dumpling day

a cook at vat of boiling water,
she throws dumplings and greens in

Today is the day to eat dumplings, my students tell me, because it's the start of winter, according to the lunar calendar.  Eating dumplings is part of The Dongzhi Festival or Winter Solstice, a tradition from northern China, the home of some of my students.

All I could think about was racing back to my apartment, hoping I had Internet, desperate for election results.  Yes, it's possible and necessary to pray for Internet.  Prayers and Internet were postponed for dumplings, the Chinese equivalent of fast food.

waiting for a table, with some of my students

more of my students

Since all students and most of the faculty live on campus, there are many little restaurants scattered all over the campus, and the students know which ones are good.  I eat with students several time a week, either for lunch or dinner, on or off campus.  It's great for me to learn more culture and food names, and it's good English practice for them.

jiaozi, cost about $1.25 

dipping sauce

another view of the kitchen

Finally, back to my apartment for the no-classes, nearly 3 hour daily rest break: 11:40-2:30, I get on the Internet, and I am beyond happy to see the Luna laws go down.  Thank you Idaho!  

Another traditional food for this time of year: rice balls.  I have a hard time getting past the slimy texture; they make me gag.