I can't put into words how much I learned from my trip to China. Everyday was incredible. The architecture there (new and old) was amazing and the history of their culture is evident not only in the ancient buildings but within the people themselves. China really felt like a separate world from the one we live in. Of course my favorite parts were climbing the Great Wall and walking through the Summer Palace and of course going to the Olympics. But despite the smog, I also found pleasure in the little things.
I found it hilarious that the Chinese people would whip out their cameras as soon as they saw us and throw their children in front of us to take pictures. Our tourguide would tell us that frequently people walking down the street would say, "Look at their hair! And their skin is so white!" It was weird being the odd one out especially coming from a country where ethnicity doesn't matter. In the States, I wouldn't bat an eyelash at seeing someone who looks Chinese. We were told that they only see Americans (or Caucasians in general) once or twice in their lifetime. No wonder they got so excited!
The food was something I wasn't really expecting. I really don't think I will be able to eat some foods now without being reminded of my (not so fond) memories of eating in China. Everything there was caked in grease and seemed like it had been deep-fried more than once. After a few days, I found myself only eating rice and meat or fish that looked like it had been grilled. But although the food wasn't always amazing, I fell in love with the Peking duck and the dumplings. I really could have eaten my weight in dumplings. One place shaped the dumplings into what was in them (ie a pork dumpling would be in the shape of a pig while a duck dumpling would look like a duck). It was so cute and looked like dumpling origami.
My roommate situation wasn't ideal. More than once I felt like taking my dirty socks and ramming them into her mouth. She had an opinion about everything from the culture of China and how it developed to what my mysterious illness was. I was definitely ready to come home to my own, private room. But luckily I was able to spend time with a friend who I hadn't seen in a while and was able to build that friendship along the trip with many good laughs and discussions.
The trip had its really memorable moments that will mean more to me than to the people I tell them to: Stepping in shit on top of the Great Wall, walking around like retarded geese at the Great Wild Goose Pagoda, riding bikes on the city wall in the pouring rain, acting like ninjas for an entire day (and subsequently, the entire trip), playing my flute for little children and trading jokes with an old Chinese man. But I think the most influential thing I will be taking away from my trip to China is how lucky and fortunate I feel to be an American. Learning about Communism in school doesn't compare at all until seeing it first hand. And I know my stay in China wasn't lengthy and that I didn't see the full extent of the Chinese government's hold on the country, but hearing stories from the citizens and witnessing the power the government has over their people was incredible. Also seeing the level of poverty there and the circumstances in which people live was unnerving. I am so thankful to live in a country where I can speak my mind and not be worried about being arrested. I am thankful that I don't have to worry about where my next meal comes from. I am thankful that I am able to write this post and know that it won't be censored in anyway. And I am thankful that I have the job opportunities available to me no matter of my social status, race or religion.
All in all, I loved my trip to China but I am glad to be home.
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