12/26/08 through 12/28/08

I'm backtracking. So, partying in Beijing pictures featuring the Lovely Anna, Awesome David, and Fantabulous Ben are soon to come!

The DVD Store Raid (12/26/08)

So, we live next to a fantabulous DVD store where I get all my awesomely cheap movies. The day after X-mas my unsuspecting Pops and I were going to the store, which is tucked at the bottom of a narrow unsuspecting stairwell. We noticed that there were many men in black jackets loading bags into the back of two flatbed trucks. One of the men said something to us in Chinese, but we didn't catch it and kept going. As I was heading down the stairs, I noticed that the bags were full of DVD's and the back of the black jackets said, 'Police.' So, I said, "Ohhhh...Dad, it's the Police. We should go!" I took the two pictures below from behind a fence because I would have gotten in trouble if the Police caught me taking pictures. There are many DVD shops like this all over Beijing, and the Police know about it. But, normally raids like this are avoided by "special payments" made by the vendors so that they won't be bothered. But, I guess they missed their payments. Sad Sophie. R.I.P. Tom's DVD Shop.

Bootlegged DVD's 1

Bootlegged DVD's 2

Chinglish is Awesome!

My Dad's Final Performance of 'A Christmas Carol' (12/28/08)

My Dad's newest passion is acting. He wasn't feeling satisfied with his life that had become so focused on trying to make money, so he decided to go out on a limb and try out for a play - 'Guys and Dolls.' He was cast as Big Jule and ever since has been addicted to acting. He went on to play Stanley in a spoof of 'A Street Car Named Desire,' then was cast in his biggest and best role as Oscar in 'The Odd Couple.' His most recent part is smaller than his other parts, but he loved it nonetheless - he played 'Old Joe' and the 'Schoolmaster' in the holiday production of 'A Christmas Carol.' I was never able to see any of his shows because i've been in Hawaii, but finally the stars alligned and I got to see him perform. It was really great to see him so happy and in his element.

An interesting fact: Beijing has very strong censorship of theater and the arts and often there are plays that get funding and cast and crew, but can't be put on because nowhere will let them perform. i remember 'The Vagina Monologues' was cancelled two nights before they were supposed to perform. Then, they performance came back through town a year later and the same thing happened. This is also the reason that my Dad has to go to Church on X-mas Morning in a super secret place not technically on Chinese soil (i.e. embassy terrirtory). So, they have to find obscure places to put on the show that don't think they are a group of foreigners organizing to upheave the government. This one was in a place that is normally a nightclub and it was a tight squeeze. The last one was at an International High School. Fun facts that get Soph's blog blocked!

Mom, Dad, and Olle ("The Drunken Beggar")

Dad and His Young Cast Mates

Dad's Cast Mates Wandering After the Show

My Pops and I