Bottoms Up!

We've been invited out to dinner five of the eight nights we've been here--usually an elaborate affair in a private dining room and about fifteen to twenty different dishes to share, always very tasty! Tonight we went out with all the teachers and administrators of the college to celebrate women's day (I had already received a rose early in the day for the occasion, very sweet!). We all piled into the teacher's bus and drove to the "Red House Restaurant" where the festivities began!

One of the fun things about going out for dinner in China is the 'cultural drinking game' that takes place over the course of an evening. From the time the drinks are poured, toasts are made by hosts throughout the entire meal. Tonight they covered 'Happy Women's Day", "Thank you women", "Welcome to China", "To your health", "To new friends", and "Thanks for the song". We've been told that it's a sign of friendship and respect to finish your glass when someone makes a toast (luckily the glasses are only small wine glasses). As the night goes on, the toasts start to feel more and more like drinking challenges, as the "toaster" waits for a show of empty glasses from the "toastees". Some people try to cheat, but you're considered honest and virtuous if you drink up, even if it makes you sick. There were a few people who did end up sick, but it was openly admitted and there didn't seem to be anything shameful about it.

Everyone was all about singing songs tonight too, we'll try to put up some photos and sound. We ended up having to sing "The itsy-bitsy Spider" which we've been teaching in our classes (but we don't have a recording of that--sorry to disappoint!!) Actually, it's funny how often we've been asked to sing songs on this trip, we'll have to prepare a repitoire next time.

Thank you to the staff of Jian Wen University for a fun-filled evening!