Yesterday, Tuesday, June 17, after a very European breakfast, (think pastries, wheat breads, cappuccinos, fried eggs, fruit and yogurt) with our guide, Jason, and his driver, we made our way to Tiananmen Square. Having been in Tiananmen Square in 2005 and 2008, I was surprised at the long line to get in. Previously, one would walk right in.
Seeing all there was to see at Tiananmen Square, our next stops were Jingshan Park and Beihai Park. As it was an extremely hot and humid day, we took water and/or cold tea breaks often to stay hydrated. I was sitting on a rock during one such break, sipping my lotus green grape tea, when a young elementary aged school student (think Will Schopmeyer) plopped down right in front of me. With his best English he said, “hah-low” (Hello). I came back with my best Mandarin, “Ni hao.” (also Hello). Thinking he wanted to practice his English, I said, “What is your name?” He gave me a panicked look, then gave the same to his grandmother. I think she knew what I had asked and was trying to encourage her grandson to stick with it. Flustered, all the young boy could muster was, “Bye-Bye!”
Prior to leaving Granger, I was struggling with anxiety and trepidation for this trip due to the world’s collective unrest. That simple “hah-low” uttered by that young Chinese boy allayed my anxiety and trepidation, as it reminded me that what matters most is the interplay between two people, one-on-one. That is where relationships are born and nurtured. This was a good reminder for me.
God’s Peace and Love, Brad
Wander Tales by PC, PB, and Ellie 