I saw the boats rowing forward and then turning around again. It certainly did not look like a race, but it was fun watching them row to rhythmic drumming and also watching them light a ton of fireworks.
These fireworks looked like they were abondoned at each light post. . .
But then this guy arrived and with a cigarette dangling from his mouth and proceeded to casually light the fireworks, right smack in front of all the people. No caution signs, no warning to move back -- hey, you're in China..anything can happen!
I think the proximity of the fireworks exploding into a zillion little pieces of red paper and smoke would have sufficed and almost became unbearable with the additional excrutiatingly loud ear-damaging sounds.
Random Chinese man with cool straw hat.
These innocent-looking little bits of paper fluttered about in the air landing on the bridge, the walkway, the water, clothes, hair, basically everywhere. It did make quite a mess, but no one seemed bothered by it in the least. I'm pretty sure there is 100 years worth of some kind of red paper sludge at the bottom of this river.
Cool looking dragon head at the head of the boat.
As difficult as it might be to row the boat, I think the scarriest job by far was the firework-lighting guys. They had some kind of a basket with a long handle which they would use to hold the fireworks at a "distance" while they were exploding. Fun, huh. Huh? Exactly.
Hello again, little red bits of paper.
Here is one of the firework guys trying to stretch his arms as long as he can get them.
I actually caught an exploding firework -- cool, isn't it. I can understand why they are wearing long sleeves. Those things can burn, as I learned first-hand (luckily nothing serious).
This little boy was lucky to have his Grandfather helping him out.
The fireworks caught me by surprise, but once aware, I took cover and also stuffed my ears with some kleenex, thank you.
I know how you feel buddy.
Okay, onto Lizhiwan Park.
I love, love, love this common scene here in China -- crowds with umbrellas in the sunshine. It's awesome!
Here is my sweet friend, Anabeth and myself as we take cover from the sun and wait for the boats to appear.
Before we could even see the boats, we could hear the drums beating.
The boats again floated through (this time they did not turn around). Again it was not a race on this day. I am not sure, but maybe this was a look at the boats before they race? I have no idea, but it was fun to see.
The crowd was as fun to watch as the boats.
One more of the many beautiful little children in China.
I belive this was a flower tea -- it was the flowers that gave it away.
I was told that this was a traditional snack and that it was healthy to eat. I bought some of the ones that had a cone shape. They were okay, crunchy and tasted a little bit like seafood (I took them home and gave them to my Ayi -- who told me they were good). And in true Chinese style, I was told that these drinks were healthy too--I'm always hearing about the health benefits of drinks and food here. Maybe another blog some day for the food.
Below is a video at the park with a lot of people (including quite elderly) playing hacky sack.
If you notice, the people in the picture are a little extra excited. Apparently, traditionally, only men row the dragon boat racing boats. However, this year a group of women got together to row a boat. I was told that many people thought this would be bad luck because it is not traditional. In an unfortunate turn of events, the women's boat did flip over and all the women fell out. All the people I could see were riveted by the incident.
Fortunately, all the women were okay, just a little wet.
And the people were thoroughly entertained.
Love this picture of a family looking out their window with the sweet grandma -- too cute. Makes me miss my grandma.
