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English
Image above: I take a picture in Shiyan Park
Throughout my stay as an International student from Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China, I have never spent a holiday outside campus or been with my Chinese friends or family.
Upon graduation, I got a job offer from Shiyan Electronic Company based in Shiyan. Weeks after my appointment, there was a general holiday which marks the spring festival/ Chinese Lunar New Year. During this festival period long vacation is given, streets are been decorated, people goes on shopping New Year’s decorations, clothes, and fireworks etc. Chinese New Year in China is like Christmas which is full of activities.
Families come together to spend time with each other, most especially, people travelled to their hometowns to be with family members and have special moments. This year Lunar New Year falls on January 28th and will be celebrated until February 15th. On the Eve of the Lunar New Year, we had lunch with our Boss’s family and we were presented with red envelopes (hongbao) from the wife that we usually called “Mama”. According to the Chinese tradition, the red color of the envelope symbolizes energy, happiness, good luck and a symbol to ward off evil spirits. During lunch, we further discussed about the trip to the village which my colleagues and I have earlier decided to join the family to have a feel of what’s Chinese New Year’s celebration looks like in the village.
On the 31st January, at 3:00 PM we started the three hours’ journey to the village called Hongmiao village.
Upon arrival, we were welcome by the family members especially grandmother (Nainai) who wore a beautiful smile as a way of showing her gratitude to her family and guests. After few minutes of chatting we were located to our rooms and latter we went to shop for fire crackers and some items. The village scenery was so beautiful as it is surrounded by giant hills, streams and water dam, the houses are built in similar structure and design which gives a perfect picture of unity. That same night, we went to show respect to the ancestors by lilting joss paper in front of their graves and displayed beautiful fireworks. To me, it was a new experience but not totally new, as we have similar culture mostly performed by the Christians in my country Sierra Leone, were family members offer prayers, food, drinks and other sacrifices at the grave side at the eve of every new year. Fireworks and firecrackers were displayed in the entire village as it gives beautiful scenic effect in the dark sky. The event was climax by a reunion dinner with all family members reuniting, several generations were present and we sat at round tables and enjoyed the food and time together. This was a great experience as it was my first time to witness such event among Chinese family and also to be in the village here in China.
Image above: My friends and I set off fireworks on New Year's Eve
The following day, I woke up to a beautiful sight as I watched the forest behind my window. I was curious and I wanted to go for a walk so badly, I spoke with my Boss and he agreed to show us around. The village was calm, peaceful and guided by nature. My favorite spot was on top the hill side from the family house, were you could picture the entire village at one glance.
On Wednesday, the 2nd of February, I experienced my first snow in Shiyuan village during the morning hours as the temperature was about minus three degrees. I woke up from a peaceful sleep and realized that all the trees behind my window was full with snow, I wowed and smile as I rushed out of my room. I refused to have breakfast because I wanted to capture some beautiful images of some spot in the village before the snow could disappear. I was full of excitement as I took my phone and went to capture the imagine behind the house, latter I moved to the hill top to have a glance at the entire village which was covered in snow, it was a specular view. My favorite among all was at the Christmas tree garden, the snow covers the leaves and branches just like the exact pictures and videos have been seeing in books and movies. I had so much fun time playing around the trees and having selfies so I can save the precious moments.
Above: A view of Hongmiao Village
Another unforgettable memory was when our Boss “Baba” as we usually referred to him took us for sight-seeing. We first paid a visit to Hubei Longhu National Wetland Park and latter we stopped by the Amusement Park, Hmm (sigh), it was attractive with so much exciting fun equipment. After a while, I chose the flying roller coaster over the spin roller coaster, we were then braced in our seats and then the roller coaster starts to move gradually. When it develops maximum speed, I could not let my fear anymore as I was as scared as hell. I started screaming Baba’s name, I felt like my heart wanted to leave my body as we were in the up side down position, I cried and shut my eyes till the end, it was fun and at the same time horrific for me but I was happy I had that experience.
Image above: I took a picture with my friends at the amusement park
In conclusion, my experience to the village here in China was amazing and beautiful as I per take in the rich culture, tried so many new food, meet with new people and visited so many places around the vicinity.
Image above: I spent my birthday at home in China
