Kathy and I flew to Beijing from our home in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia last Thursday. We have been to China 5 or 6 times before, but this time seems different. I think it is because now we live in Asia and it only takes 2 hours to fly here. And perhaps the novelty of things has worn off a bit because we have lived in Mongolia for a little more than 3 months now. Anyway, it is great to be here.
Our first stop was the city of Tangshan, southeast of Beijing about 2 hours by car. Our friends Shakira and Wang Feng live there. We had the privilege of being honored guests at their wedding. Fabulous!!! Shakira is like a daughter to us, and she calls us her American Mom and Dad. We learned more of Chinese customs regarding family and marriage. Shakira invited us to be with her and her family in the room where preparations were made for the arrival of Wang Feng when he would pledge his commitment and faithfulness to her. It was both a fun and serious time for everyone, especially Shakira and Wang Feng. And I was able to take a bunch of photos of the proceedings.
I have posted photos here of the preparations, the arrival of Wang Feng, the drive to the wedding at a magnificent new hotel, and the reception there. I have posted so many of the wedding to give you a flavor for a segment of Chinese life. Kathy and I love Shakira and Wang Feng, and wish them the very best!! There families treated us like royalty for the day we were there!
Now we are in Beijing for several more days before we head to Shanxi with Shakira and Wang Feng for a reception in Shakira’s home town next weekend. We are having a time to rest, visit some friends, meet new friends, and take care of things here. I will post photos of our time in Beijing in the near future.
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| Kathy and I at the hotel the wedding took place in |
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| Shakira ... the bride ... our friend... :) |
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| A friend of Shakira preparing some traditional food |
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| Shakira ready for the arrival of Wang Feng |
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| Shakira;s maid of honor on the right and one of her best friends on the left |
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| My dear Kathy! |
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| Shakira's maid of honor |
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| Shakira waits while the others keep Wang Feng out until he makes the promises |
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| Wang Feng is let in after he has made his promises of commitment! |
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| Shakira accepts the bouquet and Wang Feng's pledge |
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| Shakira and Wang Feng have the traditional meal with Shakira's family |
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| Fireworks set off by friends and family in front of their apartment! |
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| The couple received gifts from friends and family at their apartment |
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| Next stop... the hotel where the reception will be |
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| The wedding party goes in. The couple had made posters of themselves for the entry |
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| Me a day earlier next to a ship in the hotel |
Awww, she is so beautifulllll...
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