TRUTH IS STRANGER THAN FICTION
Last Thursday, the owner of Yiyang Inc casually invited the Cornell SMART team to a bridal reception dinner for the daughter of his friend. The event took place in what used to be a seafood warehouse owned by the father of the bride. The warehouse was partially demolished--the local government had purchased it as part of a redevelopment initiative--giving the event an open air feel as parts of the exterior walls were missing.
When we arrived we were greeted by stares from the 200+ guests. We were the only foreigners in attendance. We were also the only people wearing formal business attire. No one was dressed up. The groom was wearing a black and neon nike hoodie.
We took our seats at a table at the far end of the warehouse that had a view of the production facilities on the floor below. Our table had some hors d'oeuvres, wine, and cognac on a lazy susan. Shortly after we arrived waiters began to serve dinner--10 courses of the freshest seafood I have ever had. Throughout the meal we were approached by other guests who wanted to toast with us, play drinking games with us, or offer us cigarettes. Most guests fled the reception promptly after dessert was served.
A few days later we were told that our presence at the wedding really got the wheels of the rumor mill going. The owner of Yiyang overheard people at other tables speculating that we were doing business with the father of the bride and that he was now exporting seafood abroad.
I think the tradition of wedding in Quanzhou is different from in Guangzhou, each of you would at least have to drink 20 glasses of alcohol if there was over 200 guests here in GZ. Probably more cuz you look different haha!! :P
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