Hey folks,
For those of you that are following this blog, I apologize for the brief posts. This trip the internet has been sporadic at best so once I get home I will elaborate more.
Home in a little more than 24 hours!
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Kunming/Qujing
September 18th, 2009
We got up this morning and headed out to the minority village of Yunnan Province. Yunnan Province has the largest minority population in China. There is a park, that resembles Epcot, that shows all of the minorities cultures.
We did get a chance to have our laundry done at this hotel. Unfortunately, when we got it back about 30 minuets before we left it was still damp but at least it was clean, I was running out of clothes.
We got on the bus and headed for Qujing which turned into a 3 hour trip because of the traffic.
We arrived at the hotel early for a change and had dinner with local county officials. After a great dinner we had the rest of the evening to ourselves. We stayed in this evening and sat and chatted with Allison and Barb.
Tomorrow we have a TV interview and our last concert.
Kunming
Today, I had the opportunity to speak to music students at Yunnan University. I basically talked about the history of country music and its influences that has made it what it is. Alli, Gary and I did a vocal demonstration and Alli and I did a fiddle song. There were several questions about the structure of country music and the forms that it takes.
Afterward, we had lunch with the Vice president of the school and the dean of the arts school.
That evening we had a great concert! The crowd was very energetic. I wish that I could bring home all the flowers that were brought to me on the stage. On the last song the crowd filled the front part of the stage and dancing it out! We were going to do an encore but JJ busted the head on his snare drum so we were done for the night.
Heading to Qujing on the morning!
Afterward, we had lunch with the Vice president of the school and the dean of the arts school.
That evening we had a great concert! The crowd was very energetic. I wish that I could bring home all the flowers that were brought to me on the stage. On the last song the crowd filled the front part of the stage and dancing it out! We were going to do an encore but JJ busted the head on his snare drum so we were done for the night.
Heading to Qujing on the morning!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Beijing/Kunming
September 16th, 2009
We got up this morning and headed out to the great wall. We first stopped at a jade carving factory where I have never seen so much jade in my life.
Once on the great wall I did not even try to climb up it. I know that was supposed to be my goal but unfortunately life got in the way and I didn't hit the weight or training goal that I wanted.
Cheryl can now see why I love this place so much.
After the great wall we went to a Cloisonne factory for lunch and shopping.
At the airport we got stiffed by the check in girl for over weight baggage. After Mr. Song did some serious butt chewing we were able to get it reduced by half. Everyone pitched in and we got it taken care of.
We got on the plane and, lucky me, I got a middle seat! They supposedly gave me a better seat with more room, I would have hated to see the original seat that they gave me!
We landed safely and headed to the hotel, which didn't have air conditioning. Welcome to China!
We got up this morning and headed out to the great wall. We first stopped at a jade carving factory where I have never seen so much jade in my life.
Once on the great wall I did not even try to climb up it. I know that was supposed to be my goal but unfortunately life got in the way and I didn't hit the weight or training goal that I wanted.
Cheryl can now see why I love this place so much.
After the great wall we went to a Cloisonne factory for lunch and shopping.
At the airport we got stiffed by the check in girl for over weight baggage. After Mr. Song did some serious butt chewing we were able to get it reduced by half. Everyone pitched in and we got it taken care of.
We got on the plane and, lucky me, I got a middle seat! They supposedly gave me a better seat with more room, I would have hated to see the original seat that they gave me!
We landed safely and headed to the hotel, which didn't have air conditioning. Welcome to China!
Shenyang/Beijing
September 15th, 2009
We got up this morning and headed to the train station for a four hour trip to Beijing. If you have not had the experience of trying to get through a train station in China you are missing an experience. After a four hour trip we arrived in Beijing.
We got on the bus and I noticed my back back was unzipped as I looked in the bag I saw that my IPod touch was gone. Someone had unzipped the back and reached in and grabbed it while it was on Cheryl's back.
We then went to the Forbidden City and spent the rest of the afternoon there. Even though this was my second time there I am still amazed by it's beauty and intricacies.
We then headed to a pearl factory where I finally got Cheryl to spend some money on herself. She picked out a set of black pearl earrings and a necklace.
Our tour guide hooked us all up with massages so Cheryl and I jumped at the chance! After dinner they came to our room and then we really had a great nights sleep!
We got up this morning and headed to the train station for a four hour trip to Beijing. If you have not had the experience of trying to get through a train station in China you are missing an experience. After a four hour trip we arrived in Beijing.
We got on the bus and I noticed my back back was unzipped as I looked in the bag I saw that my IPod touch was gone. Someone had unzipped the back and reached in and grabbed it while it was on Cheryl's back.
We then went to the Forbidden City and spent the rest of the afternoon there. Even though this was my second time there I am still amazed by it's beauty and intricacies.
We then headed to a pearl factory where I finally got Cheryl to spend some money on herself. She picked out a set of black pearl earrings and a necklace.
Our tour guide hooked us all up with massages so Cheryl and I jumped at the chance! After dinner they came to our room and then we really had a great nights sleep!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Shenyang
September 14th, 2009
This morning we headed out to Shenyang Technological University for an outdoor concert. The concert was a celebration for the freshman class that just finished 2 weeks of required military training.
We took a tour of the school given by the English club. They were very excited that we were there to play music for them.
We tried to do a sound check but the wind was blowing around 30 mph. It was knocking over JJ's cymbals and caught the big banner behind us and ripped it off it's stand. We then noticed that it was getting cloudy out when the rain drops started hitting us. We got all of our equipment out of the rain and put away then went to lunch and headed back to the hotel to change for the show.
The show tonight was CRAZY! There were somewhere between 5,000 and 10,000 college students there at the show and they were all enjoying themselves.
Believe it or not, Cheryl even got in on the action. She was going out in the crowd and getting them to dance with her. She even got on stage and threw out the cowboy hats to the crowd!
After the show we ate dinner from food that was grown and prepared there at the college. It was a great honor to have that.
Heading to the train station again in the morning and heading to Beijing.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Changchun/Shenyang
September 13th, 2009
Well got up this morning and toured Jilin University Arts school. We walked through the pottery building and one of the teachers asked if any of us would like to make something, I jumped at the chance. I made a couple of bowls with the help of one of the teachers, I can't wait to get the bowls after they've been fired and painted.
There were some sculptures that were for sale and one stood out to me, it was a small ceramic cross. I immediately bought it and to my surprise the artist was there and I was able to thank him for it and tell him what the cross means to me.
From there we went to a German restaurant that served Brazilian BBQ with a buffet that had traditional Chinese food. So far the most surreal moment of the trip.
We then did a driving trip around the city of Changchun and saw Pu Yi's last palace when he was the puppet emperor for Japan during WWII. (Watch the movie “The Last Emperor” and you'll see what I'm talking about.)
We then took a bullet train to our next destination of Shenyang. When the train stopped we only had a short amount of time to get our luggage off before the doors automatically closed, but we made it!
Had a hour drive in a very small van to our hotel. Have a concert tomorrow, I wonder what that will bring?
Well got up this morning and toured Jilin University Arts school. We walked through the pottery building and one of the teachers asked if any of us would like to make something, I jumped at the chance. I made a couple of bowls with the help of one of the teachers, I can't wait to get the bowls after they've been fired and painted.
There were some sculptures that were for sale and one stood out to me, it was a small ceramic cross. I immediately bought it and to my surprise the artist was there and I was able to thank him for it and tell him what the cross means to me.
From there we went to a German restaurant that served Brazilian BBQ with a buffet that had traditional Chinese food. So far the most surreal moment of the trip.
We then did a driving trip around the city of Changchun and saw Pu Yi's last palace when he was the puppet emperor for Japan during WWII. (Watch the movie “The Last Emperor” and you'll see what I'm talking about.)
We then took a bullet train to our next destination of Shenyang. When the train stopped we only had a short amount of time to get our luggage off before the doors automatically closed, but we made it!
Had a hour drive in a very small van to our hotel. Have a concert tomorrow, I wonder what that will bring?
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Changchun/1st concert
September 12, 2009
Well I woke up this morning and blew the power for our floor and then ripped down the curtains in our room, ah the life of a rock and roller! ;)
I woke up around 5:30 am after going to bed early and getting a great nights sleep. We had some issues yesterday with the power strip so I thought to check the breaker and it was kicked off. I reset it and tried to use the flat iron and that's when all hell broke loose! Smoke, crackling sounds and flashes of light all pretty much happened at the same time. No power at all. Nothing worked. Gary Jennings was in the room next to us and we even knocked out the power it his room. Was I done creating chaos? NNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! We decided to open the windows to get some air coming in since the air conditioner actually runs on electricity. As I went to push the curtain over that was (note past tense) in front of our patio, it all came crashing down on me! I decided to not touch anything the rest of the day.
About 10:30 we met everyone and headed to a sculpture park the is the largest in China. There were several sculptures that were made by people all over the world. I believe there were over 400 countries represented by the works there. It was quiet awe inspiring.
We then headed to lunch at King Dumpling and we ate, you guessed it, dumplings. Most of the restaurants that we eat at on these trips are usually locally owned, but this was a chain that was all over China.
After lunch we headed back to Jilin University and finished up rehearsal for the show that evening.
The greatest honor that was bestowed on us so far on this trip was the meeting of the Mayor of Changchun. That may not sound like a big deal but to the University is like have the President of the United States showing up. Changchun is an extremely large city, couple of million people probably more, so the university was very excited that she was coming to see us.
After the show and several pictures taken with students and audience members we headed to dinner. Where we had my favorite meal, HotPot! Hotpot is a meal similar to fondue but usually cooked in a broth. I think is was the best dinner by far on this trip.
Sunday night we get on a train and head to Shenyang and do a concert on Monday night!
Daniel
Well I woke up this morning and blew the power for our floor and then ripped down the curtains in our room, ah the life of a rock and roller! ;)
I woke up around 5:30 am after going to bed early and getting a great nights sleep. We had some issues yesterday with the power strip so I thought to check the breaker and it was kicked off. I reset it and tried to use the flat iron and that's when all hell broke loose! Smoke, crackling sounds and flashes of light all pretty much happened at the same time. No power at all. Nothing worked. Gary Jennings was in the room next to us and we even knocked out the power it his room. Was I done creating chaos? NNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! We decided to open the windows to get some air coming in since the air conditioner actually runs on electricity. As I went to push the curtain over that was (note past tense) in front of our patio, it all came crashing down on me! I decided to not touch anything the rest of the day.
About 10:30 we met everyone and headed to a sculpture park the is the largest in China. There were several sculptures that were made by people all over the world. I believe there were over 400 countries represented by the works there. It was quiet awe inspiring.
We then headed to lunch at King Dumpling and we ate, you guessed it, dumplings. Most of the restaurants that we eat at on these trips are usually locally owned, but this was a chain that was all over China.
After lunch we headed back to Jilin University and finished up rehearsal for the show that evening.
The greatest honor that was bestowed on us so far on this trip was the meeting of the Mayor of Changchun. That may not sound like a big deal but to the University is like have the President of the United States showing up. Changchun is an extremely large city, couple of million people probably more, so the university was very excited that she was coming to see us.
After the show and several pictures taken with students and audience members we headed to dinner. Where we had my favorite meal, HotPot! Hotpot is a meal similar to fondue but usually cooked in a broth. I think is was the best dinner by far on this trip.
Sunday night we get on a train and head to Shenyang and do a concert on Monday night!
Daniel
Friday, September 11, 2009
Changchun, Jilin, China
September 11th, 2009
Well for a change on these trips we actually got to sleep in this morning. Thankfully our bus call was @ 11:30 am where we headed to lunch. Which, by the way, was totally awesome! Our hosts for this portion of the trip were extremely grateful that we are here and have been wonderful to us.
After lunch we headed to the University, where our first show will be tomorrow night, for rehearsal. We sat and listened to a student band rehearsing and then listened to the Student/Faculty band rehearse for tomorrow night. They did a great version of Dolly Parton's I will always love you and a medley of Gloria Estefan's songs.
We then began rehearsal and after we got our sound issues figured out everything started to come together. The Bass teacher of the college asked if he could sit in so we moved Rick to rhythm guitar and things really started to click.
After rehearsal we headed to a meeting with the University President where he told us how excited that they all were the we are there and that we are the first US group to play there. This is such a momentus occasion that the Mayor and other local government officals will be attending tomorrow night, so no pressure! ;)
They then took us to dinner and then they took us for a foot massage! Needless to say we are going to sleep like babies tonight!
One thing I was worried about was that Cheryl can get car sick really easy. Boy did I miss that call, she loves the way they drive over here. As I have said in earlier posts the rules of the road are more of a suggestion. I think the book that they pass out for student drivers is called "The suggestive rules that you may or may not want to follow of the road!
Today's Pictures
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Travel/Changchun
September 11th, 2009
Well after the longest trip I have ever taken 30+ hours we are in our room in Changchun. We left Nashville @ 8:00 am CST on Wednesday the 9th, flew to Atlanta and met up with our drummer JJ Bower. We left Atlanta @ 1:00 pm CST and headed to Seoul, Korea where we landed around 4:00 am CST. We then headed to another terminal where we boarded a plane at 7:00 am CST for our flight to Shenyang, China. We landed in China (after avoiding North Korean airspace) about an hour after that. Then we went straight to the hotel and got a good nights sleep......blah, blah, blah. If wishing made it so!
NOPE! We then waited until 10:00 am CST for our host to arrive from Chengdu, China so we could get on a bus and drive 5 hours to Changchun, China. Finally around 3:30 pm CST we have arrived and are in our room attempting to wind down after this long day. BTW, it is 4:30 am Friday September 11th local time, I missed a whole day! I haven't done that since I worked shift work. Cheryl said it seemed like we were never going to get here!
The big music festival that we were supposed to play for on Saturday was canceled by the Chinese government because of the H1N1 scare. They don't want large groups of people gathering to help try and contain this flu.
Most of you know that our fiddle player Alli contracted H1N1 last week and was not able to go with us. We are still trying to get her to hook up with us later in the trip but we are afraid that they may not let her into to the country or worse quarantine her when she gets here. She is feeling better and actually would be ready to go by this coming weekend, we will see what happens.
The hotel where we are staying is not really a hotel it's more of an apartment for the Jilin University. The bus stopped on this dark street and we thought he was just letting some of our assistants/translators off and take us to a hotel. Oh how wrong we were! We then walked a block or so and up three floors to get to our room/apartment/home for the next three days. It does have hot water and an actual toilet so it not all bad and the air conditioner works very well (I should be able to hang meat in here by about 9 am)
Well, going to try to get some sleep they are letting us sleep in this morning. Bus call is at 11:30
Take care,
Daniel
Well after the longest trip I have ever taken 30+ hours we are in our room in Changchun. We left Nashville @ 8:00 am CST on Wednesday the 9th, flew to Atlanta and met up with our drummer JJ Bower. We left Atlanta @ 1:00 pm CST and headed to Seoul, Korea where we landed around 4:00 am CST. We then headed to another terminal where we boarded a plane at 7:00 am CST for our flight to Shenyang, China. We landed in China (after avoiding North Korean airspace) about an hour after that. Then we went straight to the hotel and got a good nights sleep......blah, blah, blah. If wishing made it so!
NOPE! We then waited until 10:00 am CST for our host to arrive from Chengdu, China so we could get on a bus and drive 5 hours to Changchun, China. Finally around 3:30 pm CST we have arrived and are in our room attempting to wind down after this long day. BTW, it is 4:30 am Friday September 11th local time, I missed a whole day! I haven't done that since I worked shift work. Cheryl said it seemed like we were never going to get here!
The big music festival that we were supposed to play for on Saturday was canceled by the Chinese government because of the H1N1 scare. They don't want large groups of people gathering to help try and contain this flu.
Most of you know that our fiddle player Alli contracted H1N1 last week and was not able to go with us. We are still trying to get her to hook up with us later in the trip but we are afraid that they may not let her into to the country or worse quarantine her when she gets here. She is feeling better and actually would be ready to go by this coming weekend, we will see what happens.
The hotel where we are staying is not really a hotel it's more of an apartment for the Jilin University. The bus stopped on this dark street and we thought he was just letting some of our assistants/translators off and take us to a hotel. Oh how wrong we were! We then walked a block or so and up three floors to get to our room/apartment/home for the next three days. It does have hot water and an actual toilet so it not all bad and the air conditioner works very well (I should be able to hang meat in here by about 9 am)
Well, going to try to get some sleep they are letting us sleep in this morning. Bus call is at 11:30
Take care,
Daniel
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Returning to China
Well, there is one week to go before I get to go back to the land of enchantment. This time my wife is going to be able to go with me. We will be there about 14 days this time including travel. Here is a tentative schedule of where we will be. Once again, your prayers are needed and welcomed!
Daniel
Daniel
The Itinerary of China Trip
Luck House
September 9—21, 2009
Sep. 09 Wed.
Fly to China from Nashville
Sep. 10 Thu.
Afternoon: Arrival Shenyang International Airport, Then transfer to bus to
Changchun, (the capital of Jilin Province), Arrival Changchun, Transfer to Hotel
Sep. 11 Fri.
08:00 AM: Breakfast
08:30 AM: Rest or city tour
12:00 PM: Chinese lunch at a local restaurant.
13:30 PM: Rehearsal with Jilin Arts University Band
18:30 PM: Chinese dinner at a local restaurant
Sep. 12 Sat.
07:00 AM: Breakfast
08:30 AM: Changchun Music Festival
12:30 PM: Chinese lunch at a local restaurant.
14:30 PM: Festival
18:30 PM: Chinese dinner at a local restaurant
Sep. 13 Sun.
07:30 AM: Breakfast
08:00 AM: Leaving for Shenyang by train. (The capital of Liaoning Province)
11:30 AM: Arrival Shenyang. Meet and transfer to hotel
12:00 PM: Chinese lunch at a local restaurant.
13:00 PM: City tour or rest
16:00 PM: Rehearsal
19:00 PM: Snacks before the concert
20:00 PM: Concert at the Liaoning Ligong University
21:30 PM: Chinese dinner at a local restaurant
Sep. 14 Mon.
08:00 AM: Breakfast
09:00 AM: City tour
12:00 PM: Chinese lunch at a local restaurant.
14:00 PM : Fly to Jinan (The Capital of Shandong province)
18:00 PM: Arrival Jinan. Meet and transfer to hotel
19:30 PM: Chinese dinner at a local restaurant
Sep. 15 Tue.
08:00 AM: Breakfast
09:00 AM: City tour
12:00 PM: Chinese lunch at a local restaurant
14:00 PM: Rehearsal
19:00 PM: Snacks before the concert
20:00 PM: Concert for Shandong International Oversea Chinese Organization
21:30 PM: Chinese dinner at a local restaurant
Sep. 16 Wed.
07:00 AM: Breakfast
08:00 AM: Leaving for Beijing by train
11:30 AM: Arrival Beijing Train Station
12:00 PM: Chinese lunch at a local restaurant.
14:00 PM: Beijing City tour. Leaving for Qianmen and Tiananmen Square
15:00 PM: Tour the Forbidden City
19:30 PM: Chinese dinner at a local restaurant
20:00 PM: Check into Beijing Longhu Spa Hotel, 86-10-6711-9988
Sep. 17 Thu.
08:30 AM: Breakfast
09:00 AM: Leaving for Great Wall
11:30 AM: Visit Chinese Genuine Pearl Museum
12:00 PM: Chinese lunch at a local restaurant.
13:00 PM: Tour the Great Wall
20:00 PM: Fly to Kunming (Dinner on the airplane)
23:30 PM: Arrival Kunming. Check into Kunming Lianhua Hotel
Sep. 18 Fri.
08:30 AM: Breakfast
09:00 AM: City tour of Kunming
12:00 PM: Chinese lunch at a local restaurant.
13:00 PM: Exchange with the Conservertory of Yunnan Teacher’s University
16:00 PM: Rehearsal
19:00 PM: Snacks before the concert
20:00 PM: Concert at university
21:30 PM: Chinese dinner at a local restaurant
Sep. 19 Sat.
07:30 AM: Breakfast
09:00 AM: Leaving for Qujing by Bus
11:30 PM: Arrival Qijing. Meet and transfer to the hotel
12:00 PM: Chinese lunch at a local restaurant.
13:00 PM: City tour
16:00 PM: Rehearsal
19:00 PM: Snacks before the concert
20:00 PM: Concert at the Qijing Grand Theater
21:30 PM: Chinese dinner at a local restaurant
Sep. 20 Sun.
07:30 AM: Breakfast
09:00 AM: Leaving for Yuxi by Bus
11:30 PM: Arrival Yuxi. Meet and transfer to the hotel
12:00 PM: Chinese lunch at a local restaurant.
13:00 PM: City tour
16:00 PM: Rehearsal
19:00 PM: Snacks before the concert
20:00 PM: Concert at the Yuxi Civic Theater
21:30 PM: Chinese dinner at a local restaurant
Sep. 21 Mon.
07:00 AM: Breakfast
09:00 AM: City tour
12:00 PM: Chinese lunch at a local restaurant.
14:00 PM: Fly to Beijing
17:00 PM: Arrive at Beijing International Airport
21:15 PM: Leaving for USA to back home
Arrive home at same day and finish whole journey
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Things I learned in China
1. If you don't like your food to look at you, get over it!
2. Always have your camera ready because you never know when you will see someone going to the bathroom in the street, on multiple occasions.
3. The yellow and white lines on the road along with the traffic lights and stop signs are nothing more than a suggestion.
4. If you are over 6 feet tall you'll have no problem looking over a crowd of people.
5. If you are over 6 feet tall and 300+ pounds people WILL get out of your way.
2. Always have your camera ready because you never know when you will see someone going to the bathroom in the street, on multiple occasions.
3. The yellow and white lines on the road along with the traffic lights and stop signs are nothing more than a suggestion.
4. If you are over 6 feet tall you'll have no problem looking over a crowd of people.
5. If you are over 6 feet tall and 300+ pounds people WILL get out of your way.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Day 11 - Kunming / Wuan /Shanghi
On my way home!
Got to the airport at 630am flew to Wuan with about a hour layover and now we're in Shanghai getting ready to board our plane to the states!
Can't wait to see my family and friends. I miss everybody!
Daniel
Got to the airport at 630am flew to Wuan with about a hour layover and now we're in Shanghai getting ready to board our plane to the states!
Can't wait to see my family and friends. I miss everybody!
Daniel
Day 10 Kunming
Got up this morning after getting in late and had the worst food of the whole trip!
Around 930 am some of us walked to an open air market and was able to shop until 12. Then we went to lunch.
I was supposed to have a sound check at 300 pm which I showed up for and only got to do half of it. By this time my patience had all but gone. SO I left and rented a scooter (electric) and drove around until about 600 pm.
During my travels on the scooter I happened upon a store with a sign that said "Holy Bible Verses" well this got my attention and I stopped in. The store was an art store that had bible verses written in Chinese Calligraphy and was ran by the artist himself. He spoke no English but I was able to relay that fact that I am a Christian and he stated the same. I bought 4 scrolls with the bible verse and one piece of art work along with several other smaller pieces. When we were done we sat and prayed for each other we laid our hands on each other shoulder and began to pray. I cannot tell you word for word what he said but I understood him perfectly and I believe he understood me. We both bowed toward one another and I left.
Folks, Christ is alive and well in China! The stories of churches having to go underground to worship are slowly becoming a thing of the past. The states sanctioned churches are alive and well and worshiping openly. They have their problems just like the churches in America. But God is there and he's working. I see within my life time that Christians are going to be able to send missionaries with out the cover of another job.
God is good all the time everywhere!
All the time everywhere God is good!
Today's pictures
Thanks for your prayers,
Daniel
Posted on Monday March 23rd sitting in the Shanghi Airport
Around 930 am some of us walked to an open air market and was able to shop until 12. Then we went to lunch.
I was supposed to have a sound check at 300 pm which I showed up for and only got to do half of it. By this time my patience had all but gone. SO I left and rented a scooter (electric) and drove around until about 600 pm.
During my travels on the scooter I happened upon a store with a sign that said "Holy Bible Verses" well this got my attention and I stopped in. The store was an art store that had bible verses written in Chinese Calligraphy and was ran by the artist himself. He spoke no English but I was able to relay that fact that I am a Christian and he stated the same. I bought 4 scrolls with the bible verse and one piece of art work along with several other smaller pieces. When we were done we sat and prayed for each other we laid our hands on each other shoulder and began to pray. I cannot tell you word for word what he said but I understood him perfectly and I believe he understood me. We both bowed toward one another and I left.
Folks, Christ is alive and well in China! The stories of churches having to go underground to worship are slowly becoming a thing of the past. The states sanctioned churches are alive and well and worshiping openly. They have their problems just like the churches in America. But God is there and he's working. I see within my life time that Christians are going to be able to send missionaries with out the cover of another job.
God is good all the time everywhere!
All the time everywhere God is good!
Today's pictures
Thanks for your prayers,
Daniel
Posted on Monday March 23rd sitting in the Shanghi Airport
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Day 9 - Chongqing/Kunming
Well actually got to eat a pizza like substance today. Before our flight we went to another open air mall and they had a pizza hut. So, Mia, Karl and myself decided to go there to eat dinner since we were on our own for that meal. I was pleasantly surprised on the pizza since I HATE Pizza Hut back in the states. Maybe it was just a lack of options.
Have a show on Sunday evening and then fly home!
Today's Pictures
Thanks for your prayers,
Daniel
Have a show on Sunday evening and then fly home!
Today's Pictures
Thanks for your prayers,
Daniel
Friday, March 20, 2009
Day 8 Part 2 - Chongqing
Well this was an interesting day, great food, cool shopping, great show, witnessed, twisted my ankle, broke my guitar, got Starbucks.
Food; The breakfast left much to be desired but the lunch and dinner was awesome! For lunch we had Dim Sum at a restaurant near our theatre. For dinner we had Hot Pot, a Chinese fondue, which is one of my favorites!
Shopping; The theatre is located on the side of a mountain in the Hongya Cave Cultural Center. The theatre was almost full and the crowd was very responsive.
In the same complex as the theatre, there was also a flea market with several local artists along with the same stuff you'd see in US flea markets.
After the show I was heading back to the ressing room when my left foot went right and my right foot went left and right and I fell to the floor along with my guitar. Twisted my ankle pretty good it's extremely painful at the moment but I think it will be okay come Sunday for our last performance. My guitar, on the other hand, didn't fair so well. Somehow the battery compartment busted when I fell and now the battery won't stay in place. Going to have to Rube Goldberg it tomorrow.
During the performance there is a section of music that the dancers dance to Wade in the Water and Balm of Gilead, two old negro spirituals. I introduce the dances by talking about the attrocities of slavery and how these songs of hope came out of tragedy. I then sing, accapella, Children Go Where I Send Thee. After I was done with the song I went back stage and Yong, the stage hand came up to me and said, "I can feel your God in this room. How can He hear my prayers." Folks, this is what these trips are all about. I then proceeded to tell him about God and Christ. We went into a small back room and Christ came into Yong's heart. Angles are rejoicing tonight.
Today's Pictures
Thanks for your prayers,
Daniel
Food; The breakfast left much to be desired but the lunch and dinner was awesome! For lunch we had Dim Sum at a restaurant near our theatre. For dinner we had Hot Pot, a Chinese fondue, which is one of my favorites!
Shopping; The theatre is located on the side of a mountain in the Hongya Cave Cultural Center. The theatre was almost full and the crowd was very responsive.
In the same complex as the theatre, there was also a flea market with several local artists along with the same stuff you'd see in US flea markets.
After the show I was heading back to the ressing room when my left foot went right and my right foot went left and right and I fell to the floor along with my guitar. Twisted my ankle pretty good it's extremely painful at the moment but I think it will be okay come Sunday for our last performance. My guitar, on the other hand, didn't fair so well. Somehow the battery compartment busted when I fell and now the battery won't stay in place. Going to have to Rube Goldberg it tomorrow.
During the performance there is a section of music that the dancers dance to Wade in the Water and Balm of Gilead, two old negro spirituals. I introduce the dances by talking about the attrocities of slavery and how these songs of hope came out of tragedy. I then sing, accapella, Children Go Where I Send Thee. After I was done with the song I went back stage and Yong, the stage hand came up to me and said, "I can feel your God in this room. How can He hear my prayers." Folks, this is what these trips are all about. I then proceeded to tell him about God and Christ. We went into a small back room and Christ came into Yong's heart. Angles are rejoicing tonight.
Today's Pictures
Thanks for your prayers,
Daniel
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Day 8 Part 1 - Chongqing
Well so much for working out and going to bed early. Went to the gym before supper and it was locked I peeked between the doors and it was a storage room, go fig!
At dinner the head of the dance troupe needed some audio edited and was asking around if someone had a program on their computer to do it. Well all I heard was audio and edit and my mouth was opening faster than my brain could process the information. Needless to say after three computer crashes, I finally finished about 4 am. Now it's 830 and I'm heading to breakfast.
At dinner the head of the dance troupe needed some audio edited and was asking around if someone had a program on their computer to do it. Well all I heard was audio and edit and my mouth was opening faster than my brain could process the information. Needless to say after three computer crashes, I finally finished about 4 am. Now it's 830 and I'm heading to breakfast.
Day 7 - Chengdu/Chongqing
After about a 4 hour drive we are now in the city of Chongqing, Sichuan, China. THe drive here was not bad we stopped once at a rest stop/travel center. I picked up a package of pickled chicken paws and some yak meat, yes folks you heard me right, pickled chicken paws and yak meat. Why you ask? Because I could! Also, Alena will get a kick out of them!
We got into Chongqing around 1:00 and went to our hotel. We had a delicious lunch and then Mia, Karl and I went walking. This town really feels like you are in another country. Beijing and Chengdu were really nice but if you switched the people it still felt like the states. We probably walked about 3 miles total and I don't think I saw more than a couple of signs in English.
No performance tonight. So, early dinner and work out a little and to bed.
Today's Pictures
Thanks for your prayers,
Daniel
We got into Chongqing around 1:00 and went to our hotel. We had a delicious lunch and then Mia, Karl and I went walking. This town really feels like you are in another country. Beijing and Chengdu were really nice but if you switched the people it still felt like the states. We probably walked about 3 miles total and I don't think I saw more than a couple of signs in English.
No performance tonight. So, early dinner and work out a little and to bed.
Today's Pictures
Thanks for your prayers,
Daniel
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Day 6 part 2 - Chengdu
We had the opening ceremonies for the 23rd annual peach festival. There was a ton of people there. What impressed me the most is how many people came up to me before I sang and remembered me from last year. I also did several more TV interviews because of my second trip to China.
But what made today really special and actually made the whole trip so far was a visit to a school. This was a private school that had all 12 grades. Most of the students boarded there but some went home at the end of a long day. 7:00 am to 8:00 pm.
These kids were great! They spoke English very well, even the preschoolers, and were happy to see us. I got to spend sometime with the kids and played basketball out in their playground while the "adults" took a tour of the school. This place is the size of a small college campus.
The really interesting thing is that the private schools in China are actually cheaper than the public schools because they are all sponsored by corporations.
If we can get a gig in the fall in Chengdu, we are going to try our best to perform for these kids because they deserve it!
Today's Pictures
Thanks for your prayers,
Daniel
But what made today really special and actually made the whole trip so far was a visit to a school. This was a private school that had all 12 grades. Most of the students boarded there but some went home at the end of a long day. 7:00 am to 8:00 pm.
These kids were great! They spoke English very well, even the preschoolers, and were happy to see us. I got to spend sometime with the kids and played basketball out in their playground while the "adults" took a tour of the school. This place is the size of a small college campus.
The really interesting thing is that the private schools in China are actually cheaper than the public schools because they are all sponsored by corporations.
If we can get a gig in the fall in Chengdu, we are going to try our best to perform for these kids because they deserve it!
Today's Pictures
Thanks for your prayers,
Daniel
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Day 6 Part 1 - Chengdu
Had a 6 am Wake up call to be on the bus by 7. Got another phone call telling me that the show for tomorrow night in Quingiang was canceled so we are staying in Chengdu one more night. I am sad that a show was canceled but I am happy that we don't have to sit in a bus for 8 hours.
Thanks for your prayers,
Daniel
Thanks for your prayers,
Daniel
Day 5 - Chengdu
Still in Chengdu.
We went to the Panda Research Base today and saw the Pandas. Unfortunately we didn't get to stay long and see the red pandas or the adult pandas but the young ones were awful cute.
We then went to the silk factory and I got to goggle over the silk paintings there.
After lunch @ KFC, we drove up in the mountains to perform for the people visiting the blooming peach trees. Today was a shorter show, only an hour instead of two plus we had some Chinese dancers that were apart of this show.
Tomorrow, we perform for the 23rd annual Peach Festival opening ceremonies and then a long 8 hour drive (ugh) to Qingiang for a performance there on Thursday.
This ought to be an interesting drive.
More details later.
Today's Pictures
Thank you for your prayers,
Daniel
We went to the Panda Research Base today and saw the Pandas. Unfortunately we didn't get to stay long and see the red pandas or the adult pandas but the young ones were awful cute.
We then went to the silk factory and I got to goggle over the silk paintings there.
After lunch @ KFC, we drove up in the mountains to perform for the people visiting the blooming peach trees. Today was a shorter show, only an hour instead of two plus we had some Chinese dancers that were apart of this show.
Tomorrow, we perform for the 23rd annual Peach Festival opening ceremonies and then a long 8 hour drive (ugh) to Qingiang for a performance there on Thursday.
This ought to be an interesting drive.
More details later.
Today's Pictures
Thank you for your prayers,
Daniel
Monday, March 16, 2009
Elevator Incident - Chengdu
Yesterday (3/16) as I was heading down to dinner, I got on to an almost full elevator. As we descended to the next floor there were 5 Chinese men waiting to get on. As the first one got on the elevator the elevator made it's, I'm too heavy I'm going to crash sound. When I heard the sound I also stepped off and held the door for the gentlemen as ALL FIVE got on the elevator with out the elevator making a sound. Needless to say, I waiting for the next one
Now I'm pretty self aware, but I didn't realize that I was a heavy as five full grown Chinese men!
Now I'm pretty self aware, but I didn't realize that I was a heavy as five full grown Chinese men!
Day 4 - Chendgu
Today we performed at the 1000 year old city near Chengdu. It was a lot of fun. The people there are very friendly and warm hearted. They all wanted me to go back to their home so they could cook me dinner.
I did three TV interviews today for local China TV promoting both our trip that we are on now and the trip in September. It takes forever to do an interview because they ask you a question through an interpreter and then you have to answer through an interpreter. Very long process, another reason to learn the language!
We then had dinner with the local government officials who actually remembered me from last year and came over and wanted to toast. Fortunately, we were toasting with good wine and not the Chinese made wine that tastes like rubbing alcohol. Then they wanted me to sing a song so I chose Two Butterflies which I sing in mandarin (The pronunciations still aren't correct but I'm getting closer!).
Now off to bed. Early day tomorrow we are heading out to see the pandas and do a short performance tomorrow afternoon. Night all!
Today's Pictures
Thanks for your prayers,
Daniel
I did three TV interviews today for local China TV promoting both our trip that we are on now and the trip in September. It takes forever to do an interview because they ask you a question through an interpreter and then you have to answer through an interpreter. Very long process, another reason to learn the language!
We then had dinner with the local government officials who actually remembered me from last year and came over and wanted to toast. Fortunately, we were toasting with good wine and not the Chinese made wine that tastes like rubbing alcohol. Then they wanted me to sing a song so I chose Two Butterflies which I sing in mandarin (The pronunciations still aren't correct but I'm getting closer!).
Now off to bed. Early day tomorrow we are heading out to see the pandas and do a short performance tomorrow afternoon. Night all!
Today's Pictures
Thanks for your prayers,
Daniel
Day 3 - Beijing/Chengdu
I woke up this morning and didn't eat breakfast because we had a choice of sleeping in or eating, I chose sleep!
From there we ate lunch at a Manchu restaurant, which served food and the wait staff dressed in style of the Manchu Dynasty.
Then we went to Ya Show Market which basically sold everything, or should I say knock offs of everything. It was like going to a used car lot about 15 years ago only amped up to about 1000%. You couldn't even look at something without someone asking you; "Do you want to buy?" about 100 times in 60 seconds. I spent about fifteen minuets in there and then headed back out to the bus and entertained the bus drivers (There was about 50 buses in the parking lot) until everyone got back.
We then headed to the airport for our flight to Chengdu where I grabbed a couple of spicy chicken sandwiches from KFC*, after, of course, being searched by security, I am 2 for 2 this trip on being singled out in the security line. *Side note: if you ever travel to china for any length of time take advantage of getting western food as often as you can get it whether you are hungry or not!
We landed around 930 in Chengdu and went to the Brilliance Garden Hotel and Resort. Got to our rooms and went to bed!
Today's Pictures
Thanks for your prayers,
Daniel
(added the 16th because I couldn't find the ethernet cable in my room)
From there we ate lunch at a Manchu restaurant, which served food and the wait staff dressed in style of the Manchu Dynasty.
Then we went to Ya Show Market which basically sold everything, or should I say knock offs of everything. It was like going to a used car lot about 15 years ago only amped up to about 1000%. You couldn't even look at something without someone asking you; "Do you want to buy?" about 100 times in 60 seconds. I spent about fifteen minuets in there and then headed back out to the bus and entertained the bus drivers (There was about 50 buses in the parking lot) until everyone got back.
We then headed to the airport for our flight to Chengdu where I grabbed a couple of spicy chicken sandwiches from KFC*, after, of course, being searched by security, I am 2 for 2 this trip on being singled out in the security line. *Side note: if you ever travel to china for any length of time take advantage of getting western food as often as you can get it whether you are hungry or not!
We landed around 930 in Chengdu and went to the Brilliance Garden Hotel and Resort. Got to our rooms and went to bed!
Today's Pictures
Thanks for your prayers,
Daniel
(added the 16th because I couldn't find the ethernet cable in my room)
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Day 2 - Beijing
Well day two was much warmer than yesterday. We spent the morning in Tienanmen Square and then attended a tea ceremony at a tea house. The rest of the day we spent in rehearsals and then the show that evening.
The show went well. The audience which was mainly university students seemed to enjoy the dancing and the music.
As I was singing my last song a woman came up on the stage and handed me a ginormous bouquet of flowers. The strange thing about this was that I was the only one that received flowers out of about 26 women and 4 men. The really strange thing was that she tried to give them to me DURING my song. As she stood there looking at me I tried to ignore her and finish my song. I had to cut the song short since, for me at least, it was becoming little uncomfortable. Once we all got on the bus I separated the bouquet and gave each of the dancers and female singers a flower. I didn't think they would let me on the plane with it!
Tomorrow, we are able to sleep in and then we are heading to the Olympic Village after lunch and then to the airport to fly to Chengdu.
Hopefully, there will be internet access at our hotel.
Today's Pictures
Thanks for your prayers,
Daniel
The show went well. The audience which was mainly university students seemed to enjoy the dancing and the music.
As I was singing my last song a woman came up on the stage and handed me a ginormous bouquet of flowers. The strange thing about this was that I was the only one that received flowers out of about 26 women and 4 men. The really strange thing was that she tried to give them to me DURING my song. As she stood there looking at me I tried to ignore her and finish my song. I had to cut the song short since, for me at least, it was becoming little uncomfortable. Once we all got on the bus I separated the bouquet and gave each of the dancers and female singers a flower. I didn't think they would let me on the plane with it!
Tomorrow, we are able to sleep in and then we are heading to the Olympic Village after lunch and then to the airport to fly to Chengdu.
Hopefully, there will be internet access at our hotel.
Today's Pictures
Thanks for your prayers,
Daniel
Friday, March 13, 2009
Day 1 - Beijing
Well, day one is in the books!
Today we went to the great wall, a pearl shop and to rehearsal at Renmin University.
We woke around 6:30 and ate breakfast at the hotel and drove out to the great wall which was about an hour away. The temperature was around 30 degrees and the wind was blowing, HARD! So, the wind chill was somewhere in the low 20's. (Sarcasm switch mode on) So it was a perfect day to go to the mountains and climb a wall!(Sarcasm switch mode off)
Now when I say climb the wall I mean walk up steps! More than a thousand steps at a very steep angle! Last year when I was there I gave a a shot but didn't even get close. My goal is to make it to the top when I return in the fall.
From there we visited a pearl shop and ate lunch at the restaurant next door. The food is very good here and so far mostly enjoyable. We'll see by the end of the week how much I am enjoying it after eating it for 7+ days.
Then we went to Renmin University for rehearsal and stage blocking for the dancers. We got through it OK but not without some major difficulty from the staff at the university. I was told that I cannot play my guitar through the sound system and if that's the case I won't be playing on the Saturday night performance. They actually spelled my name right on the poster so I have to return the favor and perform. We'll see!
We ate dinner at the university and discovered that the same people that cook for ALL school cafeterias back the the states must cater over here, or visa versa. Because it all tasted the same!
We also had our first schedule change of many more sure to come. We were supposed to fly to Guiyang but it looks as though that has been canceled and we are flying out to Chengdu Sunday evening and have another day here in Beijing.
Tomorrow we are visiting the Forbiden City and have a performance that evening.
Today's Pictures
Thanks for the prayers,
Daniel
Today we went to the great wall, a pearl shop and to rehearsal at Renmin University.
We woke around 6:30 and ate breakfast at the hotel and drove out to the great wall which was about an hour away. The temperature was around 30 degrees and the wind was blowing, HARD! So, the wind chill was somewhere in the low 20's. (Sarcasm switch mode on) So it was a perfect day to go to the mountains and climb a wall!(Sarcasm switch mode off)
Now when I say climb the wall I mean walk up steps! More than a thousand steps at a very steep angle! Last year when I was there I gave a a shot but didn't even get close. My goal is to make it to the top when I return in the fall.
From there we visited a pearl shop and ate lunch at the restaurant next door. The food is very good here and so far mostly enjoyable. We'll see by the end of the week how much I am enjoying it after eating it for 7+ days.
Then we went to Renmin University for rehearsal and stage blocking for the dancers. We got through it OK but not without some major difficulty from the staff at the university. I was told that I cannot play my guitar through the sound system and if that's the case I won't be playing on the Saturday night performance. They actually spelled my name right on the poster so I have to return the favor and perform. We'll see!
We ate dinner at the university and discovered that the same people that cook for ALL school cafeterias back the the states must cater over here, or visa versa. Because it all tasted the same!
We also had our first schedule change of many more sure to come. We were supposed to fly to Guiyang but it looks as though that has been canceled and we are flying out to Chengdu Sunday evening and have another day here in Beijing.
Tomorrow we are visiting the Forbiden City and have a performance that evening.
Today's Pictures
Thanks for the prayers,
Daniel
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Here we are - Beijing
Well we made it. It's now about 3:30 am and just woke up. We had a smooth but long flight.
We checked into our hotel and it is much nicer than I had expected. Dinner was really good as expected but ask me in two weeks and I'll be in a more truthful mood.
We are heading to the great wall this morning and then to Renmin University for rehearsal for our first show tomorrow night.
Today's Pictures
Thanks for your prayers,
Daniel
We checked into our hotel and it is much nicer than I had expected. Dinner was really good as expected but ask me in two weeks and I'll be in a more truthful mood.
We are heading to the great wall this morning and then to Renmin University for rehearsal for our first show tomorrow night.
Today's Pictures
Thanks for your prayers,
Daniel
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Itinerary
Here is what we are scheduled to do for the 13 days that I am in China. Things change at the last minute so it's really hard telling what we'll be doing.
March 12, Thu.
March 11, Wed.
Fly to China by United Airline
March 12, Thu.
15:25 PM: Arrival Beijing International Airport. Check into C Kong International hotel,
Dinner at a local restaurant. Beijing Evening bus sightsee.
March 13, Fri.
07:30 AM: Breakfast
08:30 AM: Leaving by bus for touring Great Wall
10:00 AM: Visiting the Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Factory
11:30 PM: Chinese lunch at a local restaurant
12:30 PM: Tour Great Wall
14:30 PM: Leaving for Renming University (Top three University in China)
15:30 PM: Rehearsal
19:00 PM: Chinese dinner at a the University
March 14, Sat.
08:00 AM: Breakfast
09:00 AM: Beijing City tour. Leaving for Qianmen and Tiananmen Square
11:30 AM: Chinese lunch at a local restaurant
12:30 PM: Tour the Forbidden City
13:30 PM: Rehearsal
18:30 PM: Chinese dinner at the University
19:30 PM: Concert at the Renming University ***
March 15, Sun.
06:30 AM: Breakfast
08:30 AM: Fly to Guiyang
10:30 AM: Arrival Guiyang and transfer to the hotel
11:30 PM: Chinese lunch at a local restaurant
13:30 PM: Rehearsal
18:30 PM: Chinese dinner at local Chinese restaurant
19:30 PM: Concert at the Haikou Arts Theater ***
March 16, Mon.
08:00 AM: Breakfast
09:00 AM: Drive to Chengdu by bus
11:30 AM: Arrival Chengdu. Meet and transfer to hotel, Chengu Furong Hotel,
12:00 PM: Chinese lunch at a local restaurant
13:30 AM: City tour or rest
18:30 PM: Chinese dinner at a local restaurant.
March 18, Wed.
08:30 AM: Breakfast
09:30 AM: Opening Ceremony of the Peach Blossom Festival
12:00 PM: Chinese lunch at a local restaurant.
13:00 PM: City tour of Chengdu
19:30 PM: Chinese dinner at a local restaurant
19:30 PM: Concert at the Chengdu Arts Center ***
March 19, Thu
08:00 AM: Breakfast
09:00 AM: Shopping at Chengdu
12:00 PM: Chinese lunch at a local restaurant
14:30 AM: Drive to Chongqing by bus
18:30 PM: Arrival Chongqing and transfer to hotel
19:30 PM: Chinese dinner at a local restaurant.
March 20, Fri.
08:00 AM: Breakfast
09:00 AM: City tour
11:30 :AM: Chinese lunch at a local restaurant
13:30 PM: Rehearsal
18:30 PM: Chinese dinner at a local restaurant.
19:30 PM: Concert at Chongqing Arts Center ***
March 21, Sat.
07:00 AM: Breakfast
08:30 AM: Fly to Kunming
12:00 PM: Chinese lunch at a local Chinese restaurant
13:30 AM: Rehearsal
18:30 PM: Chinese dinner at a local restaurant.
19:30 PM: Kunming Arts Theater ***
March 22, Sun.
08:00 AM: Breakfast
09:30 AM: Leaving for Qujing
12:00 PM: Chinese lunch at a local Chinese restaurant
13:30 AM: Tour or rest
18:30 PM: Chinese dinner at a local restaurant.
19:30 PM: Concert at Qijing Civic Center ***
22:00 PM: Back to Kunming by bus
March 23, Mon.
07:00 AM: Breakfast
08:00 AM: Leaving for Kunming International Airport
11:00 AM: Arrive Shanghai International Airport
16:05 PM: Leaving for USA
16:08 PM: Arrival Chicago
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Spring China Trip 09
Hi folks, This blog is set up to, hopefully, keep you all informed on my trips to China and other places, exotic or not, this year.
In less than 7 days I will be getting on a plane, here in Nashville, heading to Chicago and getting on a bigger plane to fly to Beijing, China for several musical performances for the people of China.
We are leaving on March 13th and will be back in Nashville on the 23rd. This trip will be featuring; The Messiah Project, Excelsior Dance Company, my good friend Mia Solomon and me! It's going to be a great time.
I hope to be able to post everyday(if wishing made it so) but I will probably only have a couple of days where I'll have internet access. So, I will at least journal daily and post each days activities individually.
Pray for us on this trip! Thanks and God bless!
Daniel
In less than 7 days I will be getting on a plane, here in Nashville, heading to Chicago and getting on a bigger plane to fly to Beijing, China for several musical performances for the people of China.
We are leaving on March 13th and will be back in Nashville on the 23rd. This trip will be featuring; The Messiah Project, Excelsior Dance Company, my good friend Mia Solomon and me! It's going to be a great time.
I hope to be able to post everyday(if wishing made it so) but I will probably only have a couple of days where I'll have internet access. So, I will at least journal daily and post each days activities individually.
Pray for us on this trip! Thanks and God bless!
Daniel
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