We traveled to China for a two week tour which was absolutely amazing and unfortunately rushed, Touring China since there is so much to see.
We found the people lovely. They wanted to meet us and as you might expect were very polite and helpful. In a market trying to buy lactose free milk the staff pulled out their google translate with a smile and found me what I was looking for. Super sweet.
One evening as we walked a short distance from our hotel, we came across a large group dancing in the street. We were welcomed to the street dancing party and taught their dance and quite happily included in their party. What a privilege and delight it was. Again really sweet and welcoming.
After dinner with a family Beijing 20 of us wandered across the narrow street to a tiny open hole-in-the-wall shop. The darling shop owners didn't know what to make of the wild crowd descending on them but despite their shock they were very kind and as helpful as they could be.
After buying some local fruit and sweeties we wandered with our guide in the sound of music. Following the music we discovered a group of musicians playing in a small local square with residence lining the sides of the square. Mothers had their children strapped to their backs or dancing near by. There were loads of happy smiles through the subdued crowd. Our crowd was definately out to party.
One of the musicians offered a few of us small rattles and bean shakers and invited us to play with them. What a blast. I could be mistaken but I think once we got going the mood of the whole park got lighter and brighter. I got to hold a darling little girl who was all wonder and smiles as was her Mum. What a magic moment it was.
Discovering China's history was eye opening. They were creating iron in the 7th century long before any other country had attempted it. Their production of slik products is legendary.
As lovely as the people were the officials were not so much. We were seriously warned not to say anything controversial about China so we didn't. Still just the sight of us seemed to put the arm on edge. Sad.
