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Today was a day filled with new wonders. We went to Tiananmen Square, which holds much cultural and emotional meaning for people of China. Peter - my favorite tour guide - mentioned many times how this was where the People's Republic of China was declared to the world. They (the Chinese) are a humble but proud people. Today I visited Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and did some shopping at the Silk Alley. I could give you a run down of facts and figures I have learned but you can read that for yourselves. What I have been trying to really look at are the people. This is a Country full of traditions that Americans can't begin to imagine. We met students on the street today (Amy & Sam), Art students trying to sell their paintings, but they were also happy to chat a while and practice their English. It was amazing how much history they know and can repeat back with not only accuracy but also enthusiasm and pride. This Country is so old - compared to America at least - and they have a sense of culture I have only read and seen in movies and books. It is
quite beautiful, and I must admit that I am a little embarassed at how little I can recall of American history. Somehow the traditions and history have not been passed down in the same way for me. There is meaning in everything here. Every color of paint and placement of beams. In every stone and nail and doorknob. Everything is important in ints own way. Each person and thing has a set role that they are proud to serve in. And yet, in many ways, they are just people. As we walked with our tour through the Forbidden City, I could not help but notice the similiarities, in spite of the many differences. Grandparents doting on their gradnchildren, a group of giggling teenage girls rushing by, babies crying, and parents trying to comfort them...if my eyes were closed, it could have almost been home.
It is interesting too how Beijing is preparing for the Olympic Games. It is interesting as we go through towm that the city is in the midst of a total makeover. Everywhere you look there are piles of rubble from buildings being torn down. In between two luxury stores is a lot full of shacks
with laundry strung outside to dry. Signs of change are all around but I wonder if anyone knows or cares what direction that change is going? I took a walk this morning and ventured out of 'tourist area' with the art students we met and was interested to see the demolition of the 'old Beijing' up close. I asked about this demolition (it is everywhere) and the students were somewhat concerned, though also very accepting. "This is the demolition of the Old World by the government in order to prepare for the Games" is what they said. There was no bitterness. No sadness really. Just an understanding that life is a circle and that this was the next 'spring of Beijing' the new beginning.
Speaking of new beginnings, tonight dinner was held at a private, and very traditional, Chinese club. This was held in an old 'Water Well' (I can't remember the Chinese phrase for that) district, of which there are only three now preserved in the Beijing area. We arrived on a bus and followed a guide through a maze of doors and courtyards until we arrived at our destination. For this occasion, tradidtional caligraphers, palm readers, and
fortune tellers had been brought in to entertain us, as well as musicians and dancers. I had never had my fortune told before, as I do not really hold nuch stock in such things. Generally speaking I am far to practical for that. However, for tonight I decided why not? When in Rome, yes? So I had my palm read by a very old Chinese man..and here is what he siad (via translator) 'I am kind, charming, and intelligent (well, okay, who can argue with that?). He also accurately 'read' my blood type. He advised that I should not get lazy in my work and that I also am at a new beginning in my life. So... I guess I'll take that. 😊
Tomorrow I am off to the Great Wall. It is also my last day in Beijing. Then I am off to Shanghai. I hope this posting was not too difficult to read. I am keeping a written journal so that I don't forget things but am too tired to put anything too complex down tonight. Maybe in the morning.
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Pete
non-member comment
no Starbucks!!!!
Hey you - I was thinking the same thing last night, "where are you going to get your coffee"? Very nice pictures. They are NG quality I think. You said the weather was hot? It looks like lots of over cast skies - pollution or clouds? Don't forget to put YOU in the pictures. I think that would be nice. be safe, Pete