u/jun_8070

The Western lands are stranger than the old chronicles suggest. I arrived at a gathering they call a "Faire" — a word that sounds nothing like "market" yet somehow functions as one. The locals wear simple vestments and speak in vulgar tongues.

I sampled a beverage they name "beer." It is cold, bitter, and bubbles upon the tongue like medicine — yet they consume it with great joy. It lacks the dignity of tea, though it seems to serve a similar purpose.

Most curious — upon my approach, common Western folk have raised their hands and bowed before me. It seems even in the West they show reverence to the Great Ming Dynasty. I did not correct them, as bowing before a Mandarin is to bow before he Emperor. Who am I to rob the peasants of their unexpected piety?

I shall investigate further. For now, I bring back my observations... And a strange thirst.

(Photo credit to my good friend who also joined me at the faire!)

Been a while since I've done anything for my hanfu collection, so I thought I'd do the least and wear it in public again. The fit is inspired by a late Ming dynasty painting, which I've shared before. The main components include: 贴里 tieli (blue robe), 战裙 zhan qun (war skirt), 大帽 damao (large hat).

The bow I'm using is my new Alibow Ming Dashao, which was the bow of choice for the Northern border troops in the late Ming. I always try my best to arrange my outfit (and tools) to be time period appropriate within my limited budget.

Ideally when I go back to China, I'll purchase something more casual to do archery in, but for now I still really enjoy this outfit. Also doesn't help that the current state of US/China relations isn't great, so it's expensive asf to import anything.

Hat and war skirt are made by 捧日虎骑 and tieli is made by 空青汉服, all via taobao.