This past week has been spent in subzero temperatures in two wonderful cities: Beijing and Shanghai. These two cities hold significant importance to Chinese people but also to me as some of my family members were born there.
The cold harsh winter was beautiful but left marks on all of us who visited it. My hands are extremely dry and I developed some rashes on the back of my hands from exposure to the cold air in spite of wearing thick gloves. I spent about a week combined in Shanghai and Beijing and it was a very productive, exhausting yet rewarding trip as always. We caught the first day of snow in over ten years in Shanghai and that was quite a sight to see. Shanghai is already very picturesque and a beautiful city but seeing it covered in white snow stirred a lot of emotions within me.
We shot four music videos during this trip, which was extremely demanding on the directors, their film crews as well as on all of us. Shooting in subzero temperatures can pose difficulties on your body as well as your emotional state. Having done Lasik eye surgery not too long ago, my eyes were quite prone to dryness and irritation caused by the freezing air outside, the heaters inside and the sun. Everybody was dressed in their warmest and most protective clothing wearing gloves, scarves and earmuffs. Of course, I had warm clothing on as well but once the director called out, “Roll…Go!” I had to take off my thick jacket to reveal whatever clothing and wardrobe I was wearing underneath. Thankfully, my wardrobe wasn't yet from the spring collection but some of it was thin considering how cold it was. It may be winter but nobody wants to look like a big bloated bear running around on camera!
I shouldn't complain because the female models, musicians and actresses who I had the pleasure of working with often wore much less than me and I'm sure they were freezing just as well. Again, once the director rolled camera everybody gave their warmest smile and best performance as if it wasn't minus 10 degrees.
Taipei, this week, has become quite cold as well and I hope all of you are keeping warm and staying dry from the occasional drizzle. My friends, whatever city you're in now please take care and don't forget to keep the families and victims of the tsunami disaster in your prayers.
