In my life I’ve been very fortunate to get to travel a lot but right now is a season of my life that is dedicated to adventures of a different kind. Lately for instance I’ve been discovering the joys of holding a little guy on my hip and singing Raffi songs while toothbrushing in the morning! This is fun but travel is good too so I’ve decided to start taking some imaginary trips with my friends. C’mon let’s go have an adventure!
Our first trip is to visit my friend Jessen in Hunan Province, China. Jess moved there last year and is a kick-ass teacher to some lucky-duck Middle School Students. She’s been nice enough to kick off this new series. Descriptions are from Jess. My commentary is in italics.
This is Jess. Awww she's so cute. Also... today is her birthday! Leave a comment wishing her a happy 31st if you are so inclined!
Waterfall in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. So pretty! We're off to a good start!
This is a 9 story wooden building constructed completely without nails. It's called Jiuchongtian Hereditary Hall and is part of the Tujia Folk Customs Park, a replica of a typical traditional Tujia village (the Tujia people are a small minority group that live in the western mountains of Hunan). Wowza! Anthropology, architectural marvels and awesome all wrapped up together. Triple word score.
Yandi Square, Zhuzhou at sunset. The statue is the first of the "flame emperors" revered because he taught the original inhabitants of the area agriculture. Growing Food=Good for the peeps.
Honey-candy vendor near Yueyang Tower in Yueyang City. This guy drew intricate animals and shapes out of drizzled honey with only a marble slab and two small metal tools (a scraper and a poker). Now we're talking! Gives new meaning to the "candyman can!"
Hotpot - One of the best things about Hunan is the food. Hotpot is like a Chinese fondue, except you dip the meat and veg in an insanely delicious broth. I heart hotpot, I'm not surprised that Jess hearts it too.
Chicken carcasses out to dry with the laundry. A little local color never hurts.
This is the Autumn-Admiring Pavilion on Yuelu Mountain in Changsha City. It has a poem by Mao Zedong inscribed inside. Wasn't it nice of all the people out that day to wear coats that coordinate perfectly with the Autumn-admiring pavilion?
Hunan looks amazing Jess. I’m so proud of you for just going for it and moving to China! Thanks for inviting us to see a little bit of your daily life!
1) wow the Hereditary Hall looks breathtaking!
2) I miss Asian food SO MUCH
3) the chicken carcasses literally made me laugh out loud
Thanks Jess and Emily!
The “chicken laundry” was hung up right behind my apartment building. The first time I saw it I was dumbfounded. I had to take a picture. This of course attracted attention of the ladies who seem to hang out all day playing cards in a nearby courtyard, so she shuffled over and took a picture of the foreigner taking a picture of the laundry.
Ching’s mom kills and cooks chickens and the first time she did this it was 5:30am and in the chicken. I woke up to a noise I had never heard before…poked Ching because I was freaked out. He just told me to go back to sleep…his mom was killing a chicken!
Hey Em…we should go get hot pot after your conference in SF. There’s a place in El Cerito near 99 Ranch!
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