Celebrate!

You have to find your own ways to celebrate holidays in China. Sometimes China attempts to celebrate Western holidays, but usually they remind you more that you're in China than of your holidays at home (see: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs nativity scene at Christmas).

Last Saturday we went for a night of karaoke at the local KTV. Okay, okay, we weren't celebrating Easter specifically, but as our efforts carried over into Sunday morning, perhaps our voices were glorifying. I know the other people at the place
sure enjoyed them, including this group whose party we crashed.








The next day, a group of us hiked up a mountain/hill nearby for an Easter service. We didn't make it for sunrise, but it was early enough. We shared songs, hymns, verses, and stories with each other before taking communion. It was a very nice way to spend Easter, outdoors with friends.



Chinese people also hike the mountain to burn incense. I am not positive of the reason, but I think in this case it honors their dead.




Afterwards we moved to an awesome Xinjiang restaurant that included eating in a tent, laying down on the floor to let the food settle, and watching some traditional dancing. If you're planning on making a visit, you'll definitely be treated to a similar experience.

Finally, I leave you with a picture of two adjacent shops downtown. Is there a (subtle) message here?