Pig Roast

I’m going to a Pig Roast on my final evening in Beilun, China for the 2010 – 2011 academic year!  It’s a real, honest to goodness, this pig used to be alive ROAST.  I can’t wait.

This morning, I watched and documented the pig pit process and progress.  It’s really built right there on the sidewalk outside of Cup O’Joe’s.  There was no advisory about not doing this at home, so maybe I can convince ‘em to build one right in the driveway at Aunt Lynne’s house!  She sure would be the talk of the town for years to come (I’m serious because at least 40% of the folks in her town are vegan).

Here are some photos:

You start by lining the ground with a plastic covering secured (as much as possible) with bricks.  You then strategically place tin foil around and hold that in place with sand.

You then cover the entire bottom with sand (this will catch the dripping juices and prevent ? stains, forest fires, whatever).

Next you light the fire, charcol bricks were used in this case.  If you look closely, you will find small bricks in the "oven" that can be easily removed so that additional charcol can be added as needed.

Now it's time to bring on the pig!

This is one seriously seasoned and ready bit o' pork!

Finally, the whole thing is covered in tin foil, and the roasting begins!

I'll post after the party and consumption of pictured pig!  Hope your Memorial Day weekend (for those of you from or with close connections to the United States) is as banging as mine is proving to be!

Sketchy Internet

       The internet has been really hit or miss lately.  I can't seem to finish a post, upload a picture or any of the myriad of other things I love to do (read that as I can't even play my games).  SO I'm not sure when I'll get the chance to do the rest of the Shanghai stuff, or talk about the upcoming MAJOR transitions I'm facing, or even just "play around with stuff."

     I miss visiting with you, reading the many other blogs and even getting to use my SKYPE.  It's a real challenge, but so far I'm winning.  (The TV is still working!)  I'll keep checking and writing and when things get back to normal, I'll probably have quite a bit to post all at once.

     It really is quite sketchy how this whole thing works!  I'm going to have to figure this all out one day soon - yeah, and pigs will fly, money will grown on trees and the fountain of youth will forever keep me young (without the "twilighty" complexion and need for blood).

Shanghai - Part 3

     In Shanghai, I also visited the Jing'an Temple.  It’s been around since the 800’s (yeah that’s right - 1,200 years) and has the spirit present to prove it!  The quiet conviction and oasis point in the middle of a bustling metropolis is quite something to behold.  There’s so much to see and do.  I lit incense and prayed.  I observed a 15 ton silver Buddha that was over 28 feet tall and prayed.  I saw various “lesser” deities and prayed.  I saw a cast iron bell from way back in the day that still worked, and I prayed.  I thought of my children.  I thought of my relatives.  I thought of those who have gone before me (nameless, faceless ancestors).  I thought of just how fortunate I am, how insignificant my troubles are and how deeply I appreciate this life; and I prayed.

     I was also impressed with the trees that were used to make the temple.  There are more than 46 giant Myanmar teak trees used to create this special place.  The life force of the trees seemed alive to me.  The solemnity of the monks visible throughout the place added a dimension of connectivity to the past that also seemed alive.  And, of course the icons of peace and understanding complimented the feelings of one world, one life, and love.  I felt supported by people long deceased who knew me with all of my flaws and warts but loved me anyway.  I felt comforted by strangers who understood that I’m trying to do what is right with integrity, clarity and singleness of purpose.  I also felt souls of those yet to be who are hopeful that many of the problems of this world will be solved before they arrive.  It was an intensely spiritual segment of time, and I still feel the positive energy flowing through me.

    In the middle of this vast megalopolis, there sits a temple of peace.  It is utilized by many different people (those who are devoutly religious, tourists, rich, poor, old, young, and almost every other distinction you could discern) and all seem to find something good to sustain them.  It was amazing to be in the midst of this huge busy city one moment, and then in the middle of peace and tranquility the next just by stepping over a threshold and into the temple grounds.  It was awesome to realize that the noise, stress, and even the pace of the city disappeared almost completely in the time it takes to move two paces forward.  When you get to Shanghai, take the time to visit the temple.  Don’t wait for a year to pass before you go because it will only enrich your experience of China.

Shanghai - Part 2

    
     Now don’t get me wrong, Shanghai most definitely is a city with all of the hustle and bustle that entails.  There are pushy aggressive people, wandering distracted tourists (count me in that group), silly teenage school children, impervious foreigners and of course the ever present beggars.  It was not, however, a harsh city.  There were instances of random kindnesses everywhere.  Sometimes it was just a well placed bench on which to sit in the shade, or a bit of bamboo garden in which to inhale fresh clean air tucked into a tiny corner.  Sometimes it was a mom speaking softly to a grumpy toddler who broke into a teary smile and gave a sloppy wet kiss to the wonderful mom, or a beggar who smiled without rancor and without receiving any money at all.

     And of course it was food, food and more food. There were Starbucks, Seven Eleven, Burger King and KFC’s everywhere.  There were also lots of little Mom and Pop shops squeezed in between clothing stores and florists selling everything from water to meat on a stick as well as delicious dumplings and the like.  There were also the high end eateries.  Three places stand out for me; Element Fresh, The Lost Heaven and Din Tai Fung (one of the ten best restaurants in the world – says so right on the menu).

     I had a fresh blueberry, banana smoothie and grilled salmon salad.  I thoroughly enjoyed a tea leaf salad, eggplant and tomato dish, garlic broccoli and pumpkin cakes.  I ate dumplings, xiao long bao of shrimp and pork and garlic spinach.  It was all delicious.  The wait staff all spoke English, catered to the customer (that’s me) and took excellent care to ensure that the dining experience was worthy.  It doesn’t get better than this!

Shanghai

     So, after over a year of avoiding the BIG city of Shanghai, I finally went to see it.  My oh my, was I surprised.  You see, I avoided this huge city (one of the ten biggest in the world) of more than 18 million inhabitants.  I didn't want my impression of China challenged by the impersonal, ruthless life of all large cities.  My New York City roots were showing.

     Normally, I take the three hour journey to Shanghai by private car or public transportation bus.  About half way through the trip there’s a rest stop where I use a typical Chinese bathroom (that means there are his and her separated squat toilets and a communal sink).  After that I get food, real Chinese fast food.  I don’t much cotton to the local favorite of meat on a stick, but the chicken soup and sticky rice triangles with fruit or meat in the middle are delicious.  This is followed by another hour and a half of sitting and watching the world go round.  The private car drops me at the Continental Airlines section of the Pu Dong Airport international terminal.  The bus stops in downtown Shanghai.

     Downtown Shanghai always seemed rough to me because there are lots of cab drivers screaming in my face as if that would cause me to utilize their services, rather aggressive beggars who are generally filthy and male, and extraordinarily busy Chinese executives and business people who look disdainfully upon me for any of a number of reasons (I look so different, I dress so differently, I ride public transportation, I don’t speak Chinese, I’m impeding their progress, whatever).  It’s crowded, congested and not welcoming at all.  It wasn’t even welcoming when Expo was going on.  So, I wasn’t all that interested in touring or doing the tourist thing in Shanghai.

     After my arrival at the bus station, I could either take a cab to the airport or take one to the subway that goes to the airport.  There’s also a high speed rail that goes to the airport in about eight minutes.  I’ve done all three, and I must say that I much prefer the subway ride to the airport.  The subways are clean, clearly marked and quite convenient.  It’s also the least expensive way to go.  I rode the Maglite (high speed train) once thinking that it would be fabulous.  I’ve always wanted to ride one.  It turned out to not be such a big deal after all.  My curiosity about transportation in Shanghai was slacked, and I wasn’t overly interested in seeing the “real” Shanghai.

     It therefore came as a great surprise to see a wonderfully personal city when I was finally convinced to do a bit of sightseeing.  I was greatly pleased by the multitude of flowers, trees and flora on the streets.  There were little bits of countryside beauty in every glance.  And the amount of building going on was way less than in my hamlet of Beilun.  I was able to walk for blocks without seeing a crane, cement truck or other heavy equipment.  It was breathtakingly calm for such a giant city. 

Delayed Postings

I have been in Shanghai.  It was an incredible experience.  I was without reliable internet from Thursday through today, and blogger was doing interesting things before that - so my posting is delayed/not happening.

I've finished reading some new books -- you can find information about them on shelfari. 

I've got pictures to share, but the camera must first recharge.  Maybe tomorrow -- if you want to read somehting interesting, check out the Book Woman Club blog.  It's like my favorite in addition to . . . .!

Happy Mother's Day - so nice, I had to do it twice!



My mother - 25 years ago



     I met a wonderful woman online.  Her name is Adrienne.  She is special, smart, strong, sensitive and someone I hope to always be in touch with – thanks Adrienne!

     She writes an outstanding blog, and she published these words there.  Write me if you want her blog address and I’ll ask her if I can share the link.  She is totally awesome and worth the read!

     I read her words, loved them and so I’ve copied them here.  Enjoy them and know that I mean them with all of my heart too.

If you are a mother currently wadding in the deep, deep waters of parenting; Happy Mother’s Day

If you are a mother who has made it safely ashore to let your adult children set sail; Happy Mother’s Day

If you are a father holding dual responsibilities; Happy Mother’s Day

If you can hold your mother close in your arms because you love her; Happy Mother’s Day

If you must keep your mother at arm’s length because you love yourself; Happy Mother’s Day

If you long to be a mother, I add my prayers to yours; Happy Mother’s Day

If you don’t want to be a mother, I honor your gift of discernment; Happy Mother’s Day

If your mother is present, take time to share and build memories; Happy Mother’s Day

If your mother is not on this earthly plane, I hope you find comfort in memories that contain measures of laughter and tears; Happy Mother’s Day

If you have given and received friendship, doling out steadfast support or a swift kick in the pants when needed; Happy Mother’s Day

Happy Mother's Day

I just want to share warm wishes with all of the mom's out there (and the mom-like people too)!  There's nothing more vital and wonderful in the world than a carefully doled out mother love when it's needed!

I'm also taking time to give a shout out to my mom (it's been FIVE years now -- hard to believe), hoping she can feel and know the I love I have and always had for her.  I'm giving props to all the other moms who have gone on as well.

Make sure you love yourself Mom!  (Kisses and loves to my kids -- you know who you are!)

Veg - it - tah - bulls

     I love veggies.  I love to look at them in the store.  I love to consider their color.  I often wonder whether their nutrient enhanced water would dye fabric as well as Procion Dye from the Dharma Trading Company.  Oh, the possibilities of and for vegetables are almost endless. 

     I love to EAT them!  I like 'em raw, fried, steamed, wok-ed, broiled and baked.  I like them in other things, on other things, all by themselves and I especially like them in my tummy!

     Can you tell which photos were taken in China and which ones were taken in the US?  I love the fact that vegetables are universal.  (And, here's a casual shout out to meat -- I love it too, but that's another post!)

Things that make me go, "Hmmmmm. . ."

     It's a rainy Monday Tuesday morning here in Beilun, China.  The Labor Day Holiday has caused it to feel more like Monday.  The schools and government offices were closed yesterday, but the rest of the Chinese laborers appeared to be working as usual.  This is but one of the things here that makes me go, "hmmmmm." 

     Many school kids were busy working last night because they had lots of homework to finish even though they had worked diligently all weekend.  It seems that the Chinese students received extra homework because there was a day "off."  . . hmmmmm . .  The middle school kids also have extra pressure because the tests to determine which high school they will attend is coming up soon.  It is an all but inconceivable notion to me that your entire future could be determined by one test, taken one day in middle school.  Better not be a Chinese late bloomer, that would be a tragedy of a lifetime with seriously long lasting consequences.

         Another truly marvelous and illuminating part of being in China is NOT having to face racism constantly.   This is not to say that my difference goes unnoticed.  Rather, my difference is carefully noted and frequently questioned.  The big difference is that malice is missing.  My difference doesn't equal inferior, lazy or anything negative.  And, if I spoke Chinese, it would be a great conversation starter.  I would be able to possibly unlock all of those "ancient Chinese secrets" because information is fair exchange!

     Do I really want to go back to live in 'Merica?  hmmmmm

Gu Zheng

There's an ancient Chinese instrument that makes the most amazing music. I think I've heard it in the background of films like “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” and others. It makes many individual sounds at once and is simultaneously harmonious, discordant, jarring, lilting, sweet and absolutely amazing.

I was fortunate to be invited to hear a young girl practice on her Gu Zheng. I still can’t pronounce it correctly (I always get it wrong, and after about 7 attempts can get close to the right sound). Her attention to her fingers, musical score sheet, mother’s helpful suggestions and the tones of the instrument was something to behold. When you consider that she’s only in first grade it becomes mind boggling.

She played for an hour straight without one complaint! I was enthralled the entire time. While she was playing, I could see scenes out of books in my head (The Good Earth, The Samurai’s Garden and others) and I could almost smell the incense burning for the deities. I envisioned thousand year old forests shrouded in mists. I tasted Lung Ching tea, wait, I was actually drinking it. And was completely captured by the delicacy of the instrument and the vitality of her playing!

The vibrato almost sounded like it was speaking Chinese to me. I was completely inspired. I also loved the way the instrument itself looked. The mother of pearl inlay, the precision placement of the parts and the sheer length of the Gu Zheng all impressed me. I wonder what getting that baby tuned is like – I remember the difficulty of getting my piano done.

I am confident that my future is in good hands because this little one represents the millions of industrious, competent, caring kids coming along behind me. I will be okay and well cared for in my old age!