anna goes to chonggook!

Wing invited me to her company’s farewell party held at Melody Karaoke at Chaoyang Outer Street. The karaoke experience with Chinese people exceeds all my expectations almost every time. What I am most impressed by is the passion some Chinese people have for singing and even those who confess to singing poorly will bust out in a couple of songs because it is part of social and business culture. 

I arrived late after picking up flowers and cupcakes, but did not miss the 10+ course dinner buffet style that was still left over when the party ended at two in the morning. (Take into consideration that this party was scheduled for 5:30pm. That’s 8+ hours of singing, dancing, eating, drinking, and other activities.) I sang a total of two song because I felt compelled to but I realize that there is a culture behind karaoke. The atmosphere takes part in a room with flatscreen t.v.s, mics, and musical instruments such as the maraca and tambourine; every one has a part in this activity. There is also a certain genre of music one selects from which is mostly upbeat and songs that everybody knows. Lastly, everyone sings together which means that people take turns in a song (duets) and the mic gets passed along. There’s also a lot of drinking and that comes with it’s own procedures. 

This karaoke session was special because Wing taking leave from the company she started with her friends three years ago. There were a lot of tears, especially from the Design Team whom she works with, and singing while crying. I was very moved by how close they are because everyone was there for her. I am also inspired because Wing is leaving a comfortable place and going to pursue what she wants to do. 

In the end we left at 2+am with the people who stayed the longest. Caicai, one of the first colleagues I met and also a good friend of Wing’s, got excited, emotional, and drunk and left early. People started trickling out the same way they trickled in. After Wing settled the remainder of the 2500Y bill on top of buying drinks, we hopped in cabs and headed home.

Overall, it was a great experience and I am very thankful that Wing invited me to this event. I wish her all the good luck and fortune in her future ventures and I can’t wait to see what comes of it. 

Other notes: 

Happy Children’s Day (they apparently celebrate every holiday in China)

Tonight is Gay Bus to “kick-off” Jing Pride Month. I am excited. 

Last week the EAP group (with an exception of a few) went to the city of Anyang located in the northernmost part of Henan province. This site was chosen because of its long history and being the first capital of China during the Shang dynasty. 

The overall trip was pleasant in terms of company and experience. It’s a special feeling being in a city that has such old history but observing the modern lifestyle that is also changing. A highlight of the trip was on the first night we walked around the city together and happened upon a community gathering of people performing Henan opera and others enjoying as the audience. Aside from appreciating the opera itself, it was nice to see so many people still gathering together. 

We checked museums that had skulls, first inmates (prison), homages to heroes, and turtle shell oracles. It was nice, but honestly too much information to soak up within one weekend. 

The food we ate wasn’t bad either, although it went from a 20 course meal to below average Chinese fast-food. 

My last words would be that, although Henan is known to be a rough province, people in Anyang appear to be somewhat mild. The city is going through development, as is the rest of China, but I really hope that it keeps its unique history.