With this being our last day in Guangzhou and our last day in China, I was tasked with authoring today’s blog post.
With this sabbatical trip’s theme being about going back to our roots, of course going to China was for me. I got to see and hear how China has changed, developed, industrialized, and urbanized since my parents were last here in ‘08. The most drastic of a difference was Nanchang. Now it is all international and busy and made of steel. Before, there were people on the streets selling fish out of buckets. Today in Guangzhou, we did manage to find a street full of vendors selling food out of crates on the ground like they did in ‘05 and ‘08. It’s crazy to me how you can literally see where the money is chosen to be spent in China. Beijing, of course, got a lot of funds. Bo Yang, however, not so much.
It has also been a great experience to see and hear about the different cultural, religious, and historical aspects of my home country. Visiting the different temples, mosques, pagodas, and other historical sites proved a great chance to learn about the ideals of Chinese culture. Of course, having native tour guides helped a whole lot too in the enveloping of the culture.
And of course, the food was to die for. From scallion pancakes, to ox intestines, to fruit rolls, to octopus, I have learned to embrace the mystery of the food here! And it has not disappointed, as I have liked most of the dishes I’ve come across, and I am so excited to see what else I can try in these next three countries.
It was also great to meet Mrs. Wu again, and to see the city where I come from. My life could be totally different! But I am grateful for what I have, and I am very grateful for this chance to see where I’m from with my family.
-Ellie 😁
Wander Tales by PC, PB, and Ellie 