All I can say is, wow. Honestly, I am still in shock about being able to participate in this opportunity. I almost did not go for the obvious financial reasons and quarreling parents, but the one thing that kept me from giving up and forgetting the matter were these words: a once in a lifetime experience. That is truly what this trip means to me. Traveling to a place so different from your own surroundings will sweep away any preconceived notions and assumptions about the world. I have always wanted to see things for what they truly are, see past whatever people tell you and find truth. That’s why I am so interested in other cultures. I want to see how others live, what their perception is in order to form my own views. The only way to truly experience these cultures is to get absolutely immersed; trust me, this is no job for a textbook. And how many more opportunities will I have for an experience like this? I will never be able to have an experience exactly like this one ever again. Not only that, but I also love learning different languages. I am taking Spanish at the moment and I am going to take French and possibly Mandarin next year as well. A study abroad also stands out on a college application, which was the main selling point for my parents. What I am most looking forward to on this trip is the Terracotta Warriors. We touched briefly on them in World History but they absolutely fascinate me. What really intrigued me was how much time and effort was put into making each of the warrior’s faces unique and original. To me the whole story sounds like something from a book instead of true history. I mean, who really finds a giant cavern full of masterpieces when digging a well??! What I most fear about the trip would be the drinking water. I heard that it could get you very sick because of sanitation or different bacteria that we don’t have immunities against. I would really hate to be in China but too sick to enjoy it!
I hope to discuss not only the cultural aspect of China, but their political state too. I understand the differences between our two countries, but have never been able to truly know what effect that has on the people. Is their living really that horrible? Or is that just propaganda from the U.S.? I want to see the situation from their point of view before making any assumptions.
Hi Natalie--
ReplyDeleteThank you for your insightful post--the inclusion of a photo also makes the blog more appealing to the reader! Clearly you understand the mission of a trip like this and I am happy to see how you have embraced this opportunity as one for learning, growth, and the elimination of preconcieved notions. I do believe this is one of the ultimate purposes for world travel.
I agree with you that textbooks rarely do justice to complexities of a foreign culture. However, keep in mind that there will be some barriers preventing us from full immersion in the Chinese culture. Can you think of what some of those limitations may be? What might be difficult for us to understand in just 10 days of travel and touring? How might we prepare ourselves before the trip to combat some of these barriers?
I look forward to future posts...
Ms. Greenswag
When writing this blog I guess I was thinking more on a broader spectrum instead of specifically this trip. Some barriers that will keep us from truly immersing ourselves during this trip are the language, of course, which can be combatted by learning some basics of the language in the short time we have and being able to communicate without words: gestures and body language. My family used to have a German cleaning lady who spoke only a few words of English yet I was able to converse with her on how my day was, how my family ws doing, and how her holiday was all due to gestures and some broken English. Another barrier is being in a large group that is only hitting tourist sites. Yes of course these places will be amazing and will help us learn about their culture, but the group will be like a bubble;we can see and learn about the place yet we will still have the comfort of other Americans around us. This allows us to distance ourselves from the culture even though we are standing knee-deep in it. There is no real solution to breaking down this barrier on this trip unless we step outside of that comfort zone. A way to do this is to go and talk to not only the tour guide but the other people aroung you and try to learn something you wouldn't have had you simply stayed inside your own little bubble. If we go to small villages this would be an easier task but since we cannot this barrier will probably remain.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comments,
Natalie W.
Natalie!
ReplyDeleteYou are in China now and your Dad fgave me this site for your blog. As I read your entries I am delighted to see your thoughtfulness, sensitivity and insights about Chinese culture and also about the benefits and limitations of your trip. I hope that you make more entries and continue your inquiry into this important culture. I can't wait to read more!
Linda Wickenkamp