Carnivorous behavior

Many Chinese people seem to be embracing the ideas and practices of Buddhism.  But, they also seem reluctant to give up their carnivorous ways.  The people whom we know here  

LOVE to eat MEAT!  

It is a huge part of their diet, 

and (to me) seems a direct contradiction to Buddhism......

Another Chinese New Year party occurred out at a farm-stead.  A temple was also on-site.

Several of us (all teachers) took a nice walk on the premises.

Qing has continued to be an AWESOME  FRIEND  here, arranging everything!!

Like most "resorts" here in China, there are little buildings to accommodate playing the national game:  Mah Jong.

And, Chris played, with our fellow-teachers, 

Simple and Ivy:

The farm-stead was a historical place, where university students were (apparently) sent for re-education during the Cultural Revolution.  Notice the "little red book" in this statue.

Chairman Mao Zedong's photos (and statues) are still very common......plus, he is on almost all the money!

There was a show, with people playing traditional instruments and singing:

The following is the part of this posting that some people may not wish to view.....  The highlight of the day on the farmstead was the 

pig-killing and butchering.

Bags (containing chunks of meat and fat) were made for each of the 100 teachers in attendance.  Then, ceremoniously, each teacher's name was drawn from a small box, allowing that person to select which bag of meat to take, in order.

(** We later gave our bag of meat to the women in charge of our dormitory.)

A  LOT  of toasting the New Year was going on!!!  Chris had a good time with "the guys," especially this Chemistry teacher, with whom he has played ping-pong and also shares the love of motorcycles.

More Carnivorous Behavior is exhibited in the grocery stores and street-side shops:

Pig snouts

Ducks

Chicken feet......a most common snack!