Six Star Hotel

This past Monday our kungfu school got to do a performance for the opening of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. They had very specific requirements as to what they wanted us to do, and I was very glad I only had to play the cymbals.

The day was chilly, and we were led into the "Bejing Room" on the 2nd floor where we could put our stuff and rest. Boy, the carpets were thick and comfy, the bathroom was amazing (the lady's room of course, I'm sure the men's room is equally beautiful)--a lot of mirrors, soft paper towels with their mark (I took one for a souvenier), and besides soas there was lotion too. There were also touch-screen panels on the walls, and the walls themselves were so comfy too. They were kind of soft, and during our break I fell asleep against one. There were refreshments in our room too: orange juice, apple juice (I drank a glass) , grapefruit juice, still water in pretty bottles, sprite, gingerale and diet coke in small glass bottles (I took two), coffee, hot water, white and brown sugar lumps, and in a pretty wooden box there were many vials filled with different types of tea leaves. They also had teapots with an instrument beside it, which we never figured out how to use. The lobby was kind of small, but beautiful as well: marble tiles, glass cabinets with Gucci purses, nice wooden chairs, etc. I love the carpet best though. There were lots of cameras and important people crowded inside when we performed. Our two lions had to present two scrolls to the important people, and they were supposed to take it, but they probably didn't know so my kungfu brothers were waiting and waiting for them to take it. Somebody should have told them beforehand. But even with that it all went really well. After our break we went through the offices with the lions to spread blessings.

It was a non-stop and very tiring weekend. I haven't fully recuperated yet, but fortunately, with Columbus Day I'll be able to get more rest.