A Shorter Conclusion

The Story

Things took a turn for the worse (relative to real tragedy though, its really nothing to complain about) with the oncoming of the afore mentioned cold. It turned out to be a pretty nasty cold that would last me the rest of my time in China. I was absolutely miserable and therefore spent my time sleeping, watching movies, and reading when capable. I barely saw any of Chengdu besides the giant buddha outside of the city in Leshan (see pictures). After the worse of the cold, I got a stomach flu that made it difficult to keep food down for a 2 days. I needed to keep heading East as I was soon due to fly out of Shanghai on the 29th of Jan.; I flew to the lake town of Hangzhou. I tried to take a few walks to enjoy the scenery but unfortunately was just knackered after being out more than 30 minutes. I also had the misfortunte to get an ear infection while in Hangzhou, making things even worse; at least I could properly eat though - you learn to appreciate the little things traveling (more to come on this topic). So now I couldn't even really enjoy watching films while resting because I could only hear out of one ear. I continued to live simply spending my time trying to hear/watch films, sleeping, and reading.

I took a 5 hour train north east to Shanghai where I stayed with another couch surfing member, a canandian girl who was teaching english in primary school. It was nice to finally be recuperated enough to be able to walk around and see some of the sites. Shanghai is a very modern international city; I could actually walk the streets and notice that I wasn't the only westerner (which in many towns usually isn't the case). Things were pretty mellow as I spent most of my time just seeing a few of the major sites, ran a few errands to prepare for changing countries, and of course, being the film buff I am, bought a lot of DVD's (usually about $1.50 or less a piece).

On the train to the airport to fly to Thailand I took the fastest train in the world which reached a soaring maximum of 430 Km/h (267 miles per hour). Quite a fun experience. I am currently in Bangkok, Thailand and will be leaving in about a week to meet my friend I traveled with in New Zealand in Cambodia (I will come back to see more of Thailand at the end of my trip in SE Asia).

The Reflection

When I think of China, I am still amazed at how different the culture is from the West. I have had many conversations with travelers and people teaching english in the country that share this same view; most people from the west are amazed. Being in Thailand, even just a few days, feels far more Western already than China. (Plus so many people speak English in Thailand, such a drastic difference from China).

One lesson learned from my time in China is appreciation. Appreciation for speaking the same language with people, western cultural norms, insulation/proper heating, open mindedness, toilets you can sit on, freedom of speech and press (China has definitely embraced a capitalist economy but certainly has not embraced the all freedoms that usually go along with it), and fewer people (China is crowded, plain and simple). It has been great to experience so many differences in China but I am content moving on to a new country.

Because China brought so many new experiences to my senses, I did not spend as much time reflecting on the nature of my existence as I usually do. I have just started a new book by Robert Pirsig though, which will most certainly provide new grand reflections. His first book, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, was an incredibly profound book for shaping my current perspective. I look forward to the growth that will occur from his second book. In a few days it will be my 4 month anniversary of the start of my trip. I am in good spirits and look forward to the new places I will see and people I will meet.

I certainly miss all of you!
K