ROOM SERVICE! JUNE 9TH – C. WEETMAN
Good morning!
So we have a free morning today. No plans until 1pm. So I thought I would take the time and order room service! I called over the phone and was greeted in Chinese. I asked if anyone spoke English and she said yes! However, she had no idea what I was saying. She told me she would send someone up to my room to take my order. A well-dressed man knocked on the door, I told him what I wanted, and he came in and used the phone to make the order. Quite an ordeal! And well…. I haven’t gotten my food yet.
I haven’t posted in a while but it’s been a busy few days. We are now at the Double Tree Hilton hotel which is VERY nice! I wish we could stay here for the rest of the trip! And finally we have some soft beds with mattresses instead of just the box spring!
Yesterday we visited Anhui province’s capital, Hefei. In the morning we stopped at the Anhui Museum and had the special privilege to see some old Tiehua pieces that are not on display at the museum! Not only that, but the museum is not open on Mondays but the director opened the offices just for us! Most of the pieces were from the 1950’s but a couple were from as early as the 19th century.
We noticed some differences in these pieces from those we saw at the Wuhu Tiehua factory. First is that there is much less welding and more riveting and nails used. The pieces are much less refined and the techniques are far more rudimentary. Interesting to see after seeing the high-end pieces at Chu’s Tiehua.
After the museum, we stopped for lunch at a buffet, which was quite tasty! I’m learning what foods to try and what foods to avoid. After lunch we headed to the Temple of Lord Bao. The temple is now surrounded be Lord Bao Park, a gorgeous area surrounded by water and pagodas.
Last on yesterday’s agenda was a visit to the Anhui athletic training centre where we met the Anhui Provincial Women’s Boxing Team. Some of the girls on this team are training for the 2017 Olympics and the whole team will participate in the Asian games. We talked with them a bit and they had questions about athletics in the US and then the real fun began…. we paired up and they taught us boxing moves! Now when I say athletes, these girls were athletes. Muscle tone like I have never seen on a girl before! Haha. I think I caught on pretty well!
The coolest part of some of these experiences is communicating with people who don’t speak your language. I have always found that fascinating. The ways by which you speak with out using words. And you know what the best mode of communication is? A smile. It’s such a warming feeling to smile and she him or her smile back and you and you may have no idea what the other is really trying to say, but it doesn’t really matter at that moment.
Once we got back to the hotel we were free for the night and had no plans today until 1pm! Sooo… I took advantage and slept in this morning and then decided to order room service! As mentioned above. Breakfast never tasted so good. I didn’t realize what I had been missing! A bit of American food gave me energy for the rest of this trip! Haha
Our first stop today was as the future home (hopefully) of the Tiehua industrial park. Two brothers that left the Wuhu factory and were a part of Flying Dragon Tiehua had this idea for an industrial park as a home for multiple Tiehua firms to work and have a studio/factory space. They are in construction now and not really sure who is interested in setting up shop there. Will be interesting to see what happens!
Next-door is the home of a Tiehua artist who has branched out to sculpture as well. He seems very successful! A very sweet man who I found out is Buddhist. He most definitely reflects his faith in his kind-heartedness and warm welcome. Very smart and intelligent in the arts and the art market.
We hopped on the bus and headed to Flying Dragon Tiehua where we interviewed some workers. I am looking for a piece that I would like to purchase but there are too many choices! And really the trouble is figuring out how to get it home!
Last stop was a firm down the street who had a much different opinion and outlook on the future of the Tiehua market. Interesting to get such varying views. All the research and information we have gathered will make for an interesting paper!
Tonight we had dinner as a little outdoor cafe just a walk away. Apparently it is modelled after the Games of Thrones TV series. It was pretty neat. You put cash on a card and then you can swipe the card at any of the little food stands. I had beef, chicken, and peppers on a stick but they seem to like to make everything spicy here. I also pawned some friend rice off some of the group members. Can’t go wrong with rice!
A couple of us stopped for drinks on the way back at the old British Consulate. It’s a beautiful building! And has been turned into a very neat restaurant. I wouldn’t mind spending a view hours there!
Headed back to the hotel while the others went out on the town. I definitely appreciate my sleep! 10 more days! Home feels closer and closer. I’ve had a great time but there’s something to be said for just having your own bed.
Busy day tomorrow, more to come! Goodnight from Wuhu!
