of other bridges. I'm in walking distance of Harvard, but the shuttle makes it SO easy to just ride to Harvard Square (which is actually a triangle), have coffee and read about the implications of the newly adopted Health Care legislation that Obama FINALLY has been successful in passing! I love the old brick buildings and bridges and the history of the city. Everywhere you walk around Harvard, you're passing the 1st church, or the graveyard for civil war soldiers, or some other historic monument. One lecture hall has a flag with 46 stars that was flown prior to 1912. Very cool!
The actual institute is quite intense 8:30 am - 5:45 pm with pre-readings for each of the sessions. Interesting mix of people attending including principals, vice-principals, department heads, district personnel, mentors - whole range of leadership positions from international schools, charter schools, public schools from elementary to university level. Interestingly enough of the 90 people attending, the principal sitting beside me from the International School in Mozambique - actually from Toronto and currently living in New York with her family due to her husband's posting with Unicef. The assistant principal behind me- actually born and raised in Winnipeg, schooled in Ontario and recruited to teach in New York.
It is so interesting that our physical proximity to the US is so close and yet the differences in our school systems are so significant. Nice surprise was the first speaker, had done a lot of work in Calgary and Toronto and set up Canada as a strong example of how it should be done. Learning lots and having lots of great conversations around the topic of systemic change theory.
Yes, Tyler... I will talk about the food. Amazing. Lots of restaurants with lots of types of cuisine. Big shock looking at the menus for Indian food. High end and very expensive specialty food. We're so spoiled with such a lot of high quality Indian food in Vancouver. Lots of influence of the South...Louisianna gumbo which I forgot is more of a solid that a liquid - wonderful. My lunch with shrimp and crawfish quesidillas was supersized in the tradition of the great USA. WAY too much food for one person. SO good! Last night we went to a Mongolian grill which was actually called "Improvisational cuisine". We improvised like crazy and practically rolled home. Tonight, The OM Restaurant - salmon sashimi to die for, super spicy Thai coconut soup, filo wrapped trout and creme brulee! Doesn't get much better. Drinks are also amazingly creative. Lavendar cosmos, blueberry-lemon margs..,
Time to go get my reading done. One more night before the odyssey trek back.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Heading Home- Shanghai to Tokyo
Well I’m back in Tokyo waiting for the flight home. Another adventure returning home this year. However due to a Comedy of Errors that really wasn’t funny- Marion (another teacher) and I missed our flight home and Steve (our group coordinator) ended up picking up the tab for a rebooking fee in Economy Class and an upgrade to First Class. For this additional expense, it appears he had access to brown slippers and more alcohol (much needed by this point in time. I was worried but not frantic until I realized I didn’t have an exit form and thought I was headed back through security and guaranteed to miss the second flight of the day. Fortunately for me, it was not Mexico and you do not need to have a stamped document granted at arrival to be resubmitted when you leave. Another story for the collection.
This year in China, I was not able to get on my blog. Due to the number of sites and amount of times I tried, I can only guess that it is due to China’s increased control of the information flow on the internet. I managed to get my hands on The China Daily English Language Newspaper while I was in Shanghai. The weekend edition was a total of 12 pages and the bias of the articles was amazingly transparent. Millions were reported with the Swine Flu in the US and Chinese economic success emphasized.
The influence of the western world in cities is quite evident but other than Caucasian billboard models for advertising, it’s more limited in towns. On the Fuyang River each morning, even the younger people dance to Chinese music. They have just created a massive square where they eventually will put a tunnel under the Fuyang River. It is quite the gathering spot, very similar to Vienna square, close to the Rathaus Nightly from 6:30 – 8:30 pm, there is line dancing on giant screen which is very popular. One night, my Chinese buddy, Hongbo (alias Jane) and I stumbled on quite the production. A huge stage was set up with seating. The first person we saw on stage, I recognized immediately. He is a “famous” Fuyang comedian from local tv. He is on the television in restaurants and during foot massages. His sketch with another comedian involved confusion due to the use of their different dialects. The audience was in stitches. We also saw a scene from a Beijing opera and a Hangzhou opera. People all knew the stories and were obviously moved by the production. You don’t hear western music at all unless you go to the bar frequented by westerners. However we did see one group of belly dancers that Hongbo immediately asked if we danced like that in Canada.
Smoking is far more prevalent in China. I was very aware of trying to avoid smokers during the performances. My custodian, Mr. Wu, at the Education Bureau always had a cigarette hanging out of his mouth, whether it was first thing in the morning or after classes. This is quite common for many people and when they put them in an ash tray or toss the cigarette on the ground, they rarely butt out. The smoke just continues to curl its way to your face! Aagh!!! It was most problematic for me when I was eating breakfast or dinner. It gave me a healthy appreciation of our no smoking initiatives!
Consumer culture is well entrenched in China. I always think of it as something plaguing the Western World, but I suppose China has had more to sell for thousands of years. Life is Shanghai is teaming with tourists from all over China and the rest of the world. There is always a throng of people moving in and out of shops. Unfortunately I was sick in Shanghai despite my preventative Dukoral before I left Vancouver. It was inconvenient but not disastrous. I was able to make it to the large mall with the “real” designer clones and fill my quota for pearls. Every shop has a back room and “the best deal”. I shopped until I dropped and then spent the rest of the evening in the hotel room while my traveling mates went dancing.
The Western World has had some impact on the beverage consumption of the Chinese. In our classes at the Education Bureau, we always had green tea and 6 large dispensers filled with boiling water. Green tea was on the go all day. However coffee consumption has become “progressive”. Interesting versions of Starbucks are appearing in China as coffee is gaining in popularity. The prices in Starbucks are about the same as in Canada but to spend that much on coffee is prohibitive for all but the most affluent Chinese.
The best place I went to with Hongbo was Crowne Café in the Old Town of Shanghai. You proceed through a wonderful bakery first and pick up your sweet or savory treats. Then you end up at the coffee counter. To go cups are made in the Italian design espresso machines and then they go into another machine that seals on a metal lid that goes under the plastic lid to ensure the coffee stays hot and doesn’t spill. Cool design. The cost for a latte was 12 RMB(Yuan), tea was 4 RMB and several treats for both of us was about 14 RMB. This is about $5.00, the same cost of one latte at Starbucks. We also sat on the second floor looking at the rain pour down on the narrow and extremely busy Old Town Routes…and far away from the stinky tofu vendors (as distinct from the non-stinky versions).
Hongbo also slipped down to get us “The famous Shanghai dumplings”. Many cities seem to have “famous” versions of pork dumplings. My favorite was definitely the Hangzhou version. But they were also the freshest. We were in a VERY busy restaurant where you push through the throng to order and they grab as it is passed over. Not sure I could have managed myself even with $1.49 training in my formative years.
Well, Marion is back from her chair massage. She reports it was pretty good, but I’ve been ruined by the Chinese massage. This year I expanded my horizons and also had the head massage. For a mere 30 RMB ($5.00 Cdn), you get a dry head massage, lathering massage, rinse massage, hand, arm, and shoulder massage and a blow dry. Although I chopped my hair off before the trip so I would be cooler, there still was a fascination with making my hair as big as possible. Ronnie McDonald and I were in the running for biggest hair first time of all time. My travel buddies were sure I needed to back away from flagging the cab because I was scaring the drivers. Yes that bad! My stylist certainly had fun though. Much to his chagrin, I curbed his enthusiasm next time around and taught him the skill of curly hair control.
Well, hopefully we’re boarding soon. I can’t wait to get home. Three weeks was too long to be away from my little family. Can’t wait to see everyone.
This year in China, I was not able to get on my blog. Due to the number of sites and amount of times I tried, I can only guess that it is due to China’s increased control of the information flow on the internet. I managed to get my hands on The China Daily English Language Newspaper while I was in Shanghai. The weekend edition was a total of 12 pages and the bias of the articles was amazingly transparent. Millions were reported with the Swine Flu in the US and Chinese economic success emphasized.
The influence of the western world in cities is quite evident but other than Caucasian billboard models for advertising, it’s more limited in towns. On the Fuyang River each morning, even the younger people dance to Chinese music. They have just created a massive square where they eventually will put a tunnel under the Fuyang River. It is quite the gathering spot, very similar to Vienna square, close to the Rathaus Nightly from 6:30 – 8:30 pm, there is line dancing on giant screen which is very popular. One night, my Chinese buddy, Hongbo (alias Jane) and I stumbled on quite the production. A huge stage was set up with seating. The first person we saw on stage, I recognized immediately. He is a “famous” Fuyang comedian from local tv. He is on the television in restaurants and during foot massages. His sketch with another comedian involved confusion due to the use of their different dialects. The audience was in stitches. We also saw a scene from a Beijing opera and a Hangzhou opera. People all knew the stories and were obviously moved by the production. You don’t hear western music at all unless you go to the bar frequented by westerners. However we did see one group of belly dancers that Hongbo immediately asked if we danced like that in Canada.
Smoking is far more prevalent in China. I was very aware of trying to avoid smokers during the performances. My custodian, Mr. Wu, at the Education Bureau always had a cigarette hanging out of his mouth, whether it was first thing in the morning or after classes. This is quite common for many people and when they put them in an ash tray or toss the cigarette on the ground, they rarely butt out. The smoke just continues to curl its way to your face! Aagh!!! It was most problematic for me when I was eating breakfast or dinner. It gave me a healthy appreciation of our no smoking initiatives!
Consumer culture is well entrenched in China. I always think of it as something plaguing the Western World, but I suppose China has had more to sell for thousands of years. Life is Shanghai is teaming with tourists from all over China and the rest of the world. There is always a throng of people moving in and out of shops. Unfortunately I was sick in Shanghai despite my preventative Dukoral before I left Vancouver. It was inconvenient but not disastrous. I was able to make it to the large mall with the “real” designer clones and fill my quota for pearls. Every shop has a back room and “the best deal”. I shopped until I dropped and then spent the rest of the evening in the hotel room while my traveling mates went dancing.
The Western World has had some impact on the beverage consumption of the Chinese. In our classes at the Education Bureau, we always had green tea and 6 large dispensers filled with boiling water. Green tea was on the go all day. However coffee consumption has become “progressive”. Interesting versions of Starbucks are appearing in China as coffee is gaining in popularity. The prices in Starbucks are about the same as in Canada but to spend that much on coffee is prohibitive for all but the most affluent Chinese.
The best place I went to with Hongbo was Crowne Café in the Old Town of Shanghai. You proceed through a wonderful bakery first and pick up your sweet or savory treats. Then you end up at the coffee counter. To go cups are made in the Italian design espresso machines and then they go into another machine that seals on a metal lid that goes under the plastic lid to ensure the coffee stays hot and doesn’t spill. Cool design. The cost for a latte was 12 RMB(Yuan), tea was 4 RMB and several treats for both of us was about 14 RMB. This is about $5.00, the same cost of one latte at Starbucks. We also sat on the second floor looking at the rain pour down on the narrow and extremely busy Old Town Routes…and far away from the stinky tofu vendors (as distinct from the non-stinky versions).
Hongbo also slipped down to get us “The famous Shanghai dumplings”. Many cities seem to have “famous” versions of pork dumplings. My favorite was definitely the Hangzhou version. But they were also the freshest. We were in a VERY busy restaurant where you push through the throng to order and they grab as it is passed over. Not sure I could have managed myself even with $1.49 training in my formative years.
Well, Marion is back from her chair massage. She reports it was pretty good, but I’ve been ruined by the Chinese massage. This year I expanded my horizons and also had the head massage. For a mere 30 RMB ($5.00 Cdn), you get a dry head massage, lathering massage, rinse massage, hand, arm, and shoulder massage and a blow dry. Although I chopped my hair off before the trip so I would be cooler, there still was a fascination with making my hair as big as possible. Ronnie McDonald and I were in the running for biggest hair first time of all time. My travel buddies were sure I needed to back away from flagging the cab because I was scaring the drivers. Yes that bad! My stylist certainly had fun though. Much to his chagrin, I curbed his enthusiasm next time around and taught him the skill of curly hair control.
Well, hopefully we’re boarding soon. I can’t wait to get home. Three weeks was too long to be away from my little family. Can’t wait to see everyone.
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