We’re finished with our performances in Beijing, and the Company has two free days to do some sightseeing and socializing. Sunday: the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace. Monday: the Great Wall, the Ming Tombs, and a reception at the American Embassy.
A pagoda in the forest, as photographed by SF Ballet dancer Quinn Wharton.
It’s fun to be traveling with a young and ebullient bunch of natural-born performers. The dancers hammed it up at the Forbidden City, striking ballet poses and doing lifts in front of the palaces while delighted Chinese people snapped pictures or had their photos taken with them. People were out in multitudes for the holiday weekend, and while the crowds were amazingly dense, I never felt uncomfortable or constricted. People were happy and relaxed, and we received many smiles and friendly stares (Chinese people aren’t shy about staring at you—they often gathered to watch us haggle with salespeople at the markets.)
I want to thank Frances JZ Fu who posted comments on this blog. You were right—it was me in the rather loud green shirt at Swan Lake. Your comments about Chinese audiences were enlightening, and I followed your advice about places to see in Shanghai.
A few impressions from my three weeks in China:
The Chinese people I have met have been gracious, hospitable, and kind.
They welcome strangers warmly, and are quite honest in commercial transactions (after some vigorous negotiation).
Children and the elderly are cherished.
Pistachios… I love pistachio nuts and they are superb here.
Bargaining (or haggling) is a lively art in China, and can rise to operatic levels of dramatic intensity.
If you want to get somewhere walking or driving, honk your horn (if you’re in a car) and gently but firmly wiggle your way in. There is no such thing as “right of way”.
The concept “sugar-free” does not exist yet in China. The only restaurant I found that offered Diet Coke on the menu was out of it.
Much of the signage, especially in Shanghai, includes somewhat whimsical English translations—sometimes deserving of a smile and a photo.
It looks like Quinn found some of these amusing, also!
I’m getting a second suitcase today to lug home all my loot, and will be heading to the airport tomorrow for the long flight home. I’ve had a grand time here, and have developed a genuine affection for the Chinese people. I hope these journal entries have been enjoyable and a bit informative.
Zai Jenn, and See You Soon!
One Comment
Thanks for hitching along and taking the time to share the experience with us stay-at-homes. What an interesting time to be there. Would love to know more about the composition of audiences, interest in ballet by press and general public. I thought it was interesting that you met your counterpart in China. Did it make you appreciate the Opera House catacombs? Hope people will post more photos. Welcome home.