240112 BLOK

240112 BLOK, LUNAR NEW YEAR'S EVE (220112 = '8,' the Chinese 'lucky number'):

Oh, so interesting the other night, Lunar New Year's Eve (of the Water Dragon)… An evening that turned out much differently than I had expected.  What's the lesson…?  Don't anticipate, just go like a new born babe!

It's a cultural difference between East and West, Chinese and American… In the West, we explain to guests about what, when, where, who, and why (beforehand).  Chinese people (Eastern) don't think it's necessary, as they tend to be more fatalistic about existence.  Why explain, when you aren't in control -- anything can/does happen!.  Certainly the East doesn't believe in 'Free Will!'

Anyway, we were picked up by a young Chinese couple I thought married.  We were driven to 'New Something,' a community about 20 minutes' drive from Mt. Cook.  The driveway took us back deep into the woods, and an inviting house almost hidden from the world.

Turns out, this house cum Taoist Temple, was owned previously by a Russian couple.  It's like in Adelaide turning a church from a rollerskating arena.  What's the difference anyway?  It all has to do with selling!  'Hey, that's why we have live music and video, you 'gotta keep their attention!'

This evening was a bit similar… The 'rap' was 'on!'  Better become a vegetarian, or else, a video narrated by none other than Paul McCartney (of 'The Beatles' for you young people)!  

Note, I agree with stopping eating meat, or trying to.  But, we have to evolve away from such and this will take many years!  Personally, I'm a 'half-assed' vegetarian because I don't think something should have to die, so I might live -- at the same time I eat meat when someone prepares for me!  

I think we humanoids have a vaulted opinion of ourselves!  Think about a species that is killing off itself, and everything with it?

Additionally, I had a tooth ache, and the house was cold (raining outside).  No heat, typical of Chinese (who wear long underwear all year long).  Uncomfortable, I tried to keep moving, yet my feet sore…  But, the food (all vegetarian) and people were interesting.  

At dinner I sat next to an ex-alcoholic/druggy, Maori guy.  Attractive and clever, Mr. Maori was there seeking a Way… Sitting across from me was L____, a woman/wife/mother living in Egypt, a 'next-door' neighbor (as back in N.Z. to take care of grand children)!  Think about the diverse cultures involved in this 'celebration,' wow:   Russian, Chinese, American, Taiwanese, Maori, New Zealand, Egypt (all eating at the same table).  It wasn't long until 'L' explained she had Rheumatoid Arthritis, which I discovered affects the entire body, not just joints!  She also taught us some Arabic words.

After dinner there was a 'class,' (Chinese lyrics on a white board), the song conducted by an exuberant Chinese woman.  L____ held onto me as we stood in the background.

After that, the Paul McCartney video about 'how to stop eating meat!'  But, not before we had to change computers and the usual FUBAR with audio/visual equipment (never tested beforehand).  Note, one computer wouldn't 'talk' to the speakers, so no volume.

After that there was a ritual offering (of food to Guan Yin) that took forever.

I never knew about any of this beforehand.  I thought we had been invited by Chinese couple for a quiet New Year's Eve dumplings (traditional).

Note, if dealing with Asians be not surprised by anything that happens…

There were good things too, however, as there always are, especially if you remain patient and open.  First of all, the house itself, all warm wood, and well decorated.  Traditional Chinese scrolls (quotes by Taoist Masters in calligraphy) hung on walls. There were flowers, the bathroom clean.

Guang Yin (female Goddess of Compassion and help), the icon in a separate room  This deity, with a lovely picture behind, made the setting 'holy.'  I bowed before 'myself!'  Note, don't ever 'objectify, Gods or Goddesses, as we are a part of… Don't separate them from you.

But, by 10:30P.M., I was getting unhappy.  I told 'Alex,' that if we didn't depart in ten minutes, I would walk back to Mt. Cook.  Note, he was involved with the rituals, so 'torn.'  But, he came through as soon as he could.   I need to explain to 'Alex' about 'old fart laowei,'  or the 'grandfather-irascible-curmudgeon' type!'

Before departing the exuberant Chinese woman passed out divinations on book marks, and a gift of fruit/candy.  Mine, translated (by 'Alex') meant something like, '  I offered many 'Xie dies!'

On the way, I asked for heat in the Japanese automobile; the young Chinese driver now sans his female companion.  

I was so much happier, watching the Port of Wellington and City Centre pass, and soon back at 55A!

I think I was undressed and into bed 'lickity split!'  Never so happier than falling asleep before I 'new' it!

新年快乐！ ('Xin Nian Cui-la!')

H.

in Mt. Cook, Wellington, N.Z.

P.S.  Don't get the wrong idea about the Chinese people mentioned here, I love them all!  This tale just written as such to show, expound on what one learns when cycling the world!  Asians (Chinese) think differently than Westerners, but that doesn't make them inferior, or worse/better, just different, And this is something that's wise to understand (should you be dealing with some or traveling there).