First week of school, Great wall, The Courtyard & Haka - August 24
Madeline’s first week of school was a great success! She has made a couple of friends and even has had a play date with another girl in her class. I knew it would be just a matter of time before she would settle in. They have art, music, PE and Chinese language as well as the usual curriculum. I am trying to encourage Madeline to journal her thoughts and experiences, but the truth is that she would rather play in the park that is just outside of our building.
I am glad to report that today I ordered and received water without complication. I’ve been to the grocery store and found the items on my list and have even traveled with a driver by myself. Today the Blacks win! My next adventure will be to take the shuttle by myself to the butcher. I’ll let you know how that goes.
We had so much fun last weekend with the the folks from Apple! Friday night David went with them to a locally famous (or infamous) Irish pub called Durty Nellie’s. It was an “end of the first week of school celebration” with the WAB (Western Academy of Beijing) Board members, staff and teachers. “Free drinks all around!” was the chant. They then went to a Thai restaurant called Red Basil. David said the food was great. I can’t wait to go and try it for myself. Madeline and I were invited over to meet a British family (mom, dad and son who is in Madeline’s class) and go to dinner at a restaurant within walking distance to where we live. This restaurant has an eclectic offering of Italian, Mexican, Thai and Chinese food. The food was good and they have a respectable wine list, so I think this place will become regular hangout. Madeline and I had a great time.
Saturday morning we woke up to meet our driver at 6:30 AM to go to the Great Wall of China. Our group of 9 toured the Badaling section. It is one thing to see pictures of the wall, but you really have to be there to appreciate its majesty. Madeline and David were the source of much interest to the other tourists at the wall. Apparently most of these people come from the outlying provinces and don’t see many Westerners. Kids would crowd around Madeline for pictures. She didn’t really like that very much, but would oblige if I could hold her. David captivated children and adults alike. The look on their faces was, “Ooh! Look at that white man! He so tall and big!” In the United States, we think that China is so exotic and unknown. It is hard to believe that on the other side of the world there are people who think that of us.
Saturday evening was David’s and my first outing without Madeline. We had a highly recommended babysitter who is a kindergarten teacher’s assistant at WAB. They watched Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on DVD, had popcorn and did each other’s hair. I’m pretty sure that Jenny (the sitter) met Kit, Samantha, Nellie and Abbey and indulged Madeline in some playtime with the dolls. Madeline loved Jenny and I think she was grateful for an evening in.
David and I, along with people from Apple, Powerschool & WAB went for cocktails at the Beijing Grand Hyatt and then to dinner at The Courtyard restaurant. After hearing so much about The Courtyard, I was prepared for it not to meet my expectations, but the atmosphere was enough to let me know we were in for a treat. The humble grey brick exterior gives way to a sleek glass and white interior. Truly something from a magazine. David had pork stuffed with bleu cheese that was melt-in-your-mouth divine. I had tuna & salmon tartare for my appetizer and an entree of coconut jumbo prawns. Both were amazing. For dessert, everyone had a chocolate mousse cake that was out of this world. Our host chose white, and red wine to have with appetizers and dinner respectively and then champagne with dessert. After all that we could have gone home happy, however there was more fun to be had.
After dinner we were treated by some of David’s coworkers to a traditional New Zealand “Haka” dance. “Ha” means breath, “ka” means firey words. This is a dance done before going to war to intimidate one’s opponent. The song and dance together were interesting to see. I’m not sure if it was appropriate to do this on the grounds just outside of the Forbidden City, but no one was arrested although there was some interest from the locals. I’m glad they didn’t take it as New Zealand declaring war on China.
I wish I could send a video tape of all we have seen and heard. Words cannot describe the vibrancy of the “Lantern Festival” that is just beginning to get underway. The way the bell and drum towers look through the evening haze is indescribably beautiful, as you know. I am amazed and fascinated by the rich traditions of this culture.
Sorry for another lengthly e-mail. There is just so much to tell you! Please say hello to everyone and give Margot & Ben kisses for me!
Love, Lisa
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