Shaanxi Grand Opera

White Ramie Ribbon Dance at Shaanxi Grand Opera House, Xi'an

We race from the airport to our dumpling dinner at the Shaanxi Grand Opera House. The driving here in Xi'an is crazy, like old-Korea. Cars, trucks, bicycles darting in and out from every direction. It's amazing--the drivers predict the impending mayhem somehow and there aren't many accidents. I brace and cringe for the first 20 minutes of the drive and eventually relax seeing that this weaving and squeezing into spots American drivers and cars just can't squeeze into seems to happen effortlessly and without incident. Huh?

After our incredible dumpling dinner, we take in the Tang Dynasty Song & Dance Show in the opera house. It's amazing! The costumes, makeup, and antics of the performers are incredible. We enjoy it. What's even more incredible is that 6 year old rnrB & 3 year old trkr enjoy it immensely, too!!! Watching these various ribbon dances, martial arts demonstrations and traditional instruments, I envision what the upcoming 2008 Olympics in Beijing will bring to the world. If anything, the shows will be an incredibly colorful display!!! What a gorgeous visual feast!!! I apologize that our poor quality photos don't accurately convey the beauty of these performances!