Saturday Adventures

We (Jeff, Mike, and I and two of our Chinese co-workers) trekked off to Sanxingdui Archeological Museum Saturday. Located 1 hour north of Chengdu, this is the site of a significant archeological dig of 3000 year old pottery, bronze, and gold masks of the Shu Dynasty. Admittedly, I am not the biggest fan of old pots and stuff – but it was enjoyable. The museum exhibit was built well and the pieces displayed very nicely as expected – remember my opinions on Chinese art; they spend much on old relics, just not so much on new art.
I did learn that ALL fathers have lied to each their children through the years (myself included). At some point we have looked sternly at our kids and said “I can’t buy that for you – Money doesn’t grow on trees!” Come on, admit it, you have all said that. But guess what – we are wrong! I saw the Money tree! A bronze sculpture with ancient coins attached as leaves. So, apparently money does grow on trees!

Our hosts were two of our local management team that I had not spent much time with, so it was good to do that with them … until we discussed lunch. Unfortunately, the small town we were in doesn’t have much restaurant selection, so one of our hosts asked if we would like to go to the Snake Bar.
Me – Uh, Snake Bar? What do they serve?
Host – Snakes.
Me – Uh, Um, Well, Uh, I suppose maybe we could possibly do that, I guess so.
Jeff – no comment. He was too stunned; the look of pure fear plastered on his face!
Host – Ok, good.
FORTNATELY – our other host intervened and suggested that maybe we would tour the museum first and then return to Chengdu for lunch. I thanked her very graciously later for stepping in on that. I guess I could have nibbled my way through lunch, after all I hear Snake tastes like chicken, but what was bothering me was the mental image of seafood restaurants where there are many aquariums of fish and you select the one you want, so I figured a Snake Bar and many terrariums of snakes that I was supposed to chose (not what I really wanted to do).
We ended up eating at a Thai place and it was terrific.
Dinner was in town and there were 4 of us crammed into a taxi and figuring out that he would charge extra for 4 of us, he darted off through town. He drove very smoothly, but very fast. I tried to get him to drag the taxi next to us by saying “Vroom, Vroom” he smiled and off we went. We were laughing so hard my side hurt. Then HE started making “Vroom, Vroom” sounds and laughing with us. It was the best taxi ride I have had. Like I always say – you never know what will happen here from unusual foods to unusual taxis.
Just wait till you here about the duck restaurant!