The weekend before Shanghai I finally made the effort to raid the construction site of CCTV tower, dubbed the trousers.
Catherine decided to be my support and charmed the workers to let us into the site. Surprisingly... and ... embarrassingly... this picture I took of her was way worse than the one she took of me... Sorry Cat. I'll try harder next time.
International Apartment outside of Jian Guo Men has been one of my favorite Complexes in Beijing. Soviet interpretation of International style is to me prettier than the western counterparts. I've always like these buildings since I was little.
Today, through meeting with a NGO client, I got to visit them in the building, the Apartment was built in the 60s to accommodate foreign dignitaries and guests, mainly embassy workers. I was surprised at its soundproof quality once I was inside. I also enjoyed the view outside.
image from James Jean.
With the wedding banquet drawn to a close. I can't help but to think about a past relationship. A simple miss calculation in timing and courage of going forth into something beautiful will cause sadness. Uh... don't know if that made sense at all actually, to that individual who understands: it was worth it...
Morning of the wedding.
Groom's Car
Du Yi finally picked up his bride, we're driving to his family reception.
See how happy Duyi's mother is?
These little guys are so cute.
The couple introduced each other and revealed their love stories to the guests.
Best men with Mrs Du.
This is what the banquet had for Groom to toast with. "Specially prepared for Xinjiang Military Region" alcohol content - 46 degrees!
The other best man Han Lei took care of most of the drinking. Son of a member of the "security brigade" in the military region, he had to represent. He had about four bottles, yikes.
I never thought a wedding could be so complicated, well I mean I know it is, but not to a degree that required a choreography and family meetings. This is Du Yi's house, we're going through schedules.
Family Lunch. The family took us to an authentic xinjiang restaurant, I stuffed my self with so much lamb that I walked around burping all day... not very pleasant, but man, it was a good meal.
Jessica's Parents took the visitors (Me and a bride's maid) to the local park, Red Mountain park.
Du Yi's father ordered one of his officer (not shown in this picture) to take us to the bazaar.
Ever see a bunch of Xinjiang muslim girls interpret a Ricky Martin Latin dance number? with hip slapping actions? Its a bit awkward. Theses girls had a good time doing it though. We watched them in off restaurant's off season, they were happy to perform. Because they hadn't practiced in a while, they forgot some of the moves often. Everyone's in good spirit though, we enjoyed the girls and I think the pleasure was mutual, since we were the only guests in that restaurant that night.
Jessica and Du Yi planned their wedding ceremony this weekend, I flew to Urumqi to be their best man. I did it out of my love and respect for them, and for their love. I also tend to think that just like them, I'm gentle and kind. What motivated me the most was that they've got one of the best love stories you only see in movies and fairy tales. Last time I was in Urumqi, I was deeply in love too. I was with a very simple minded and kind person. God just has a funny way of planning things, this time when I arrived, I lived on the other side of the hill, the only landmark I learnt of this city, its winter instead of summer, and its cold and drafty. Thats ok, I'm still here for them :).
