Our July 4 2016 visit with Auntie and her family and friends.

cul4u01

cul4u01

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Well, my family and I had the honor of visiting auntie on July 4, 2016, and were invited into her home as always, and had a small July 4th gathering with some of her family members, and friends.

I picked up several blades during my visit, which were the Thamar Tin Chirra, Kumar Mini Wajaski Sword, and Spear Vala. Auntie bestowed upon me a Kumar Manjushree Sword as a gift for my birthday, I was flabbergasted, and dumbfounded, I was totally speechless, the only thing I could do was give her the biggest hug, I've ever done in a very long time. It is truly a gift of such generosity, unknown in this day and age, and I will honor this gift for the rest of my natural life.

I will post pice of the blades in a few days, they were kind of thirsty, and are soaking in a bath of mineral oil as we speak.

BTW...before I forget, I didn't pick it up, because I totally forgot, but auntie let me hold a Pacthar blade, and let me tell you, it is a very special knife, even my wife liked it (????). It just moved to the top of my wish list. So very easy to use, versatile, and soooo well balanced.

Here is pic of me and BB's fighting sword, it's just awesome, BB is going to love it! I couldn't tear myself away from your pile buddy. The Liberty Series is to die for, I especially like the L-2 model.



Auntie and I with the Manjushree Sword that was gifted to me for my birthday!



L to R, Auntie's niece and eldest brother from the East Coast, family friend Betty, Auntie, and Randy



L to R

My family - wife, dad (3 years recovered from a major stroke), daughter, auntie, and my mother.



L to R

Auntie relative, Llama Llama, and Chokpa's husband



L to R

Auntie relative, my wife, Llama Llama, and myself



L to R

Eldest Brother, Pala, and auntie relative who had just arrived recently from Nepal



L to R

The sisters, Chokpa, auntie, and Kanchhi



Chokpa and her husband



Had a blast, and hope to see auntie during the winter, her relatives are getting into skiing and snowboarding, and I guess my daughter wants to join'em...:)

More blade pics forthcoming, I promise.



 
Absolutely awesome Cul! What a wonderful photo essay! I'm honored you and others were able to experience the fighting sword and Liberty Series. I must say that the FS looks good on you but, not quite as nice as your Manjushree! All I can say is WOW! You are blessed and Auntie is an Angel. I've said since I started here, you go out of your way to share your knowledge with others all you can. How appropriate to be bestowed with The Sword of Wisdom. Auntie doesn't miss a beat.
 
To be fair, I don't think I've seen a bad picture of anyone with the fighting sword, but I do have to agree that the Manjushree looks better on you. I have a Purna and love it, I'm sure the Kumar feels/is just as nice if not better! Congrats on that, and thanks for sharing all the pics!

PS: if there's any way I can get out west this winter, I'd love to try to ski with your and Auntie's families! Couldn't hurt to have a ski patroller around when you hit the slopes with some Jerrys :b
 
SingleGrind said:
PS: if there's any way I can get out west this winter, I'd love to try to ski with your and Auntie's families! Couldn't hurt to have a ski patroller around when you hit the slopes with some Jerrys :b
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I do hope you make it out here, let me know if you do, and we can try to coordinate our calendars for your visit.
 
Looks like SOMEONE had a particularly good time. Hope you weren't forced to over eat! ;)
 
Another visit where it looks like everyone had a great time. So many shiny sparkly things in the pictures, even the ones without blades... all those SMILES!!! :D I think that Auntie's presence as well as her Family and the massive quantity of blades there kind of bends reality in that area so you can't do anything BUT smile when you are there. After all, for us forum members, this IS the center of the Universe.

Bac Si, you know no one is every "forced" to over eat. It just sort of happens LOL. The food is so yummy and just there and you don't want to offend anyone and it just happens.
 
Bookie said:
Looks like SOMEONE had a particularly good time. Hope you weren't forced to over eat! ;)
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Shavru said:
Another visit where it looks like everyone had a great time. So many shiny sparkly things in the pictures, even the ones without blades... all those SMILES!!! :D I think that Auntie's presence as well as her Family and the massive quantity of blades there kind of bends reality in that area so you can't do anything BUT smile when you are there. After all, for us forum members, this IS the center of the Universe.

Bac Si, you know no one is every "forced" to over eat. It just sort of happens LOL. The food is so yummy and just there and you don't want to offend anyone and it just happens.
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Shavru is correct, they never force us to eat, but it happens, and it's easy to do, when talking and having fun while eating.
 
I don't now about that. Chokpa doesn't take no for an answer to easy.

Last year it was like as soon as the plate was half empty she was there refilling.

She kept showing up with beer already open. I told her I'm not much of a beer drinker and I had a very long drive next day. After about 6 I told her anymore will be waste, I can not drink anymore.

This year I declined the beer from the start so she tricked me and had Pemba bring it.

They all want to wait on you and very giving people every one of them. I'm not worthy of that. I so wish I could turn the tables and wait on them. They are worthy of it.
 
I know, Kanchhi and Chokpa were moving like greased lightning everywhere, they are fantastic hostesses. They really doted on my daughter, and she really enjoyed that, because we have been trying to have her fend for herself a bit. If auntie and her sisters are ever able to make it to my neck of the Bay Area, I would love to return the favor, and let them enjoy being pampered a bit.
 
LOL! Refilling a plate isn't forcing. See this is one of those culture anomalies that can get an unaware person in trouble. Cul will understand the incident I am about to relate.

It was the early 90s. I had an opportunity to visit an artist that I was arranging a US West Coast showing for. He was living in the suburbs of Xi'an China at the time. This was my first time staying at a home when I was in China, until that time I had always stayed in hotels and eaten in restaurants where abominations against their cultural norms were overlooked because they expected VERY little sophistication from a mei guo jun ren (American Soldier) Now however, I was staying and even EATING in his home with his mother and brother as well. So I did a huge amount of research to learn all the way not to offend my hostess for months before my trip.

Remember not many Americans traveled to China during that time in history and almost no one seemed to stay in a private home, so there wasn't much info available but one of the things I found is that one of the worst things you can do is clean your plate completely. It implies they are unable to provide enough food for you (something I NEVER experienced while there. In fact I probably ate more food each meal than I usually ate for the entire day trying to avoid accidentally insulting anyone.) The proper thing is to leave a small bit of rice in the bottom of your bowl and the last bite of the main dishes in the serving bowls. I managed to avoid the standard offenses. Not spiking the chopsticks upright in the rice, never tapping the bowl with the chopsticks, but tapping the table when you are served tea, not presenting flowers to my hostess, avoiding the number 4 in ANY situation and many many others. BUT the thing that messed me up was when I left a chicken bone in my bowl. I should have set it on the table to the side of my place as the hostess had not provided a special bowl for the bones. :( All the things I got right and I get caught by just one, at least that I know of LOL could have been comparing me to a heathen after I left for all I know.
 
LMAO Shavru...you get an ACE! Right on all the accounts, excellent manners, my grandparents would've loved you!
 
Dai Uy, I WAS forced to eat because the first round (which i thought was supper) was only the appetizer! When supper arrived I was happily full and when I said so, my very life flashed in front of my eyes. Bawanna was kicking me under the table, whispering Eat! Eat! Chokpa told me I was really hungry. Mrs. Martino told me I was hungry. Little Stevie then got up, walked to the kitchen, and loaded up (and forgoed eating the entire next day)! Lama patted me on the back when I sat back down, smiled and said Enjoy!

I admit that I truly did enjoy, though.
 
I admit I did some studying, a lot to make sure I didn't offend anybody. I was happily relieved that I don't think we offended and Auntie and family are very easy going.
I was nervous as heck on our very first visit which was quite short. Outside for me since there were stairs. But Auntie waved aside the namaste, shook my hand and then gave me a hug. I knew then and there that we were gonna get along just fine and dandy despite my lack of refinement and infirmities.
I was semi nervous this time getting to meet Kami Sherpa but he reacted exactly as Yangdu did and we were treated like long lost friends. Felt really really good. I got nothing but admiration and respect for the whole family.

Irene also quietly reminded me that the first plate was just a snack, supper was later. I guess I failed Bookie and didn't let him in on the deal but he did absolutely fine for a fella from Corn Patch I reckon.
 
Bookie said:
Dai Uy, I WAS forced to eat because the first round (which i thought was supper) was only the appetizer! When supper arrived I was happily full and when I said so, my very life flashed in front of my eyes. Bawanna was kicking me under the table, whispering Eat! Eat! Chokpa told me I was really hungry. Mrs. Martino told me I was hungry. Little Stevie then got up, walked to the kitchen, and loaded up (and forgoed eating the entire next day)! Lama patted me on the back when I sat back down, smiled and said Enjoy!

I admit that I truly did enjoy, though.
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Bawanna said:
I admit I did some studying, a lot to make sure I didn't offend anybody. I was happily relieved that I don't think we offended and Auntie and family are very easy going.
I was nervous as heck on our very first visit which was quite short. Outside for me since there were stairs. But Auntie waved aside the namaste, shook my hand and then gave me a hug. I knew then and there that we were gonna get along just fine and dandy despite my lack of refinement and infirmities.
I was semi nervous this time getting to meet Kami Sherpa but he reacted exactly as Yangdu did and we were treated like long lost friends. Felt really really good. I got nothing but admiration and respect for the whole family.

Irene also quietly reminded me that the first plate was just a snack, supper was later. I guess I failed Bookie and didn't let him in on the deal but he did absolutely fine for a fella from Corn Patch I reckon.
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They absolutely love and adore you and your wives, you have nothing to worry about. In fact, auntie's whole family and their friends are so laid back, worrying and being nervous, is almost just a waste of time, energy, and brain power. They are the nicest people around, and I am glad that we've had the opportunity to meet them in person.
 
LoL Bac Si, now I understand what you meant I apologize. You were indeed obligated to struggle through that second plate :D Sounds like other than the quantity being a challenge that it was not an onerous obligation though. I am always fascinated with etiquette variations around the world. My start trying to not insult my Chinese Hostess led me to enjoy my trip even more than previous ones and ever since I have always found it fascinating to learn all I can about good manners in every culture I have visited. It is interesting how many similarities there are in general, and then there are the unique variations and frequently the historic "reason" for a particular act. For instance, the Chinese one of leaving food so as not to insult the Hostess. Or Tapping on the table when served Tea in China. That one traces it's origins to a retainer not being allowed to bow to a royal that was "undercover" and served him tea. Or the origins of the Kosher meals in Judaism, or the reason why no Japanese girl would go to the restroom by herself and when riding a train if the person next to you falls asleep with their head on your shoulder well, just ignore it LOL after all they probably just finished working a ridiculous schedule and has a very long commute. Or why Poles celebrate Name days with FAR more vigor than birthdays. Or why in Morocco handholding is only seen as a platonic gesture between the same sexes NEVER a man and a woman, even if they are married. Yep, I LOVE finding out about different cultures and how similar they are and where they differ why? and.. well heck it is just plain FUN for me.
 
Here's some pics of the Manjushree Sword. 28" and 43 oz. It's a little on the short side, but it is extremely well balanced, just the way I like it.

The beautifully carved handle







Love them fullers and the double sided blade edge s







I'll try to take better pics with natural light, if the sun ever comes out tomorrow!
 
Hey great pics and story cul! That manjushree sword is something else. Really spectacular!
 
Exceptional Manjushree. I think the way those fullers flare just above the ricasso is gorgeous. And with that size and you say it is balanced? Wow, I bet it is fast or the wide shape. Might be a good blade to use for Western style Martial Arts. I think it reminds me of a much improved upon Celtic length/weight.
 
Shavru said:
Exceptional Manjushree. I think the way those fullers flare just above the ricasso is gorgeous. And with that size and you say it is balanced? Wow, I bet it is fast or the wide shape. Might be a good blade to use for Western style Martial Arts. I think it reminds me of a much improved upon Celtic length/weight.
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With the short but rather broad blade, and the prominent pommel, it does bear some resemblance to a Gladius, specifically the later Pompeian style. It does also have some Celtic or Northern European to it, but of course it is a unique blade that happens to have some vague similarities to some Western blades.
 
re:eating customs. not so different i think.

i recall someone telling me about a visit to a friend in china who was presented with a large eel as the main course, as an american he ate the whole thing in respect even tho he was full well before the end. the host then proceeded to bring him another plate with TWO eels on it as by eating everything on his plate, he showed he was still hungry. i recall my mother telling me to finish everything while reminding me there were starving children in china.

i have an italian 'uncle' - he married my mom's cousin from germany, we attended a dinner party at his father's house in queens, ny. long table with about 20 people each side, they brought out appetisers & antipasta, (and home made chianti wine, i was about 14 & had wine too) then a giant pot full of spaghetti and another with the meatballs and tomato sauce. i was dished out a large bowl of it. and ate it all up to avoid being told about the starving children in europe. i was immediately served another bowl of pasta as i was obviously still hungry. then the brought out the main courses. and the desserts. and more wine. and snacks. and...
 
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