Harbin Snow and Ice Festival

Donna · Joined: 14 Oct 2005 Posts: 827 Location: Oakland, CA

A friend (from Granville in Normandy) sent me this link. You will never believe what they have constructed here! Yes, I know they do something similar in Minnesota and Michigan, but this will knock your socks off! Shocked

http://www.rtoddking.com/chinawin2003_hb_if.htm

We hardly even get frost where I live!
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L'appetit vient en mangeant. -Rabelais

David · Posted: Thu Nov 22, 2007 5:17 pm Post subject:

Fabulous isn't it? Here in Ottawa we have an ice scupture contest with teams from around the world during our midwinter festival in February--but nothing comes near the Harbin works!! Oh, and just outside of Quebec City there is a hotel completely constructed of ice---needless to say it requires annual reconstructing! 2nd day of snow here in O-town!
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Vivant Linguae Mortuae!!

Donna · Joined: 14 Oct 2005 Posts: 827 Location: Oakland, CA

David, I know I would be aggravated about the second time I had to shovel the driveway, but I really miss snow! My émigré friends from the midwest and east coast say they would never go back to that cold, but I miss it! I love being outside and seeing your breath and coming in with a bright red nose and cheeks! I would love to go see this wonder, but going to Ottowa and Québec sounds like a great alternative! So much closer and I speak both languages there!
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L'appetit vient en mangeant. -Rabelais

gingerpale · Joined: 23 Jan 2006 Posts: 1324

Donna, are you aware of this place-- http://www.arctic-experience.co.uk/tour22w/ ??

A hotel of ice--including your bed !!

Thanks for showing us the Harbin photos..beautiful--doesn't look cold, does it?
I always get acclimated to cold weather just about the time spring arrives.

David · Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2007 5:18 pm Post subject:

Well that's one more language than I speak Donna! Needless to say you have a built in guide should you ever make it up this way!
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Vivant Linguae Mortuae!!

georgia · Joined: 16 May 2006 Posts: 456 Location: california

Thanks, Donna...that's extraordinary! I am unlikely to get to Harbin any time soon (i.e., in this lifetime...), but I HAVE been to Vieux Quebec for Winter Carnival in February a few years ago, and it was wonderful (even without David!). The town is lovely, the food is great, and even in February, they still had holiday wreaths on doors and twinkling lights everywhere. We stayed in a charming small hotel just down the block from the Chateau Frontenac where they asked us to leave our wet shoes at the door--but provided knitted booties for each hotel guest. A brief mid-winter holiday might be just the thing you need to satisfy your "snow cravings". Call me for details. (I miss it, too!)

I do love our northern neighbors and their beautiful country...

Donna · Joined: 14 Oct 2005 Posts: 827 Location: Oakland, CA

I have read about that ice hotel, but I promise you Sam will NEVER be there with me! The perennial question at my house is whether he will stay married to me through one more winter with my cold feet! Rolling Eyes

It's counter-intuitive, but even though I am so cold blooded, I really do enjoy cold weather! As long as I have my flannel jammies and my wool sweaters and a good cup of hot coffee, I will survive!

Thanks, Gingerpale, for the link!
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L'appetit vient en mangeant. -Rabelais

Rainey · Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2007 8:39 am Post subject:

I think I recognize the same ice sculptures from photo links David sent me last year.

Good things keep circulating. And thank goodness for them and for friends with sharp eyes for the interesting and uplifting! Wink

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God writes a lot of comedy... the trouble is, he's stuck with so many bad actors who don't know how to play funny. -- Garrison Keillor