I am determined to enjoy every moment of my trip. Today is a tough moment to enjoy. I feel lonely and I want to go somewhere that people don’t stare at me. I don’t want to point and grunt to buy a soda.
I know that this will pass and that tomorrow, when I look off the Great Wall, I will know it is worth it. I am so happy to be here, I am just tired of standing out, today.
It started yesterday at the zoo. These images are burned into my mind:
I don’t want to talk about it or write about it. The zoo was terrible and I hated every second of being there.
At lunch, when we talked about going to the zoo, I asked quite clearly if the animals were well taken care of. I explained that if they aren’t, I don’t want to go. We went and they weren’t.
Lunch was great, though. We made amends with Mr. Han:
(Rose, Freddie, Mr. Han, Anne and everyone else toast with pijiu)
(About half of our lunch: spicy pumpkin soup, two kinds of mushrooms, chicken, fish that is very tricky to eat without choking on a needle thin bone, salad, corn that used to surround shrimp, bitter melon, shrimp (half of them fried, half boiled), sweet chicken, quail eggs and water chestnuts, shrimp and squid, mussels and something I never did identify.)
The food you see on the table is not nearly all that was eventually presented. We went out for dumplings and, as you can see, there are not any dumplings yet. I found something very important about dining in China: If you don’t want more, don’t finish what you have. Also, quail eggs are delicious. I didn’t know that is what they were when I first tried it. Man, I’m glad. They are seriously awesome.
(Beautiful tea: somehow, no particles went into the cup)
(Yummy lunch. I am laughing because the chicken from Steve’s chopstick just fell on my hand. Twice.)
(The first floor of the restaurant had a quantity of fresh seafood.)
(my finger tastes yummy!)
I don’t have a lot to say today, but I wanted to write something. I was invited to a few of my students’ homes, but I’m not sure when. That should be nice. I think tonight the majority vote is to rest. No one feels great. Steve is sick and I gave him my upper respiratory antibiotics, so I hope I don’t get sick, too. I’m sure I have something else I could take…
I miss everyone a lot today. A lot a lot…
well wishes.
We all miss you too. Looking forward to seeing you soon.
Keep positive. Sit back and enjoy the ride.
Comment by Zdizzle — July 23, 2007 @ 12:29 am
i know how the staring thing can be. eventually you just get used to it, to some degree. not really sure how long that takes though… it’s probably a bit different. they are different situations, i suppose.
it’s not meant to be insulting from most people, but i know sometimes it feels that way.
stare back with strong eyes, not angry eyes, and most people stop. you’ll be okay.. can’t imagine you any other way.
Comment by neale — July 23, 2007 @ 1:18 am
I fell the same way about the zoo situation. (Nothing further said). I thought Neale’s comment was a good way to view the “staring”. Call me if you have any questions about the medications you have. I love you sweetie. Mom
Comment by Mom — July 23, 2007 @ 1:32 pm
Thats really sad about the zoo. It looks like a jail. It reminded me of when I went to the original sea world in San Diego, and they had a seal exhibit where you could spend $5 on sardines to feed them. They kept them in a giant pit and you dropped the sardines and all the seals would fight for them. I told my party right then I had to leave. Its amazing how something like that can change the whole flavor of the experience. Its good you documented it though, its important to document the good and the bad, you know, to give it a full perspective. Buddist temple….beijing zoo.
I’m glad everyone is buddy buddy with Mr. Han. I wondered what he looked like. Your meal pictures are so overwhelming! There is so much food I wouldn’t know where to begin. I mean, isn’t the united states supposed to be the most gluttonous country? Maybe thats why they serve you all so much food, because your americans, haha. It looks great though, and its cool how they have a giant sea food market/storage area in the resturant. I wonder what the ports and docks look like…do people still have chinese junks??
Have fun at the great wall! I’ll google earth your location if you send me the address.
Comment by Joe — July 23, 2007 @ 1:48 pm
i’m sorry you’re having a lonely day. it will pass, as i’m sure you know. i’m thinking of you constantly and everyone here misses you just as much. i hate the zoo pictures…..it makes my heart hurt. don’t go back there.
i vote we get a rotating table! i never ordered that other one. maybe i should do that before you get back. unless of course you seriously want to get a rotating one (i was kidding before).
the brinks people are coming tomorrow morning to install our alarm system. also, some guy came by today to fix the cracks in the stucco outside (apparently one of the things on the inspection report).
it’s been raining a lot here. more than a usual summer i think. yesterday i thught i was going to die on the way to work (not really, but it was scarey). how is the weather there? has it been raining? i hope so, so you can bring back that jar of it
I MISS YOU….TERRIBLY! i’m glad you’re over there doing what you do best, but i’ll be glad when you’re home too. we’re going to have an excellent homecoming bbq for you. I LOVE YOU! call tonight if you can. i work till 9 or 10.
Comment by Jen — July 23, 2007 @ 4:09 pm
Hi Jamie! I am really enjoying reading your blog. The pictures are great! I just wanted to say HI!!!!
Comment by Jenn (Dyzzy) — July 23, 2007 @ 5:55 pm
Sweetheart, I am so enjoying your blog and beautiful photo’s. The zoo pics were very sad. Missing you very much!
ameliabedelia
Comment by Ameliabedelia — July 23, 2007 @ 11:26 pm