A Very Merry Tacky Chinese Christmas!

For some reason, the Chinese have really embraced the commercial Christmas. There are decorations everywhere! I think it started in the western malls then spread everywhere! Here are some shots.

We saw this in a mall... What does it mean?

This is a more local view... I'm pretty sure it is all the Christmas decorations that are Made in China and Rejected by America.





Here is a view of our own little Christmas tree. It has a lot more presents now! Jeremy, Stephanie and I will be going to Japan for our 5 day Christmas holiday. On Dec. 23, before we go, Jeremy, Stephanie, Ben and I are having dinner and a small gift exchange at our apartment.


We have also been enjoying the holiday party season (Chinese style of course).

Our school organized a Christmas dinner for the foreign teachers on Friday night. It was at a nice Italian restaurant, buffet style (a really nice break from the Chinese Banquets). A few of the foreign teachers sang Christmas carols.
The Foreign Affairs Office, in charge of the event, organized a lottery. Jeremy won instant coffee and I won a USB drive. There were also REALLY cheesy games, including the limbo. Although it never game, I was just waiting for the hokey-pokey. The whole thing was a pretty werid experience, as the Chinese Administrators tried to emmulate Western culture for the westerners, but it was a really nice gesture. Afterwards we all went out downtown together. It was a lot of fun!

The next night one of the forgien teachers organized a potluck Chinglish Christmas party with a white elephant gift exchange. It was a lot of fun! Jeremy made Whiskey Hot Coco (I was dubious, but it turned out pretty well) and I found a Chinese Cake at the local bakery. Everyone dressed up in their best Chinglish.

Jeremy's Shirt says "Laugh & Peace all my real of the smile & Joy"

Stephanie and I opted for the comfy option of PJ's. It's really funny because the Chinese people will go out to run errands and hang out in full pj's. They are generally loud colors and always have a matching top and bottom. These particular PJ's came straight from the local shop next door for the low price of $4 (for both the top and bottom). If you can't tell, mine are Hello Kitty and Stephanie has what we think are Pokemon. You can't quite see, but my slippers say "Fish and Merry Rain" with a copyright symbol.

Cultural Event Day

Since we are living in one of the largest cities in the world there is always something to do. So I began cultural event day in order to explore the area in our own backyard. So Jeremy, Stephanie and I set out for Old Town and the Yu Yuan Gardens.

Old town is an area that has traditional Chinese architecture. However, because of it's traditional feel, it has become a massive tourist trap. With every single Chinese souvenir you can imagine.

"Hello lady. You like? You want Mao watch? I have real jade Buddha."

Men are pounding rice to make rice noodles.

Starbucks is everywhere!

Inside of Old Town is the Yu Yuan. It was a beautiful rock garden with ponds and bridges. It was a brisk fall day so there was virtually no one there. It was very peaceful.