This morning started out at the Zhaoying Temple. It is a beautiful temple where the festival organizers had a blessing to open the festival with today. Performances by Mongolian throat singers in that space performing on traditional Mongolian instruments made the event even more special. I was honored to be one of the dignitaries to be part of the blessing.
After the temple we had Taiwanese Shabu-Shabu--a traditional hot pot where you cook meats, seafood, and vegetables in a boiling pot of water. This was quite excellent, and we all filled up.
Lunch was followed up by another cultural exchange. We performed at Dong Shan Junior High School. Once again, they received us warmly, and performed for us. Another very nice Concert Band. Afterwards, our students took pictures and signed autographs. I worry about their egos once the come back to the states where they are only treated as mere mortals.
We ended the day meeting and performing with the other performers performing in the festival. It was both interesting to listen to this massed ensemble perform as well as think of the cultural scope such a performance covers. Another LONG day when we all crash.
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