Just last night I arrived back from Harbin and yes it was cold but also that did not even matter because I had so much fun while there. The trip was wild starting from the train ride over. We had all bought standing tickets, but when we arrived at the train station, I was the only one with a standing ticket. Here I was, my first time ever in a Chinese train station (minus a quick trip to Shanghai with a large group) and I was going to have to stand for eight hours straight. I quickly grabbed the bag of food because if I was going to have to stand I was going to have food. Luckily, we had bought three stools to take with us in preparation.
I arrive on the train and show the ticket lady my ticket. She was surprised to say the least and kept clarifying with me as she did not believe a foreigner would buy a standing ticket. Luckily, I was saved by a surprisingly empty train and was able to snag a seat next to my friend. Although the ride was not bad since I was sitting with plenty of space, it was still scary every time the ticket lady walked by because I was afraid she would tell me I would have to move.
Once there, it was late at night and we were all tired. But the craziness was not going to stop for some tired travelers. We get to the taxi center and nobody would take us foreigners. And when they would it would be exaggerated prices that our pride refused to let us take. After an hour of struggling to find other means of escaping this train station, we finally lucked out with a friendly security guard who forced a taxi driver to take us at a reasonable price. Honestly, I think he was just tired of seeing us walk around.
We arrived at our hostel, which was a super chill place, minus the lack of mattresses (they used a piece of wood instead). Not the worst first-time hostel experience, so I am not mad about that. They even helped us get a taxi to the train station when we left.
The first day in Harbin we met up with some friends from Harbin and then toured around main street. The city is a fascinating mix of Russian architecture with clear Chinese influence. The town is very close to the Russian border, so has been in the hand of Russia many times, and you can still see that in the town today. Although China makes sure it's known that this is a Chinese town by having a statue of Mao at every possible place. We walked around a lot and started buying some hand and feet warmers to prepare for the cold and long night we had ahead of us.
I was excited going up to the Ice and Snow Festival. I had read about this. I had heard about this. I had watched documentaries on this. And it was even better than I imagined. This was never on my bucket list, but now I would say it should be on everyone's. The festival was once of the top ten experiences of my traveling life. The ice sculptures were amazing and so detailed. My favorite one was the Buddha snow sculpture. We also got to sled down some ice and saw some penguins and wolves and moose. Nothing every got boring and I think I had my mouth open the entire time gawking.
The next day we woke up late in order to catch up on some lost sleep. We then went and walked on a frozen lake, which is unnatural feeling for a girl from the South. We also saw an old railroad bridge that was created by the Russians and then the Chinese rebuilt.
And don't worry, I won't leave out my food adventures either. I got to try the ice cream that Harbin is famous for. I bought a mango ice cream pop and it was super hard and dense and super creamy. I also tried bites of the red yam and original ice cream flavors.
After our snack we headed over to see an Orthodox church lit up for the night. Staring at it, I felt transported to Europe which is a weird feeling.
For dinner that night we gorged ourselves on sticks of meat that Harbin is yet again famous for. I got to try vocal cords from a pig, duck tongue, pig intestines, chicken fat cubed and grilled, lamb skewers, and seaweed salad. Can't say I enjoyed eating everything, but I am glad I tried it all. At the end of dinner our Chinese hosts gifted us with Russian chocolate and Harbin sausage. The chocolate I am delving into every Sunday (since lent won't let me eat chocolate for most the week). My family, especially my dad, will be happy however to hear that I will save the sausage to eat when I get back home. Also, partially because I have yet to figure out if there is beef in it and I am not going to waste it.
Tonight I cooked dinner for the first time since I arrived! I made 3 cup 4 flavor chicken soup, black bean noodles, and cauliflower. We also ate leftover eggplant. All were a hit, although the soup was a little sour.
With three more days left of break, who knows what else I will accomplish.
