Friday, November 14, 2008

China

If you would like to know more about the voyage go to:
http://www.semesteratsea.org/current-voyage/overview/



Well, my first impressions of China were skewed a bit because we sailed to Hong Kong first which isn’t really the China we hear about; communist, crowded, bikes, a developing nation. Hong Kong is the epitome of capitalism. It still remains somewhat free of China’s governmental policies and looks like any huge city in the states with big buildings all lit up at night with the names of the banks and companies blaring at you, Sony, Costco, Phillips. Then it hit me- after all these beautiful little cultural towns we see what capitalism is capable of- wiping out the culture and replacing it with concrete and lights. The thought enters that we cannot keep raping the lands and wiping out culture to build more of this- big lonely cities full of shopping and restaurants. Have to remind myself that this is one city and outside the city are the beautiful quaint towns that I enjoy so much. I guess I’m not much of a big city girl.

The next day I flew to Beijing with a group of 30 students and 5 adults. Beijing is modern but also full of culture. The progress this country has made in the past 30 years is astounding. From an isolated country to opening its doors to commerce they have grown tremendously in a short period of time. The Olympic Stadium was beautiful as well as the infrastructure of the city. I learned a lot about Chinese history, our tour guide was very proud of his country. Seeing a communist government at work was interesting, the people seemed happy, busy and content. People are taken care of by the government, health care, education, and no private land ownership. Everything is owned by the government. Chairman Mao is revered here which surprised me after the atrocities we read about during the Cultural Revolution. They seem to have done a good job not telling the people how they accomplished this movement towards an economically better country. The lack of freedom of speech and information was difficult to comprehend at times.

The toilets were a trip. Open stalls, no toilet paper and holes in the floor where you squat. Very difficult to get used to!

A highlight was walking through a park in the middle of the city with 100’s of older people playing cards, dancing, talking, playing music and paddleball. In China, people can retire after the age of 50 and enjoy their days in the parks socializing with other retired people. Here, an older gentleman saw me smiling at the dancing couples and asked me to dance! I was in heaven. Ballroom dancing with Chinese people, I was the only western lady and towered above this man. It was wonderful!

The Great Wall was amazing. It is located out in the country about 2 hours from Beijing. It is huge and felt awe-inspiring to walk on a structure that was built so long ago with such historical importance. It was such a contrast to be in cold weather and in a forest after all the tropical countries we have been visiting.

In every country so far have we have been approached, touched, begged, harassed for our money, buy this, bargain for that, urging us in their stores, it has become extremely tiring at this point. China was no exception.
Chinese young people would often grab the students, pull them to the side and take photos. Not ask, just grab- we would just laugh and joke about it. When we were in crowded places like The Forbidden City the people would push and shove like you have never experienced. Whenever they saw a small space they had this strong urge to fill it up- no personal space at all, and we are all SO much bigger than they are that it was comical.
One thing that struck me was how community oriented the people are. They take care of each other and include everyone in decisions. Never wanting to keep others waiting or shame another. It was clear the contrast of American individualism where we look out for ourselves and do not like to be told when or where we have to be somewhere. The students were asked to be on time constantly by the tour guide and told not to go out at night after dinner so they can be rested for the next day. He even told them when and how to pack their things on departure day. Interesting.

The ports have been coming quickly these past few weeks and I still feel over stimulated and excited by all the activity. In each country it takes time to figure out the communication, culture and how to get around, always a lot to take in but am loving it!

On a very sad note we had a student who was killed by a drunk driver in Hong Kong last week at 4 am while trying to hail a taxi. It was very difficult to hear since we have formed a tight community on the ship. My heart goes out to his family and we all realize how quickly something devastating can happen. Makes us appreciate our family and friends even more. Seems to be a recurring theme on this journey.

A big hug to you.

Love
Margareta

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