A Roots & Shoots Christmas and a Chinese Wedding

Thursday, I went to the German Consulate's annual Christmas Market to sell trees for Roots and Shoots' Million Tree Project. The consulate invited 2 NGOs to sell their products - R&S and Felt, an organization that works with physically and mentally challenged Chinese people to make felt jewelry, the proceeds of which go directly back to them. In total, I raised 1700 RMB, or enough to buy 68 trees, which is pretty good for three hours of work. Actually, I got to meet a lot of interesting people, sample the gluehwein, and have some authentic German sausages and pretzels, so I'm not sure if calling it "work" is really fair...


I've been sick all weekend, so I didn't do anything other than study for next week's finals and rest until Saturday. That night, I went with my tutor Ding Xiong-fei to a traditional Chinese wedding. I didn't have a chance to take any pictures, but if I had to use one word to describe it, I'd say it was 热闹 (rènɑo adj. lively).

Unlike American weddings, which usually have a somber ceremony followed by a reception, the Chinese combine the two. Guests are invited to a huge dining hall, where food is served and they can watch the couple get married while eating. An emcee hosts the service, and it can take on a game show-like appeal. I have to admit, I prefer the American style. But you can't argue that Chinese weddings are a lot of fun.

After the wedding, I went to Xiong-fei's cousin's house to play Ma Jiang. I won once (because I was being coached by "the expert"). Turns out Ma Jiang in China is a lot different than American style...