Today was a hard day for Hong Mei. She slept well during the night as she has every night since we got her (no small miracle). She woke up sobbing, put on her new sandals, packed the bag that Grandma gave us and then demanded that Baba take her back to Grandma. We dressed her and took her down to breakfast as we needed to leave soon for a big morning of sightseeing. She did better at breakfast and ate eggs, yogurt and apple juice. We boarded the bus and went a short distance away to a private kindergarten. The Kindergarten was a fun place to visit. The building was colorful, the teachers fun and the children darling. I counted in the class of five and six year olds 16 girls and 25 boys. Hong Mei came alive at the school. She played on the playground, did exercises’ with the kids. She joined the kids for snack. One of the teachers spent time talking to her; as we were leaving the teacher sought me out to tell me that Hong Mei is very clever. Too soon we said our goodbyes, boarded the bus and left for the Hunan Provincial Museum.
The Museum houses the relics from the famous Mawangdui Han Tombs; a glorious example of the West Han Dynasty (206BC-24). The tombs were discovered 1972-74. More than 3,000 relics have been unearthed from three tombs. Some of the items we saw were pottery, silk paintings and clothes, cooking utensils, and writing tools. Red and black colors were common. In one of the jars 2,000 year old cookies were displayed. Not too appetizing, but quite remarkable in preservation. The tomb was three tombs stacked one inside of the other. Inside number one tomb was the mummy of a noble lady and other articles well-preserved for more that 2,000 years. When disinterred from the tomb the corpse was complete and the whole body was still moist and supple. Her joints could move, her organs and surrounding tissues were still intact. Her skin was flexible as if she had been alive yesterday. Words cannot describe (no pictures were allowed) to see the grand old lady face to face. She was somewhat disfigured by time but still amazing to behold.
Hong Mei behaved like a typical three year old at the Museum. We went back to the hotel, fed her lunch, and Baba and Hong Mei lay down for a nap. I on the other hand visited the shops in search of Hunan embroidery. Hunan is famous for its exquisite stitchery. The beautiful works were as detailed as a painting or a photograph. I bought a few inexpensive things for her when she is older. I bought a lovely traditional gold dress for her now.
It was hard to really enjoy myself as I was worried about Hong Mei. She still does not like me, but is upset if I am not there.
I came back to her crying and we went to the playroom to play. After a while she played some. We went to dinner at Jono Western Chinese Restaurant. A word about Jono’s; best food we have had on the whole trip. Hong Mei decided today that perhaps if she is very, very naughty we will take be back to grandma. She threw food, grabbed plates and hit Mama. Finally Baba had enough and told her Bu yuh! (No) in a strong voice. She calmed down and was a good girl and ate a good dinner. After dinner we took a short walk to find more black eggs. We found a market that carried them. Rulon made a spectacle of himself clucking like a chicken to the shopkeeper to ask for egg. We do our best to entertain the locals.
Back to the hotel, lotion and jammies.
Good night,
Joanna
Eating With Chopsticks
Kids At Kindergarten
Talking With Kindergarten Teacher
Squat Potty
And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them. Esther 12:27
