My first Mid-Autumn festival...
was a bit of a blur. I agreed to go without really knowing what it was that I was agreeing to. I remember a mention of a bonfire and a night picnic and that we were to meet at the school entrance at a certain time and that our group was to walk together to the Li River. No one ever said anything about riding a boat/raft to cross the river. Neither did they mention how huge bonfire was to be lit. So there we were, walking along the "pink district" on our way to West Street and our final stop which I thought was our side of Li River.
When we got there, the students started getting organized as to who was to board which raft to cross. I pretty much just followed like a lamb since most of what they said were just flying over my head. We crossed the river after a few minutes but as it's been a drizzly past few days, the bank was mushy and muddy, it sucked at our sandals so it was difficult to put one foot in front of another. Not to mention that this was night time so, it wasn't exactly the fun experience I was looking forward to.
We walked a bit further until they decided on a spot that looked dry enough to handle the bonfire and immediately set out building one. It took a bit of time since they were arguing among themselves which was the best way to start one or to ake it bigger. Whatever the cliche was about too many cooks can also be said about building a fire.
Finally, the fire was built and we all settled around it to enjoy the rest of the evening. They started passing around drinks and some food and the program started. They told us a brief history of the festival and told us why they celebrated it. Some students recited poetry about the moon. There were stories of legends. There was dancing. And there was singing. All to do with the moon. It was...an interesting evening. Most of what was said, I didn't understand or if I did, I don't remember. But I rememeber the friendly faces. I remember the cold night air and the heat from the fire and the warmth of their welcome.
was a bit of a blur. I agreed to go without really knowing what it was that I was agreeing to. I remember a mention of a bonfire and a night picnic and that we were to meet at the school entrance at a certain time and that our group was to walk together to the Li River. No one ever said anything about riding a boat/raft to cross the river. Neither did they mention how huge bonfire was to be lit. So there we were, walking along the "pink district" on our way to West Street and our final stop which I thought was our side of Li River. 
When we got there, the students started getting organized as to who was to board which raft to cross. I pretty much just followed like a lamb since most of what they said were just flying over my head. We crossed the river after a few minutes but as it's been a drizzly past few days, the bank was mushy and muddy, it sucked at our sandals so it was difficult to put one foot in front of another. Not to mention that this was night time so, it wasn't exactly the fun experience I was looking forward to. 
We walked a bit further until they decided on a spot that looked dry enough to handle the bonfire and immediately set out building one. It took a bit of time since they were arguing among themselves which was the best way to start one or to ake it bigger. Whatever the cliche was about too many cooks can also be said about building a fire. 
Finally, the fire was built and we all settled around it to enjoy the rest of the evening. They started passing around drinks and some food and the program started. They told us a brief history of the festival and told us why they celebrated it. Some students recited poetry about the moon. There were stories of legends. There was dancing. And there was singing. All to do with the moon. It was...an interesting evening. Most of what was said, I didn't understand or if I did, I don't remember. But I rememeber the friendly faces. I remember the cold night air and the heat from the fire and the warmth of their welcome. 
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