Spring Blossom 2002

The 5:00 am wake-up call and warning calls from Mr. Boyce and Mrs. Graham brought us back to reality. We boarded the bus where a minority of us ate the provided breakfast, while some anticipated the warm continental breakfast that awaited us on the plane to Qinghai.

As we were landing, the beautiful scenery of Qinghai greeted us as warmly as the representatives of the Qinghai Woman’s Federation. From the airport to the hotel, many of us were struck in awe from the gradual transformation of the once rural setting of Qinghai to the modern high-rises of Xining city.

Musilin Hotel in Xining.

After freshening up at the hotel, we had a luncheon with the representatives of the Qinghai Women’s Federation and Jennifer Chow. The luncheon was good: we were able to taste Qinghai’s well-known spicy lamb. After the meal, we got onto the bus for a one-hour ride to visit a local tribal village, where we were able to recuperate from the two days of exhaustion. After the meal, we got onto the bus for a one-hour ride to visit a local tribal village, where we were able to recuperate from the two days of exhaustion. We arrived there at around 2pm, and were presented with silk scarves made by the tribe members themselves. We were treated to a showcase of traditional dances and swing tricks. All of us were able to participate in these exhilarating dances and we were also allowed to witness two of our beloved teachers perform a marriage dance in traditional tribal costumes.

Mr. Ensor and Mr. Boyce trying to impress their new wives.

We were invited to their houses, one of which was the wealthier of households in the village, where we were treated with ‘light’ snacks. Upon entering the gates, the hostess held a tray of rice wine, whereby it is a custom to offer sprinkles of rice wine to the heavens, the earth and to the parents. The appetisers included milk tea, homegrown tomatoes, ‘antler’ seaweed, potatoes and curry-flavored bread. The hosts were utterly hospitable and passionate, answering our questions, despite the language barrier.

We then visited the less fortunate families within the village. Unlike the wealthier families, the destitute ones did not have brick floors, and looked rather derelict. Sensational feelings built up as we strolled through different environments to our own. It is apparent that despite their harder lifestyle, their smiles always shone through.

IT'S ALIVE!

Dinner was as delicious as the appetisers, the host being the same wealthy family; serving us lamb with garlic, soup noodles and homegrown vegetables prepared in a variety of ways. After the meal, many of us bought souvenirs, which were handicrafts of the local tribes, before leaving with new-enlightened hearts.

We returned to the hotel, exhausted, but delighted from the emotions and experiences that uplifted us that afternoon. We attended a formal, Women’s Guild meeting where they discussed the future of Qinghai. We met many important leaders of Qinghai, including various government officials. From the various reports we gathered that Qinghai is on its way to becoming a very prominent province. Towards the end of the meeting, we performed our trip’s theme song - “Jie Mei,”( Sister), this representing the anticipated relationship between the Spring Blossom girls and us.

After a short debriefing session, we were dismissed to bed at 11:30pm for a long night’s rest.

By Katie Leung and Joy Salvacruz

For more pictures of DAY 2 click here.