Well, I'm going to try covering like an entire week plus the first two days being in ZhenJiang (镇江）which have been an adventure in and of themselves. I'll probably do it in multiple posts since there's a lot of stuff to cover. By the way, since part of the reason I'm here is to improve my Chinese, I'll be trying to put in the Chinese names of places and things- though since I'm in China I'll be using Simplified Chinese instead of Traditional Chinese like they use in Taiwan (台湾).
On Monday (February 23) we got to go to Tiananmen Square (天安门广场), the Forbidden City （紫禁城), Jingshan Park (景山公园), the Pearl Market （红桥市场), and an Acrobatic Show. In the morning, we got up to go to Tiananmen Square (天安门广场）which in and of itself wasn't extraordinarily exciting. We didn't really feel like seeing Chairman Mao (毛主席) encased in a glass coffin, so we just walked the square to the other side and waited for the time that the group was all meeting up. While we waited, we got to see so many different people come and go; some stared at us, some ignored us, and some came up to get their pictures with us. It was actually really cool not feeling like we had to try seeing everything because we got to just enjoy being there and really think back on the history of the place. I tried picturing what it may have looked like before the Communist Party took over, back when Imperial China was blossoming and what kind of traditions there would have been. Obviously, it was a bit difficult since everything is built up so much, but it was really cool to think about.
When we finally went into the Forbidden City Kirsten and I decided to take the side path since the main area was super crowded. It was really neat getting to look in old, dirty windows and seeing places that people may have sat or lived in. On our way, we came across a little boy and a little girl who were dressed up in the old traditional dress. We said to each other that we really wanted a picture of them. Happily, as we came closer, their fathers saw us and wanted the kids to take a picture with us. So after several pictures of us with the kids, and then some with the mothers, and some with the fathers, we walked on our way. It was a good reminder to us that although all of the people there were Chinese, a large majority were probably tourists just like us, we just happen to stick out a bit more.
Kirsten happens to be really into traditional Chinese history, so we both really enjoyed trying to picture ourselves back in those times and seeing servants and eunuchs going from building to building. By the time we reached the end, we had seen a lot of different buildings and also saw a lot that had been turned into souvenir shops and bathrooms. We had to wait for 30-60 minutes before the group was supposed to meet, so we sat in some benches in the sun (since the ones in the sun were about 5-7 degrees warmer than the others). As we sat there, the Chinese people around us just kept looking, but when we would look back they would quickly turn away as though they had just been caught doing something they shouldn't. After a bit some guys came by and sat a seat over from me. They were posing for a picture, acting as if it was just them, but the one guy said "Take a picture of me with the beautiful girls" not realizing that we actually understood what he said. We decided to just let them do as they wanted. Sometimes I just feel lazy (I'm not sure if lazy is quite the right word, but it's the one that comes to mind) and don't feel like talking to everyone. This would not have been okay on my mission. :)
As the group arrived, there were bunches here and there. Some were taking pictures with tons of Chinese people, others just sat down and hung out for a bit (though they probably had their pictures taken unknowingly). Most then went to JingShan Park and were able to look over the Forbidden City. We were super lucky because the sky was blue the whole time we were there, which is extremely rare, especially in Beijing.
After JingShan Park, we went to the Pearl Market so people could try bargaining-- it was actually open this time! Before everyone dispersed, Jacob told them that if they wanted help getting back home that I would be at the front to wait for everyone (he did ask if I'd be willing to do it). Normally I really don't mind doing what I can to help out, and even in this case I didn't mind helping out; however, he gave them 3 hours to shop. Neither Kirsten nor I were really in the mood for bargaining (when you're not in the mood, it's really hard to bargain for a good price), so we got food, sat, talked, and waited for 3 hours. It was quite a long wait, but I'm glad that I could help Jacob out. Being a mentor I've gotten a little taste of what Jacob has to deal with and I really don't envy him. Everyone looks to him to solve their problems, lead them where they need to go, and just figure out everything. I really admire him for being so willing to help so many teachers come to China and experience this life. In all honesty, Jacob is an amazing person and I'm lucky to get to know and work with him.
Okay, anyway, on to the acrobatics show! I've seen some amazing acrobatic shows back in the US (at BYU, especially), so I felt like I kind of knew what to expect. In fact, I did know a lot of the tricks and stunts that they did during the show, but there were still plenty of surprises. For instance, they had what looked like 2 hamster wheels with a guy in each one and the wheels themselves would turn as well as the whole thing would go around. One of the guys got on the outside and would jump and pretend to wobble just to make the audience gasp (or scream, as some were prone to do). Another one that I hadn't seen before started out with a guy and a metal cage in the shape of a ball. Basically, he went inside and rode sideways, then started going around from the bottom to the top. Then another motorcycle came, and another, and another, and another. By the end there were 7 (I think) all in the cage riding around and barely missing each other as they went around. That one did make me shrink in my seat a bit. I mean, I know that they practice these things over and over but it just takes one little mistake and there could be a serious injury, so I was a bit worried for their safety, even though I probably didn't need to be. Oh, so during the show I sat next to Brad who had seen it many times before (apparently it's almost exactly the same every time) and he seemed more amused by the reactions of the audience, which makes sense for someone who has seen the same show over and over again.
Well, that was essentially Monday. Yup.
Tuesday we got to get on a bus with our wonderful tour guide, Clemet, and visit the Jade Factory (玉器厂), Ming Tombs (十三陵), and the MuTianYu (慕田峪) section of the Great Wall (长城). The Jade Factory was really cool because we got to see a couple people actually working with the jade as well as see some amazing finished pieces. The Ming Tombs were fun as well because we went to the ghost world and on the way back as we went through the door we had to say "我回来了" (I've come back). We had to say it in Chinese so that the ghosts of the past emperors could understand what we said. It's really kind of fun doing the little things that other Chinese would do, even if they do seem a bit silly at times. I guess to me it's the little things that help me understand the Chinese people a little better. Of course I'll never be able to truly understand everything, but I can get just a bit closer to understanding each day. Actually it makes me think of the Chinese character for repentance 悔改 which when broken down essentially says 'heart every day change'. I think that if I can change myself just a little everyday to become better, I can also change myself a little everyday to better understand and accept the people and culture that I love so much.
If you haven't noticed by now, when I'm writing, I tend to just put down what I'm thinking which can often be rather random. So, I hope you don't mind when I go off onto random tangents. Anyway, when we finished with the tombs, we went up to the Great Wall. Most everyone decided to take the cable car up (MUCH better than trying to hike up) and the toboggan down! Being on the Great Wall was really cool, though we kept mentioning to each other how we were currently walking on top of thousands of bodies that had been buried under the wall. That was a rather sad thought, but it really is amazing what the hard work and sweat of all those people was able to accomplish. I mean, the fact that it is in as good of shape as it is so many years later is truly amazing. Beyond that, just being on the wall gave me a sense of awe and wonder. Looking out at the little villages nestled in the mountains, I just felt peace and I was happy to just soak up the moment. Some try to go see places that people haven't been on, or areas that are more difficult to get to (aka up TONS of steep stairs- we saw the stairs and decided we didn't want to climb them). Anyway, when it was time to go down we got on the toboggan. It was SO much fun. I was a bit wary at first because I didn't know how well they worked or whatever, but mine was prone to getting stuck on the more flat areas. Once I finally got past those I was able to pick up only so much speed before having to slow down again so I wouldn't hit the person in front of me. The ride back to the hostel after that was great-- everyone sang karaoke. Well, I didn't, and there were a few others that didn't actually sing, but it was a lot of fun singing along with the songs I knew and just watching the others perform. I guess I could've gone up to sing, but I couldn't remember all the lyrics to any fun popular songs. I could remember some musical songs or choral pieces, but I guess you can say they just didn't quite fit the mood.
Oh, and we've actually gone to a few restaurants that had some really good food. I was really excited about those places. Also, eating with Richard (Brad's Chinese friend) was absolutely hilarious. We ended up talking about a Chinese phrase that's kind of like slang and yeah, it's hard to explain the humor, but he's a really funny guy- I'm glad he's come along for the Beijing trip.
Okay, so that's probably going to be it for this post. I'll get the next couple days in my next post.
再见！
On Monday (February 23) we got to go to Tiananmen Square (天安门广场), the Forbidden City （紫禁城), Jingshan Park (景山公园), the Pearl Market （红桥市场), and an Acrobatic Show. In the morning, we got up to go to Tiananmen Square (天安门广场）which in and of itself wasn't extraordinarily exciting. We didn't really feel like seeing Chairman Mao (毛主席) encased in a glass coffin, so we just walked the square to the other side and waited for the time that the group was all meeting up. While we waited, we got to see so many different people come and go; some stared at us, some ignored us, and some came up to get their pictures with us. It was actually really cool not feeling like we had to try seeing everything because we got to just enjoy being there and really think back on the history of the place. I tried picturing what it may have looked like before the Communist Party took over, back when Imperial China was blossoming and what kind of traditions there would have been. Obviously, it was a bit difficult since everything is built up so much, but it was really cool to think about.
When we finally went into the Forbidden City Kirsten and I decided to take the side path since the main area was super crowded. It was really neat getting to look in old, dirty windows and seeing places that people may have sat or lived in. On our way, we came across a little boy and a little girl who were dressed up in the old traditional dress. We said to each other that we really wanted a picture of them. Happily, as we came closer, their fathers saw us and wanted the kids to take a picture with us. So after several pictures of us with the kids, and then some with the mothers, and some with the fathers, we walked on our way. It was a good reminder to us that although all of the people there were Chinese, a large majority were probably tourists just like us, we just happen to stick out a bit more.
Kirsten happens to be really into traditional Chinese history, so we both really enjoyed trying to picture ourselves back in those times and seeing servants and eunuchs going from building to building. By the time we reached the end, we had seen a lot of different buildings and also saw a lot that had been turned into souvenir shops and bathrooms. We had to wait for 30-60 minutes before the group was supposed to meet, so we sat in some benches in the sun (since the ones in the sun were about 5-7 degrees warmer than the others). As we sat there, the Chinese people around us just kept looking, but when we would look back they would quickly turn away as though they had just been caught doing something they shouldn't. After a bit some guys came by and sat a seat over from me. They were posing for a picture, acting as if it was just them, but the one guy said "Take a picture of me with the beautiful girls" not realizing that we actually understood what he said. We decided to just let them do as they wanted. Sometimes I just feel lazy (I'm not sure if lazy is quite the right word, but it's the one that comes to mind) and don't feel like talking to everyone. This would not have been okay on my mission. :)
As the group arrived, there were bunches here and there. Some were taking pictures with tons of Chinese people, others just sat down and hung out for a bit (though they probably had their pictures taken unknowingly). Most then went to JingShan Park and were able to look over the Forbidden City. We were super lucky because the sky was blue the whole time we were there, which is extremely rare, especially in Beijing.
After JingShan Park, we went to the Pearl Market so people could try bargaining-- it was actually open this time! Before everyone dispersed, Jacob told them that if they wanted help getting back home that I would be at the front to wait for everyone (he did ask if I'd be willing to do it). Normally I really don't mind doing what I can to help out, and even in this case I didn't mind helping out; however, he gave them 3 hours to shop. Neither Kirsten nor I were really in the mood for bargaining (when you're not in the mood, it's really hard to bargain for a good price), so we got food, sat, talked, and waited for 3 hours. It was quite a long wait, but I'm glad that I could help Jacob out. Being a mentor I've gotten a little taste of what Jacob has to deal with and I really don't envy him. Everyone looks to him to solve their problems, lead them where they need to go, and just figure out everything. I really admire him for being so willing to help so many teachers come to China and experience this life. In all honesty, Jacob is an amazing person and I'm lucky to get to know and work with him.
Okay, anyway, on to the acrobatics show! I've seen some amazing acrobatic shows back in the US (at BYU, especially), so I felt like I kind of knew what to expect. In fact, I did know a lot of the tricks and stunts that they did during the show, but there were still plenty of surprises. For instance, they had what looked like 2 hamster wheels with a guy in each one and the wheels themselves would turn as well as the whole thing would go around. One of the guys got on the outside and would jump and pretend to wobble just to make the audience gasp (or scream, as some were prone to do). Another one that I hadn't seen before started out with a guy and a metal cage in the shape of a ball. Basically, he went inside and rode sideways, then started going around from the bottom to the top. Then another motorcycle came, and another, and another, and another. By the end there were 7 (I think) all in the cage riding around and barely missing each other as they went around. That one did make me shrink in my seat a bit. I mean, I know that they practice these things over and over but it just takes one little mistake and there could be a serious injury, so I was a bit worried for their safety, even though I probably didn't need to be. Oh, so during the show I sat next to Brad who had seen it many times before (apparently it's almost exactly the same every time) and he seemed more amused by the reactions of the audience, which makes sense for someone who has seen the same show over and over again.
Well, that was essentially Monday. Yup.
Tuesday we got to get on a bus with our wonderful tour guide, Clemet, and visit the Jade Factory (玉器厂), Ming Tombs (十三陵), and the MuTianYu (慕田峪) section of the Great Wall (长城). The Jade Factory was really cool because we got to see a couple people actually working with the jade as well as see some amazing finished pieces. The Ming Tombs were fun as well because we went to the ghost world and on the way back as we went through the door we had to say "我回来了" (I've come back). We had to say it in Chinese so that the ghosts of the past emperors could understand what we said. It's really kind of fun doing the little things that other Chinese would do, even if they do seem a bit silly at times. I guess to me it's the little things that help me understand the Chinese people a little better. Of course I'll never be able to truly understand everything, but I can get just a bit closer to understanding each day. Actually it makes me think of the Chinese character for repentance 悔改 which when broken down essentially says 'heart every day change'. I think that if I can change myself just a little everyday to become better, I can also change myself a little everyday to better understand and accept the people and culture that I love so much.
If you haven't noticed by now, when I'm writing, I tend to just put down what I'm thinking which can often be rather random. So, I hope you don't mind when I go off onto random tangents. Anyway, when we finished with the tombs, we went up to the Great Wall. Most everyone decided to take the cable car up (MUCH better than trying to hike up) and the toboggan down! Being on the Great Wall was really cool, though we kept mentioning to each other how we were currently walking on top of thousands of bodies that had been buried under the wall. That was a rather sad thought, but it really is amazing what the hard work and sweat of all those people was able to accomplish. I mean, the fact that it is in as good of shape as it is so many years later is truly amazing. Beyond that, just being on the wall gave me a sense of awe and wonder. Looking out at the little villages nestled in the mountains, I just felt peace and I was happy to just soak up the moment. Some try to go see places that people haven't been on, or areas that are more difficult to get to (aka up TONS of steep stairs- we saw the stairs and decided we didn't want to climb them). Anyway, when it was time to go down we got on the toboggan. It was SO much fun. I was a bit wary at first because I didn't know how well they worked or whatever, but mine was prone to getting stuck on the more flat areas. Once I finally got past those I was able to pick up only so much speed before having to slow down again so I wouldn't hit the person in front of me. The ride back to the hostel after that was great-- everyone sang karaoke. Well, I didn't, and there were a few others that didn't actually sing, but it was a lot of fun singing along with the songs I knew and just watching the others perform. I guess I could've gone up to sing, but I couldn't remember all the lyrics to any fun popular songs. I could remember some musical songs or choral pieces, but I guess you can say they just didn't quite fit the mood.
Oh, and we've actually gone to a few restaurants that had some really good food. I was really excited about those places. Also, eating with Richard (Brad's Chinese friend) was absolutely hilarious. We ended up talking about a Chinese phrase that's kind of like slang and yeah, it's hard to explain the humor, but he's a really funny guy- I'm glad he's come along for the Beijing trip.
Okay, so that's probably going to be it for this post. I'll get the next couple days in my next post.
再见！
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