After flying into Jinan, we had a bus waiting to take us to the convention center and hotel. The bus driver took us on the long and scenic route to the hotel because I’m guessing he was proud of his town and wanted us to see it. When we arrived at the hotel, we had plenty of people there to greet us, including our individual interpreters.
Because the convention started the next day, some areas were still getting set up.
After getting checked in, we had a traditional chinese lunch waiting for us…
After eating, David Trust (the CEO of the PPA), Ron Nichols (the President of the PPA) and I went to be interviewed by the media. There was a room full of people from newspapers, magazines, radio and TV — all asking us questions through an interpreter. It was very fun to be apart of the media interviews and to be addressed as “the Master Photographer from America!”
Afterward, the people from the press wanted to be photographed with us. Here is one photo with someone from a magaizne (below).
That night we had a formal dinner with the Governor of the region. The sign behind me reads “Welcome party for friends from far.” At the head table beneath the sign is Ron Nichols (PPA President) eating with the Governor.
It was very fun to attend such an event and I was excited to wear one of my new suits too! This is the first suit, a pin striped suit. I’m also wearing one of my custom shirts too — a polka-dot white shirt. The medals around my neck are my photographic credentials (Master / Craftsman) that are supposed to be worn at photographic events.
The dinner was really good and we were fed some very interesting foods, many of which I had never seen before. My interpreter told me that many of the foods we were given were specialties and are rarely served except at special events. He told me that it was a real honor to be given such delicacies. I’m an adventurous eater but had never seen some of the sea urchins and creatures that they had prepared for us. I ate them all and was very pleased!
After dinner, we were rushed off to see an acrobatic opera in downtown Jinan. Our host had made arrangements for us and it was absolutely spectacular!
These performers were incredible! The colors and costumes were amazing, and they did the most amazing stunts!
It was a great first day in Jinan and I felt very pampered and welcomed by my Chinese hosts! I went to bed excited for the next day!
More on Jinan in the next post….
hey bryan.. very cool man! that cab image is fun. looking forward to hanging in austin