We did have a Thanksgiving celebration, in case you were curious. We don't usually pass up an opportunity to do something expensive and indulgant for the sake of togetherness. So, while everyone back home was still asleep, we headed across Wuhan to the Shangri-la Hotel for a traditional Thanksgiving buffet. And we had a hell of a time trying to get there. We couldn't find a cab to take us there, since you need a cab with an odd number on an odd-numbered date with a driver who's willing to go across town at rush hour. Our only option was the bus, but two buses had just collided at the stop nearby, blocking traffic both ways. We ended up walking to another stop, catching a bus to the Yangtze River, ferrying across, and taking a cab the rest of the way.
Our friend Jo was nice enough to call ahead and reserve a table for us, even though she didn't join us for the meal. It turns out that reserving a table there on Thanksgiving is a little like calling up the Four Seasons in Chicago and asking about the Dongzhi Festival. There just aren't going to be many takers. Nevertheless, it was a fine meal, and well worth the 25 or so dollars we each paid for it. There was much turkey and ham and potato to be had. And the desserts, how many there were. Thinking about it now only makes me wish we could've taken some for leftovers.
Throughout the week, I tought my students about the holiday--the history, the customs, the introspection, etc. Most people here don't really know or care much about it, since there aren't quite enough foreigners in Wuhan to make the holiday profitable. But we, in true American fashion, still managed to do the most patriotic (or ex-patriotic) thing we could think of and stuffed ourselves silly. Here are a few snapshots of the evening.
The Yangtze River at night.
Cori with ice sculpture and buffet in back.
The first of many plates of food.
Walking through the lobby. Fancy.
Posing with the holiday display.
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