Dear Friends,
Has it been one month already? It doesn't seem like it at all. Hopefully, you've been checking my blog http://www.aviadventure.blogspot.com/ to see what I've been up to. Unfortunately, I can't actually access my blog here in China. But I've arranged for a clandestine agent to ensure that the updates keep coming. I've devised an intricate plan involving carrier pigeons, coded text and the Russians to get my message out. I won't divulge too much, lest my methods be discovered.
This past month has been great! I've met the Emperor, unleashed my inner karaoke beast, wandered around aimlessly, climbed mountains, experienced temples, been stared at constantly, photographed, filmed, smiled to, spat at, chased by dogs (even the dogs know I don't belong here), flirted with a Chinese army officer, been devoured by mosquitoes, met many people and much more.
Japan was everything it was supposed to be. Wonderful temples, crazy modern cities, beautiful countryside, great food, quirky and interesting people. I felt my three weeks there barely scratched the surface and if not for budget reasons (one thing Japan is not, is cheap) I would have been happy staying longer. Tokyo and Kyoto are a must see. Hopefully you will all have the opportunity to visit if you have yet to. I imagine just about anyplace in the country to be very enjoyable. How can you not love a country with a constant supply of supremely fresh fish and toilets that do everything short of talking to you? I wouldn't be surprised to learn of a model that thanks you for your deposit.
I'm currently writing from Keifeng, which was once home to many Jews and served as a refuge during WW II. Some have even mentioned Chinese Jews as one of the lost tribes of Israel. Between the Ethiopians, Chinese, Indians (I know they're others), I think Jacob must have been embarrassed to tell the world he had more than four wives. This is just my third city here and I've been here a little bit more than a week. China is, as you can imagine, quite different than Japan. I'm not sure the Chinese would ever admit it (since many hate the Japanese), but I think they are jealous of the cleanliness, efficiency, and transition to modernity of Japan.
Has it been one month already? It doesn't seem like it at all. Hopefully, you've been checking my blog http://www.aviadventure.
This past month has been great! I've met the Emperor, unleashed my inner karaoke beast, wandered around aimlessly, climbed mountains, experienced temples, been stared at constantly, photographed, filmed, smiled to, spat at, chased by dogs (even the dogs know I don't belong here), flirted with a Chinese army officer, been devoured by mosquitoes, met many people and much more.
Japan was everything it was supposed to be. Wonderful temples, crazy modern cities, beautiful countryside, great food, quirky and interesting people. I felt my three weeks there barely scratched the surface and if not for budget reasons (one thing Japan is not, is cheap) I would have been happy staying longer. Tokyo and Kyoto are a must see. Hopefully you will all have the opportunity to visit if you have yet to. I imagine just about anyplace in the country to be very enjoyable. How can you not love a country with a constant supply of supremely fresh fish and toilets that do everything short of talking to you? I wouldn't be surprised to learn of a model that thanks you for your deposit.
I'm currently writing from Keifeng, which was once home to many Jews and served as a refuge during WW II. Some have even mentioned Chinese Jews as one of the lost tribes of Israel. Between the Ethiopians, Chinese, Indians (I know they're others), I think Jacob must have been embarrassed to tell the world he had more than four wives. This is just my third city here and I've been here a little bit more than a week. China is, as you can imagine, quite different than Japan. I'm not sure the Chinese would ever admit it (since many hate the Japanese), but I think they are jealous of the cleanliness, efficiency, and transition to modernity of Japan.
As an aside, I asked a typical rural 23 girl about the Japanese. She responded by clearly expressing her adamant hatred of them. Since she works at a hostel she once met two Japanese tourists but she made a point of not talking to them and only communicating with them monosyllabic. When I asked about their particular offense she mentioned the terrible actions of the Japanese in WW II (no debate about that). When I pointed out the fact that this occurred over two lifetimes ago for someone our age and surely no 25 year old was involved in those atrocities. She simply responded with, I hate the Japanese. Hmmm
It took me awhile, but I've finally learned how to say chicken. It involved flapping my arms like wings and saying bok bok. I think I don't have the tone quite right because I only seem to be getting the worst pieces (neck, back, beak). It's still good though. Chinese is a tough language because of the tones. It's not enough to master the pronunciation, the inflections and intonation have to be right on to be understood. I'm trying and it's certainly humbling and humorous to resort to pantomiming or just accepting not being understood. It leads to many discussions with those who have some English and much laughter as I mispronounce newly taught phrases.
I've discovered that spitting (not ping pong) is the national sport. I believe there is a countrywide competition taking place at the end of the month. Assuming there is no prohibition on foreign competitors, I would like to enter the event.
I have also been made aware of a special car lease arrangement. Apparently if a car's horn is proved to be defective, the lessee is no longer obligated to make future payments while still being able to enjoy the use of the car. Naturally, this results in the ever present honking found in cities. Some consider the resulting music akin to a glorious symphony. I think it sounds more like the environment wailing or dogs playing the kazoo. In either case, while it's an intriguing idea for the sake of the greater good, I think this is an idea better left untested in the States.
China is much more of an adventure than Japan. Just getting anywhere seems like an accomplishment- this must be why Buddhism thrived here. While it's dirty and in some places filthy, I'm enjoying myself here. Much of that is due to the Chinese people, who have been just great. Being a Westerner, especially a tall, bearded, hairy, handsome one leads to many looks and much adulations (at least where I've been to at this point). Not a day has gone by without smiles from little kids, pictures with strangers and bewilderment from elderly. It's all going to my head and making traveling here really fun. The plan is to keep moving west to Xian and possibly beyond, before heading up to Beijing and then back south. I'm not sure how long I'll be here(1-3 months) and if you have any local contacts, I would greatly appreciate them.
All the best, I hope you're well, stay in touch and check the blog for more frequent updates.
I've discovered that spitting (not ping pong) is the national sport. I believe there is a countrywide competition taking place at the end of the month. Assuming there is no prohibition on foreign competitors, I would like to enter the event.
I have also been made aware of a special car lease arrangement. Apparently if a car's horn is proved to be defective, the lessee is no longer obligated to make future payments while still being able to enjoy the use of the car. Naturally, this results in the ever present honking found in cities. Some consider the resulting music akin to a glorious symphony. I think it sounds more like the environment wailing or dogs playing the kazoo. In either case, while it's an intriguing idea for the sake of the greater good, I think this is an idea better left untested in the States.
China is much more of an adventure than Japan. Just getting anywhere seems like an accomplishment- this must be why Buddhism thrived here. While it's dirty and in some places filthy, I'm enjoying myself here. Much of that is due to the Chinese people, who have been just great. Being a Westerner, especially a tall, bearded, hairy, handsome one leads to many looks and much adulations (at least where I've been to at this point). Not a day has gone by without smiles from little kids, pictures with strangers and bewilderment from elderly. It's all going to my head and making traveling here really fun. The plan is to keep moving west to Xian and possibly beyond, before heading up to Beijing and then back south. I'm not sure how long I'll be here(1-3 months) and if you have any local contacts, I would greatly appreciate them.
All the best, I hope you're well, stay in touch and check the blog for more frequent updates.
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