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October 07, 2005
the next level...
How unexpected. We've been in China for 6 weeks and we're just NOW entering some weird new phase of culture shock. I don't remember the books mentioning this one, to be honest. Recently, like the past week, things have become more complicated than EVER! Just when we really felt like we were getting a grasp on how to get around, how to order food, how to do what we need to do, etc. and then BAM! -- like a brick wall, we're having the most difficulties with the simplest things. It's rather frustrating. I think it was Beijing that kicked it off... we were suddenly seen as "one of many tourists" rather than "wow! what are YOU doing here? where'd you come from? need help?" I really don't want to sway towards a negative mindset, so I'll stop there. I just find it really bizarre that things have become so freakin' complicated all of a sudden. It's rather disenchanting, but I'm sure it will pass. And yes, we're both feeling it, not just me.
Anyway...
Beijing was cool. We went to the Forbidden City, which was huge. Beyond huge. Actually, beyond the biggest word for "big" you can imagine. After the firsts few huge Halls, I think we both experienced "detail fatigue" and it all started looking the same. Every direction was carved, painted, detailed, chisled, molded, bronzed, gold-plated, dragoned, flowered. Oy. It was just huge. And there were 50 billion people all pushing and yelling to get in front to see it all first. It was just too big. Too much.
The hostel was beautiful! And the thing that really made it special was the group of people who stayed there over our 2 day visit. Wow. People from all over the world: teachers, travelers, old, young, couples, lone-travelers, all sorts representing all types. They were all so beautiful in their own way, and so interesting to talk to. We just drank beer and sat around and talked ALL night... and loved it!
We shopped a bit, and it was just... well... 3rd verse, same as the first. Too much yelling, pushing, chaotic funk. So we retreated back to our cozy little hostel for some real entertainment -- civilized discussion about the amazingly diverse world we live in.
Our last day, on the way back to the train station, we decided to get off at the Yong He Gong Tibetan Temple. I would have to say, that was absolutely worth seeing. It was so peaceful. We floated through clouds of incense, stunned by the peaceful serenity. We really needed that after our nutty Beijing experience. It was like a big reset button for both of us. We walked around, hand in hand, in awe at the spiritual magnificence of the temples and shrines. It was enough to make ANYONE a believer in all things beautiful... all over again.
Posted by daiseykat at October 7, 2005 11:02 PM