Rachelle Felzien

Rachelle Felzien, from Michigan, sought language and adventure in Northeast China for a year a half after graduating

Posts by Rachelle Felzien

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Carving the Butcher

Thanksgiving in Harbin – by Rachelle Felzien

A VERSION OF THIS STORY FIRST APPEARED IN FAR ENOUGH EAST

 

It was my first Thanksgiving in China, and in Harbin winter had just begun to hit full stride. At Wal-Mart, they had roast turkey on special and seasonal decorations taped to the glass of the deli display cases – Precious Moments-style pilgrims alongside piles of vegetables and fried silkworms.

Browsing in the bakery aisles, I was jolted by a tremendous kerfuffle at a nearby butcher’s stand, where a crowd was quickly gathering. All background activity fell to silence as onlookers settled into place, but my view was maddeningly obscured. I moved in closer to try and see.

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