Reflections of Nanning and sweet moments...

While it is down pouring here in Guangzhou and Esther is napping, I thought I would take a few moments and reflect on some aspects of our time in Nanning. There are so many parts of this trip that have been so eye opening. Our perspective has changed and we feel so blessed to have been able to experience so many different parts of China.

This would be the #1 Daddy trooper lying in a Juang minority family bed. Yes, one might say Alpaca Rob stands out here. He often must duck his head when going into places. He gets my award for "super trooper"! He sweats through several shirts per day, teases our guides, loves on Esther, and watches out for me...what a guy!


This is a Juang minority teenager working on crafting her "loving ball", the ones on the rack are for sale. Young women in this minority group go to a big festival when they are marrying age (teens) where they have a very tall pole with a hoop on the top. The boys stand on one side, the girls on the other. The girls have been practicing for a long time on being able to throw the ball through the hoop. The boy who catches her loving ball is the one she is destined to marry.



When Han Chinese people get married(Han is the majority group in China), they dress in typical western wedding outfits to get their picture taken. This couple is only in the park for picture taking purposes. There were about 4 couples getting their photos taken the day we were there. Many people want to get married or have their babies this year in China because this is the year of the pig...meaning prosperity. This year is even more special because it is the year of the golden pig, meaning more prosperous than any other year of the pig. So, back to the wedding, people here are very superstitious. So, the mother or mother in law goes to a fortune teller to pick the day for the wedding party. They want a day with good "feng shui" (pronounced fung shay). Literally, it means mountain-water. Figuratively, it is a day with good karma. Once this day is picked, the couple goes and registers with the government to be married. There is much more paperwork and difficulties if you marry someone from a different province or minority group. Completing the paperwork means you are married and recognized by the Chinese government, so it's the wedding party that is the big deal.


The new couple greets their guests in the traditional white gown and tux. They thank everyone for coming and collect their gifts. This usually occurs at big luxury hotels...we have seen several where we have been staying. Once everyone is greeted and has eaten, the bride and groom change into the outfits shown here with red and blue. These are Chinese wedding attire. The bride and groom then party on the rest of the evening with these clothes. Interesting, huh? No ceremony ever takes place...


Of course, we must end with a picture of our cutie. This would be her trying to make a mad dash toward the door where she was sure her foster mom must be waiting behind. It appears as if she is crawling in this picture, but she is not quite yet. She scooches and rolls all over the place. She likes to be busy. She is warming up to us each day...especially now that we have left the hotel with that door:)