Karaoke Queens

Today was a series of adventures.  The day started out mellow as we walked to school and met with Candice, practiced counting in Mandarin and ate lunch.  Friday’s are early-out, the students are dismissed at 11:45am.  Today, however, was a special day as the students and faculty were to perform in an exhibition at the government later that afternoon.   We had about an hour to kill so Candice took Lizzy and me to a great Jack Kerouac themed coffee house called Coffee Reading.  I had a cup of Honey Pomelo tea (absolutely delightful) while Candice and Lizzy sipped on lattes. 

We picked up Professor Rhea at 2pm and headed over to the government.  Lizzy and I were assigned to stand in the hall.  We greeted the officials with a friendly, “Nĭ hăo, Huānyíng” or “Hello, Welcome” as the students on the in-line skating team graciously escorted the officials down the corridor on their skates.   

The exhibition began around 3pm with a series of speeches from government and education officials that unfortunately, we could not understand. Candice was sitting next to me and translated a bit so we could get the big idea of each speech, the theme being the importance of global education. 

The program itself consisted of students from our school singing and dancing.  I have never seen such perfect choreography.  The program also had a cohesive theme of the history of education in Guiyang.

The most moving part of the ceremony was when Professor Rhea was honored and gave a speech.  Her friend and associate, Mr. Bond, translated the speech.  We learned that a professional DVD would be made and later, we can add the professional footage for your enjoyment at a later date. 

In Professor Rhea’s speech, she emphasized the importance of the bridge that is now built between Guiyang, Guizhou Province and Missoula, Montana:

Today is a bridge between the past and the future.  In the past, no American teachers taught at Guiyang No. 4 Exp. Primary School.  Today, American educators cross the bridge to China.  Natalie and Lizzy teach English in your school.  Next fall, two more American teachers will teach here.  In the future I hope Chinese educators will cross the bridge to Montana.  A bridge has been built between Guiyang, Ghizhou Province and Missoula, Montana.

Natalie, Professor Rhea and Lizzy after the ceremony      

After the event, we gathered with officials from the government, teachers from our school and their families for an opulent dinner.  We were whisked away into a private room with the largest round table I had ever seen.  It is important to note, when attending a formal dinner, please refer to your host for directions on where to sit.  The guest of honor is typically sat at the head of the table and you wouldn’t want to accidentally take his or her seat!!!

At this particular dinner, the Director of Education for the Yunyan District was present so he and his family were the guests of honor and were seated at the head of the table.  Lizzy and I enjoyed meeting his daughter, Jing, who happened to be visiting.  Jing is currently living in New Jersey, working on a post doc in Chemistry at Princeton.  Maybe she will visit us in Montana someday!

Dinner began with a series of toasts from different government officials and our Principal, Mrs. Wong.  Then, each person at the table individually toasted Lizzy and me privately with a translator.  They thanked us for visiting their city and said they hope to spend more time with us during our stay. 

Dinner is traditionally served family style and the round tables move like a lazy susan.  If there’s something you’d like to eat, you better move fast or be patient, the dish will make its way around again.  And again.  And again.  Dishes are added throughout the meal and include a variety of meats, fish, soups, vegetables and fruit.  Lizzy and I tried sea cucumber, octopus and a special Guizhou dish featuring a root that is only found in this Province. 

Unfortunately, this was Professor Rhea’s last meal with us before she headed to catch her flight to Hangzhou to spend time with Cedar and Frances. Something about 23 hours of travel and navigating a foreign area made her family.  As we said our good-byes, Lizzy and I fought back tears; we knew we were officially on our own.  As I listened to Rhea say her good-byes to the teachers, I heard one say, “We love you, Rhea.” And, that’s what got me.  Words cannot describe how the people of Guiyang feel about having Americans in their town.  It means so much more to them than anyone will ever know. 

After Rhea left, the party really began.  It turns out that attached to our private dining area was a swanky, private karaoke room!  Karaoke is HUGE here and some people even practice in their cars.   I love music, don’t get me wrong (hey, why wasn’t that song on there?!) but I had trouble finding songs we both knew.  I finally settled on doing Madonna’s “Lucky Star.”

Here we are.  Lizzy and Natalie, Karaoke Queens

Travel tips:

• Be sure to refer to your host on where to sit at the formal dinners
• Always carry a bottle of water and tissues at all times and you'll be prepared for anything!

Natalie