This is part two in an ongoing travelogue. The author is a recent college grad, journeying through China for the first time. Experience the sights, smells, people and places of China through her writings.

From the Road: A Walk in the Park
April 13, 2004

Wow, talk about different! I could write volumes about all the new sights and (unfortunately) smells I have experienced since arriving in China. Exploring the 2km radius around my new home has provided more eye-opening experiences than I could have ever imagined. Not speaking the language has been a huge frustration, but the people here are incredibly patient with me. I have discovered that my masterful "charades" skills can overcome a plethora of language misunderstandings. Even if they don't help, at least I give everyone a good laugh.

One phrase I haven't yet been able to translate is "personal space." Although frustrating at times (like when people try to follow me into the squatty potty), the lack of personal space here has allowed me to get up close and personal with the people in my neighborhood. Actually, it would be better to say that they are getting up close and personal with me. But, I am finding that the more I allow them into my personal life, the more they open their lives, homes and families to me.

Close by is a large park, whose beautiful trees and flowers seem strangely out of place in this "concrete jungle." Each time I walk through the park, I receive a unique orientation to some of the daily activities and recreational pursuits of the local people.

My fellow walkers this morning were as varied as the cereal selections at your favorite American grocery store (one thing I miss dearly). A marathon runner breezed by a college student who was lost in a literature reading assignment. Children ran toward the playground equipment as parents tried fruitlessly to keep up. An elderly couple ambled along slowly to join their friends for a game of croquet. Most of their friends, however, were playing mahjong under the central pavilion (right next to the basketball court where the next Yao Ming was hooping it up with his classmates).

I wish my ears could have understood the myriad of conversations drifting through the air. Classmates taunted each other on the basketball court. An young man scolded his wife as she tried to fix his ruffled hair. Children squealed with joy as they slid down the big red slide one more time. Old men caught up on the latest news and gossip as they had every Saturday for years.

One of the most striking things I have learned about the Chinese is how much value they place on relationships. In America, when friends gather for a game of basketball, they come at a set time, play hard and then rush off to another activity. The Chinese seem to play, not only because they love the game, but simply because they enjoy each other's company. In this collectivist culture, an activity where you are with other people is almost always preferred over flying solo.

In stark contrast, I am finding it difficult to shed my individualistic mind set. As a fellow traveler told me, "Chinese culture isn't good. It isn't bad. It's just different." Different indeed, but fascinating all the same.

Well, I think I will head back down to the park for some more people watching. If I hurry I can join the group of middle-aged ladies who are about to begin their daily "Chinese line-dancing" practice. Wouldn't you like to see a picture of that!

Until next time,
Your friend in Asia