Getting Out, Making Friends

The past two weeks Joe and I have gotten out on the weekends for some social and cultural events. Through the Chengdu International Women’s Club we are kept informed of all kinds of events in and around Chengdu.

Last weekend we went with the CIWC to see a Sichuan Opera. Let me tell you right up front that this is in no way to be compared to what we know as opera back home. These ancient shows post a variety of talents and acts and we had a most enjoyable evening. It was at Shufeng Yayun Garden in the Culture Park, an area with walking trails winding all through it and a very peaceful place. The theatre itself is actually outdoors but the seating area and stage are covered for protection from the weather. There were the traditional Chinese instruments and opera singers, hand shadow art, comedy acts, stick puppets and of course, the famous changing faces and flame throwers. These ancient talents are very entertaining. It’s amazing to see the stick puppets come to life at the fingertips of the operators. You can’t imagine the characters the hand shadow artist comes up with, and the comedy act was very enjoyable. We may not have been able to understand what they were saying but you could follow the story pretty well by their actions and facial expressions.

The face changing is the most unbelievable thing you will ever see. Not only were they changing their faces, they were changing their costumes right before our eyes. In the blink of an eye the faces and costumes would change. This piece of Chinese culture we saw was very enjoyable and we’re sure to take visiting guests to see it. We also were able to meet more “westerners” living here in Chengdu. All in all, it was a fun evening!

This past Saturday night we went to the Marine Ball celebrating the 233rd Birthday of the Marines. This was a formal occasion and full of military ceremony and tradition. It was nice to get dressed up and go out. Here in Chengdu there are eight marines assigned to protecting the Consulate. We were given a brief history of the Marines and heard from James A. Boughner, Consul General here in Chengdu and a retired Marine, Frank W. Esposito. There was also a birthday cake presented. Tradition has it that the cake be cut with a saber and presented to the guest of honor (the Consul General), the oldest Marine present (Esposito) and the youngest Marine present. The youngest Marine happened to be the same age as Jay and left me with the most unusual feeling. It was an honor to be a part of this night and my heart and prayers go out to all the soldiers who voluntarily give of themselves in service to our country protecting us all over the world.

We met a lot of people on this special night and I think Joe and I may have found some people to join us in experiencing Chengdu. A few even live in the same neighborhood we do! We enjoyed good food, meeting new friends and toasting the Marines for a job well done. We enjoyed getting to know Wayne Esposito and his wife, Donna. Wayne has been a retired Marine for several years. He and Donna are currently living in Beijing where he works for a private US company. A favorite of the evening was enjoying tequila shots with the gunny sergeant (a fellow Texan) leading the Marine post here in Chengdu, toasting his service and wishing him and his family good luck in their new assignment soon in Istanbul.

Take a moment to say a little prayer for those who lay their lives on the line for us in volunteer service to our country. Our special prayers for the safety of those we personally know who are currently in service to our country.

Love to all.