Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Cultural Music and Creepy Kids' Songs

Last week, one of my kids in my fifth grade class handed me a flier for a free concert at the Cultural Center. So on Saturday, Erin and I checked it out. It seemed as if the entire community of Feng Yuan showed up. It actually reminded me of the Dillingham concerts in Alaska where the entire community comes to watch their beautiful kids become budding musicians (the symphony consisted of kids, probably ages 8-18).

The MC would call up little kids (and even adults) to sing songs for prizes and it was at times like these that I wished I could speak Chinese so I could tell what they were saying...

I know I should be doing all the touristy stuff, visiting landmarks, hiking and seeing the beautiful countryside, but right now I don't feel like I have enough money. So once I get paid, I am definitely planning on visiting the tourist areas, buying tons of souvenirs, and buying cute clothes etc. ^_^ But until that happens, I'm enjoying just being in the community, getting used to the culture, and not dying while riding my bike in traffic.

And so far, so good. I haven't been hit by a car nor a scooter in traffic. Last night, I spent an hour just biking around the city by myself. The quiet that comes over the city with the darkness is so peaceful and invigorating. I love the smell of fake paper money burning; I love the smell of the cooking meats, the sweet fermented smell of rotting fruits at the fruit stands, and the stench of stinky tofu.

I got my hair cut today. ^_^ I love it, it makes me feel more asian. lol. I'm trying to not be so much of a twinkie!

A little side note: Kids songs are evil. If you listen to the words, it's actually quite frightening what we teach our children. Listening to London Bridge is Falling Down, reminded me of an overly obsessive, controlling boyfriend ("take the key and lock her up, lock her up, lock her up!"). In Silly Willy, I swear they're making fun of a kid with Cerebral Palsy (making fun of how he walks, etc), and there's a song that talks about putting your mom in a box...not to mention the whole meaning behind the Ring-a-round-the Rosy song...creepy. ^_^

2 comments:

Dad said...

Connie! You look....asian! Nice haircut. Now you just have to speak the language....

Mom said...

Connie, I love your haircut! You look so skinny, beautiful and happy. Keep sending pictures and writing so we can pretend we are there with you. Love you. Mom