Internationalmatt's Blog

This blog is about my international friends and their inspiring stories

2011 China Night at UNL- Celebrating Chinese New Year with Friends

The first time I went to China Night at UNL it was out of my interest in other cultures and going to China Night gave me a glimpse into Chinese Culture. I have been able to observe and participate in cultural celebrations from various cultures and experiencing them has been mostly out of my desire to learn. In the past few years China Night has taken on a different meaning for me because I have some friends from China who are students at UNL. I have been able to see how important New Year is for them and also how they feel to be so far from home and family during their most important holiday. For us Americans it would be like living in a country where Christmas is not a big deal far from home at Christmas time. I was pleased to be able to sit with my Sunday friends at China Night.

Johnny and Tingting

Tingting was the first one in the group that I met in January 2009. She asked me where my suit was and I had some fun pointing out all of the other men who were not wearing a suit.  Johnny came here in the fall of 2009. Johnny wore a suit I think mostly due to Tingting :)

Nancy and Kevin

I had the privilege of helping Nancy and Kevin study for the TOEFL test last June and was thrilled when they both passed the TOEFL.

Alex

Alex had the red carpet movie star look as he walked in. We have had some fun times and laughed at our mistakes. He is a great cook and now that I think of it, it has been a long time since he cooked for our group.

me with Huiyan

Huiyan was reading something on her cell phone that was in Chinese. I kept peeking at it and acting like I knew what it said.

The entertainment was in Chinese with a little translation at times. I may not have understood what they were saying throughout the night, but I did not need to because I understood the most important part which was that my friends who live so far from home and family and friends had fun and were able to celebrate their holiday with each other. The blessing for me was to see my friends laugh and be happy.

February 10, 2011 Posted by | Chinese friends, Cross Cultural, Cultural Ambassdors, Cutural Celebrations, Experiences of international friends, Holidays, International Friendships, Internationals | Leave a Comment

2011-China Night at UNL Welcoming the Year of the Rabbit

Last week was the beginning of Chinese New Year which is a celebration that can last for a week or two not just one day. Each year the CSSA-Chinese Students and Scholars Association- hosts China Night at UNL to celebrate Chinese New Year. I have had the privilege of attending China night several times and each time has been special in its own way. Last year I sat up front and was able to get some great pictures. The entertainment was awesome. This year was special because I was able to sit with my friends from my Sunday class more on that tomorrow.

When I first arrived, I noticed the welcoming line and a young woman giving them last minute instructions in Chinese. As I walked through the line I surprised them by saying Happy New Year in Chinese. They had the women on one side and the men on the other.

One of the greeters, my friend Daniel, showed me my seat. After I sat down a nice young lady name Ming came by to bring some items to the table. She was our server for our table for the evening. I surprised her by wishing her a Happy New Year in Chinese and we talked a little when she stopped by a few times.

The entertainment was fun to watch. It was a mix of traditional Chinese and contemporary music. There was also a Kung Fu performance and a comedy sketch about a man who was unlucky in love. The finale was amusing. They had children dressed like the Von Trapp children from Sound of Music and sing so long farewell.  Then the all of the performers joined them on stage. It was a fun night and I look forward to going again next year. The best part for me was sitting with my friends- more on that tomorrow.

February 9, 2011 Posted by | Chinese friends, Cross Cultural, Cultural Ambassdors, Cutural Celebrations, Holidays | Leave a Comment

On a Blizzardy Day I wish I were in Ensenada :)

Wind chills of -35F today, snow, strong winds, staying inside all day. This is a day that makes me think about last summer and the beaches in Ensenada. It was warm during the day and cool at night. A place where words like wind chill are never used. A place where I had a slightly sunburned face, could wear shorts during the day and a sweatshirt at night- not too hot and not too cold.

me with my friend from church Taylor on the beach

We went to the beach on the Pacific Ocean our last full day in Ensenda. We walked and swam in the ocean and enjoyed a day in the sun. The warm sand was under my feet and the water felt perfect. We also spent some time shopping at an open air market walking around in the sunny day.

me with my sombrero brother Brendan

me with mi hermana pequena Patti

Oh well it is only a wish. Reality will hit tomorrow when I step out my door and I am greeted by the cold slap of winter air on my face. For tonight though, I can turn up the heat, look at pictures and wish I was somewhere besides frigid Lincoln. The good news is that Spring is now only a few months away and warmer weather is only 3 months away.

 

February 2, 2011 Posted by | Travel experiences, winter | Leave a Comment

   

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