An interesting and unexpected trip. Ancient wonders, huge and bustling cities, intrigued people.

I only skimmed the surface in China. Such a beautiful land with amazing wonders and a heritage so rich and inviting. I only visited Xi’An, Chengdu, Mount Em’ei, Beijing, Shanghai and Hangzhou and there were so so many other places on my “list”.

I will definitely return to China. There are so many natural wonders to explore and ancient towns that I didn’t get anywhere near due to the vast distances across the country…and an ever depreciating savings account.

One thing that really surprised me in China was the reception I received from the Chinese people.

I think I have some understanding of what ethnic minorities feel like in a strange land where ignorance or perhaps naivety exists. I had mixed receptions from the people of China. Some, in regional areas, were very kind and intrigued by me. Others, especially in Shanghai, were downright rude and mocking. On a packed subway train I could have a whole area to my self where people didn’t want to breathe the same air as me let alone touch me. One older gentleman actually elbowed me in a shopping mall. However, for every rude, staring person I came across two really lovely people.

I hadn’t realized that China is so insular. Years of protection from the outside world and media have created a very successful but inward looking country. China is investing heavily in many countries around the world – is this future investment or the realization that in order for China to prosper it needs…the consumer? In any case I am in awe with China. I don’t know much at all about politics but it has an interesting social and economic system.

Another thing I noticed is that children are very precious. I wonder if this is due to the one child policy. Did you know mothers are sterilized after their first child? Chinese children are absolutely gorgeous. Most children were the first to acknowledge me and were genuinely interested in saying hello.

I will cherish my time in China and will remember the really good people, the beautiful children and the natural beauty I had the fortune of seeing.