As Seen by TV

Well, another CNY experienced and once again I can happily report I am not blind and/or missing any limbs, although some close calls once again (you can just make out my hat/head in the above image on the right).

Below is a collection of images taken throughout the week of Chinese New Year (which is over 7 days long).  Makes for some great photography sessions, but not so much for relaxing at home with a movie.

If you didn’t get enough imagery of fiery explosions, check out my past posts from CNY:

2012 – Year of the Dragon

2011 – Year of the Rabbit

2010 – Year of the Tiger

Well.  My third Chinese New Year, and they sure as hell don’t get any quieter!

These images were taken over a 3 day period (Chinese New Year is a week long).

You can see that fireworks are sold on the street, and even off the back of tricycles, as well as a kid lighting some (light provided by a lit cigarette given by a building guard), you’ll also notice how although the streets are a battlefield, traffic doesn’t seem to mind one bit… cars, scooters, bikes all travel straight through the mayhem.  In the last several you’ll see a group of men who literally lit up the sky (and left some debris in the process), in some of those images you’ll notice why fireworks can be a dangerous thing in a city as populated as Shanghai.  Best to keep your windows closed and ear plugs in!  I can NOT stress how loud all these situations I put myself into were…… enjoy.

And here are some videos taken throughout the scenes shown above…  video #2 is another example of why Chinese-made fireworks are slightly dangerous, as sometimes the rocket doesn’t get quite much height (but makes for some stunning photography!).

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If you still can’t get enough, check out my previous posts from the past CNY’s:

2011 – Year of the Rabbit

2010 – Year of the Tiger

Also known as the “China Derby” this is one of the Chinese Super League’s major fixtures.  The rivalry between Shanghai and Beijing is an obvious one, the two major mega-cities of China.  The cultural capital versus the financial capital; old versus new.

It would prove to be a heated meeting, even in the rain as just the week before Shanghai played away to Nanjing, a match that was (and still is) filled with controversy, reported extensively by Cameron Wilson here.   He also mentions that “This is no fake import of European football rivalry, the angst is built on ancient tribal spats which have existed for a very long time in China.”

We got a chance to sit behind the goal along with the Shanghai Ultras, a fanatic bunch of lively Shenhua supporters.  Only season-ticket holders can sit in this area (we borrowed some from a friend who was out of town), and you must wear blue and yell and sing along as much as possible (the term “sha bi” is quickly learned).  The atmosphere was seriously electrifying, with a team eager to turn around their troubled season (currently 13th place, with Beijing in 3rd).

A much added extra was the fact that Drogba had arrived in Shanghai earlier in the day, having recently signed a 2.5 year contract with the club, part of his entrance can be seen here:

Celebrations after 2-0:

The final score was 3-1 for Shanghai.  Good night indeed.
After the match celebrations outside Hongkou Stadium (which included tearing up a Guoan mascot:

Full match recap + video highlights can be found on HERE (Wild East Football).

A good friend of mine had a spare ticket to the F1 Chinese GP, so it was off to the races for me!  Even as a fan of F1 this was only the 3rd race I’ve ever witnessed in person… the last one was Monaco several years ago… so I was excited to having 2 days of INSANE engine noises (those F1 engines are seriously out of this world, if you’ve never heard one, make it point to hit up the nearest GP now!).

And here’s a video I took from the start…… that voice yelling is not me, then again while filming I couldn’t hear a damn thing anyway!

Some daytime shots around Suzhou… a boat trip down the canals and a visit to one of the famous ancient gardens (forgot the name, ha!).  Check out the last pic below to see the fullframe version of the pic above… quite amusing!

ps- Thailand pics coming next!

For 9 days in mid-November I had to document an Executive Eduction Tour by a Russian delegation visiting China (more pics on that to follow).  Touring around Shanghai, Hangzhou and Suzhou we visited companies and tourist attractions.  This set of images was taken at a Chinese Opera performance on and in Hangzhou’s mystical West Lake, while it was raining.  It was quite beautiful to say the least.

…and with that I wish you all a HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!

…where the real animals are on the wrong side of the fence.

But first a quick note, THE IMAGES BELOW WORK (the thumbnails might not), thanks to the Chinese government for going all hardcore on my internet access, you really do know how to suck.

I have never been so appalled as when I saw how the locals here treated animals at the zoo. Shouting, spitting, slamming against the glass/fence, and throwing anything and everything that wasn’t bolted down at the poor creatures. I watched one girl pour her milk tea all over a bear [see pic], which was quickly followed by everyone having a good laugh… and if that wasn’t enough, she then threw the bottle at him. The Chinese don’t have a word for “please”, and I’m pretty sure they don’t have one for “shame” either.

2 more days I’ll be on my MUCH NEEDED vacation, Vietnam here I come!
Real pho, fo’ real, yo.