- Rings
New Year gifts from Wang Jun: two silver rings inspired by "Journey to the West," a 16th century Chinese novel in which Chinese Buddhist monk Xuanzang (a.k.a. Tang Sanzang) travels to India to obtain sacred Buddhist teachings. One of his helpers was Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, who wields a magical staff as a weapon against demons. Craig's ring is a representation of this staff. The Monkey King is a bit wild and unpredictable, so Tang Sanzang places a gold ring around his head. If he misbehaves, Tang Sanzang recites the Ring Tightening Mantra, which makes the ring tighter and gives the Monkey King a headache until he behaves. My ring is modeled after this headband. Wang Jun explained that the significance is that Craig is the Monkey King, and I am Tang Sanzang keeping him in check. - TUKM9455
Attempting to make dumplings - MrZhouGift
Beautiful gift from Mr. Zhou - a silver earring displayed on batik - IMG 0449
New Year display at Guiyang Airport - IMG 0450
Reunited in Guiyang: Wang Jun, Steph, Mr. Zhou, and Craig - HHXZ3296
Attempting to make dumplings at Mr. Zhou's parents' house - BKFT8948
Talking with Wang Jun before dinner - DSC05554
Poly Hot Spring New Island decorated for the New Year - DSC05558
Our lunch being prepared - DSC05561
Lunch noodles being prepared - DSC05563
Craig and Wang Jun have a "light lunch" - DSC05577
Mr. Zhou's mother Liu Guirong gives us a lesson on how to make dumplings - DSC05592
Craig making dumplings while Liu Guirong looks on, amused - DSC05593
Mr. Zhou gives Steph remedial dumpling lessons - DSC05595
The men make dumplings