Nimen Hao!
Today was Awesome! Gale, Matthew, Han, and I went to Kaifeng, a near by city that was capital during the Song Dynasty. I was told about all of the history I would see, I wasn't really prepared for all the pageantry as well.
We spent most of the day at Millennium Park, the reconstructed Song village that supported the Emperor and his palace (which we also saw). It was an interesting trip, most of China is traveling during this break so the crowds today were crazy. We got stopped a ton to get our pictures taken, and of course when we decided to put on costumes it got even worse... Lots of kids wanted to practice their English and many parents wanted their kids to pose with us. I've got some great pictures to share:
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| At the entrance of Kaifeng |
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| This is the entrance to Millennium Park, the replica of the Song capital |
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| The opening ceremony, Horses, Generals, and a very serious speech (in Chinese) |
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| Dancers within the park |
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| The first performance that we saw, Stilt dancers |
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| This is a candy merchant, it is made like taffy, but tastes... not like taffy... |
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| These guys are pounding various nuts, then it's fried up and tastes awesome! |
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| The second performance was a fight scene on two river boats, pretty cool |
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| Jugs of libations... very happy |
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| You can barely see him, but there is a guy jumping through the ring of fire and knives |
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| Kids could get rides in this goat drawn, monkey driven carriage |
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| Fire-eaters and breathers |
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| Matthew, Gale, and me all dressed up... |
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| Apparently being dressed as a guard draws other people's attention... |
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| A Slightly altered version of the original rooster fights in China (no birds were injured I promise) |
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| Parent powered Amusement park |
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| The five story central tower |
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| The view from the top |
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| Han embracing his inner child |
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| Don't let the perspective fool you, Han isn't really that tiny |
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| Dragon Palace, the Song emperor's home |
My next post will tell you all about my three days in Shanghai,
Zaijian
You in that costume, hilarous!!! If I were in China I would want my picture taken with you and I'm not Chinese. So jealous of your experience, continue to post amazing pictures. Oh, congratulations you have now been in China for nearly 7 weeks, that is 2 weeks longer than I spent in Egypt. Hopefully you're not too home sick ;-]
ReplyDeleteAwesome pics Ben. I think the new "dress" fits you nicely. They really make them our "normal" size? Sounds like you are having a great time. Miss you tons and so hope you are continuing to enjoy your experience. As always...thanks for sharing! Take care!!
ReplyDeleteDude, you kinda look like a character from Big Trouble in Little China. You know, one of the guys that rides up and down on the lightening bolts. Those guys are cool.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you are having a good experience, keep the posts and photos coming!
Next photo - please please please let it be you in Geisha! Please. I'm too busy to think right now, but I'm beginning to notice that on Friday nights when I need a drinking buddy or when we need someone besides just Mike and I to watch a movie with us, I'm starting to miss you a little bit! So, keep the posts up - it makes me feel a little like we're still hanging out! Continue to have an amazing experience - talk to you soon hopefully. - Nic
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