It is a dream job - well - except for the volunteer part.
OK, there's no money changing hands, but still, I am going to love being a docent (tour guide) for the upcoming Terra Cotta Warriors exhibit at National Geographic.
I am required to learn all about the individual pieces in the show, but will also be delving deep into the story of the first Emperor of China. I've read a lot, seen a couple of great Chinese movies about him, but for this show, since I'm allowed - encouraged even! - to be a know-it-all, I would like to actually BE a know it all, instead of bluffing, as I admit I sometimes do.
There is nothing my brain likes better than learning followed by time to think about it all. There's nothing my ego likes better than standing around lecturing about all the things I'm thinking about. I get to do both bits, plus this job will provide me with a captive audience. I've got it made!
BTW I'm not saying I don't love massage. I do, so so much. But the docent gig will be great fun, absolutely different, and will get me off the Hill every week. Oh yeah!
31 comments:
That sounds like great fun, Reya. I missed the Terra Cotta Warriors when they were out here, and that is one exhibit I would dearly love to have seen.
Congrats! I am so happy for you! What a great opportunity. I feel apart of your success as I kept spinning the energy out there for this to come into manifestation. Looking forward to reading about your experiences. The photos are very striking.
Are they in D.C.? I would SO LOVE to see them! I've always wanted to see them. Will you be allowed to take photos inside? Will you post, if you are?
Oh fun! Tell us, tell us, we're all attentively waiting for the story.
reya - that's so cool!!! remember when you were little and wondering what to say when someone asked you "what are you going to be when you grow up?" . . . how high up their foreheads would their eyebrows have gone if you'd answered "a docent at the terracotta warriors exhibit." ha! lovely lovely!! have a peaceful dc evening. steven
Oh what fun you are going to have! Can't wait to hear all about it! Will you be volunteering for the entire time the exhibit is there? How long?
oops, click "publish your comment" too soon!
LOVED the pics. Super cool!!
Thanks Ronda - I know your good energy helped. We had our first training today and it was really good. I always pick and fuss about teachers and trainings since I was a teacher for so many years, but I don't have a lot of criticism for the way the session was run today.
The pics were taken from inside a scrim that runs all the way around the building. Everything about this show is BIG. LOVE IT!!
And yes I'm going to blog about the show - if it looks like what I'm saying about the show makes it seem inviting, Nat Geo will link here.
I'll work one day a week throughout the show, starting Nov. 19 and running through March 31. So I'll have plenty of time to hang out with the dudes. I am SO excited!
I saw the warriors in Baltimore the last time they came through. They are hauntingly beautiful as guardians of the dead should be.
There are a lot of places you can docent including the National Gallery of Art, the Folger Shakespeare Library, the National Zoo. Docent away.
Also..seek her out. Merujo...D.C. Blogger...works for National Geographic.
http://www.merujo.com/
It seems like a position so very suited to you! You'll rock, I'm sure.
How wonderful for you! There will be a change of energy to dwell in while giving your lecture tours with tourists who will be drinking in all your descriptions. I look forward to your posts on this.
This sounds fun. I've had some great docent-led tours at the museums, and I imagine you'll be a superb docent!
What a fascinating exhibit--will look forward to learning more!
I'm thinking that Dr. M & I will have to take a trip to DC soon - we'll try not to heckle the docent!
What fun. These are fascinating figures. Not only in themselves but the whole history of why they came to be. Looking forward to your reports.
I believe that volunteering is the ultimate vocation. Sharing yourself, your experience and your passion with others is a great way to go through life. I believe that we get a lot more from volunteering than we give, and I would love to be able to join you as a docent at this exhibit. I have volunteered at museums and on Habitat for Humanity projects, and find it extremely rewarding. If I didn't have to rely on an income I would volunteer fulltime.
Reya, I raise my glass to you!
What an honor! Hey! You changed your header from this a.m. Love it!
I can't wait to hear how this goes! I think you'll be a FABULOUS docent!
I like to read and learn about things, too -- unfortunately I have a terrible memory and most of what goes in seems to disappear within about 48 hours. :)
I would love that job too. And what a fascinating subject!
Too bad about the (lack of) money; but money isn't everything (he said tongue in cheek).
Oh, and it almost doesn't need saying, but your photos were, as always, unique, imaginative and beautiful.
How totally cool, Reya!! Wow! This is a fascinating subject. I can't wait for you to learn and then, hopefully, teach us all about this incredible exhibit!
I have said this was something I'd like to see in my lifetime, but didn't have the stomach for the airplane to China. Now maybe I'll have to look into a DC visit! hmmmmmm, airfare.....hmmmm
What an incredible opportunity! As potters, we are in awe of the skill and spirit that went into this body of work
Lucky you! I have myself wanted to do a similar job (but paid) instead of my current one.
Have you read Annie Dillard's account of seeing those soldiers for the first time? I think it's in For The Time Being. Her description is amazing. Wish I could come hear you speak at the exhibit!
OMG, I am so happy for you. I wish I could afford to come out there and hear you tell us about the Warriors. I have seen stories about them on TV, but I am sure that it is nothing like seeing them in person.
I am looking forward to your posts about this. Those pictures were fantastic as always. You always see things in such an amazing way.
God bless.
Pauline no I haven't but I'll track it down. I am a huge Annie Dillard fan. How cool!
Chris: YES PLEASE COME TO DC!! The show is up till March 31 so you have time to plan and get a decent airfare. Would love to meet you when you're here.
Debra, not only the original potters, but the people who put the figures back together, are amazingly talented. Wow!!
Reya, that is so cool. I saw them in Xian, China standing in the excavation pit. I would really like my boys to see them too. We may have to come visit you.
Little do your tourist realize what is in store for them. Having the smart and witty Reya led them though a bit of Chinese history is a treat.
Wow Butternut, you saw them on their own landscape? WOWW!!! Would love to hear more about what that felt like. I read yesterday that the clay used to make them comes from the surrounding mountains, so they really are of that landscape.
Awwww -- MrsUpole I think you're awesome and great. Go ahead and tease me, that's fine with me.
Merle, love you. I do!
That's wonderful Reya!
I saw this exhibit in Orange County, CA, in 08, and loved every bit. Congrats on being a docent. I look forward to hearing more of your adventures.
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