China-A new life

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January 3rd 2016

Published: January 3rd 2016

Antarctic is done for the time being. Someday I may try to go back to that type of life and travels. But now a new adventure awaits me. It took two years and a forest of paperwork, but now I have a job working as support staff at the American Consulate in Guangzhou, China. Ive been in country for seven weeks now on the start of a two year contract. Every weekend I explore the sights, sounds, cultu... Read Full Entry

Photos are below

Photos: 570, Displayed: 21

Guangzhou- Dec. 2015

Canton Tower taken from the Mall of the World.

Guangzhou- Dec. 2015

City sky scrapers lit up on Christmas Eve.

Guangzhou- Dec. 2015

Another of the city streams, with holiday lights.

Guangzhou- Dec. 2015

Canton Residence lit up for the holidays. This is my home for at least the next two years. For more info: www.cantonresidence.com

Guangzhou- Dec. 2015

The center common area of the Canton Residence. It is filled with restaurants, stores and a small park.

Exploring Guangzhou - Winter 2016

Guangzhou museum and Canton Tower lit up at night.

Guangzhou - Jan. 2016

I found this sign while looking for a bicycle shop.

Guangzhou - Feb. 2016

Chinese New Year. A very colorful entrance to the spring flower festival.

Guangzhou - Feb. 2016

Chinese New Year and spring flower festival. Children and adults having fun with brightly colored hand windmills.

Guangzhou - Feb. 2016

Chinese New Year and spring flower festival. Thousands of people enjoying a sunny afternoon.

Guangzhou - Feb. 2016

Chinese New Year and spring flower festival. These would look nice on any mom's living room table.

Guangzhou - Feb. 2016

Chinese New Year and spring flower festival. Lots of flowers for sale.

Guangzhou - Feb. 2016

Chinese New Year and spring flower festival. Lanterns hanging from lots of trees.

Exploring Guangzhou - Winter 2016

I was out for a ride and I came upon these dancers. The Chinese Lion Dance is often confused with the Chinese Dragon Dance. They are both an important part of traditional Chinese festivities, specially Chinese New Year, and both are thought to bring good luck and scare away the evil spirits. This particular dance was for a business.

Exploring Guangzhou - Winter 2016

The main difference between the two is that the Dragon Dance is performed by a team of a dozen or so dancers, whereas the Lion performance is acted out by only two dancers.

Exploring Guangzhou - Winter 2016

The Lion Dancers need to be very agile and fit as they perform a lot of acrobatic moves. One holds the head and the other the body of the Lion.

Exploring Guangzhou - Winter 2016

The Lion Troupes are usually accompanied by their "laughing Buddha" buddy. He wears a mask and a robe and teases the lion with a fan to make him jump, roll around, lie down, etc.

Exploring Guangzhou - Winter 2016

People will "feed "hong paos" with money inside to the Lion by handing the red envelopes through its mouth. This is supposed to bring good luck and fortune and is considered a donation for the dancers.

Exploring Guangzhou - Winter 2016

Businesses, likewise, will hang from the ceiling a head of lettuce or some greens with the red envelope inside. The team will have to reach to "pick" the greens. Usually the dancer in the body position is required to lift and support the head dancer so they together can reach the head of lettuce.

Exploring Guangzhou - Winter 2016

They "eat" the money and spit out the greens, scattering the fresh leaves around to "spread" out the good luck and also to symbolize a "fresh start" for the new year or new business.

Exploring Guangzhou - Winter 2016

The Lion Dance ends with a scroll and message of good luck that unfolds from the Lion's mouth and a burst of firecrackers to scare away the evil beings!

3rd January 2016

Di & Joe V.
non-member comment

Looks beautiful.... Happy to hear that you are enjoying it there. :) Happy New Year!! Di & Joe

18th August 2016

Derek Davey
non-member comment

Silly Submariner
I hope that you are doing very well in Guangzhou and you have fully acclimated. Enjoy yourself there. Extremely hot in Lewis County this summer and very humid. We have had a "drought" and tornado this summer. The corn still grows. Take care. Derek

24th August 2016

Audrey J Mills
non-member comment

AWESOME!!
So great to hear from you and about your amazing adventures! I'm now a subscriber to your blog so keep it up!

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