Lada Ray's Blog, page 103
March 12, 2012
GOLD TRAIN, Second Edition
The exciting Second Edition of GOLD TRAIN is now on Amazon and Smashwords digital shelves!
Check it out:
Coming to all other Ebook retailers soon!
GOLD TRAIN Paperback launch: April 25, 2012
GOLD TRAIN Paperback Launch Blog Tour: April 25 – May 6
Check out http://www.LadaRay.com for all updates.
Watch new dramatic GOLD TRAIN book trailer
See you on pages of my books!
Lada Ray
March 5, 2012
March 3, 2012
2012 Predictions Update: Russian Elections
On January 11, 2012 I wrote a blog post entitled: Year 2012 Predictions. Included in the post were my predictions for the so called 'Year of Elections,' namely, Russia, USA and France. In the post, I predicted that Vladimir Putin would win the elections.
As a reminder to my readers, I do not belong to any political party and consider myself a political atheist. My analysis is based on observation, logic, intuition and the Ancient Chinese System of Long Cycles (CSLC).
Here is the original prediction as it pertains to Russia:
RUSSIA, Presidential Elections, March 4, 2012: Vladimir Putin will win easily enough, although, due to the crowded field and according to the Russian electoral rules, he may only get clear majority in the second round. Protests on part of the Communists and assorted opposition will continue, and electoral fraud will be alleged again, whether it took place, or not.
However, between now and March, Putin and the ruling United Russia Party will make all the right moves, and Putin will end up securing anywhere between 55 – 68% of the votes. 55% may be way too low. Low to mid 60s is probably the right percentage.
While Russians could afford to play around with the results of the Duma elections in 2011, they'll treat Presidential Elections much more seriously. Putin means stability, and everyone will remember that. Russian social, economic, political, financial, police and army reforms will continue in a controlled fashion during Putin's Presidency. I will try to discuss Russia's future in detail in my BOOK OF PREDICTIONS.
There is one more, esoteric, reason for Putin's win: He is a DRAGON, according to his Chinese Zodiac sign. 2012 will be much better for Putin, than 2011, as the power of the Dragon is fully behind him this year! 
Read the entire original Year 2012 Predictions
Due to the dynamic situation surrounding the Russian elections, as well as elections in other countries, I decided to post an update. Also, I've added CIA/U.S. State Department code names, to illustrate the point and… well, because you've got to admit, they are kinda funny. 
Russian Elections, March 4, 2012 - Vladimir Putin.
CIA code name: Alpha Dog. U.S. State Department code name for Putin/Medvedev tandem: Batman and Robin. But they might've changed that since Wikileaks leaked it.
As predicted, Putin and United Russia made all the right moves in the run up to the elections. Putin published a series of articles outlining his vision for Russia's future; new finance and economic reforms have been announced; more social benefits have been promised; he held his very popular annual televised live Q&A, which lasted a record 5 and a half hours; the rules for protests have been loosened up to accommodate the larger than usual number of people on the streets. Essentially, all protests have been automatically sanctioned – a big departure from old rules – as long as they were peaceful.
As a result, I am upgrading my prediction: Putin will win in the first round. There will be NO run-off. He will get anywhere between low 60% to mid 60% of the popular vote. Could be as high as 67-68%.
Also, read my new post: Russia Votes: Crash Course in Russian Politics
French elections, April 22 – May 6, 2012 – Nicolas Sarkozy.
U.S. State Department code name: Emperor Without Clothes.
At this time, no change in my prediction. He'll still lose the election – more emphatically so!
U.S. Elections, November 6, 2012 – Barack Obama.
I guess we'll never know Obama's CIA/State Department code names, will we? But I can tell you that Russians call him: the Black Gorbachev
No change in my prediction – Obama will narrowly win 2012 elections.
Copyright 2012, Lada Ray
March 2, 2012
Russia Votes: Crash Course in Russian Politics
Russia will be voting for the country's new president on Sunday, March 4, 2012.
Because of the Russian electoral rules, one cannot use poll numbers several days before the elections. Currently in effect: moratorium on promoting specific candidates to avoid influencing the voters.
As a reminder to my readers, I do not belong to any political party and consider myself a political atheist. My analysis is based on observation, logic, intuition and the Ancient Chinese System of Long Cycles (CSLC).
The Russian political scene is changing rapidly as a record number of citizens take part in protests and demonstrations, both for and against various candidates. Historically speaking, this level of activism is unusual for Russia. Well, apart from the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution and the 1990-93 USSR dissolution period. Most other times in Russian history, the population wasn't that active politically.
Russian protests differ substantially from the Arab Spring, US Occupy movement, Greek, Spanish, British and other European protests, because they are NOT economically driven. Russians have not experienced a cut in pay or unemployment. In fact, salaries and standard of living have been steadily and substantially rising for the past decade. This activism is driven by a desire to see more change, better and faster reforms, as well as 'the Putin fatigue.' As one commentator put it, "It's media fatigue: people are tired of seeing Putin's face all over the news."
I do want to point out that my analysis, based on CSLC, indicates that social and political activism around the world will keep intensifying during this decade. This is true not only for Russia, but for the vast majority of countries, including most of Europe, USA, the Middle East and Asia, as well as – perhaps, to a lesser degree – Latin America, Africa and Australia.
Due to allegations of fraud and ballot stuffing during 2011 Duma (Russian Parliament) elections, over 30,000 Russians have signed up to be anti-fraud monitors during Presidential elections on March 4, 2012.
This year, 5 candidates are eligible to run for the Russian presidency. The remaining contenders were unable to collect the number of signatures required to run.
The winning candidate must receive over 50% of the popular vote or face second round run-off against 2nd place candidate.
CANDIDATES:
Vladimir Putin (Center: Ruling United Russia Party).
Russian President, 2000-2008. Current Prime Minister of the Russian Federation. Still, by far the most popular politician in Russia. United Russia had suffered a substantial "defeat" during 2011 Duma elections. Well, if you consider a defeat getting 49.5% of the votes. But it was a step down from their usual 60-70% approval rate. Besides, they needed 50% in order to maintain a constitutional majority in the Duma. In that sense, the result was quite disappointing.
Putin may have lost some of his support among the more affluent population of Moscow, who ironically benefited most from his and United Russia policies in the past 12 years. But he gained support in the Russian regions. He's widely projected to win, even by his opponents and detractors. Putin is very feared by the U.S. and some other Western governments, yet supported by most world governments, as well as the international investment community. International investors, as well as the Russian majority, seek stability. And they know, Putin is the only one who can deliver that.
For Putin, it is not as much the issue of winning. It is more how he wins. He needs clean, beyond reproach elections; and a win in the first round to avoid compromising his substantial clout in Russia and abroad.
Vladimir Zhirinovsky (Right/Nationalist: Liberal Democrats).
Speaker of the lower house of the Duma. An old timer in the Russian politics who's been around since Yeltsin; may have lost some of his original base, but is still popular amongst the young males, especially in the Russian regions. Famous for his loud and often scandalous speeches and behavior, Zhirinovsky enjoys a staunch support base because he often says what others don't dare due to political correctness.
Gennady Zyuganov (Far left: Communist Party).
The Communists have enjoyed a substantial increase in support in the past year. Nostalgia for the good, old Soviet Union days and low pensions for retirees have aided in Zyuganov's popularity. Communist party is a very hands-on grass roots organization, members of which go door to door and help each other, as well as the needy, according to the old Soviet tradition. Which also explains the rise in popularity.
Party's weakness: the Communists have never been good at accounting. To this day, it's unclear where the money for all the social reforms they are proposing (essentially, the rollback to the Soviet Union) will come from.
Sergey Mironov (Center Left: Fair Russia Party, aka, A Just Russia Party).
Chairman of the Russian Federation Council 2001 – 2011, the Upper House of the Duma. Fair Russia Party has appeal among those voters who are not quite communists, but who would like more social security and government controls. Also, among those who are not quite center.
Mironov has repeatedly proposed an amendment to the Russian constitution that would allow the President to be elected for 3 consecutive 5 or 7 year terms. In 2007, Boris Gryzlov, leader of the rival United Russia party, said that changing the constitution would be unacceptable. Mironov is considered to be more socialism oriented, as he wants to set up special agricultural exchanges for state purchases of agricultural goods, as well as for more state intervention in regulating prices of basic food stuffs.
Michail Prokhorov (Independent).
Billionaire, Forbes 400. The only candidate not backed by a party. He commands quite a presence and towers over everyone in the room at close to 7′ of height. Prokhorov has a pro-business platform and enjoys some support among the rich, the business people and the affluent. Most likely, a negligible factor in the these elections.
Based on the current dynamic situation, I will be upgrading my Year 2012 Predictions for the Russian Elections. Read an update tomorrow – right here, on Lada Ray Blog.
Read the original Lada Ray Year 2012 Predicions!
Watch interesting debate - CrossTalk: Russia Votes
Copyright 2012, Lada Ray
February 28, 2012
Russia and I–Guest Post by Lada Ray
Reblogged from World Adventurers:
Russia and I Guest Post by Lada Ray The Ancient Greeks would have you believe that one cannot step into the same river twice. Me — I dedicated my whole life to proving this dusty philosophical maxim. When I was leaving Russia — very reluctantly — in 1991, the country was still called the Soviet Union, and if anyone at that time told me that the USSR's days were numbered, I would've laughed in his face. Above: St. Basil's Cathedral and the Kremlin. The entire Kremlin/Red Square complex is a UNESCO World …
February 21, 2012
Book Review: Gold Train by Lada Ray
Reblogged from different outcomes:
If you enjoyed the charming young detective, Jade Snow, in Stepford, USA, you will absolutely love her next adventure in Gold Train. Jade travels to Russia to do a piece for Time magazine and the second she steps off the plane the excitement, and magic, begins. This thriller has it all! It has the two romantic locations of Moscow and St. Petersburg for its backdrop. It has real princes and princesses, who may or may not be undercover agents and spies. It has the whisperings of revolution, deepening …
New FIVE STAR review of Gold Train by Author Jason Sullivan
February 17, 2012
Best Way to Learn Russian Language
As a linguist, I often get asked about best ways to learn languages. This post is in response to my friend Rachel's question on how to begin learning Russian.
First, the Big Linguistic Picture: all languages in the world are divided into Language Families. The largest such family is the Indo-European Family of Languages, originating from Sanscrit. It includes Hindi, MOST European Languages, Persian, etc.
Which means that we all – the English speakers, French Speakers, German Speakers, Spanish Speakers, Russian speakers, Hindi speakers and… Persian speakers (in other words, Iranians,) belong to one huge family. Kinda makes you pause and think, doesn't it?
The Russian Language is part of the Slavic group of languages, specifically, the Eastern Slavic sub-group, together with Ukrainian and Belorussian.
Russian Language is one of the 4 official UN languages and one of several principal languages on the planet. It is spoken as the first language by 170 mln people in Russia and abroad, and several times as many, as a second or additional language.
Russian is considered a difficult language to learn by Westerners, based on its relatively complex grammar and different alphabet. But take it from someone who mastered several different languages – I can tell you from personal experience that English is a much crazier language than Russian, yet scores of people around the world learn it and speak it every day.
So no worries! Just take a deep breath and use my formula for learning any language: CONCENTRATE ON SIMILARITIES RATHER THAN DIFFERENCES, and I promise, your language learning experience will be a breeze!
I've done some research for you on ways to learn Russian, based on what's available on the market today. These seem to be the best options, both paid and free.
1. PAID: Berlitz is an old and reputable language learning company. They are not cheap, but here is internet option – it may be quite affordable. They require filling out a form in order to get a quote. This is a more serious program.
http://www.berlitz.us/Core/Display.aspx?pageId=269
2. PAID: This seems like an interesting and affordable program:
http://russian-accelerator2.com/?gclid=CJ23r4W1pK4CFcjc4AoddCurSg
They have beginners (Russian Accelerator) and advanced (Accelerator II) courses. This is a simplified program and may not offer reading ability. But I like their methodology and approach.
TIPS: Here are some tips on learning Russian fast
http://learnrussianfast.com/how-to-learn-russian-fast.html
3. FREE: This site has free insights and examples, including Russian alphabet, common phrases, numbers, etc.:
This is a good reference site. It's a good idea to read through all the available info here to get a frame of reference. However, I'd recommend to combine it with an interactive online (or in person) course, so you could also hear how words are pronounced, otherwise, it may be a bit confusing.
TIPS: in order to be able to read, it is a must to learn the Russian alphabet, which is available at the above free site.
To me, learning the Russian alphabet to be able to read, is very important, since all signs in Russia would be in Russian, and you really don't want to feel handicapped.
I noticed that many American programs skip this step and try to teach you how to learn to speak phonetically, without anchoring it in written language. To me, it's a one-sided approach. But, perhaps, for those who want to just get the flavor for the language, it's a justified shortcut, which will allow you to start using the language quickly. It may be easier to learn how to speak first, and then, eventually, take the next step and learn how to read, as well.
That said, when I taught my students, they learned Russian alphabet in 45 minutes and could read in Russian within 2-3 lessons. All, because I concentrated on similarities, instead of differences.
So, don't let them scare you by saying that Russian alphabet is difficult. The look and roots of the Russian letters are much the same as Latin letters. Both alphabets originate from Ancient Greek. Some letters may sound different – so what? It's not Chinese, after all, with its several thousand written characters. It's just 33 letters! No big deal!
In fact, as a linguist, I am trained to spot similarities and common roots among words of different languages. You'd be amazed how many similar roots there are in Russian and English, as well as other European languages. All because, as I pointed out earlier, they are all part of the huge Indo-European Language Family. Which means that even Hindi language roots will be similar.
4. FREE: Another Free program – I think, it's a good one! Worth checking out.
http://www.russianlessons.net/
5. PAID: Also, check out this interesting program – could be fun and relatively affordable – which will be available in May.
http://www.languagemetropolis.com/?gclid=COC9lpS6pK4CFYeK4AodCAu8TA
6. PAID: new, very promising course, which combines audio, visual and interactive capabilities. They call it Dynamic Immersion program. Worth checking out!
http://www.rosettastone.com/learn-russian
Hope all this helps and please leave your comments to let me know how you are progressing!
Wishing you much fun and best of luck on your new language adventure!
Lada
February 16, 2012
Book Review: Stepford USA by Lada Ray
Re-Blogged from DIFFERENT OUTCOMES BLOG by Jason Sullivan http://differentoutcomes.wordpress.com/2011/12/30/book-review-stepford-us-by-lada-ray/
Posted on December 30, 2011
Some people think small town life is uneventful. Jade Snow, the protagonist of Lada Ray's mystery-thriller, Stepford USA, thought so as well. But Jade was soon to learn that sleepy little towns can hold the biggest, scariest secrets! Jade arrives in Stepford in order to rest up before having a baby. However, she quickly starts to pick up hints that everything is not all charm and tranquility. Many years ago a horrible crime was committed from which the dust has never quite settled. With her husband halfway around the world, and while she awaits the birth of her baby, Jade tries to uncover the truth. But who can she trust? In a small town that harbors a dangerous secret one misstep can be fatal!
This exciting page-turner written by Lada Ray will have you guessing who did it from the very beginning. Lada skillfully weaves many surprises into this psychological thriller. Her exquisite scene setting together with compelling dialogue makes Stepford USA a fascinating, if at times nail-biting, read. If you are a cat lover, as I must admit I am, you will very much enjoy the exploits of a certain heroic feline who plays no small part in this book. I highly recommend Stepford USA. Jade Snow is intelligent, warm and witty. Join her as she puts the pieces together and helps release a town from its dark, hidden past.
book review by Jason Sullivan
February 10, 2012
STEPFORD, USA – A Mystery By Lada Ray – Book Review
via http://booksreview4u.wordpress.com/ STEPFORD, USA – A Mystery By Lada Ray – Book Review by J.J.Collins
Review by J.J.Collins
This first instalment by Author – Lada Ray introduces us to brilliant investigative journalist – Jade Snow. Jade Snow we learn, is a twenty eight year old all action investigative journalist used to dodging straying bullets in Afghanistan, before a near death experience throws her into the arms of her soon to be husband Paul. What Jade doesn't realise is that her days of investigative journalism and an all action career are about to come to an abrupt halt when motherhood dawns or is it?
This thriller is set in the sleepy surroundings of Stepford, Massachusetts, a small town community in America that hides a deep dark secret. Jade finds herself in this sleepy town against her wishes following her husband's insistence on finding her a nice, quiet and calm environment for her to remain fit and well during her pregnancy. Jade Snow we learn is no ordinary young mum to be. It is not long before her inquisitive mind and investigative instincts, lead her onto the trail of a devastating dark hidden secret within the community. A crime so horrendous and brutal, it lives on in the lives and happenings of this sleepy hallow even until the present day.
Jade's loneliness and love of quality company finds her being introduced, and soon becoming part of the social set-up of this most picturesque of American town's. The intimate circle of six women Jade would join, unbeknown to her, will transform her time in Stepford from a peaceful relaxing stay into an intriguing web of lies, deceit and mystery. The pursuit of the truth will not only put Jade Snow and the life of her unborn child in grave danger, it will have a profound impact on the lives and community of this most fascinating of small towns for years to come.
This story of a horrific crime, a victim, an accused person and powerful local interests, desperate to keep the truth hidden from the larger world, only makes Jade Snow throw off her restrictive temporary physical shackles and risk all, to unravel the truth. The pursuit of truth among the complex personalities of this town, and an eagerness for someone to keep it hidden at all costs makes the challenge appear impossible.
Stepford USA takes us on a journey with this charming, sharp minded young journalist in a race to reveal the truth before someone else is killed, will Jade succeed? Can she protect herself and the life of her unborn child? Who can she trust? Anyone? Will she manage to discover the facts before it costs someone their life or even her own?
On the face of it, Stepford is a thriving small town community the likes of which are splattered across the American continent however, the deceit and manipulation facing Jade threatens not just people, it threatens the very way of life of this beautiful town. Undeterred, Jade Snow takes us on a gripping, dark psychological adventure, where unrealised talents may be the difference between life and death for Jade and others.
Does the answer to the secret rest within the group of six ladies "Knitting Club"? All women of varying ages and loyalties. We are introduced to Lady Adelaide Paphos, an elegant motherly like lady, who develops a fondness and close bond with Jade during her time in Stepford. Her son Jason who harbours a long held secret. Then a chance lunch time meeting with the power players of the local community that introduces us to the young police chief – Chief Nordini, Judge Bowman, Lawyer Marc Catcham, Banker Peter Burns and the quiet Jack Maloof. These men all with varying interests and knowledge of the comings and goings of the town extend an invitation to the elite Rotary Club to Jade. How will this innocent invitation propel Jade into an even more intricate web of unimagined deceit?
Jade's investigative journey takes us to a "Hidden Lake", a chance encounter with a friendly neighbour and his dog, a virtual reality experience and observing one of the married town influencers groping a woman out of sight of others. How does all this relate to the truth? Can it be found and who is watching Jade's every move?
This page turning thriller is exciting, full of suspicion and possesses excellent character development throughout. It challenges the reader to consider the glaringly obvious and not so obvious, reality and challenge their own perceptions of reality and illusion in the pursuit of destroying the prejudices found in every small town. Will Jade and her soon to be born baby survive the small town experience?
The author has managed to develop a character with a fascinating thoughtful purpose. The brilliant combination of plot, character development and unexpected twists and turns, keeps the reader addicted to the next turned page. Once you start reading this book, you will not put it down such is the perfect pace and flow of words in which the book is written by the author.
Psychological thrillers don't get much better than this. Excitingly and yet chillingly gripping, it's the sort of plot line that surprises you at every turn and absolutely does not let you go.
A highly recommended read for anyone.
via http://booksreview4u.wordpress.com/ STEPFORD, USA – A Mystery By Lada Ray – Book Review by J. J. Collins
February 7, 2012
Celebrating New Year of the Dragon in China! Guest Post By M.G. Edwards
Guest Post By M.G. Edwards
My wife Jing, son, and I spent the 2012 Chinese New Year with Jing's family in Shanghai, China. It was a special New Year's for us, not only because it ushered in the auspicious Year of the Dragon but also because it marked a first for our family—the first time we had been together with Jing's family in China for the holiday. My wife had not spent New Year's with her family in almost two decades, and it would be the first time my son and I joined them. The happy hearts and big smiles of my in-laws when we arrived January 21 foretold a joyous reunion.
We arrived in Shanghai the day before New Year's Eve. We spent some time January 22 getting ready for the evening's festivities, which promised to be the grandest of a week's worth of New Year's celebrations. We went shopping and bought fireworks and red and gold holiday decorations, including the "Come Luck" (fu) symbol, to enhance the festive atmosphere. The weather hovered below freezing in the urban confines of Shanghai, where concrete buildings with ceramic tile façades sucked any vestiges of heat from the air, but the holiday buzz warmed our souls.
We spent New Year Eve's with family at my in-law's home. Her father, mother, sister, brother-in-law, and nephew joined us. When we arrived, my brother-in-law, Song, took us outside to blow off a string of firecrackers and light up some sparklers. My son and his cousin had a blast.
My mother-in-law, Ma, prepared a cacophony of Chinese dishes that ranged from fish in sauce for Song to soy sauce meatballs for my son. The meal was delicious. My father-in-law, Ba, Song, and I offered toasts with shots of Maotai baijiu, a 120-proof Chinese liquor, and wished each other and our families health, wealth, and love. The others sipped Changyu, a Chinese brand of red wine.
After dinner, the family moved over to the couches to watch the annual New Year's variety show broadcast by China Central Television (CCTV). The glitzy show beloved by many Chinese featured over five hours of skits, songs, and other entertainment, a tried-and-true formula used for years. The quality of the production had undoubtedly improved and become more "hip" than it had been when my wife was young.
An hour before midnight the fireworks started in earnest. We took a break from the TV show to give gifts of hong bao (red envelopes with money) to the children. The adults took turns sitting in chairs as my son and his cousin each bowed to us and politely asked for envelopes. My nephew recited a common Chinese New Year phrase, "恭禧發財, 紅包拿來?" (in pinyin, "gongxi fai cai, hong bao na lai") roughly translated as "Wishing you a prosperous New Year. May I have my red envelope?" I enjoyed the ritual of the hong bao and thought that it trumped Christmas gift giving because the kids had to pay homage to their elders before getting their gifts (not to mention that it's easier to give cash in an envelope than buy and wrap a gift).
Just before midnight, Ba and Song ignited a long string of firecrackers outside the apartment that exploded with deafening pops, adding to the sound of the fireworks booming around us. Thankfully, they did not blow off the remaining packages of firecrackers until the fifth day of the Chinese New Year.
At midnight, we looked out the bay window of my in-laws' home and watched the most amazing fireworks display I've ever seen. Fireworks were exploding everywhere—on rooftops, out the windows of high-rise buildings, and on the ground in the streets and alleys between buildings—everywhere. It was a beautiful 360-degree, three-dimensional light show unlike any I'd seen in the West. We heard the sounds of pop, pop, pop in all directions! Considering that the Chinese invented gunpowder and fireworks, it's understandable why they went over the top using pyrotechnics to ring in the New Year. The din of the fireworks died down around 12:30 in the morning. We finally left the in-laws at 1 a.m. and headed back to where we were staying, picking our way carefully in the streets to avoid being hit by stray fireworks.
On New Year's Day, after we had recuperated from the previous night's festivities, we visited the Temple of the Town God (Chunghuamiao) to see the lighting of the lanterns that adorned the decorated floats in a pond near the temple. Dedicated to the protector spirits that guard the city, the temple itself lay in the middle of one of Shanghai's most popular commercial districts. Thousands of visitors, mostly Chinese, had the same idea as we and converged on this popular area to take in the holiday atmosphere. The strings of lights, red lanterns with gold tassels, and traditional Chinese architecture at Chunghuamiao were simply spectacular, but the place was numbingly overcrowded. I had never seen so many people packed into one place — even considering that China had more than 1.2 billion people! The crowds put a damper on my mood.
On January 24, we visited my wife's childhood home in northeast Shanghai. This fell in line with the Chinese tradition that a married daughter—my wife—spend time with her family on the second day of the New Year. We arrived at the low-rise apartment, which still looked much the same as it did when my wife grew up there, and walked around. Jing and her sister reminisced about growing up there, showing us where they used to play and some of the fun things they liked to do as children.
My young nephew and son weren't so interested in the family history but enjoyed Yangpu Park, one of Shanghai's larger parks located across the street from my wife's former home. The boys had fun doing on some amusement rides and kiddie activities. Jing and her sister revisited a Chinese pavilion near a pond, a picturesque stone bridge, and other places in the park etched in their memories. I enjoyed watching couples ballroom dancing in the frigid cold.
Spending time with family and friends is an important aspect of Chinese New Year and a major reason why we visited Shanghai during winter. We spent the third day of the New Year, January 25, with my wife's uncle, Xiao Shushu, his wife, and relatives Erhong Jiujiu and his wife. We gathered around the table at my in-laws' home for another delicious Chinese spread prepared by Ma and listened to the relatives talk about the past. They told touching stories of how difficult it had been for them in the old days. Life was better now.
On the fourth day of the New Year, January 26, we went with family to the self-proclaimed "Venice of Shanghai," Zhujiajiao, a beautiful village not far from the city. Founded over 1,700 years ago, the village was a smorgasbord of traditional Chinese architecture, including a Buddhist temple and a Temple of the Town God, canals and waterways, stone arch bridges, and wooden oar-powered tour boats. Dragon boats sailed in the canals and red lanterns festooned the streets. While we enjoyed the festive atmosphere, the crowds were horrific. We thought we were going to be crushed in an alleyway but eventually wiggled our way out of town.
Following our tour of Zhujiajiao, we met some cousins for a meal at the Xibei Oat Noodle Restaurant in Shanghai. Influenced by flavors from the Middle East brought to China via the Silk Road, the northeastern Chinese cuisine served was simply delectable. My brother-in-law noted that I enjoyed the roasted lamb, green salad, and pita bread more than the sweeter and seafood-laden Chinese cuisine preferred by Shanghainese.
After dinner, we went to the cousins' home, where we joined them for a traditional Chinese tea ceremony. The oolong and barley teas were soothing to the tongue and light on the stomach.
On the evening of the fifth day of the Chinese New Year, January 27, the fireworks started again in earnest as the residents of Shanghai welcomed the arrival of the god of wealth and success, Guan Yu. Some believed that making noise would attract his attention and bring them prosperity, so the fireworks continued unabated for the next 24 hours. I did not sleep well that night, tossing and turning as the noise makers rattled outside our window all night long.
We concluded our seventh and final day of the Chinese New Year shopping and spending time with family. My wife bought some nice New Year's decorations for our home. In the evening, my brother-in-law took us for a family meal at a Korean restaurant that he thought would satisfy my western tastes. The Korean bulgogi, kimchi, and other dishes from the Land of the Morning Calm hit the spot. Jing's family joined us for one more meal before we headed home.
We returned to Bangkok on January 28 exhausted from a week's worth of celebrating the Year of the Dragon. The intensity and excitement of the occasion was unforgettable. Through the family gatherings, traditions, foods, fireworks, and trappings of the season, I glimpsed the heart and soul of the Chinese people. The experience was so profound that I spent the next couple of weeks at home in peace and quiet contemplating what it all meant. I will never fully understand this cultural event, but it is now a part of me.
M.G. Edwards is a writer of books and stories in the mystery, thriller and science fiction-fantasy genres. He also writes travel adventures. He recently published a collection of short stories called Real Dreams: Thirty Years of Short Stories available as an ebook and in print on Amazon.com. His upcoming travel novel, Kilimanjaro: One Man's Quest to Go Over the Hill, will be available in March 2012. He lives in Bangkok, Thailand with his wife Jing and son Alex.
For more books or stories by M.G. Edwards, visit his web site at www.mgedwards.com or his blog, World Adventurers. Contact him at me@mgedwards.com, on Facebook, or @m_g_edwards on Twitter.
© 2012 Brilliance Press. All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted without the written consent of the author.
Read Lada Ray companion posts:
How My Family Celebrates Chinese New Year of the Dragon! (includes Shanghai New Year Fireworks video by M.G. Edwards)
Feng Shui Master's Advice: Secret of True Prosperity
Ultimate Energy & Power: Chinese Dragon
Secrets of Effective De-Cluttering: Reclaim the Health of Your Space
Year of the Dragon Extravaganza Complete Schedule
