China's Great Wall is an example of ambition and determination. It is a feat of great sacrifice yet far-reaching vision as well. 30 minutes away from Qinhuangdao is Shanhaiguan, an ancient stronghold guarding the first pass under the Great Wall. Not far from that is Laolongtao, (Old Dragon's Head) the very beginning of the Great Wall at the sea.
One misty weekend the other foreign language teachers at my school and I took a trip to the Great Wall. Rebecca teaches Russian and is from Kyrgyzstan. She's younger than I am but light years ahead in terms of maturity level and is married to a Chinese man. It has been very interesting to hear her perspective of the current political situation in Kyrgyzstan and her cultural hopes for her future family in China as an immigrant. It's funny because at first glance, she appears to be the foreigner in China when in fact she is the local showing me the ropes. Rebecca is brilliant with languages and speaks fluent Russian and English. Having lived in China awhile, I would say her Mandarin is better than mine and she is currently also learning Japanese. Satoh teaches Japanese and is from the island of Hokaido, Japan. She is inspirational in the way that she defies the norm for older woman in Asia. She loves to travel and decided to teach abroad instead when the Japanese school system required her to retire.
This is TianXiaDiYuGuan, an important watch tower. The guards would shoot arrows out of the holes in the window covers.
As an American I feel awfully spoiled most of the time by a sense of entitlement and a bit foolish for not speaking more languages fluently. Rebecca basically served as the translator that day. What a funny trio we must have been. If nothing else, one thing that China has made me realize is to take things more slowly. Although life may seem to be moving too quickly at times, each day adds a portion--a block to a larger picture. This visit to an ancient landmark with two very steady personalities struck a contemplative chord within me.
No comments:
Post a Comment