A BIG Birthday Bash

On February 9th a local celebrity here celebrated his birthday.  No one really knows how old he is.  No one seems able to tell us EXACTLY who he is (was), but he's a pretty important fellow around here.  Who is this man below?  Give up?

His name is Fuxi and he is supposedly the first ancestor of the people here...we think.  Sorta like Adam from the garden of Eden.  There is a rather large temple complex in the city that

houses several of his images, some small, some larger than life.  

Fuxi is always depicted wearing leaves as his covering and has a good bit of facial hair.  Several thousand people flock here each year from all over China, Korea and Japan to pay homage to Fuxi (and ask him for blessings for financial prosperity and health in the coming year).  They bring offerings of fruit, assorted drinks and money which are presented before his images along with burning incense.

The folks here take Fuxi very seriously.  He is a local hero and adds to an already ancient history.  The area around our city has a history dating back reportedly over 7,000+ years.  Now that's old!

Finally here!

We've made it!  Been here in our new hometown for three weeks plus now and getting adjusted well.  We've settled into our new apartment on campus and are busy studying language daily on the street (classes don't start until March 16 officially).

We're buying vegetables and meat on the street from local vendors, going out to eat every few days, taking in the sights and clicking a lot of photos, as you can tell.

The sights, smells, sounds and tastes of a new home are always interesting.  The other day Wayne actually ate some donkey meat from a street vendor (brave!)  

Here is a short video you'll enjoy.  YES, we have a KFC in our city!!!  PTL

Here are some pics of Logan with his new friends.