First Experiences… (6.14.2017)
As thoughts of excitement, apprehension, and awe fought for attention in my head, I found it very difficult to sleep on the plane ride to Beijing. When I finally landed, I felt disoriented as I made my way through customs hoping no one would try to engage me in conversation so that I could focus on making sense of my surroundings. After I exited customs I was immediately greeted by one of my best friends, who happens to be a local Beijinger. For my first two days in Beijing her family took care of me until it was time to head to Beijing University.
Having a Beijinger take you around makes for a whole different experience. Rather than following a typical tour group, I was introduced to my friend’s childhood as she exposed me to some of Beijing’shidden jems. One of my first insights into the beautiful culture of Beijing came with a visit to Taoranting park — a locally famous park. Taoranting, known as Joyful park, is an urban garden spanning roughly 146 acres. With garden design extending back as far as 3,000 years ago three prominent garden types emerged: palace gardens, temple gardens, and scholar gardens.
Built during the Qing Dynasty this park is named after its Taoran pavilion, and was a popular destination for scholars to compose different works, relax, and admire nature. Since construction, Taoranting has been maintained as a tourist site of historical significance and beauty. According to my friend, we went on a less crowded day. I, on the other hand, still observed quite a few people; moreover, I noticed that everyone there was either upbeat and full of energy or at peace. The park is literally meant for everyone from children to grandparents. We passed several different groups of dancers who would welcome anyone to join. Additionally, I saw individuals practicing tai chi, exercising, or reciting poetry. When we ascended a little mountain, we stumbled upon elderly individuals singing and playing instruments. Although everyone was following their own melody I enjoyed the dissonant chorus of music.
We subsequently rented a small boat to go around the grand lake. As we went around a few people smiled at us and spoke to us from the shore. The entire experience was a wonderful and memorable insight into one of China’s many microcosm communities.
I also had the pleasure of meeting some of my friend’s family members. Their hospitality overwhelmed me as her family members all greeted me at the door and set down a tableful of various dishes. Her amiable grandfather, who I learned is an extremely free spirit, even took the initiative to buy me a subway card before I had arrived. Coming from a small family I have always been curious to experience a big family gathering. Although the language barrier hindered my ability to communicate, once my Chinese improves I intend to return later to thank them all properly.
Looking back, I could not have had a better start to my journey here in Beijing. If my auspicious beginning is any indication of the two months to come, I cannot wait to begin learning, witnessing, and experiencing life in Beijing.