We set out to create memories, and experience the true essence of China. We did not crunch on fried sea horses, or fried silkworms, however we ate a lot of rice even for breakfast: Memorable.
Attempting to speak Chinese with the right ethnic tone, using deliberate drawls when saying "dui, dui" (o.k. or right) as "dweai" and addressing our Papa as "Ya Ya" (grandfather): Memorable.
Looking for roadsigns and advertisements meant to be Western English but more like "Chinglish" - noticing the errors. Learning that the advertisement of "Western Food" really meant that the only thing Western about it was the name. Memorable.
Walking the noisy winding streets of Hou Hia at night or taking a Rickshaw ride: Memorable.
Learning to walk a hundred miles a day - or almost! Memorable.
Realizing that OSHA does not exist here - yet. Memorable.
That bamboo - is still used in building: Memorable.
The crazy traffic, and crowded streets: Memorable.
Seeing the farmers plant vegetables anywhere, including along the sidewalk and up the stairs. Memorable.
But ultimately, it is the people that we will remember.
The local framer and his horse drawn cart that came by the house each day.
The milk man who pulled his ice box by bicycle to deliver the days milk.
The Farmers in their fields and rice patties.
The white gloved guard who stood at attention outside our complex throughout the day - emotionless by daylight, smiling at dusk, and quietly snoozing at midnight.
The food stall vendors selling deep fried beetles and corn on the cob.
The children eating "Green Pea" Popsicles, or "Corn" Popsicles.
The handicap boy who came by the house to collect all of the recyclables.
The children who want their pictures with our children.
Each of these individuals that we met never failed to engage us in their life story. Each of the million faces we saw daily had a story, a dream.
They love life, even the hardship of it. The people of Beijing take it all with stride, enduring through the tremendous change Beijing is experiencing as the "new" replaces the "old". However, one thing that seems to remain even with all of the change is a sense of community. A sense of who they are -a respect for people and land.
It is said to understand your own world, you must immerse yourself in another. This past time in China has provided me with insight into who we are as Americans - the good, the bad, the hope and the dream. There are times that I look around at our own country and I see the sense of community fading away as we race towards the capitalist goal to thrive and survive in a global economy. I hope we always remember our roots, the men and women who gave us the freedoms we have today - and I pray that we do not give up all of our rights in the name of national security.
1 comment:
Keep writing even though your back in the states. You are good at it :-)
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