Reflections

Many of you might wonder why I start with my reflections. Well, since I had very limited internet access and limited site availability – due to the censorship of the Chinese government – I was only able to visit a limited number of sites. Now that I am back in the states with unlimited access to both the internet and site availability – relatively speaking – I can now share my thoughts, feelings, and experiences with you all.

Freedom
In all due respects, I don’t think anyone here in the states truly knows how lucky we all are to have freedom. Freedom of religion, freedom of the press, freedom speech, freedom to oppose the government and to make change if we truly desire, freedom to say what we want about whatever we want and publish it online, freedom to choose whatever job or career we wish, freedom to choose who we marry, as well as many other freedoms. In China, freedom is there, but it is limited, and “some are more free than others.” The ‘one child rule’ is bent, broken, and manipulated all the time, especially for government officials. The internet is another good example of the [severe] limitations the government imposes on the people. What is broadcasted on the radio, what is printed in the paper…anything and everything public is regulated and monitored via the government. No matter where one goes, there is SO MUCH security. Even for sopping malls, or any other common place, there always seems to be a high level of security. Few dimes do I remember going somewhere that was not a security person, police officer, or some sort of guard. It was weird at first to continually see this, but after some time, it became normal. However, the limited freedoms just blew my mind. As much as the students and other locals said they had the freedom to do such and such, one could tell if they looked hard enough that those ‘such and such’ freedoms did not really exist, or at least exist for all.

Foreigners –– Speaking a Different Language
For one of the few times in my life, I was the foreigner. I was the one who did not speak the languages, who was in the new environment, who had trouble communicating, who struggled to buy something when needed, or just to get around. Several of us were discussing how much easier it would be to take a bus – or the subway – to where we wanted to go had we been able to better understand the language – both spoken and written. Luckily, we happen to come across a few people who spoke some English, enough to get by and communicate what we wanted at that point in time. Had we not encountered those people along the way, our means of communication would have been even more so a challenge.
Speaking of communication, though I knew a few words and phrases in Chinese, mainly enough to convey the messages “I’m sorry, I don’t understand. I don’t speak Chinese,” this didn’t help. I said this to one woman, and she smiled and continued to rattle off and speak Chinese to me. Others just looked at another worker there and continued to speak in Mandarin – the official language of China. I know that they could not speak anything else, but I just find it interesting how people, when they cannot communicate with someone of another language, continue to speak not only in their native tongue, but they speak louder…as if that were to help. I did note, though, that often when communication was not taking place, that gestures and pointing were used often. What was difficult for me, though as for numbers, the Chinese count differently than those of us from America. For instance, the number “3.” I am used to the ASL (American Sign Language) way of the number ‘3’ where the thumb, pointer, and middle finger are extended. For most other Americans, the pointer, middle and ring finger are extended (what is the letter “w” in ASL;) however, for the Chinese, the number “3” looks quite different. The number “3” is indicated by holding the pinky, the ring, and the middle finger extended. On the other hand, if a group of us were eating out at a restaurant, and we wanted a box to take the food home, I know for me, when I indicated a box by using my hands to outline the sides of a box – I actually was using the sign for “ROOM” – the waitress understood.
Strangely, when I knew myself or the others could not communicate, I found myself wanting to speak in Spanish or sign with that person. I know that they could not understand either; and yet, I still found myself wanting to use either or both of these languages to try to communicate, since my English was not serving me for anything. Funny, though: the few times I actually DID sign, I was relatively understood, for I got what I needed and I was able to pay the price, etc. I even once pretended I was deaf with a vendor in Guilin and was still able to buy that item for a lower price than what they were asking…though I probably could have purchased it for cheaper if I really wanted. Anywho, it was just so strange to not be able to communicate well.

Toilets
I was not bothered by any means as to the “traditional Chinese toilet,” which is classified as a ‘hole in the ground’ by many. Surprisingly, we had access to “Western toilets” more often than not. Especially at the tourist sites that we visited, those who needed to use the bathroom were always asked “So how was it?” (referring to both the public restroom, since they are not noted to smell the best, and the toilets, since most preferred the “Western version” as opposed to the “Chinese version.”) I honestly found no problem using either, and don’t know why the others made such a big fuss over whether there was a Western toilet to use or not. Some, I believe, even waited until we returned to our hotels, where we always had Western toilets, to use the restroom b/c they didn’t want to use the “other” kind…or they just waited even longer to use the Western. Kind of a funny topic amongst the group as to who uses which and why. Believe it or not, the use of toilets, for some odd reason, became a “big issue” amongst the group members. Even when I was brushing my teeth in the San Fransisco airport after our 10 ½ hour flight, I heard a few girls exclaim in excitement how nice it was to see and use a “regular toilet again.” Hmmmmm. What an interesting group I did travel with, no?

Food
I will miss the food. They eat a LOT of vegetables over there. For me, I ate a variety even before I went over there, and I tried SO many different kinds of vegetables, and loved almost ALL of them. I remember hearing some comment at one point in time that they are inspired to eat more healthily upon returning to the states, and want to try and change their eating habits. Who knows really, for some of these people who declared this happen to be some of the more culturally insensitive people, or rather, people who rejected certain ideas/beliefs/customs/etc. about the Chinese culture. But, if they so desire to better their eating habits, good on them.
Another aspect about eating is the use of bowls and chopsticks. Rarely will one find forks. In a FEW restaurants, yes we did find forks, but those few times we actually had to use forks (long story,) I know I struggled, because it felt weird. Many students commented how they felt they ate less and/or ate slower when using chopsticks. Everything is eaten in the bowl – not our American-sized bowls, but what we would consider small bowls – and then the fat, bones, and other things that one does not wish to eat are set on the small plate on which the bowl is set. I had a feeling I would want to use chopsticks upon my arrival home, and thus far, aside from soup and sandwiches, I have utilized chopsticks. (Thus far not much, but I am sure soon it will come about where I will need/want to use them again.) Will I miss rice? No. I never was a huge rice eater, and I only ate it over there to accompany my meats. Because I don’t eat much meat in the states, I don’t see myself needing/wanting much rice. Additionally, many times rice is served with vegetables and/or other ingredients in the mix with the rice itself.

For now…
Me thinks that is it for now. Will write more later/when I can/when I feel up to it. Will copy my first two “entries” sent out as emails and notes on facebook later, since I had no access to my blog. I will actually be journaling in my personal journal first about my journeys, and then blogging about them. If anyone wants any specific stories, comment about a day/event, and then, what I can do – time permitting - is write blogs answering that question, but the answer taking format of a story/memory. People don’t have to do this, but I know some will want to hear stories; thus, I feel this is the easiest way to share one story with as many people as I can. Oh! I must say, I will miss bartering/haggling so very much, indeed. That was a fun and enjoyable experience. I do hope to return to China again, and maybe visit some of the same sites I saw…for personal reasons, which I wish not to disclose. Zi jen for now.