Dora finally came back to China for her Chinese wedding ceremony. We were so happy to see her, especially Gracie! I think Dora was happy to see Gracie too!
A Chinese wedding is quite different than what we have in the West, fortunately for Dora she got the best of both. She was married in Australia back in January with the full deal. Church wedding, Christian ceremony, big dinner reception, the whole package... Here in China it was a little different for her than it is for most Chinese girls, mainly because she married a foreigner. He didn't do all the customary things because he is not Chinese.
Usually the bride will get ready at her home and the groom will come with his entourage to pick her up, which entails him begging to be let into the house, many red enveloped being slipped through a crack in the door and a lot of jubilant noise. Once he has his bride he'll take her away on a ride through the city, usually with a long train of cars following each decorated with some flowers or double happiness stickers or balloons. Of course the bridal car is done up the most.
We did do the ride through the city, and everyone knew we were coming. They even had a truck with men hanging out the back lighting strands of firecrackers every 100 yards or so... it was a loud experience. Actually, I think Dora's parents set off more firecrackers than I have ever seen or heard at a wedding or any other event. They began when Mathew took her down the steps and into the courtyard at her parents home. He carried her all the way to the car and then we followed after when the firecrackers were done popping.
After the ride we went to the hotel where we were staying and checked in - Dora had to change into the traditional wedding clothes, which are usually red, but she opted for a more colorful and I must say more beautiful dress. Then it was off to the big dinner.
The dinner was actually good - I know I said in an earlier post that wedding day food is usually strange and pretty much inedible for a 'lao wai' like me. But being in a small town and going to more normal type of restaurant we got more normal food. Lots of tofu dishes, peppers, peanuts, then the pork, pork fat, chicken, and cucumbers. Other than the swine, I ate plenty.
After the dinner we went back for naps at the hotel, then had dinner with all of Dora's family back at her parents' place. Gracie learned to kill mosquitoes and had a very good time doing it. She bonded quickly with the children of Dora's cousins and even cried when it was time for her new gege (big bro) to go home.
The next morning we were back at the house for breakfast and more firecrackers. It was a nice trip and we really enjoyed being with Dora and her family. We also got the chance to get to know her husband, also named Mathew, a lot better. He is such a nice guy and I am so happy for Dora. She is doing well - living in Australia, working as a Chinese traditional medical doctor alongside her hubby, and missing Chinese food!
Dora and Mathew came back home with us and spent the rest of the day and night before going to Yunnan Province for a honeymoon. We shopped and ate yummy food and repacked their bags before they left. It was over too fast and I have gone back to missing my best friend. Wow! Congrats Mathew and Dora! I love you guys!
