Live and Learn

On April 1, my teaching group went to the annual Peach Blossom Festival of Nan Hui, Shanghai.

It took about one hour by bus from SJTU Minhang campus to the peach blossom park we headed for. The entrance was quite a hit, with charming arches of flower design. The blossom was in their best although already showing signs of declination. We saw various colors, wondering what the fruits would be for each species. What I like best was the bright yellow type, which struck me as the best embodiment of enthusiasm and warmth of the spring season.

The biggest fun was the impromptu dance show by four colleagues. On our way to the exit, we happened to come to an open space that sort of looked like a place for morning physical exercises. Somewhat tired of walking, we took a break there. Then somehow the conversations dwelled on dance shows, and warm invitations for a live show were advanced. The four colleagues performed for about 10 minutes on the spot. They took part in the school’s dance competition years ago and won a prize, but we have never had a chance to see it ourselves.

We had an early dinner in a restaurant in downtown Nan Hui. I did not remember much about the food, but I did have much fun learning Shanghainese from native colleagues.

The sea of peach blossom we saw on the trip was only one sign of the advent of spring. We were thankful that we witnessed its exuberance.