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Published: December 24th 2008
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Tonight was my dinner with my school for Christmas. We met up at the school's gate around 6:30pm and walked over to a hotel not far from here.
Upon arrival, we were surprised by people jumping out and yelling "Merry Christmas!!" and then hugged and Santa-hatted. Poor Roy got his glasses knocked off in the confusion, but they and he are alright.
After many, many pictures were taken, followed by many more pictures, Roy and I were given huge flower bouquets (think the size of when I signed my contract). And more pictures were taken. Then Roy and I were given cards by everyone there. Earlier in the day I had seen people looking up how to spell my name (which I found amusing) and assumed it had to do with the evening's festitivities. I had no idea I would be receiving more cards than I could hold!
Then Roy and I got presents. It is tradition in Chinese culture that when you are given a gift you put it ot the side and open it later. Which I tried to do. Until I saw Iris helping Roy open his.
So I opened mine.
Inside was a beautifull
scarf. It is various shades of green and blue and silver and has different patterns and textures. I'm going to politely refer you to the picture now.
Then the 12 or so of us crowded around the table to feast. We ate vegetables, shrimp, whole crab, mini abalone, mango, meat and potatoes, more veggies, all while toasting every 3 minutes.
When people toast here, you are required to empty your glass. This is why they only fill it with about a swallow or so at a time. It's known that in 30 seconds more (if you are Roy or me) you will be "gambei"ing again and emptying your glass again.
If you are a tea-totaller, using tea is acceptable, but really, who passes up Great Wall wine?
The recurring joke thoughout the night was, "Are you ready to get drunk?" Which might seem silly, but you need to remember that many Asians are allergic to alcohol or can only drink one to two drinks and they're quite happy.
Sufficed to say, when my vice prinicpal kept refilling my glasss in a challenge, what was I supposed to do but demonstrate my western skills? (I have Wisconsin training,
Iris and Me
That's my new scarf remember.)
He acted impressed.
Mid-dinner, someone passed out song lyrics and everyone excpet Roy and I started singing. Roy started to conduct with his chopstick and one head honcho started using every glass around him like the drums and cymbals. It was quite pretty, actually.
For dessert, they brought out a magnificent concoction of coconut and papaya that looked lije a yin-yang from the top. It was rich and soft, and after that much wine on a quasi-funky stomach (this weekend has not been fun) I decided that eating all of it was not in my best interest.
Then came out the fruit, which we enoyed spinning around the table on the lazy susan to see who would get some next (Go Great Wall Wine!!)
So after all of that, we were stuffed and headed back to the school. All in all, one of the more fun Christmas dinners I have had, which is kind of funny when you consider that one no there celebrates Christmas.
On a bright note, between the decorations, good classes today that made me laugh, and genuine warmth and kindness from my dinner friends, my Christmast spirit has been found.
And I am quite happy about it.
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Jo
non-member comment
Merry Christmas sweetie! Looks like your friends know how to make a girl feel all warm and fuzzy...give her lots of Great Wall wine and a scarf :) Love and hugs!