This is one of the favorite things we've done so far on this trip. Jade met us at the designated spot and led us into a hutong familiar to her. For lack of a better word, they are the equivalent of a slum. As I have discovered over the past year in India, discovering real life, lived by real people is the most fascinating aspect of living overseas for me, and China was no different. It's nice to see the amazing historical sites, and amazing architectural feats, but it is real living that is the most interesting to me. We walked along one street where Jade's friend "Big brother Liu" lived to deliver her gift for the 100th day birthday of his child. Dave, Z, D and I were able to go in and see his humble home, one of many surrounding a quaint little courtyard. He generously invited us in and offered to feed us, but we were on our way to lunch so we declined and went on our way. B Little was engaged in a conversation about International affairs with several of the locals which was quite interesting, even considering our lack of language understanding. The rest of the walk was fabulous as we smiled and were smiled at many people who lived there, equally fascinated by the foreigners with so many children (7 kids between the 2 families).
Oh, look! Chinese Lanterns!
Dave, Ange, Z & D with Liu
A discussion on International Affairs
So very cute...
Playing Weiqi on the street
Home Sweet Home
Taking a tea break... it is customary to drink your tea here in Mason jars - YUM!
Beautified alley
It's all about the beads... baby.
Dave took some of the little kids back to the van while some of us continued on for another side street or two. In the meantime, he "chatted" with our hired driver, Liu Dong and a passerby about geography. And since Dave doesn't speak Chinese, and the driver and passerby didn't speak English or Hindi or Spanish, they resorted to more primitive means of communication...
A map of the World as drawn by Dave, Chinese characters by Liu Dong
The Globe - the discussion started on where we were from, and how to say that in Chinese.
1 comment:
Can you fit me in your backpack? So jealous! Despite ALL that you do and see I am grateful for the ongoing theme in my mind from your adventures of what is truly important. Thank you!
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