Traveling the World

Among the things we ordered were fried bananas, dumplings, chicken, beef, pork, you name it, we ate it! Surprisingly, it was quite cheap! From what I’ve heard, it gets super spicy in the pot, so we opted for only a tiny bit of the peppers. I regretted it immediately after dinner, and still do to this day. I wish we had more peppers put in, because it wasn’t strong enough for me even though the others were complaining it was too hot. Americans really are weak-tongued, and it takes living here for awhile to get accustomed to the difference in cuisines. If you want to dine at this tasty restaurant, call them at 028-86639070. They are located on Chang Shun Street at the corner of Shang Ye Street.

The next morning we went for Tibetan food. China has a 4 passenger per taxi limit, and since we had 5 people, we had to use two taxis. As a result, I hailed both taxis and told them both in Chinese where to go. It’s normal to get drivers who don’t know where the place is you want to go. The driver took Melba and Richard to a part of town far away from where the restaurant was, and since they had no cell phone, they returned to the hostel after waiting for 20 minutes. We also tried to search for them but in the end ate at the restaurant called A Re Zai Can. For 65rmb total, we got three dishes: yak with potatoes, yak and tomato soup, and bread with yak and onions. It was honestly the best meal I’ve ever had in my life.

About the time we finished it was 11am, and we rushed back to the hostel, and then rushed to the train station. Along the way traffic built up so much we came to a halt for several minutes. We made the quick decision to leave the taxi and run to the station on foot. Alfred, Emma, and I met up with Richard and Melba close to the station. We got stuck at a light, and Emma tripped over a bike and fell face first onto the pavement in the middle of the street. I saw it coming, but didn’t say anything because I figured she’d notice the bike in front of her. Oh well. I kept the smile to myself. We quickly regrouped and ran full speed to the train, making it with only a few minutes to spare.

Sashes

Richard enjoyed his nap until we attempted to wake him up several times. He felt the performance was boring, and I agreed to some extent. I love Chinese culture, but I hate Chinese performances and drama, as the acting is always terrible. The only part of the performance I enjoyed was the juggling and modern dancing. Sad, huh? I’ll let those more interested in ancient history and traditional aspects of the culture experience it for themselves and give us a more detailed review.

Minority Performance Center

As we left, they asked us to wait a minute. After the minute was over, they produced a brand new mini keg of the same wine we drank earlier and told us to enjoy it! I had only expected a single glass, but they gave us the whole keg for FREE! I felt like a superstar, and going completely against Chinese custom, we all tipped the man 20rmb ($2.80). If you would like to meet up with Mr. Lee and experience this performance or any other activity he has to offer, you can find him at the People’s Park, or call him at +8613908035353.

We took a van from the train station to the Dragon Town Hostel that blatantly overcharged us 50rmb when it should have been about 15rmb, so the hostel reimbursed us because they were supposed to pick us up and didn’t. We decided on privacy over price and got 2 rooms, each with 2 beds. The front desk service was great, the staff spoke good English and always gave good recommendations for activities and restaurants. On the down side, the internet and computers were very slow and the bathrooms smelled, but the beds were comfortable.

People's Park

Tai Chi

The next morning we got up super early and went out to the Panda research base 10km from the hostel. It cost 58rmb to get in. To play with the small black and white Pandas cost 1000rmb, and the small red raccoon like pandas cost 100rmb. Alfred and Richard paid the 1000rmb for me because I couldn’t afford it and they wanted me to do it with them. I was really appreciative, even if I didn’t express it in words.

After seeing the pandas in their natural habitat for several minutes, I got in line and waited for what seemed like forever. As the clock struck 9:30am, they opened the doors and we rushed in. They put robes on us and asked us to wait. Several minutes later, I’m sitting down on the bench with my heart racing, when I see the door open and a big ol’ Panda bear squirming about in the arms of a caretaker. They gently lay it on my lap, and wow it’s heavy! My guess is it weighed about 45 pounds (22kg)!

One of the other people waiting to play with the panda asked how heavy it was, to which I replied “about 45 pounds, but that’s nothing because my girlfriend weighs twice that and I’ve had no problems with her!” The Panda was insanely cute, and I hugged it. It sniffed my face, as if trying to kiss me hello. It felt so good to tick off one of my things to do in life, but at the same time I was a bit scared because they have been known to get aggressive for no reason. Just last year, an idiot climbed into a Panda habitat to “pet” it, and got mauled to death.

Sorry to end this post on a bad note, but it’s the truth! In reality, these Pandas are very docile and loving, but one thing we should all learn is never to enter THEIR habitat, always let them enter YOURS. I hope you have the opportunity to come to China and hold these majestic creatures, even if it DOES cost 1000rmb for 2 minutes ($145).

Many people who come to China do so for a few reasons: to see the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, to hold a Panda, to adopt a baby, or to start/expand a business. I came here for none of those reasons, but in this instance when my friends were here, holding a Panda became essential to my life’s mission.

I was nervous. Would the Panda like me? Would it try to bite my head off? We have always been taught that they are big, clumsy, playful, and docile creatures, but is that the truth? We so often make assumptions about animals, but we fail to remember that they aren’t human, and thus it’s impossible to predict their behavior. Just last year, a man entered a Panda habitat in an attempt to “pet” it, but the Panda slashed him to death.

As we arrived at the Panda reserve, I began to shake with excitement. We spend our entire lives watching about Pandas on Discovery Channel, yet only a small percentage of us have the great fortune to come face-to-face with them. Our first stop was at the breeding center, where the tiniest of babies were sleeping or being fed milk from a bottle. They were cuter than I had expected. We spent a few moments “ooohhing” and “aaahhhing,” before we moved on.

Then came the red “pandas,” which are basically off-colored raccoons. Those were annoying and fidgety, so we moved on to the real Pandas. These Pandas were sitting around, sleeping, eating breakfast, or playing with each other.

More to come next time…