Day 13: Beijing

Rachel Maloney, Louisville, KY

August 15, 2008

Today was our first day in Tiayuan. I was not prepared to wake up at 6:15am for a full day of traveling and touring the city with a population of 3 million people. We all were dragging our feet and walking with our eyes glazed as Mikey our tour guide told us the story of an ancient mansion and guided as through the city of Pingyao. At this point I am drained of all excitement except I think I may have enough to smile at the fact I only have about 60 hours till I will be back in the states. This experience has been an eye opener to the different cultural differences and people mannerisms. I have seen some very disturbing places with people sitting and even laying down on the side of the busy roads sleeping or playing cards. I have squatted in a hole in the ground more than 3 times. I cant imagine living in this lifestyle after i have been spoiled in America. My appreciation for the simple things has awakened feelings of happiness for being able to take a shower without having someone looking at me through glass and being able to sit down while doing my business. The people have been very nice and accomodating, but sometimes i wonder if they are smiling at me or giving me a dirty look. The commuincation barrier makes it difficult to decide whether the chinese are mad or happy in there conversations. I find it very hard to imagine being told what to do, what i watch on television and what news is going on around the world by my government. Some of these people have no clue that 9/11 happened or that the olympics are in their own country. I thank the United States for giving me the opportunity to choose. Farewell China!