microbie

Bear (Andrea's brother) and I visited the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, the Silk Road. Bear is his real nickname, not just a pseudonym I created for LJ. It was really wonderful. At the west end of the National Mall (the stretch of land more or less from the Potomac River to the Capitol) evoked Venice. The exhibit stretched eastward, ending with a Japanese pagoda. At first I was a bit disappointed. I had taken the idea of replicas very literally, but the replicas of, say, the now-gone Afghan Buddhas were much more ethereal and conceptual. At each stage along this "Silk Road," there were demonstrations of all kinds of crafts: silk spinning, rug weaving, bead making, glass blowing, paper making, stone carving, pottery making and decorating, calligraphy, cooking, painting, even musical instrument constructing. Most artisans were flown over from their home countries and were accompanied by interpreters so that the audience could ask questions. I never got close enough to any to ask any questions. I did well if I could even see what they were doing. Bear commented that all of the interpreters seemed like Americans, possibly Foreign Service or Peace Corps members, rather than immigrants from the respective countries. He also said it was a challenge for them to find interpreters for all of the artisans, since many were from small villages that have their own dialect or language.
It was crowded and I hated that, but I was very pleased to see that most people were trying some of the ethnic foods. There was one booth selling American-style barbeque sandwiches and hot dogs and french fries, and hardly anyone was there.
I took some pictures; as soon as I develop them I'll post them. My favorite part was probably the musical acts. There were at least half a dozen stages showcasing music from along the Silk Road: folk singers, puppet shows, throat singing (apparently done differently in each region!). They also had real yurts, 13th-century mobile homes for central Asians, a polo match, and some really wonderful murals.
In other news, I spoke to Kim for the first time since my birthday in December. She agreed to go to our high school reunion in October. I'm very, very glad. She has known me longer than anyone else outside of family, 20 years or so. Now I just have to talk Andrea into going. I'm feeling rather homesick and terribly far from friends at the moment.
I am also running out of room on my bulletin board for all my friends' baby pictures. How about that??? I can hardly believe it myself