ambtraveler

This is Halloween, China style!!

So another weekend, another fun filled adventure. This time, Jack and I ventured south to Ningyuan to visit fellow volunteers and celebrate our American holiday.  We were asked to speak to junior students at another middle school in Changsha for our vice principal, Clark on Friday afternoon. Jack and I just talked about ourselves and let the students ask us questions and practice their English. Afterwards we met up with two other volunteers to begin our traveling adventure. After a long cab ride, we arrived at the south train station, purchased our tickets and a McDonald’s dinner and were shortly on our way. We arrived in Chenzhou close to 8 and began the one and half hour taxi ride to Ningyuan. We arrived safe and sound.

Saturday was a bright and early morning with breakfast made by mama Natalie and papa Tom. Delicious eggs, potatoes, pancakes and fruit. Then we were off to hike another mountain called Jiu Yi. This mountain had a gorgeous temple and was overrun by monkeys. After gorgeous scenery and sights and some close encounters with our distant relatives, we ventured back to Ningyuan for a late lunch. From there, everyone began took some naps, ran errands in preparation for the Halloween party. Had a delicious dinner and then dressed up in our attire. I was a roman/greek goddess, china style. This means a vibrant sheet and other random accessories found. Jack was a chinese student from our school. We had a 50’s couple, sexy maid, pirate, basketball player and la jiao late!! Thanks to Halloween decorations from my mom and carved pumpkins, the party had the perfect atmosphere. We indulged in jungle juice, China style with bai jiu and through a water dispenser!! Delicious. All in all, it was a great group of people and enjoyable evening.

Sunday was our day to travel back to Changsha. We had a 2 1/2 hour bus ride from Ningyuan to Chenzhou and this is where I have seen the rawest parts of China. It was real China, with its beauty, pollution, and pecularities. During the transit home, Jack and I were asked to partake in an event at a video arcade in Changsha on Halloween night. With nothing better to do, and the desire to celebrate some more, we agreed. We taught all four classes on Monday and then headed straight into downtown. There was a group of ten foreigners who had agreed to partake and we were not sure what to expect. Well, let’s just say it was a blast!

We were given costumes, I got a dead pregnant women with fake baby and all. Jack was some type of dead utility worker. We also had a dead nurse, priest, postman, mental patient and cop. After getting dressed, we were sat down and zombified. It was intense. Blood, wounds, crazy hair, but we looked the part. So, the rest of the night we got to interact and scare the s*** out of unknowing Chinese passerbys. It was hilarious. Many thought, my dead baby doll half out of my stomach was real. They had to touch it to make sure. Then there was the hoards of photos. My eyes were seeing dots from so many flashes but it was such an enjoyable night and a great way to do Halloween, China style. We also got paid 400 kuai to participate, not too shabby! It was a long day but totally worth it to be able to share such an American holiday with the Chinese. Until the next adventure…