China Chat

It’s finally here! The official start of the Yangjia Leaping Horse Lantern Dance and it was sparkling and loud! The crowds were huge and so were the fireworks! 

Jiajia and Chris chase the family Dragon Lantern and Chris gets pelted with falling fireworks debris, JiaJia’s ears are still ringing from the explosions and Chris figures out a little more about how everyone is related. Jiajia gets ready for tonight’s first official performance of the Leaping Horse Dance! 

Jiajia and Chris recap the fireworks extravaganza that was Chinese New Year’s Eve, talk about flying dreams and the eventful return of the lovely Huihui! 

Jiajia and Chris time travel to the future, which is actually the past, to talk about Chinese New Year’s Eve, family reunions, watching the televised Spring Festival Gala and JiaJia’s favorite standup comedian 赵本山. 

Chris is still baffled by when Spring Festival and the Chinese New Year begin, Jiajia is recovering from eating pork baozi for breakfast, and Charlie and Tommy take cover as fireworks rattle the neighbor hood. Lao Yang shows fancy footwork at the Leaping Horse Lantern Dance and dazzles everyone!

Yes. You know Spring Festival is coming from the loud firecrackers that tell you morning is here! Jiajia practices saying “slob” and “burger” and Charlie forces us to start Spring Cleaning early. 

Today’s show focuses on the origins of the Leaping Horse Dance and the story it tells about life and community. Jiajia also updates us on how his arms are feeling.

Jiajia is aching after the first dress rehearsal thanks to the heavy lantern he has to carry, the kids are excited to be horses, turtles and dragons, and Chris jumps and yelps when JiaJia’s uncle sets off a firecracker behind her. 

JiaJia’s sister sent him a bunch of Wa! paste from Sichuan province, we revisit Guoba and Jiajia tells a folktale. 

Jiajia and Chris frolic in the snow, talk about electric cars and the latest on the Jumping Horse Lantern Dance rehearsals. You can contact us at: yangjiajia@live.cn

Lao Zhan is cooking up a storm leading up to Spring Festival and egg dumplings are on today’s menu. We also talk about honoring JiaJia’s grandparents and burning paper money. 

We talk about our adorable problem child and her shoe fetish, give a dance rehearsal update and celebrate the arrival of the Horse Dance costumes! 

Jiajia and Chris help Lao Zhan prepare rice dumplings for the Spring Festival and JiaJia shares on family dynamics. 

Jiajia gets a new haircut, more about Jimmy O., and Jiajia runs a marathon practicing for the upcoming horse dance!

Jiajia and Chris talk about growing up in the Age of Television, the similarities between radio and podcasting, Jimmy O., and the lingering aroma of snail noodles that still permeates the house.

Jiajia and Chris talk about whether there are actual snails in snail noodles, the history and ingredients as well as the do’s and don’ts of preparation. They also slowly look into the cultural symbolism of the mighty and often underrated river snail. 

In honor of the upcoming Spring Festival, Jiajia and Chris go on a shoe buying spree and Jiajia explains how to tackle Chinese yams without getting itchy hands.

Jiajia shares his method for keeping his feet warm and moisturized. We also give a list of the events running up to Spring Festival, starting with the delicious Laba Festival. 

Jiajia and Chris decide to try recording the show in their car, Lao Zhan gets two new hats and a big bag of rice and trees are trimmed. 

Jiajia and Chris give a plant update, praise the virtues of sunshine for health and attitude and talk about ghosts and being afraid of the dark. 

Spring Festival is coming a month later than Chris expected, JiaJia’s sister thinks the rice isn’t bright enough, and Jiajia gets deep about mushrooms and fish. 

Jiajia and Chris swill down coffee and get ready to head back to Yangjia for another day of clicking tiles and smack talk. Family fun has begun and it’s not even Spring Festival yet!

Just in time for the great mahjong marathon, Nanjing gets snow and Chris is thrilled! JiaJia’s dad returns and all is well in Yangjia.

Yes. Minuscule snowflakes are falling in Nanjing, JiaJia’s mom and sister are in a cook off and playing Lao Zhan Pool is harder than we thought! 

JiaJia’s sister is in town so the pool marathon has begun! JiaJia’s mom develops a new playing style, his sister learns a new English phrase, and Jiajia designs a new watch face for his Garmin! You can contact us at: yangjiajia@live.com