Lunar Fest
Lunar Fest is always a grand time in the Orient, and this year's welcome to the Year of the Pig in China, Setsubun in Japan and Vasant Panchami in India were no exception.
Our guides stepped right out of the pages of mythology to introduce visitors to their cities. Jun Di led a tour of
Hangzhou, Shoki and Oni ably guided the crowds through the streets of
Kamakura, and Saraswati pressed her swan into service to pull a tour boat in
Delhi.
In each city visitors could play games, try their wits at new quizzes, and visit the souvenir shops and teahouses. Our old friend
Bao Bei has finally returned to the Orient - do read about his travels since we last heard from him. A
Kite Decorating Contest produced many beautifully decorated kites soaring in the cloudless skies.
The Flying Pig Teahouse was the relaxing setting for an elaborate Japanese tea ceremony, hosted by
Rachana Khan and the staff at
Varaha's Chai and Curry House served up a delicious meal for the closing banquet. There was even a
cooking demontration presented by the famous Chef Senjay.
A New Gem For The Orient!
Held during Lunar Fest in the beautiful
Zhulong Teahouse on the shores of Xi Hu (West Lake) in Hangzhou, China, the operatic recreation of The Legend of Lady White Snake unfolded before a most enthusiastic audience, who stuffed themselves with a sumptuous
banquet, washing it all down with tea and rice wine, along with a little contraband gin. This exciting opera was written and performed by
Jia Li Shen Chi,
Shibori Murasaka and
Simon Niall and was awarded one of the coveted
Gems of Ancient Worlds.
Places To Visit In The Orient
While you're visiting the Orient do stop by
The Kublai Khantina, where our able bartender,
Kenji Ashikaga, has recently returned to mix up whatever you crave to quench your thirst.
Scribal Matters - Editor's Note
Farewell and appreciation are given by the Orient and all AncientWorlds to a Scribe retired of late,
Shanti Ashoka. Her dutiful hard work and stunning final products, most recently seen with The Lunar Festival 2007, have long been the awe of the community, alongside the calm and warming presence for which she is well known and respected. Yet a need for rest and refocus is wholly understandable. May Shanti enjoy the time with family, friends, and the adorable Kiwi that she has earned so completely. In her stead follows longtime Oriental
Feiyan Zhou, who adds to an illustrious Orient scribal team which promises to ensure a bright, creative future for all to take pleasure in. Much luck and thanks to both!
