After the photo session out in the courtyard, we returned to the classroom for a celebration of our work together this summer. The Food Warrior Women created a party in lickity-split speed. They all brought contributions, including balloons for a festive atmosphere. One woman brought some homemade wine. Another brought pork dumplings. Another brought a slew of sunflower seeds, which are a specialty snack in Guizhou Province.
They began the party with a toast, most likely inspired by the "toast for change" we had viewed in the film Freedom Writers the week before. And then we ate. And ate. And ate.
Music was then piped into the room. They all wanted to do "The Chicken Dance," which I had taught them early in our time together. The actual music was one my computer, which was back at the apartment. So, they cranked up Adele's "Rollin' in the Deep" and insisted we do the Chicken Dance to that tune. A uniquely bizarre musical adventure, but I think the moment would have made Adele smile.
We danced some more, incorporating African call and response songs I had shared with them. And then we played all sorts of games with the balloons.
All of this in excruciating heat, but it didn't matter. We were celebrating and honoring our time together...absolutely in the moment. Wonderfully Chinese.
Namaste,
Marianne/Bailing
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