All Chinese Buddhists are looking forwards to Tibet since it has clearly been regarded as a sacred place in some way.Waving flags;worshiping people with cushions beneath,kneeling every 3 steps on their way until get to Jokhang Temple;rushing yaks and horses on the plateau;dancing girls clad in colorful silk clothes;spectacular sunset;yummy milk tea…
These are the photos taken from the date of my starting working at the hostel to that of this New Year.Nearly a year has it been for me to stay here!!!I have got a lot of memories to share:about our hostel’s friends— Zack,Alex,Arne,Yvonne,Maurice…about our events for Winter Solstice,Christmas,New Year…(start from the last to the first:P)
April 1st 2012 may be a special or a common day,it depends on how you see it.Generally,people in the world knows it is the Fool’s Day while for Chinese people,it is the start of the Tomb Sweeping holidays lasting for 4 days.
However,for us,all the staff in Hanwood,that is definitely a beginning of some unexpected big joke and lasting bad luck.
Since the first day of March,we,well,exactly,our shrewd boss has been expecting holidays’ coming,when usually increasing amount of travelers are here staying,going around and booking some tours with us.That means we may earn a great amount then!!!
Finally,it arrived.Overjoyed Andy(my boss)got up very early to embrace it.He even hummed some tune as a celebration personally.
Ironically,the power suddenly went off.O_o
“What happened???”screamed Andy,so did some of the guests entertaining around in the lobby.
He walked out quickly to check if this fell upon every neighbour.Unfortunately,it did.We thought it would come back very soon since this kind of thing occurred before,though not often,but which was very fresh in our memories.Then we calmed down and began to cope with things without computer and keyboard.One hour later,power was still off.Two hours later,off.Fine,we might wait,it was not a big case.Three hours later,not restored.Euh,there might be some tricky problem.Four hours later,the same…then five,six,seven,eight…
“Could you please explain what it is going on here???”one upset guest rushed to us.
We were shocked dumb at first,brain blanking at that time.One minute later,brain cells resumed brainstorming and organizing the reasons to comfort…
Thus,one day and one night passed.The second day,expecting things would be fine then,we were disappointed and frustrated the whole day.Yes,the same.Some checked out earlier to find another hostel and losses were made in that way.Andy was a bit carried away and freaked out,but no one could help it.
Meantime,we actually got a lot of notifications to say the electricity will be back at what,what,what time.However,any of them was like a lie.It never came back as they said!!!
Then,another day and night.April 3rd was here now.We stopped hoping and did what we should do to “grease the broken chain”.We have been used to complaints and threats to say “we would move out if we would not have power by what time!”Well,ok,do what you want.
At 14:59,some sound cheered us up,it was like the restoration of power.We headed up and saw the light on there and the lobby bright all of a sudden.Oh,yes!!!!!Nightmare has finally gone!We would hold a party to memorize the big moment if not working now.
Now,in retrospect,that was really a big joke for this April Fool’s Day…
Weather Report brought a bad news to us,who were actually intoxicated in the overjoy of coming Spring a moment ago.The long-expected season would be delayed by a gust of strong,chilly wind.Well,skirts taken off,furry coats reput on and outgoing plans cancelled,we have to stay indoors after monotonous work and study.Life becomes boring again…
“How about watching some wonderful movies???”a voice from heart struck me all of a sudden.
Good idea!!!
Half an hour’s searching online brought me a small list:
1.“One Day” by Anne Hathaway,eh…it seems I watched it on my friend’s computer.Thus,pass!!!
2.“A Walk to Remember”by Mandy Moore,it says it’s a movie made from Nicolas Spark’s novel of same name.What’s more,A ROMANCE MOVIE!!!I love it.Ok,it is on.
3.“Dear John” by Amanda Seyfried,I found it from one lengthy page of Nicolas’ life.Another ROMANCE MOVIE!!!On!!
4.“Sherlock Holmes 2—The Play of the Shadow” by Donny Roberts.This is definitely some one I have been awaiting since its first one.On!!!
5.“Harry Potter and And The Deathly Hallows 2”(by someone whose name I do not need to mention since he has been so well-known)oh,my!!!I cannot watch it here???!!!Why???Well,have to pass it…
6.“Bat Man”by Seems to be a bit old compared with the others,but have got very good comments.I’ll do it!!!
7.“The Notebook”by Ryan Gosling,romantic but full suspenses.Who on earth the old man reading to Allie,Noah or Lon???I should go and find it out.
“From Wuhan:Students at Zhongnan University are up in arms over horoscope discrimnation.”
This is the first part of a passage put on 21st Century newspaper.Horoscope discrimination may sound strange at first,but in retrospect,you will definitely discover that this prejudice has been all the rage amongst us in daily life.
Teenagers seek friends partly depends upon the widespread “Dispostion Analysis of the Twelve Star Signs”:
Aquarius people(Jan 20th— Feb 18th) are considered rational and mature,but also to be able to spark with some unusual and never-heard-before ideas.
Pisces lot(Feb 19th—Mar 20th) are said to be sensitive and sensational,but also fragile and vulnerable when it come s to emotion and romance.
Aries friends(March 21st—April 20th) would be very postitive and easy to go around due to their liveliness and vigorousness,but sometimes you need to help them get control over their bad-temper and try to keep them from being an easy aggressor.
Compared with Aries,Taurus(April 21st—May 20th) are commonly very introverted and slow,but extremely methodical and stable.A lot of thoughts are done before taking any action.
Gemini people(May 21st—June 20th),who are too much tricky and cunning,often change their words from time to time.Consistence,perseverance and fortitude are never found from their “virtue dictionary”,but “Working by fits and starts”is listed at the top spot,with no doubt
Cancers(June 21st—July 22nd) love family with all their hearts,in others’ eyes.In nature,they want love and security both of which can only be completely given by family.Their beloved people will get the cordial devotion.
If you like your friends to be passionate,active and generous,Leos(July 23rd—Aug 22nd)are the choice.However,do show as much patience and respect as possible to their arrogance,too much self-esteem and carelessness.
Virgos(Aug 23rd—Sep 22nd) are perfectionists,who won’t stand any dot on a over-polished leather shoe or any strange taste in the quality French cuisine.It seems that they are fairly inconfident,always pushing themselves more forwards even though the top has been reached.That is why they burden much pressure every second.Being friends with her may be ‘difficile’,but you will soon enjoy yourselves in her considerate services and help.
Libras(Sep 23rd—Oct 23rd) would be an awesome part if they join the UN.They love peace-keeping not with forces but eloquency and communication skills.Being boss is never their sort since they are all very hesitant when decision needs making.
There is a kind of people who draws a clear line between love and hatred,that is Scorpio people(Oct 24th—Nov 21st).They will not hesitate to go once they’ve decided to love or pursue something,but do not try to annoy them.You will get a huge blow from them for revenge.
Sagittarius(Nov 22nd—Dec 21st) can be travelers and wonderful adventures.They like to be challenged.On the other side,girls,you need to listen up.Never find yourselves a Sagittrius BF,you will hurt greatly by his fickleness in love.
By contrast to Geminis,Capricorns(Dec 22nd—Jan 19th) have got all they lack:patience,perseverance,fortitude,studiousness and responsibility.They are like the apples of God’s eyes.At the same time,the stubbornness and mistrust may prevent themselves from integrating into a team.
Due to the analysis,horoscope discrimination was subconciously transmitted into minds.Girls and boys are all talking about the analysis.To find out who they are and who their lovers are has taken up all the attention.
Even the company recruits based upon this:
“Students at Zhongnan University are up in arms over horoscope discrmination.
A Guangdong-based company advertised a vacancy for a designer on the website of Zhongnan University of Economics and Law last weekend.Applicants whose star signs were Virgo,Scorpio and Taurus would be considered as propriety.Pisces students were ruled out.Students expressed their anger about star sign discrimination online.The company has not commented”
INSANE!!!That is all my feeling at the first sight of it.
Do you believe that???
A page on calendar was torn and March 6th is now shown on another.Well,Spring is just hidden around us,waiting for a right time to suddenly jump out of the shadow and scream:”I am coming!!!”
Girls have been eager to take off the thick coats and furry boots and put on the light,silky skirts and colorful blouses as well as some handsome suits
“Let’s go shopping!!!”I raised up my hand and was the first one to respond to Muxiang’s calling.Well,I am just one amongst the eager girls.
“Ok!”the other four said yes,too.
“But,when???”
“How about this Thursday???That is Women’s Day!!!I suppose we will at least one-day leave for that.”Star said.
“My boss will not give me any holidays for the festivals,I bet,since it is hospitality!!!Did you ever seen some hotel close the door just for the reason of festivities???Never!!!”I disagreed.
“Then,Sunday afternoon???”
We exchanged the glances and nodded.
This is not yet Sunday,but I have been excited about that.I was windowshopping online these days on www.taobao.com, where you may find various clothes and accessories and even the furnitures.Anyway,it is extensive.However,the qualities can not let me give out my thumb all the time.
I still found a good shop that attracted my eyes.Their commodities are quite delicate and fancy,fused with some ancient and European fashion elements.I love them.
I shared the link with Muxiang immediately,who had an agreeably good taste in fashion and art.
“Too medieaval!!!”that was the comment I got back.
“What???O_oAre you serious,my dear???They are so lovely and beautiful!!!Look at them!!!”I nearly wanted to swallow the 12th paragraph back.I regretted to highly spoke of her taste at that moment.
“Go to my Qqzone and you will know what I meant.”
I spent twenty minutes in her zone and downloaded some pics.
Wow,this is like awesome,but I don’t think it is suitable to me.Anyway,I have to admit—these are much better than mine,but I still need to wait until I get enough money and age to put them on.
We kept silent on the way back to the hostel.
Suddenly,”I was still quite stunned by Tom’s performance of climbing the tallest sky-scraper in Dubai!!!How could he make it??!!!”Angel broke the silence.
Don’t be confused,we were talking about the movie—Mission Impossible 4 that we watched last Wednesday afternoon.Before she did that,we were all engrossed with the reminiscences of it.
American thrillers are almost all alike,I always complain about that,however,strangely,they never bored me but thrilled and attracted me a lot.Maybe I am just quite amazed at its techniques and high-tech scenes.I never saw these in the Chinese movies.
“Wow!!!lol””it was all what I said while Agent Carter put a len into Agent William‘s eye and a copy was made after he blinked twice towards a paper(well even though it was not so perfect at that moment).I screamed out in the cinema when Tom was falling along the tallest building,but luckily I was not kicked out for that since everyone did the same…
Generally,I screamed and laughed and was touched.When it was finished,I felt I was going to replay it if I were in charge of the cinema.However,I were and what was more,I had to go back to work.:(
“Oh,my hair is in a mess.I cannot comb it smoothly!!!”Star complained in the bathroom while making herself up.
“Well,just go to the hairdresser’s.I believe she will definitely cut the chaos into orderliness!”I said after her 101st complaint.
“No,I can’t…no no no…I mustn’t!”
“You mustn’t??Why???”I was stunned by her “mustn’t”.
“Did you forget that?It is the first lunar month of this year when cutting on hair is conventionally forbidden!!!”
Ah,yes,I really forgot about that since it is always considered a superstition for me.Don’t you think so???You have to let your hair wait until the second day of the second lunar month just due to some undocumented convention.That is insane!!!I will never do that.
Actually,that is the talk between us going on last month.Now,that conventional day for hair-cutting will be here in two days—we call it “Dragon Head-raising Day”.
You must have been curious about the origin of this seemingly strange custom.I searched online and asked some elder people who told me that it was originated also from a superstition in the ancient times.
It was said that dragon used to live in the palace at the bottom of the ocean and he was in charge of the rain and wind.At the second day of the lunar February,the Winter had just gone and the Spring come back,the dragon dormant for the whole winter began to raise its head in order t0 blow the wind as well as to fall the rain on the ground.Then,everything old will be brushed away.That is why cutting the hair is considered auspicious at that time.All the bad luck will be brought away.
Even though I do not believe in the crazy belief,I will go and have my hair style changed for it has been more chaotic than Star’s a month ago!!!
Waking up with happy and relaxing mood,I dressed up and said to myself,”Catherine,it is good day again,learn to enjoy it!!!”Then I rushed out with my bag since it was time to go to work.
“Hello,good morning!!^_^”greeted I with a smile to the French guest met at the first moment of entering the hostel.He smiled back and said bonjour to me.After I put down the bag and went back to tear the old page from calendar,it occurred to me that today was Valentine’s Day!!!
Actually,Valentine’s Day has never been for me.I am now 20,but still without anyone to date with:( However,I am still excited about it for whatever reason.
To my surprise,not everyone is as excited as me.”Valentine’s Day is the worst because people won’t shut up about how much they hate Valentine’s Day.”someone posted on twitter.
Really???I asked Adrian,a Swedish traveler beside me.
He laughed but nodded his head.”Why?!!!”O_O confused was I.
“Well,let’s take it like this.If you were 32 years old,having no husband or boyfriend,and now were sitting a
subway with loving couples around,then what would you think???”Then,sour grapes,I thought at that moment. 
Ah,I forgot about all the left-overs,sorry…
I know you will be jealous if you think you are going to end an old maid or an old bachelor while seeing others intimate.However,that does not mean Valentine’s is resented.
Do you think you may anyone’s heart if you always bear a resentful look???Learn to love the day and enjoy it even though you are still single,your love and gentleness may bring you good luck^_-
Have a try~~~ 
Feb 6th of 2012 may not be a special day to you unless yo are from China,Taiwan,Singapore or Vietnam.Just as its name says,it is festival celebrated with LANTERNS.
“元宵节”、“上元节”、“灯节”are several other methods of calling the festival in Chinese.It usually falls on the 15th day of the first lunar month in a year since it is the day in the month you will the full moon hanging in the sky.After that day,the celebration for Chinese Lunar New Year which lasts for 15 days comes to an end.
You may be curious about how Chinese people observe this festivity:P.Don’t hurry,I will tell you right now~~~
It was generally originated from the West Hang Dynasty,but was only limited among the royal family and noblemen at first.Therefore,it was not as expected as nowadays by almost everyone in China.Later,it was spread to the masses and customs as well as forms for observance were enriched a lot.
Lanterns played an inportant role in its celebration.Not only would children have one or even two lanterns
in their hands to go out for the fair held on that day and to play with their mates together,but red lamterns
with lucky words imprinted on them would be hung at the every corner of the people’s mansions so as to bring
more luck as well.Lantern Festival is always regarded as an occasion for people to have a family reunion,which
is reflected from a kind food eaten for that day—汤圆，glutinous rice balls.The pronunciation of the Chinese
name is quite similar to that of “团团圆圆”,as means “union”in English.
Besides,there were also some other forms of celebration,such as,dragon dances,lion dances,parade of people walking on stilts,etc.
However,there are some people calling this day a “Chinese Valentine’s Day”for in ancient times,lantern fairs would be held on that day each year where single people went to appreciate beautiful lanterns,solve riddles on lanterns and watch the shows over there,hopefully by doing these they would meet their Mr or Miss Right.
Nowadays,more modern elements have been added to the celebration.Fireworks let out.evening galas shown on TV…
Last night,we had a grand lantern party around the City Wall in Xi’an.A lot of people had been there to appreciate the different styles of lanterns,figure lanterns,animal lanterns,statue lanterns and even buildings composed by lanterns…
This morning,I opened the facebook and I saw awesome pics made by one of guests here.They were all about the famous views in the tourist cities of China.
Tibet with its waving prayers flags、Potala Palace and its spectacular plateau,Guilin with its breathtakingly beautiful river—Lijiang and the simple characters in the Old Town,Xi’an with its Terra-cotta Warriors and Big Wild Goose Pagoda,as well as some small places like Huang Guoshu with its running waterfall and natural beauty…
I “like”d almost every picture and downloaded most so as to post it on the blog.
2 days ago,we just celebrated the Chinese New Year in China.
Usually the traditions are uniting family,letting out fireworks,eating dumplings and then watching the evening gala to go thru 0 a.m..This is no exception.
However,I still found that the Northern traditions differentiate themselves from the Southern ones.I did not have dumplings for the dinner,but a lot of wonderful dishes.Then,I remembered someone told me people here don’t usually have dumplings for the Eve,instead,for another as important day.A bit disappointed…
The evening gala is also another expectation for the festival.Even though it is generally disappointing to me this year,there are still some highlights in it. A lot of eminent and talented musicians all came to the gala to sing some old,classic songs.The dancing shows performed by Yang Liping (famous dancer in China),and some intelligent persons around China were eye-attracting.
From last November to last night(Jan 20th,2012),we had been expecting some snow in Xi’an,but none had come until last night.I was so surprised and excited that I wrote some status about that on facebook at once.The next morning,I told the manager,if possible,pls take some photos of it since I wanted to share online.Then I went to sleep straight away…
After I got up,I was told of the ready photos already put in our Qzone,so I went online and downloaded them.
Before posting them,I had a look at them.The Big Wild Goose Pagoda and its South Square in front of it were all covered with white snow.The ground there must have been very slippery since I thought I saw some ice fixed on the surface of paths.(Luckily,I did not go out today at all,the choice was right,Yeah!!!)One of the most interesting parts was that the poor and hard-working Monk Xuanzang was still marching towards India in snow for its Buddhist scriptures…
Usually,on the 15th day of the 8th month on the lunar calender,the moon is full and Chinese celebrate a traditional festival-Mid autumn.
One guest ever asked me about the origin of it,I didn’t know how to answer since there are several versions.
Here is one of them:
Celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival is strongly associated with the legend of Houyi and Chang’e, the Moon Goddess of Immortality.
Houyi was an immortal and Chang’e was a beautiful young girl, working in the palace of the Jade Emperor (the Emperor of Heaven) as an attendant to the Queen Mother of the West (the Jade Emperor’s wife). Houyi aroused the jealousy of the other immortals, who then slandered him before the Jade Emperor. Houyi and his wife, Chang’e, were subsequently banished from heaven. They were forced to live on Earth. Houyi had to hunt to survive and became a skilled and famous archer.
At that time, there were ten suns, in the form of three-legged birds, residing in a mulberry tree in the eastern sea. Each day one of the sun birds would have to travel around the world on a carriage, driven by Xihe, the ‘mother’ of the suns. One day, all ten of the suns circled together, causing the Earth to burn. Emperor Yao, the Emperor of China, commanded Houyi to use his archery skill to shoot down all but one of the suns. Upon completion of his task, the Emperor rewarded Houyi with a pill that granted eternal life. Emperor Yao advised Houyi not to swallow the pill immediately but instead to prepare himself by praying and fasting for a year before taking it Houyi took the pill home and hid it under a rafter. One day, Houyi was summoned away again by Emperor Yao. During her husband’s absence, Chang’e, noticed a white beam of light beckoning from the rafters, and discovered the pill. Chang’e swallowed it and immediately found that she could fly. Houyi returned home, realizing what had happened he began to reprimand his wife. Chang’e escaped by flying out the window into the sky.
Houyi pursued her halfway across the heavens but was forced to return to Earth because of strong winds. Chang’e reached the moon, where she coughed up part of the pill.Chang’e commanded the hare that lived on the moon to make another pill. Chang’e would then be able to return to Earth and her husband.
The legend states that the hare is still pounding herbs, trying to make the pill. Houyi built himself a palace in the sun, representing “Yang” (the male principle), in contrast to Chang’e’s home on the moon which represents “Yin” (the female principle). Once a year, on the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, Houyi visits his wife. That is the reason why the moon is very full and beautiful on that night.
There are also other versions like”Killing the Mongols on the 15th of the eighth month”in Yuan Dynasty,or the worship of the God of the Moon in very ancient times,etc.
To celebrate it,we held a great event—Chinese Cultural Festival VS Han Clothing Show.
We invited some professional dancers or actors in Han clothing to perform here.Sword Dance,Nunchakuz,T stage Show,Beijing Opera…All of them were more wonderful than imaged.
The audience were from different places all over the world,they chatted and played games together…
Four presenters were there to preside over the event,two in Chinese,two in English.
At around 10 p.m.,it was the time for the last part of it.Everyone came together,preparing to put on various costumes and experiencing the Chinese cultures.
We took pctures,shared the feelings,helped each other to dress,and laughed…^_^
It has been almost two years since Hanwood first started.In retrospect,we see that she has experienced a lot.
At the very beginning,few people knew her.It is understandable,of course.All things are difficult before they are easy.However,by and by,things were changing.
Everyone tried his best to offer good services(no matter it be ticket services,daily services,housekeeping services and tour services).Then,very friendly and helpful English-speaking staff with artistic atmosphere and great location around Big Wild Goose Pagoda area has been the most attractive quality of her.With the lively promotion online,the amount of good reviews online was going up.The various activities had been richer,BBQ party during the summertime,dancing party sometime,dumpling party for the chilly winter…More and more funny or moving blogs on the walls in the staircase.
This April,she has been shortened in size in order to make people feel more at home here.New but as friendly and helpful staff have come:Loneking,Candy,Wendy,Jessica and Catherine.
Today,Hanwood has become very known online,but it didn’t stop changing.Hopefully,it will become more and more innovative and novel but still as artistic and cozy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMvYRxlBkY4—Video about Us on Youtube
I myself was never in a relationship with any westerner even though I have got friends.However,listening to exotic lovers’ romantic stories can be really a draw,since the cultural distinctions are really delicious additions in them.
When I first met my Chinese girlfriend, she was just the sweetest and kindest human being I had ever encountered. I remember looking at her for the very first time as she glanced back at me through her small black frame glasses. Most of all, I remember how cute she looked walking up and down the university campus in her little furry winter boots. Since then, we have been many things: friends, colleagues and finally couple (not necessary in that order). It´s now been two years since the night we first met at a birthday dinner in Shanghai, but no matter how much time we spend together, she still manages to surprise (and scare) the hell out of me. Don´t get me wrong, I love my Chinese girlfriend. She is my friend, my mother, my hobby and recently also my nine to five.
The best thing about being with a Chinese woman, is that she will make you discover skills, which you never, in your life, thought you could possess. I myself work in the automotive engineering industry and before I began working in this industry, I actually worked a lot with computers and software engineering. So, as you can see, I am a really big fan of technology and never would have guessed that I could end up being a part-time butler.
In the one year that we have been officially together, I can´t seriously remember one day in which she didn´t have at least one little chore for me to fulfill. These tasks go from translating emails, to doing little household chores, to giving her foot massages. My personal favorite task, is when she waits for me to lay down on the bed and tuck myself in, before saying: Honey, you forgot to get “us” some water. It seems, the more intimate we get, the more time I have been investing in my Majordomo career. I am now seriously thinking about buying myself a black tuxedo and changing my name to James.
Don´t you dare misinterpret me! I am not complaining about my Chinese girl. I am simply telling you all the great advantages of having an oriental princess by your side. In this world there is no sweet without the sour and sometimes my relationship with my Chinese girlfriend can get pretty sour. Talking about sour… I hate fruit! I hate it. I know it´s weird, but I don´t eat fruit. I enjoy vegetables, but not fruit! Now here is where the disadvantages of having a China girl comes into play. After my girlfriend found out I didn´t eat any fruit, my refrigerator was always packed with strawberries. And if that wasn´t enough, she would use her sweet little face to convince me to eat 3 strawberries a day! And after she noticed that I always picked the smaller sized ones, she made it her personal priority to pick the strawberries for me. Guess which ones she picked? That, my friends, is what I call Chinese torture! Those Communists really know their trade, don´t they?
Another thing that Chinese women love to do is to make you carry stuff you never needed before! The weather here in northern Germany can get really nasty, I admit. I have lost count of how many times I arrived home soaking wet! Well…ever since my girlfriend moved in, I have forgotten what it is like to feel that refreshing freezing rain dripping all over my head! Every time it begins to pour, I now seem to have a brand new umbrella magically appearing in my bag!
I guess I should stop complaining and close this article by telling you about the number one disadvantage of living with a Chinese girl. The biggest disadvantage of having a Chinese woman in your life has got to be the food! Ever since I moved in with my girl, I haven´t been able to lose any weight! Ever! All those dishes she (sometimes) prepares, have always gotten me craving for more! Not to mention the fact that every time I get sick, she will always serve me some miracle witch soup and the next day I am as good as new! I haven´t been able to call in sick for months!!
Do Chinese wives think foreign men and Chinese men are different? Of course. Due to cultural differences, there must be many differences between Chinese men and foreign men. In the following article, I ,a Chinese wife, will explain two of them according to my own experience.
It is more common to see a Chinese man complaining about the food his wife has cooked. My dad often complains that this dish is too salty, or that that dish is too spicy, as does my older brother. However, my husband, an American guy, is always pleased with my food even when it is really not good. For example, I made pizza this last week, which I subsequently named “fat pizza,” because the pizza dough was too thick. Not only that, but having never cooked with tomato paste before, I accidentally bought a can of Chef Boyardee’s Beefaroni, and used it as a pizza sauce. You can imagine what my “fat pizza” tasted like with Beefaroni on it—-It was really interesting, to put it politely, but my husband knew I had worked hard and he didn’t want to see me disappointed, so he ate a lot and said it was not bad.
In addition, foreign men can be funny to live with. Compared with others, my husband is a little messy, and he seems to enjoy it. One day, after showering, he was looking for his socks with his shoes in his hand, which he then placed on the bed. Later, when I saw that he had put his shoes on the bed while putting on his socks, I laughed and asked him to put his shoes on the floor and wipe the bed clean. To my surprise, he started hitting the bed with his shoes, all over the sheets trying to make the bed dirtier. He then turned and asked me, “is it clean enough, babe?”. It was so funny that I hunched over with laughter.
Later, I told him that Chinese men would never do what he did if the same thing had happened. Actually, I don’t think Chinese men would have put their shoes on the bed to begin with. However, if it did happen, most Chinese men would either wipe off the bed, or ignore it. My husband then responded, “Chinese men are so boring. How can I make my wife laugh if I just wipe off the bed?”
Chinese men and American men have different attitudes towards both food and cleanliness, American attitudes towards food makes cooking easier for Chinese women. American attitudes towards cleanliness may not always be so nice, but they can also be charming. Some women may like a husband who obeys them all the time, but Chinese wives would probably love it that her husband always tries to make her happy.
source from:http://www.mynewchinesewife.com/do-chinese-wives-think-foreign-men-and-chinese-men-are-different/#more-252
These days,the Spring has turned from trembling chill to a roasting heat,and the girls also changed their heavy down jackets to wind-floating pretty dresses.However,when you see these 2 photos,you will be astonished by the distinct degrees of heat resistance of different physical constitutions.
Enlightened also by a fascinating passage on http://www.mynewchinesewife.com/.
My friend,Celso,from Brazil has been in a relationship with a Chinese lady for a long while,the time has come to talk about marriage.The meeting with her parents cannot be avoided.He heard from his dear girlfriend that the father-in-law is a good drinker,which means “you’d better be prepared for a whole night’s drinking of Chinese liquors…”and which also resulted in his practice with my boss in the restaurant by the hostel for hours,then a strong headache,a almost dead sleep.Sounds scary???Might be,but there are more for you be confronted with.
“So you have finally found the Chinese girl of your dreams and you are both madly in love with each other. Your Chinese girl can’t stop talking about marriage and you realize that the time has come for you to take the ultimate test. The time has come to meet your Chinese in-laws.
Before you leap into the ring of fire, you might want to make sure you find out as much as you can about the people you are going to meet. The good news is that for better or for worst, they can’t wait to see you. The bad news is that they are bringing the whole family along. Expect to be officially introduced to the family during a formal dinner and be prepared to have all the eyes on you. Being interrogated by your future Chinese family is not necessarily a bad thing, but there are some situations that you should watch out for.
Giving your in-laws gifts is a gentle gesture that will be greatly appreciated. Make sure you pick out something presentable and avoid cheap presents. It is better to show up with nothing than to give the wrong gift. Because Chinese people tend to be very superstitious, the wrong gift might mean a range of things, which would go unobserved to the foreign eye. Make sure you never wrap anything in white paper as the color white is China is directly connected with the idea of death. Avoid other controversial gifts like wall clocks, chrysanths and mirrors.
After you make your grand entrance, you will most likely be guided to the table around which the family will gather to celebrate your coming. While at the table, make sure you try a little bit of every dish and remember to compliment the food. Keep in mind that nourishment is very important in China and your new Chinese family will probably not stop feeding you until you say that you beg for mercy! One important thing to keep in mind is that the Chinese are a very nationalist people; therefore you will save yourself a lot of trouble if you avoid talking about Chinese politics in general. If you want to impress your family with your knowledge of their country, then stick to mentioning the places you like in China or your admiration for their culture. Whatever you do, never begin to talk about Taiwan, Japan, Tibet or other sensitive subjects. Chances are that someone will almost always disagree with you and your friendly family dinner might easily turn into a political battle ground.
Drinking large quantities of alcohol is another common habit during special occasions. Chinese people seem to think that most foreigners are big drinkers, so you will often be urged to gambei the evening away with them. If drinking is not your thing, then have at least one round to please baba and then excuse yourself pleading health reasons. When toasting, remember to show your humbleness by keeping your glass lower than everyone else’s. If you smoke, then try to sit next to your father-in-law and offer him a light when he pulls out his box of smokes.
Be aware that what your Chinese in-laws will really be interested in two things: Can you support their daughter and are you a good man. It basically comes down to if you have a steady job, own a property and a car. If you fit this profile, then the winds are in your favor and all you will have to do is make sure they understand how much you love their girl. If you don’t have a secure job, don’t own a property and are driving a bike instead of a car, then you will definitely have to be creative; however not all is lost. Not all Chinese parents are
traditional and they might be willing to give you their blessing if they are convinced of your love for their daughter. Independent of your financial situation, you will win a great deal of points if you remain modest. Modesty is something that most Chinese admire and avoiding boasting about yourself will do wonders for your popularity.
Since convincing your Chinese in-laws that you are a good guy is what´s in the menu, then you better learn how to do it right. The first thing you should keep in mind is that Chinese people express affection much more through actions than through words. This means that you will gain much more points with your in-laws if they see you treating your Chinese girlfriend kindly and with respect than by telling them every five minutes how much you love their daughter. Another important thing that you should know is that the Chinese tend to look after their parents and their partner´s parents as well. Try showing concern for your mother-in-law and make her believe that she will be able to count on you as she grows older.
Family is very important in China and your main task will be to make yourself fit in. As a foreigner, you will always be a little bit of an outcast, but understanding your Chinese wife’s traditions and culture will actually help your new Chinese family understand and accept you. These days, China is full of male foreigners who insist to play with the feelings of innocent Chinese girls. Escape this stereotype by being true to your Chinese girlfriend and keeping honesty on your right hand side. Once you have their trust, they will open a door that will always welcome you in good and bad times alike.”
source from:
So you have finally found the Chinese girl of your dreams and you are both madly in love with each other. Your Chinese girl can’t stop talking about marriage and you realize that the time has come for you to take the ultimate test. The time has come to meet your Chinese in-laws.
Before you leap into the ring of fire, you might want to make sure you find out as much as you can about the people you are going to meet. The good news is that for better or for worst, they can’t wait to see you. The bad news is that they are bringing the whole family along. Expect to be officially introduced to the family during a formal dinner and be prepared to have all the eyes on you. Being interrogated by your future Chinese family is not necessarily a bad thing, but there are some situations that you should watch out for.
Giving your in-laws gifts is a gentle gesture that will be greatly appreciated. Make sure you pick out something presentable and avoid cheap presents. It is better to show up with nothing than to give the wrong gift. Because Chinese people tend to be very superstitious, the wrong gift might mean a range of things, which would go unobserved to the foreign eye. Make sure you never wrap anything in white paper as the color white is China is directly connected with the idea of death. Avoid other controversial gifts like wall clocks, chrysanths and mirrors.
After you make your grand entrance, you will most likely be guided to the table around which the family will gather to celebrate your coming. While at the table, make sure you try a little bit of every dish and remember to compliment the food. Keep in mind that nourishment is very important in China and your new Chinese family will probably not stop feeding you until you say that you beg for mercy! One important thing to keep in mind is that the Chinese are a very nationalist people; therefore you will save yourself a lot of trouble if you avoid talking about Chinese politics in general. If you want to impress your family with your knowledge of their country, then stick to mentioning the places you like in China or your admiration for their culture. Whatever you do, never begin to talk about Taiwan, Japan, Tibet or other sensitive subjects. Chances are that someone will almost always disagree with you and your friendly family dinner might easily turn into a political battle ground.
Drinking large quantities of alcohol is another common habit during special occasions. Chinese people seem to think that most foreigners are big drinkers, so you will often be urged to gambei the evening away with them. If drinking is not your thing, then have at least one round to please baba and then excuse yourself pleading health reasons. When toasting, remember to show your humbleness by keeping your glass lower than everyone else’s. If you smoke, then try to sit next to your father-in-law and offer him a light when he pulls out his box of smokes.
Be aware that what your Chinese in-laws will really be interested in two things: Can you support their daughter and are you a good man. It basically comes down to if you have a steady job, own a property and a car. If you fit this profile, then the winds are in your favor and all you will have to do is make sure they understand how much you love their girl. If you don’t have a secure job, don’t own a property and are driving a bike instead of a car, then you will definitely have to be creative; however not all is lost. Not all Chinese parents are
traditional and they might be willing to give you their blessing if they are convinced of your love for their daughter. Independent of your financial situation, you will win a great deal of points if you remain modest. Modesty is something that most Chinese admire and avoiding boasting about yourself will do wonders for your popularity.
Since convincing your Chinese in-laws that you are a good guy is what´s in the menu, then you better learn how to do it right. The first thing you should keep in mind is that Chinese people express affection much more through actions than through words. This means that you will gain much more points with your in-laws if they see you treating your Chinese girlfriend kindly and with respect than by telling them every five minutes how much you love their daughter. Another important thing that you should know is that the Chinese tend to look after their parents and their partner´s parents as well. Try showing concern for your mother-in-law and make her believe that she will be able to count on you as she grows older.
Family is very important in China and your main task will be to make yourself fit in. As a foreigner, you will always be a little bit of an outcast, but understanding your Chinese wife’s traditions and culture will actually help your new Chinese family understand and accept you. These days, China is full of male foreigners who insist to play with the feelings of innocent Chinese girls. Escape this stereotype by being true to your Chinese girlfriend and keeping honesty on your right hand side. Once you have their trust, they will open a door that will always welcome you in good and bad times alike.
source from:
So you have finally found the Chinese girl of your dreams and you are both madly in love with each other. Your Chinese girl can’t stop talking about marriage and you realize that the time has come for you to take the ultimate test. The time has come to meet your Chinese in-laws.
Before you leap into the ring of fire, you might want to make sure you find out as much as you can about the people you are going to meet. The good news is that for better or for worst, they can’t wait to see you. The bad news is that they are bringing the whole family along. Expect to be officially introduced to the family during a formal dinner and be prepared to have all the eyes on you. Being interrogated by your future Chinese family is not necessarily a bad thing, but there are some situations that you should watch out for.
Giving your in-laws gifts is a gentle gesture that will be greatly appreciated. Make sure you pick out something presentable and avoid cheap presents. It is better to show up with nothing than to give the wrong gift. Because Chinese people tend to be very superstitious, the wrong gift might mean a range of things, which would go unobserved to the foreign eye. Make sure you never wrap anything in white paper as the color white is China is directly connected with the idea of death. Avoid other controversial gifts like wall clocks, chrysanths and mirrors.
After you make your grand entrance, you will most likely be guided to the table around which the family will gather to celebrate your coming. While at the table, make sure you try a little bit of every dish and remember to compliment the food. Keep in mind that nourishment is very important in China and your new Chinese family will probably not stop feeding you until you say that you beg for mercy! One important thing to keep in mind is that the Chinese are a very nationalist people; therefore you will save yourself a lot of trouble if you avoid talking about Chinese politics in general. If you want to impress your family with your knowledge of their country, then stick to mentioning the places you like in China or your admiration for their culture. Whatever you do, never begin to talk about Taiwan, Japan, Tibet or other sensitive subjects. Chances are that someone will almost always disagree with you and your friendly family dinner might easily turn into a political battle ground.
Drinking large quantities of alcohol is another common habit during special occasions. Chinese people seem to think that most foreigners are big drinkers, so you will often be urged to gambei the evening away with them. If drinking is not your thing, then have at least one round to please baba and then excuse yourself pleading health reasons. When toasting, remember to show your humbleness by keeping your glass lower than everyone else’s. If you smoke, then try to sit next to your father-in-law and offer him a light when he pulls out his box of smokes.
Be aware that what your Chinese in-laws will really be interested in two things: Can you support their daughter and are you a good man. It basically comes down to if you have a steady job, own a property and a car. If you fit this profile, then the winds are in your favor and all you will have to do is make sure they understand how much you love their girl. If you don’t have a secure job, don’t own a property and are driving a bike instead of a car, then you will definitely have to be creative; however not all is lost. Not all Chinese parents are
traditional and they might be willing to give you their blessing if they are convinced of your love for their daughter. Independent of your financial situation, you will win a great deal of points if you remain modest. Modesty is something that most Chinese admire and avoiding boasting about yourself will do wonders for your popularity.
Since convincing your Chinese in-laws that you are a good guy is what´s in the menu, then you better learn how to do it right. The first thing you should keep in mind is that Chinese people express affection much more through actions than through words. This means that you will gain much more points with your in-laws if they see you treating your Chinese girlfriend kindly and with respect than by telling them every five minutes how much you love their daughter. Another important thing that you should know is that the Chinese tend to look after their parents and their partner´s parents as well. Try showing concern for your mother-in-law and make her believe that she will be able to count on you as she grows older.
Family is very important in China and your main task will be to make yourself fit in. As a foreigner, you will always be a little bit of an outcast, but understanding your Chinese wife’s traditions and culture will actually help your new Chinese family understand and accept you. These days, China is full of male foreigners who insist to play with the feelings of innocent Chinese girls. Escape this stereotype by being true to your Chinese girlfriend and keeping honesty on your right hand side. Once you have their trust, they will open a door that will always welcome you in good and bad time alike.
source from:http://www.mynewchinesewife.com/how-can-i-deal-with-my-chinese-in-laws/
Before this week’s blog,I have a question to pose for the western male friends.Will you fancy the idea if one day your Chinese girlfriends advise both of you to put on the couple’s T-shirts?
Well,a blog that cropped up this morning just enlightened me.It seems that we Chinese girls do like to wear couple T-shirts when in a relationship because that means something in common between us displayed publicly and proudly,which is considered a romance and even ranked top of the Most Romantic Things You Want to Do with Your Boyfriend.
However,when it comes to the westerners,it is never possibly the same.They would argue about its stupidity and awkwardness brought about on one side and its always faithful and loving significance behind on the other,like…
” However, when I first introduced this idea to my dear English boyfriend, he was absolutely appalled and said: ‘why are they doing that?! That’s ridiculous!’
– I would say that’s something very Chinese, he continued. I noticed that many Chinese girls would wear T-shirts with cartoon designs. I mean, it’s cute for small girls, but definately not for a grown woman! And for guy as well? No way! That just looks so, so awkward.’
– But it shows people that they love each other and they like to appear to be ONE! I argued.
– I still love you even if we are not wearing the same shirt. I think your clothes kind of show people your personality, and I like you to be yourself; different from anyone else, with your own personality and thoughts. Those uniform-like couple – shirts are just, well, so stupid! He said.
– Well yes I guess it is a very Chinese thing. I’m not a fan of couple T-shirts myself but I can totally understand the idea behind it. It’s just the Chinese way of love. It’s purer and more subtle. Couples here like to do cute and sweet things together, which in the west are well looked-down upon. You have a word for this—sticky, isn’t it? But in China people who wear couple T-shirts just want to have another thing in common, so that they feel more loved by the one another. What is so stupid about that? I said.”
It is a story on http://www.mynewchinesewife.com/,designated for helping the lovers of different nationalities,especially on side from China,overcome the difficulties along the path of their romance.
Now,what about your answers??
As a Chinese girl,honestly,I would also love to have my western boyfriend do every possibly romantic thing,including couple’s T-shirt.To quote the author again” if you love your Chinese girlfriend, why not give her a couple´s T-shirt? It’s not as ridiculous as you might think. I assure you it’s absolutely normal in China, and your Chinese girl would love your surprise!”
It has been 2 rounds of Spring,Summer,Autumn,Winter now since the moment I created the blog account,if my memory serves me correctly.Some changes have been made in our hostel.
This was how the lobby was set,pool table in front of the shelves with many adornings on which was next to the huge TV screen.Sofas beside it were good places for the traveling couch potatos.When you walked down from the sofas,you would be confronted with a tea table where the whole traditional Chinese tea set were put and offered for people to enjoy.
However,you could still spot several differences from the pic except the different staff team.A CAT!!!
Yes,you are right,a cute kitten,Monkey,has joined us several months,brought a lot fun as well as trouble here.His lifestyle is like a cycle:sleeping–eating–playing–eating–sleeping.
Besides,our lobby has been totally rearranged.
What’s more,two 6 superior ensuite dorms were made out to cater for many travelers’ needs.
The first 15 years of my life had been spent in hometown located in Eastern China,whose cultures are subtly distinct from that in Shaanxi Province(generally called Guanzhong Area).Therefore,the moment of my setting the foot on this land,I was completely surrounded by a windy weather and rough culture,which made me suffer for a while.
However,when I began to go deep into it,some interesting points came along.
“Rites of Spring Festival in Guanzhong
The traditional bread steaming time is from 27th to 29th of the twelfth month of the lunar year. It is every house’s must work and bread gift should be prepared. There are three kinds of steamed bread as gift, the big-sized one is for daughter-in-law to take back home that in snail-shape with stuffing of oil, flour and shallot mixed together; the smaller one for distance relatives shaped in water chestnut; the last kind for own family in different forms with a red dot on each top as a symbol of auspicious. To follow the custom of “forbid rolling until 15th of the first moon”, all of the breads would eat up after the 15th.
Daintily, calends should stay at home. Besides, there is another custom in Guanzhong—delivering flour-made doll to the newly married couples as a kind of blessing of procreating.
Dragon Boat Festival.
The lunar May 5th is the Chinese traditional Dragon Boat Festival, also name as “ Day of Five Poison”, “ Moppet Festa”, “May Festa” and “Daughter Day” etc. With regard to its origin, there is no unanimous decipher due to different races and various regions. The widely accepted one is that the day is to cherish the memory of patriotic poet Qu Yuan. According to the records by Wu Jun of Liang Dynasty, during the Spring and Autumn period, Qu Yuan was slandered by others and threw himself to the Mi Luo River to death.
People living in South China made 5th day of the 5th moon an annual event on which day boat races were held, signifying the launching of boats to rescue Qu Yuan. Figures of dragonheads decorated the bows of the boats, which later became known as dragon boats. Eventually the whole event was renamed the annual dragon boat races.
Every year on the 5th day of the 5th moon, the day Qu Yuan disappeared, it was customary for people living in the region near Mi Luo River to make glutinous rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves and to throw them into the river to feed the fish. Later they accepted the fact that Qu Yuan’s body must had decomposed in the water after such a long period of time. They stopped throwing glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo leaves into the river. Instead of feeding the fish they consumed the dumplings as desserts. Many generations later they called the dumplings Zong Zi.
Shaanxi Dragon Boat Festival inherits the traditional way of celebration, ancientry abound and full of amusement. Commonly, they start the festival at the end of the lunar April and lasted to the May 5th with the major activity is to donate towards each other instead of large-scaled activity.
More Family Tendency on the New Year’s Eve
With the impact of newly burnt modern culture, people began to examine their life style afresh. People in Xian choose to cast of themselves from the normal busy life temporarily and back to some traditional customs.
The way back home is never forgotten. Different from other years, people are appealed to back home accompanying children and elders. People from abroad and high-salary work are still able to go home.
The celebration usually held in September that full of people and various kinds of performances would be seen. Large-scale traditional culture display and dance, folk custom, folk percussion instrument performance and so on. Also exhibitions of traditional culture and trade fairs are held nearby.
Qingming Festival
–Yellow Emperor Mausoleum Ancestor Worship
The festival is always held in a somewhat serious atmosphere to show people’s respect to our ancestor. Every year of April, in Huangling County a series of formal ceremonies will be on display here.
As a start, the pointed person would read out the memorial ceremony oration to consecrate the sacrificial offering. Following with the cry bamboo artillery, plants the pine and cypress, pays respects the Yellow Emperor temple.
Mt. Hua International Rock Climbing Competition
During the balmy autumn days of September every year, there would held a competition that draws a lot of attention from people of different age groups. It is a kind of sports rather than a competition; people would like to enjoy the wonderful process instead of the result.
Xi’an City Wall International Marathon
Friendly Match
The friendly match is also a sport activity held annually, on the first Sunday of November around the Ancient City Wall. Male, female group 5 kilometers, 10-kilometer matches, half range marathon friendly match.
Xian Terra Cotta Warrior and Horses
& Guava Celebration
Lintong, Xian is both the home of Terra Cotta Warrior and Horses and the producing area of the famous guava. When the pleasure autumn comes, the hot tourist time also arrives; the attractive bright-red guavas have drawn much attention. Local people make best use of the sources of the Terracotta Warrior and Horses and guavas together, which will fulfill the spirit and material enjoyment. The celebration begins in the year 1991, in the mid-September that lasted for a whole week. The main activities include visiting the Terracotta Warriors and Horses, Huaqing Hot Spring, looking around Guava Garden and tasting delicious guavas etc”
I wish one day I could have the chance to enjoy delicious guavas while appreciating the famous Warriors.
Maybe because I was born in warmhouse and bred in gold palace,too much hard and flat a pillow would definitely make me sleepless the whole night.However,one of my roommates now sleeps like a baby every day even though that is a bumpy pillow with some dried barley filled inside.She is 100% of Shaanxi descent.Her comparatively dark complexion and a bit rough character are the proof that she was brought up in the “Sanqin” Area(三秦地区).
How could she bear that?
“The ballad is the following: the ‘SanQin’(Shaanxi province)people, the clodhoppers, prefer stones to pillows. The stones are ice-cold and stable which can not be exchanged with gold for its use of refreshing.
The people in Shaanxi prefer wooden or stone pillows to soft pillows, which is related to the honest and straightforward character of Shaanxi people.
In Shaanxi, when it is too hot to bear in summer, the clodhoppers prefer to pillow a brick or stone to sleep soundly at night. What’s more, Shaanxi people call it ‘Jin Bu huan’(a priceless thing which cann’t be exchanged with gold). One can well perceive that Shaanxi people are attached to the wooden and stone pillows as well as crazy about them.
The penman find that most of the Shaanxi people’s hindbrains are flat through careful textual research. Therefore, the penman doubt that whether the flat hindbrains have something with the ancestors’ habit, pillowing bricks to sleep.
As it was too hot in summer, my family members were willing to enjoy the cool in the open air in my childhood. Sometimes, we even slept outside. Laying on a mat with head on the ice-cold stone, I listened to my grandpa telling the tale as if I was the protagonist without a moment when I was awake, the star were shining in the sky like naughty kids and the dew damped the quilt corners.”
source from:http://en.folkw.com/info_view.asp?id=133
I admit,I wasn’t fast acclimatized to everything here in Xi’an,the ever windy,dry and dusty weather,the seemingly rude dialect,the directions,the fierce heat of summer,and especially,the foods.
I would like to throw up every time at the thought of eating belt-brand noodles after having to do that almost everyday for a month.What’s more,the gigantic bowl I found in some restaurants where they used that to hold the noodles scared me at the first sight.Is that for a girl with no ravenous appetite to eat?Is there a normal person who would use that to eat??It was the same size as a BASIN!!!
”
|
As the ballad goes, Shaanxi people’s bowl is so large that it can be filled with noodles. A bowl of noodles is enough to make one full chatting with each other at the ‘bowl meeting’. Shaanxi people call the bowl old bowl instead of bowl from which we can see that the word ‘old’ does not mean a long history but the largest one among the bowls. In fact, the old bowl is really the chief of the bowl. As for the old bowl produced in Yao county, its texture is coarse porcelain. Although the bowl looks a little splay at the first sight, it emanates a kind of frankness and honesty, which is like the character of Shaanxi people. The authentic old bowl is deep and round equal to seven or eight small bowls. They including the young, the old, the kids and women all use the old bowl. It is absolutely convenient to use this bowl for it is enough for one time. Shaanxi people like eating together for happiness which is named ‘old bowl meeting’. Sometimes, if one family’s meal is delicious, people will give a bowl of meal to other family’s child generously. Compared with the south people who enjoy the cate alone at home, Shaanxi people is a little forthright. When people bask outside of the gate in twos and threes holding an large bowl chatting, no one think this isn’t the gift bestowed on Shaanxi people by god. Now with the improvement of life conditions, people eat more and more sock and non-staple foodstuffs. Therefore, people eat less than before and the bowl gets smaller and smaller. The old bowl becomes the past gradually. However, personally speaking, I yearn for the ‘old bowl meeting’ full of simple country flavor more strongly in the mind. |
”
source from:http://en.folkw.com/info_view.asp?id=128
When I was studying in XISU–Xi’an International Studies University,I always woke and got up very early in order to find myself some lone time to practise oral English in the classroom.I could not remember when it started.It was just one day I began to be accompanied by an old man shouting out Qin Opera strolling from the opposite side along the same avenue on campus,which was loud and sometimes amusing.I dare not do that if I were him.I would even refuse to stand in public,practising English loudly as some other senior students.Later another day,I was taking a relaxing walk on a square around,being assaulted(truely,I did not see anything aesthetic in it) again by the loud and amusing opera-shouting.Then I suddenly realized this might have been a common phenomenon here.
“The ballad is the following: as the folkway in Shaanxi is simple, the character of the people is valiant. When Qinqiang Hulian(a character type in Chinese operas) shout out, the audiences are all thoroughly delighted without fear of the stage canopy’s collapsing.
Among the ten specialties in Shaanxi, the strangest one is the Qingqiang (a typical opera of Shaanxi province) shouted out. Qinqiang is formed among the people, which reflects people’s wishes, love and hate, pain and happiness as well as their life and struggles. Its repertoires usually feature such themes as anti-aggression wars, the fight between the loyal and the treacherous anti-oppression wars,etc , which are important and full of the spice of life.
As the opera Qinqiang reflects the people’s character in Shaanxi and Ganshu, which is upright , frank, generous, loyal. In addition, it reflects the simple, industrious, brave folkway. Therefore, Qinqiang has profound groundwork. In the countries of Shaanxi, the greatest enjoyment is to listen to a scene of Qinqiang for the people who have worked hard for a year on New Year’s Day or other festivals. If the children invite a troupe to act the Qingqing on the birthday of the old people, that will be the greatest honor about which the local people will talk for several months at least.
Qinqiang is a popular art which everyone can be close to. Whenever people are happy, they can act a section of Qinqiang during the hard work. The roaring resounds all around which excites people. when one is sad, his acting a section of Qinqiang with grief and indignation will make the mountains shake as well as the rivers; the vert sad. Like an umbilical cord, Qinqiang connects the future of Shaanxi people as well as their past supplying them with the thought milk.
The following parts of Qinqiang have a style of their own including aria, spoken parts, banlu, types of facial make-up, shape, roles. With another name’thruming’, Qinqiang’s timbre of its aria is loud and sonorous needing the people’s real voice so that the original character, bold and inhibited, can be kept. The best place for Qingqiang’s acting is the open air for keeping its feature and appreciating its distillation. As Qinqiang have its own art style, it can attracts the local people. The direct aria of Qinqiang is exciting, boorish and simple by acting with deep and sonorous voice. As long as you hear the yowl of the ‘HeiTou’(a role in Qinqiang )seeing the Qinqiang, you can really feel its boldness and unconstrainedness which is the character of Qin people(Shaanxi people). The vigorous and firm sound can never be heard in the restrained and beautiful JiangNan (south of Yangtze River). When the exciting and indignant tune of Qinqiang resound in the boundless sky at bleak night, as a Shaanxi people, how can you not be resonated by it? The fiery applauding of the audiences arouses the actors’ desire of acting. Especially if the actors’ act gets the approve of all the audiences, the audiences will fire the firecrackers and put the red silk on the actors, which is the greatest honor for the actors. The climaxes are reached in succession in this fierce atmosphere.
After the liberation of the whole China, Qinqiang adopted some national instruments as well as other occident instruments to enrich its expressive force of music. The roles are categorized into 13 types, namely, four types of sheng (male roles in traditional Chinese opera), six dan (female characters), two jing (painted-face characters), and one chou (clown). The act of Qinqiang is simple, exquisite, profound, moving by feelings, exaggerating. It is characterized by the following aspects: types of facial make-up in opera (eg: the facial make-up of Qin Shihuang—the first emperor of Qin dynasty), ShenDuan(actors’ postures),make-up, stunts(eg: spitting fire, walk on stilts), sound. In my childhood, the antic was my most favourite actor, who could acted various actions by carrying an oil-lamp on the head. Chang Tianbao, an antic in Qinqiang named SanJinShi (three successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations),was punished to carry an oil-lamp on the head. With the oil-lamp, he acted many actions as kneeling, walking, laying on the back, going through chairs, desks as well as jumping onto desks. All of actions are relied on the balance skills of neck. Liu Shengsan, Jin Fuchang, Wang Banjie, Zhao Xuean, Cai Anjin are all good at this skill, eapecially Wang Banjie even can blow out the lamp. At that time, I admired those famous actors very much, so my biggest dream was to be an acotor of Qinqiang. However, now I can just sing some tuneless Qinqiang to console myself.
Qinqiang is also the originator of many operas. It can be divided into two parts. One becomes Bangzi opera in SiChuan, while the other becomes Jin opera in Shaanxi, Yu opera in Henan, Bangzi in Hebei. Therefore, Qinqiang can be called originator of Peking opera, Yu opera, Jin opera and Hebei Bangzi. Most of the materials of Qinqiang are drawn from sagas and tragedies in the following novels as the Annals of Warring States, Three Kingdoms, The Generals of the Yang Clan，Yue Family Biography as well as fables, folktales and legal case operas. There are more than 10000 programs of Qinqiang which is the largest number among 300 operas. As it was far from now, many programs have been lost. According to the present Stat., there are only 4700 programs left. What’s more , these programs are losing at speed.
Now, the flourishing complexion of Qinqiang has been the past when I come back to the hometown. The young in modern time admire the s star singers who have been packed as fine as possible. What’s more, their singing reminds me of the mosquitoes in summer which makes me uncomfortable.
As the times is developing at speed , the ten specialties of Shaanxi have disappeared, and the left ones are decreasing gradually. However, one can not be an real Shaanxi people if he is a stranger to this custom.”
This custom is so popular that even a talent show designated for that had been put on tele,which for me turned out to be more amusing.^_^However,this tradition also attracted many travelers’ ears.Opera houses have already been established around the Wenyi Road and inside the City Wall to cater for their interests in that.
Maybe because I was born and bred in a city,I would definitely frown upon some behaviours which are obviously improper in manners.One day,walking along the dirt track in some part of the outskirts in Xi’an,I saw several workers squatting on a stone while munching on their lunch held in hands.I cast a glimpse at the chairs and tables beside them and wondered why they would tire them so much by bending the legs to eat when they can easily perch their bottoms on the chairs and the bowls on the tables.
“The ballad is the following: Shaanxi people’s temper is so strange that they prefer squatting to sitting. When asked the reason, they answer that it is comfortable to squat on the bench.
Squatting on the bench, the people in Shaanxi like having meal, smoking, chatting .Although this is a plain thing in others’ view, it is a kind of enjoyment in their own eyes.
In Shaanxi, the old people in the country wearing cloth shoes without socks like squatting on the bench teaing and smoking with a tobacco pipe (a long-stemmed Chinese pipe)in mouth and a radio in hand in their leisure time. In that atmosphere, they feel very comfortable, who are much happier than the serious and sanctimonious people. Therefore, the people in Shaanxi with an unbending nature prefer to squat as the common people rather than sit on the bench stiffly to enjoy the elegant life.
Maybe the contact with the earth naturally makes the people in Shaanxi prefer hobnobbing with the land.”
I remember once in sermon our bishop(originally from Shaanxi)shared a story about his “squatting-and-eating” several years after getting married,which his wife reprimanded very much on then.Even though,this is an interesting culture,I would never want to risk my decency doing that.O_o
Xian Hanwood Youth Hostel 
