Adventures In The Middle Kingdom

Ah! A New Day

2012-01-27T19:22:00.000-08:00

You know how some of you sometimes say that you'd love to come traveling with me? Well I thought of you yesterday. It was a hard travel day. You would not have liked it. The good news is that it is over and it's a new day in Thialand. Today has been going much better. It started out with a little snooze at the bus station, waking up to a cold, wet dog nose nudging my hand. I bought him a sausage and made a friend. That must have gotten me some good karma because after that I got a totally free ride to the boat ticket office. The boat doesn't leave until 1pm. After that boat, I'll take another boat, and then probably a tuk-tuk to Bottle Beach, highly reocmmended by Vinney. Looking forward to waking up on the beach for my birthday!

Here's a picture from the internets of what it looks like.

There's a little cafe-ish looking place across the street and I'll kill off the rest of my time there. Maybe do some reading.

Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing today, I hope your travels go smoothly.

Lindy

No Time For Blogging Now.

2012-01-27T04:14:00.000-08:00

If I had more time I'd write to you about my leisurely days in Chiang Mai, the story of how I was violently ill for twelve hours, and all about my two days at Baan Chiang Elephant Park where I rode a really big elephant through the jungle bareback and controlled her with my feet doing things behind her ears! Plus the story of how an anti-American cab driver dropped me in Muslim town, and threatened to call the police if I didn't give him 200 baht more than we'd agreed on. Oh, the hate. There are stories to be told, but not time to tell them, not right now. My bus leaves in just one hour for Choampone. Not sure of the spelling on that. Then I'll take a couple chew-able Dramamine and get on the speed boat to a little island where I've rented a place on Bottle Beach. My pal Vinnie says it's my scene. He knows me well enough to know. I plan to look for the horizon, find it, and stare at it for about a week. There may be swimming with sharks, but it really depends on whether or not I feel like taking my eyes off the horizon. Seriously, there's good snorkeling there so I may get off my verandah once in a while to venture into the warm, clear, South China Sea.

My birthday is soon. I've had 48 years so far. Some better than others. But I am enormously grateful to be here, and to still be alive. I've had enough blessings in my life for ten ordinary people, and although I sometimes complain a little, I really am aware that it's a charmed life. When I was younger I used to dream about being able to go places, to see things, and meet people in far-off lands. It was a dream. And now I am living my dream. Out here, doing it, I see lots of other people who are doing it too and sometimes it starts to seem common. But there's someone I never forget, and she reminds me that my life is extraordinary. It's me. When I was just a wee lass, back when I first started to dream, when I dared to think that I might not be consigned to the life that loomed ahead of me, when I first had the thought that things could be different. That little one is still with me, and she reminds me that we are living the dream. It's on her account that I keep going and exploring, making love to the world as I go, trying every food, walking down every path, talking to all the strangers and learning about their lives. Because I can't let her down. And I am loving it too.

So more news later, and all the stories. For now I've gotta get some snacks for the trip, find my blanket, and get on the bus.

We Go To Erawan Falls... and We Fall Off The Motorcycle

2012-01-20T05:16:00.000-08:00

You may remember that the last time we blogged I was headed to Erawan Falls, near Kanchaiaburi in Thailand. Well, I found the waterfall. It was exactly where they told me it was.

Here is a picture of what it looks like, by the way:

This is just a small part of the falls, which is actually a system of waterfalls which flow into one another until they reach the bottom and the water flows on to the sea, I guess. It really is beautiful.

The drive out was the main attraction. Thailand has some weirdly shaped mountians, amazing foliage, and interesting-looking places to turn, and I was tempted to turn a couple times. But I stayed to the path and got myself to the waterfall as planned.

It was on the way home that I had a little mis-hap. I told the full story on Facebook, home of all truly good stories. So Paul, Shell, Margaret, Fran, and Lee are exempt from reading any further. I am just copying and pasting what I said there. Mainly I am just too lazy to re-tell the tale.

What happened is that I set out for Erawan Falls on the motorbike -- Or, as I like to call it, "My Hog." -- I stopped to get some grub at a roadside stand where, as is my custom, I chatted up the locals and told them all about Jesus. People in Thailand are not interested in Jesus, btw. So far, only one man has agreed with me that Jesus loves him, and I am pretty sure that that guy was high.

Anyway, as I was chatting, one of the women started rubbing my buttocks. I was unaware that this was a local custom, but your butt does get sore sitting on that bike. So I just let her continue, and she went on for quite awhile too. This was no casual brush. It was equal parts weird, sexual, and nice. Mainly weird.

Anyway, I got a bag full of succulent pork, some sweet peppers, onions, and some kind of sauce which added just a tiny little kick to it all. I ate it and then went on my way to Erawan Falls.

Here's a map so you can kind of see where I went:

Well, the falls was nothing special. It was packed with tourists and foreigners. I did however have a lovely time with a pair of orange butterflys . Photos to follow. And there was the most charming brother bee who joined in a dance around me. I must have been wearing the right color because other butterflys joined in and it was like they were dancing around me. It was really wonderful to have such a conversation with these beauties. But otherwise I'd say that the ride out to Erawan is the attraction, Erawan Falls itself could be skipped.

So on the way home, of course, I got a little snacky and I started thinking about that woman. I was curious to see if she would rub my butt again. I don't know if I was hoping, I think I was just curious. You've got to admit, it IS odd. And the food... OMG. So I thought I'd satisfy my curiosity and get some supper at the same time.

Well, I got careless and drove past it, but only by a little, thus the U-turn. Well, I must have hit a slick spot or something because the bike literally flew out from under me which, as I explained to Paul, was a blessing. There were NO other vehicles on the road -- on a Sunday afternoon on the only road between Erawan and Kanchanaburi -- Thank you angels, Jesus, and anybody else.

A man came running out to help me and he took me to the little stand where I'd been headed and the butt rubbing lady came out and put medicine on me. I got checked out by a real doc in Kanchanaburi. Nothing serious. But I was so sore and tender that I sought out another doc here in Chiang Mai and he gave me some wonderful medication. I am in love with this man. I stayed in bed in a nice hotel and let nature and the medication do it's job.

The leg is ugly, and it is still tender to the touch, but I can walk around to eat and even shop a little -- It's never too early for me to do a little pre-birthday shopping, you know. I am stopping often and just getting an extra chair and making myself at home. When people actually see the leg -- and they do because it's so hot that I am still in short pants -- they don't say anything.

Now that I know I am going to be OK I am feeling better overall. This last semester was such a mishegoss that it has taken me a long time to get over my bad self and enter into the spirit of vacation. I do think I've managed to do it, though.

Paul has been a good confident so that I had someone to talk to, and now that it's over, I don't mind the world knowing that I made a fool of myself and incurred bodily injury over a woman and a butt rub. I doubt that many will be surprised.

In retrospect, the question I have for myself is why, why, oh WHY do I shut down and shut up whenever I think things are really bad? You all surly remember how I have whined and complained over every little sniffle in the past. But when I thought I was really hurt I only turned inward, and to Paul, and I didn't even tell him how very worried I was. I have always been this way. I don't know why. I don't think it's my best trait. Most of you all have been faithful and kind to pray for me and worry over me whenever I need it. But... I don't know. I really don't understand myself on this one.

I am MUCH improved today. In fact, this morning I was surprised at how much better my legs look. I've walked around, stopping often, maybe taking a cab more often than I otherwise would, but going wherever I want. And I feel good. That's a relief. I am out enjoying Thai food again, sitting in coffee houoses and reading the things I've put off. This afternoon I read "The Story Of My Misfortunes," by that poor dear Peter Abelard. Then I started reading a series of lectures by some really smart guy and I am learning A LOT from him. He is very careful not to actually commit to anything, always saying that something is "tolerably well proved..." and then saying why it might not be. I like that. Hold on, I'll look it up.............. It's called, "Landmarks in the History of Early Christianity," and it's by Kirsopp Lake. He has some interesting things to say. I am a little confounded by his explanation of the Kingdom Of God, and the Age To Come. I have always thought of Shabbos as the Kingdom of God AND the Age To Come. It comes every week! And that is not one of the several ideas he wrote about. Honestly, I think my way is alright, but I did learn a thing or two from Kirsopp. I've got loads of stuff to read so I'll be occupied.

In other news I am scheduled to go on a Night Safari. It sounds touristy to me, but fun too. And I have requested a reservation at an elephant farm, but haven't heard on that yet. So things are getting back on track.

I bought some of those fisherman pants. I don't think they'll ever catch on in the USA because they are so funny looking, but they are as comfortable as skin and feel like you're wearing pure air, so I love 'em.

I finished my knitting project and gave it away already, but I do have a picture of myself in it. Overall, I was pleased with the way it turned out. I liked the colors, but the quality of the wool was itchy and it felt cheap. Live and learn. It accomplished its purpose in that it gave me something to knit on, and if I get really cold I've got a lovely scarf that Margaret Holmberg knitted for me at home. It remains my favorite and most snuggly.

So that's the news for now.

Love to all.

Lindy

Got Me A Motorcycle

2012-01-14T03:08:00.000-08:00

OK. It's a little 100 cc scooter-type, but for a conventional gal like me it feels like a Harley.

I came to Kanchanaburi yesterday. It's a little smaller than Bangkok, and infinitely easier to navigate. I honestly don't know how those people in Bangkok ever get anywhere. There are at least three public transport systems: Sky Train, Bus, and Water Taxi, and none of them are connected. I had taxi and tuk-tuk drivers refuse to take me somewhere because there was too much traffic, which is not a good reason.

You should be glad you weren't with me on the four-hour trek to the bus station yesterday. I'll tell you all about it so you can share my joy. First I walked down to the #30 bus which I believed went directly to the bus station. Oh, how very wrong I was. The nice lady on the #30 bus told me I should get off in two stops and take the#66 to the bus station. So I did that. Simple, right? Well, let me tell you something about the #66 bus, it is a good way to tour around the city. It's a long and diverse route. It does not go to the bus station. At the end of the #66 route another nice lady told me I shold take the #16 bus to the #49 bus and that would take me to the bus station. Now I remain committed to public transportation. You've probably heard me say that taxis are for tourists, but like a flash it came to me, right there at the bus stop for the #49 bus, I AM a tourist. That's when I waved down a taxi and took the 200 Bhat ride to the bus station. Two-hundred Baht, btw... about six bucks. I probably should have given up earlier.

Anyway Kanchanaburi is smaller and I got a ride with one of those bicycle taxis. It's like a rickshaw only the guy rides a bicycle. You should see the legs on this fellow too! So I told him what I wanted: On the water, fan, hot water... I travel on the cheap, but I do like my hot showers. And he took me to a place that fit the bill. I could hear fish jumping all night! The mattress is soft, just like America, and I slept as well as I have since I started vacation. I was not overly enamored of the night life here. It's a younger scene than I am used to. So I picked out another town to go to. Here's the thing. On my way to the travel office I passed by this place that was renting motorbikes and I thought, Just get one and go riding... Just go... And I did.

First I followed the map pretty closely. I went to the gas station and filled up. Then I went to the Bridge On The River Kuai. It was full of tourists. Honestly, I have never seen so many foreign people. I got right outta there.

I followed a road which I thought would take me to a couple temples and some caves, but I think I might have made a wrong turn because I never saw any caves. But along the way I stopped to have some water with a woman who was grazing her cattle. The cows all had a little bell which tinkled when they ate. They were nice looking cows too.

After that I went to, I don't know what it was, but I got out and took pictures of it.

Then I saw a man herding goats -- Goats! -- with his motorbike, but he had a few stragglers so I made the same sort of S maneuver that he was using and brought in the stragglers for him. There was no small amount of laughter over it too... The foreign woman herding goats. But the guy who was actually herding the goats thanked me. Hey, I saved him a trip.

After that I stopped at what appeared to be an abandoned wat and took pictures of that. There were a few monks working on a construction project in the back. They must not get many visitors because they all came running out, bowing like they do, and offered me water and plantaines. One of them gave me a garland of flowers beofore I left. Very kind, I thought.

I stopped to talk to some other people. They do not understand English, btw.

I noticed that the sun was going down and I have a rule about being back in the town before sun down, so I headed back. You probably think I didn't do much more than what I do when I am around Wuxi, and you are right. A tiger can't change it's spots, you know. I just rode around talking to people and taking pictures. It was the best day of vacation so far.

I will probably head back to my guest house for a shower as I'm feeling a little gritty. Then I'll have a massage of some type, probably a foot massage as I don't like strange people touching me on my body. Then I'll have a little food. I don't know what, but it'll be good. These Thai people can cook, that's for sure.

I plan to visit a waterfall tomorrow. If I don't take a wrong turn.

Still in Bangkok

2012-01-11T05:54:00.000-08:00

I am a little bored with Bangkok, but making the most of it. I was going to leave a day early, but I just discovered that my laundry won't be done until late tomorrow afternoon, at which point
even more clothes will be dirty. So, I'll be traveling with dirty clothes despite all my good intentions. And I'll be here another day as originally planned. Of course, I could have washed the clothes myself. There are machines down the street. But does that sound very amusing to you? Me either.

I've had lots -- truly, LOTS -- of excellent food. Everything I eat is better than the last thing I ate, and lots of it is stuff I've never had before.

One lady makes these tiny little tacos, about the size of a half-dollar,
and the "shell" is cake batter, then there's a little marshmallow
cream and some colored cocoanut. It's folded like a taco.

There's another thing which is a little bitty cake made out of cocoanut
pudding. It's amazing.

I had an omelet this morning which literally exploded in flavor in my mouth!

Pad Tai for lunch at this place where you can sit in front of a gigantic aquarium and watch the fish. I think it calmed me down.

A nice curry for dinner.

It was a great day in food. No insects, though I am on the look-out for some snake blood. Only available on weekends, I am told.

In the area called Siam (That's the name of the Sky Tram stop) there are two theaters which show American movies. I saw The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, which I do not recommend, in fact I recommend against it; and I saw Tinker Tailor, Soldier, Spy, which I thought was excellent.

I was feeling lazy this afternoon and thought I'd just take a taxi home instead of the bus. I found two taxi drivers easily enough. They both told me that there was too much traffic to take a taxi and I should take the bus. Oy! So I took the bus. It took just as long. I was lucky enough to get a seat right up front so I could see everything.

I am sure you are all wondering why I am not going to all the wats and temples. Well, the short answer is that I am simply not interested in them. I find them tiring. I've seen them. Yes, they are beautiful. Yes, they are amazing. Yes, everything... I am still not going to them. I'd rather read or knit. I have things to think about. Important things. And I can't tour around wats and temples and think at the same time.

I'll tell you what I can do. I can ride in the boat taxi. I like the boat taxi quite a lot. Fran can tell you how I love the Star Ferry in Hong Kong. In fact, I would consider myself the president of the Star Ferry Fan Club if I didn't know that Fran already holds that title. And I love the Statan Island Ferry. It's the best free ferry in the world, and almost identical to the one that tourists pay $50 bucks for. That's Fifty US! So it's not surprising that I'd love the boat taxi in Bangkok. It isn't as romantic as the Star, or as rugged as the Statan Island, but it has it's own charms. It's the easiest and fastest way to tour a lot of wats, for one thing. It goes right by all the best spots.

Bangkok Water Taxi I didn't take this picture either. I nabbed it off Google Images.

Yesterday I took the boat taxi as far north as you can go and I got off... just to see what was there. It was a lovely town, complete with clock tower, and lots of food venders. There was a gigantic market with fruit, flowers, everything... including a clean shirt. Since I unexpectedly have another day in Bangkok (see laundry above) I may spend the day on the boat. We'll see.

This is one of the traditional long boats. These things are everywhere. I didn't take this picture either. I nabbed it off Google Images.

I'll go to Kanchanaburi on Friday morning. I think it'll give me a nice change of pace. I hope to swim in a waterfall, and I'll wear clothes this time so you can all see the pictures. And I would also like to sit around reading or knitting. If I could read, knit at the same time I'd be
set!

So that's the news from here.

Lindy

Report for Today

2012-01-09T07:05:00.000-08:00

Once I figured out that you have to flag down the busses like taxi-cabs my life got a lot easier. Who knew? Near the city center busses stop pretty much where you think they will, but out here in the neighborhood you have to flag them down. You can either flag them down like you would a taxi, or just run down the middle of the street flapping your arms. I've found both methods work equally well.

Of course every place has it's own taxi-flagging method. In Shanghai it's a lot like New York. You just hold your hand up, like you want to be excused to go to the loo, and some cab will stop. In Thailand, though, it's a little different. What you do is you hold your hand out, just a little higher than your head, and you flap it palsey-style, palm down, until someone stops. You have to know these things.

I tried out the sky tram today. It's a lot like the Shanghai subway system, though not nearly as extensive or new. But still lots nicer than other places... Ahem, New York, when ARE you going to get some new trains?

I went to the neighborhood of Asoke this evening. You pronounce it like Ah-Sooo. There were a lot of bars and old white men looking for youthful female entertainment. You know, I love pretty lights as much as the next person, but sometimes I just get a bad vibe about a place. I walked around and I sat for awhile and watched the people. That's what tourists do. But I didn't stay long.

I did meet an interseting fellow in Asoke. I took a picture of him so I'll share that at some point. He was weird. I mean... really weird. But he is the first person in all Thailand who has agreed with me that Jesus loves him. And I was thinking that Jesus would probably think it was cool if that guy became a disciple of his.

And I saw a guy who had gotten implants in his forearm so that there are raised balls all over it. I try to stay open on stuff like that, but... I don't know. That sort of thing is not for me.

That was this evening. During the day I spent a lot of time journaling because I think it's possible that I still have something to say. We'll see.

Tomorrow I am going down to the boat with a new friend. He's a big white man from New York, but I like him. So we're going to go to the boat together and have a massage at this place he knows. Then we'll part company and I'll go off and finish "Women of Early Christianity," by Alfred Brittain and Mitchell Carroll, Ph.D. I stopped reading it sometime last semester as other, less interesting, things intruded. The book changes writers in the middle and I don't think the second writer is as good as the first one. Plus, I don't really like the Byzantine era so much. So I might have been a little bit bored with that part. But I love the book for three reasons: 1) It's about the women. FINALLY! A book as woman-centered as all the others are man-centric. So I like it for that reason. 2) I learned a lot of things I didn't know before. A lot. and 3) Reading a long history helps me experience the morphing of time from form to form. In reading about this one, or that thing it is too easy to see history as a series of events or people, one after the other. But in these long, drawn-out affairs I can see history as time which doesn't move or change, but just changes shape. But that's just me.

The basic plan is to be in Bangkok for a few more days then head slightly north to Kanchanaburi. I heard they have rickshaws there, and it looks like a nice peaceful spot for me. I'll stay there for a few days then on to another little town I've picked out, and then Chang Mai. Then south to the beaches. It's a rough plan, but that's how it's working out. Maybe Laos. I'd kind of like to see Vientaine, though it's out of the way. We'll just have to see how I feel about it in the moment.

Day One - Bangkok

2012-01-07T05:03:00.000-08:00

I did -- eventually -- make it to Bangkok. We knew I would.

Last night was pretty uneventful. I got some street food. Went to Seven-Eleven for some supplies... No, not Diet Coke. Other supplies. And then I hit the hard, hard Thai hay. I'll tell you, this mattress makes my Chinese mattress look like a Posture-Pedic. I slept soundly, though. Up with the Sun.

I was all excited about a new prayer book I'd gotten for my Kindle. I got it especially for this trip. But my Kindle was frozen up. So I just prayed all by myself. You can do that, you know.

Before I went off for breakfast I visited with some people here at the guest house for awhile. It's an older, but not particularly sober crowd. I keep mainly to myself, though.

This was a day for street food. I started out with a fried corn thing. Sweet and tasty. Then, just around the corner, there was a man doing things with meat that ought to be patented. It was so tender and seasoned just right. I had a grilled plaintaine and a Thai soft drink called Ready for desert. I figured I was as ready as anyone. After that I saw some kind of green fruit which I'd never had before, so I got one of those. I only ate half of that one, though. It was mushier than I thought it'd be. Then I met a man selling those long green things. I am not wild about them. In fact, I hate them. But he wanted to speak English and he was so enthusiastic that I ate about half of one of those with him. After that I walked by a bakery. They happened to have some cupcakes there and I got one of the orange ones. It was good too. But all that happened before ten o'clock.

I skipped lunch.

I went back to the guest house and visited with a woman named Miranda. Can't say much about that. Just talking about food and bus routes mainly.

I had planned to take the 505 bus to tour around the town. But on my way to the bus I saw some guys with motorcycles. So I made a deal to go to Wat Pho for 80 Bhat. I don't know if that was a good deal or not, but it did get me to Wat Pho, plus I got to ride on the motorcycle. I got a nice foot massage there and walked around for awhile. You can buy a lot of things at Wat Pho. Tiny little idols mainly, but there are other things too. I took a lot of pictures.

So that's my big day. I just walked around talking to people and looking at the tiny, tiny little idols they were selling.

I bought a bra because I managed to get here with only the one I was wearing. They even had the brand I like so that's a bonus.

And since my Kindle is not up and going I bought a paper edition of the Lonely Planet for Thailand. I don't like buying paper books, but sometimes you've just gotta.

The plan for tomorrow is to get on one of those boats that go up and down the canal, ride the sky tran, and... I don't know... maybe ride the bus too. I'll wander through the Grand Palace and some stuff like that. I've gotta say, though, I am not overly interested in Thailand. I may head north sooner rather than later. We'll see...

Thanks for following along.

Lindy

The Travel Day

2012-01-05T23:00:00.000-08:00

It's Epiphany.
I don't know about you, but I am weary of Christmas. I like Epiphany. You don't have to celebrate it so much as observe it. It's a more relaxed time. I can think better during Epiphany... I think.

Anyway, let me share something I read this morning:

Suddenly we are in a new place, while surrounded by the old.

If you read Ann Fontaine's book, Streams Of Mercy, you'll recognize it as the reading for today. It's based on Colossians 1:13

So I find myself headed for new places, yet this airport... this cold airport in Macau... this cold airport in Macau where my flight to Bangkok has been cancelled... yeah... seems like all the old airports I've wiled away the hours in over the years. This could be Orange County or Houston, the seats look a little Newark-ish. It's old, and I am ready to be someplace new.

So I am looking around at what is old and familier, and trying to see it with new eyes.

I spent last night in ShangHai. I left my coat there so I wouldn't have to haul it to Thailand, but now I wish I had it. The airport in Macaw is small and there's not a sweatshirt or sweater to be had. Lots of liquor, though. My flight was cancelled so I am waiting around to see what will happen. I think we will go on another airline, or maybe a later flight. I don't know. I'll just do what they tell me. Free internet. Free phone charging. It's quiet. I have books and a rosary. I should be able to keep myself busy.

More from Bangkok!

Tops

2011-12-26T00:43:00.000-08:00

I thought these tops were pretty. I saw them in a train station somewhere. You can see them everywhere. The woman selling them really thought I was going to buy one, but I didn't want to own one, I was just enjoying the show.

They are so simple, but beautiful too... and right there in the train station, a little unexpected beauty.

Some People in Xuzhou

2011-12-25T21:03:00.000-08:00

You may recall that I recently went to see my pal Jim and his wife DongMei in Xuzhou.

Jim and I are from the same little town in Texas. Well, actually I am from Sweeny and Jim is from Old Ocean which is about four miles away. There's not more than ten thousand people in both towns put together and we all went to the same high school so it really doesn't matter much unless you're from there. If you're from there you know the difference.

Old Ocean is a dying town. The local petrochemical refinery has bought up all the land surrounding the local church which remains the lone hold-out in a real-estate
game that was rigged to start with. You literally have to drive into the petrochemical plant to attend services, and people do it. Southern Baptists. My own mother does it.

Sweeny is a dying town. There aren't any roads that go through Sweeny, you have to make an effort to get there. To it's credit, Sweeny has managed to keep a drug store, a decent grocery store, and basic medical and emergency services alive. Having a school helps. But people who grow up there typically move out. There's not much opportunity, unless you want to work at the plant.

Jim and I didn't know one another when we were growing up. He was older than I was. He graduated before I got to high school. But since the Sweeny-Old Ocean Metroplex is kind of a small place, I knew who he was and he knew who I was. I imagine if you ask most anyone from there, anyone of a certain age, if they know me or Jim, they would know us. Everybody knows everybody. That's how it is.

So, anyway, I got on the train to see Jim and his wife DongMei. It was like going to see someone I'd always known and never met.

Here are some pictures of us, and some of the people we saw:

I like to stop and watch people playing games. I am interested that they play games outdoors. In the USA we mainly think of board games as indoor activities, except for some parks in some cities where there's chess or checkers. I've seen that in New York and Laguna Beach too. But mainly we play board games inside... unless we are in China.

You can see that I'm not the only one who enjoys watching...

I net these guys right outside Jim and DongMei's apartment. They were just hanging out and interested to talk to an American.

Chinese people like to have their picture taken with foreigners. In this shot DongMei, who is Chinese, and I pose with some Chinese students. I never really know why I am doing this, but it brings them some joy and it costs me nothing so...

And here's Jim posing with some students too. Jim is the one with the ball cap and beard.

Here's me and Jim.

Me and Jim posing with more students. DongMei took the picture.

This lady worked the cash register at a restaurant we went to. She was just finishing her make-up when I snapped this. Lovely, isn't she?

This little one was out with a parent. I thought she was a cute one.

Now this is an interesting one. This woman rode her bicycle all the way from Anhui Province to Xuzhou. It's pretty far. I mean, I wouldn't even want to take the bus that far. Pretty impressive.

Here's me and DongMei.

Here's Jim and DongMei.

Here's a shot of all the people who rode on the train with me.

Including these two.

The Back Streets of Dong John

2011-12-25T17:31:00.000-08:00

Brahma, Vishnu, and Lord Shiva live together in a cosmic dance of mutual service. One creates, one preserves, and one destroys, clearing the way for ever more creation.

I think about that a lot. Blame it on too much time at the ashram, but this holy trinity is like a spiritual overlay for what I see every day in China. There's such a desire to preserve some things, and others are brutally torn down with the crudest instruments. Other buildings, not better, just newer, are created and preserved until their own day comes.

That's how I know that Dong John will be torn down. It's inevitable. In the past year alone more than a dozen hi-rise apartment buildings have been erected, and there are new grocery stores, dry cleaners, and a hotel. It's all so clean and new. Well, it's new.

From the main road it all looks good. It looks like growth. But in the back streets you can see what we all know: Shiva must visit. Something has to be destroyed before something new can take its place.

So here's some stuff I saw on a recent walk about through the back streets of Dong John.

They say that in the end all that's destroyed is illusion: the illusion that anything is forever and that anything lasts, the illusion of an individuated self, ego.

I don't know. I am not much of a yogi, and not much of a saint either. The destruction still hurts me, and anything new seems far away.

Toyotallac

2011-12-25T17:24:00.000-08:00

I saw this down in Dong John the other day.

Someone has taken the laurel from a Cadillac emblem and placed it around the Toyota emblem.

ShangHai Boy

2011-12-17T21:40:00.000-08:00

I saw this boy in ShangHai near Metro City, just outside the big bakery. Like a lot of children he was curious about me... my whiteness, my big nose, my light hair. But he was scared too. Lots of children haven't seen anybody like me before. I've even had little children burst into tears when they see me. It's not a real morale booster, I'll tell you that.

He's cute, isn't he?

Anyway, just as the boy was about to burst into tears, his grandfather turned around and saw me. He wasn't afraid, of course, but he understood that his little grandson was. Look how he takes his little hand and comforts him.

I made myself scarce. I don't like making little kids cry.

Sunday Morning Cat Blogging

2011-12-17T20:46:00.000-08:00

This a pretty little baby, isn't it? I met her in one of the little village areas of Wuxi. These are parts of town which have not been torn down yet. Soon, very soon, they will be demolished to make room for the "New China." I imagine if I stay in Wuxi much longer there won't be much of the old left. But that doesn't bother our feline friend.

She was curious about me, but not curious enough to get very close. In this shot she'strying to ignore me, but I could tell she was very aware.

Her guardian was amused that I was taking pictures in their little neighborhood. She had some tea leaves drying outside the door and was working in her little kitchen. I imagine it's plenty cold in her house today, but she has her cat to keep her warm.

This is just a picture I took of myself. That's me in the mirror of my bike.

Night in Xuzhou

2011-12-17T06:47:00.000-08:00

I was only in Xuzhou one night, but my pals made sure I had a good time. I would have taken more pictures, but to be totally honest I was hammered. You know, once in awhile you just need to tie one on.

But I did see these nice bags of beans:

And I snapped this one on the way to the restaurant, which was fabulous, btw. Truly fabulous. Maybe the best meal I've had in China.

That shadowy character in the ball cap is Jim.

That round thing, I guess that's Xuzhou's answer to the Pearl Tower. I think it's a radio tower and it's all lit up like the Pearl.

Xuzhou appears to be a poor town, not all gussied up like Wuxi. I liked it, though, and I'd like to go back and take some more pictures.

Grain in Xuzhou

2011-12-16T01:07:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted in awhile. It's been busy here. And I haven't felt like it. That's the thing about a blog, though. You can leave it for months on end and then come back to it. Maybe that's why I like knitting. You don't have to be particularly faithful about either.

But I wanted to show you some photos from my trip to Xuxhou. I'll just start with these two.

I thought this grain was pretty. I liked the color. I liked it shape, and the way it was all scattered out on the sidewalk.

For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. -- Mark 4:28

These seeds put me in mind of this verse in Mark. And I thought about it for awhile.

A Letter From Bishop Rowan

2011-11-29T20:26:00.001-08:00

Well, what do you suppose it would take for me to start blogging again? Right. The dog. I've had a letter from my furry little bishop and I thought you might enjoy reading along...

My Dear Lindy,

Thank you so much for reminding Mama Rita how much I L-O-V-E chicken breasts! She really fixed us up good for several days.

Tonight, we got some of the brisket Lester Tipps send over. It sure is good with our new "Blue" food.

I think Aunt Jeanne [Rowan's Dog God Mother] fixes the best food...but Mama Rita's is ok, too.

Today Mama Rita went to PetSmart for some more "Blue." [Rowan's dog food] She brought in another sack and she put the sack on the floor....I peeked inside...and what do you think! There was a whole package of dog bones that smelled so good, I just took the package to the backyard, opened it all by myself, and had myself a wonderful snack!

Then, Mama Rita looked out the window and wondered what in the world I was doing. I guess I looked guilty, because here she came. Hands on hips. Then she took the package and the rest of the bones inside....hope I see them again sometime...but probably just one or two at a time. Oh well, that's the way it goes.

There were also two red and green toys in the bag. I left them on the living room floor. Mama Rita picked them up mumbling something about how I was not supposed to see them until Christmas.

Sometimes she does crazy things, but she does love me...and I like being here most of the time...I do miss you and that little convertible where I could stick my head out and let my ears flop in the breeze. Those were good days, Lindy...and all those swims I had in Austin....great memories for a dog like me!

Life's pretty quiet here. Rowdy [Rita's dog] is ok sometimes, but sometimes he is a little pest!

Mama Rita told me you are going on a trip to Thailand...I think I'll just stay here, chase the squirrels, and keep the backyard safe for Mama Rita and Rowdy. That's a big job and somebody has to do it. I do quite a good job, too.

I'll write more later. I still love you the most, but don't tell Aunt Jeanne or Mama Rita. They might get jealous. I love you.

Rowan (ruff-ruff)

The Bishop of All Playing

You can see that he's got a good life and only occasionally gets into a little mischief. I miss him, of course. But his life is full of love and treats apparently.

His Mama Rita take special care to give him the kind of pets he wants, and he has a little brother in Rowdy. He has his own bed and chair... several of each, and they are top-notch luxury too. I think he gets a ride around town once in awhile, whether he needs to go anywhere or not. His Aunt Jeanne and Uncle Ted spoil both of us with their cooking. Rowan loves them so much that when we are at the ranch he sleeps with them. I feel blessed to know that his life is so good and so rich. To know that he was well cared for is the only way I could have come to China, so his happiness makes mine possible.

It is cold and rainy in China today. I have just come in, and my clothes are still damp. I'm going to steam up the little bathroom, though, and take a hot shower and then maybe I'll just let the hot water run for awhile and enjoy the steam. After the weather I've endured today, I deserve it. Calgon... take me away.

Saturday Evening Cat Blogging

2011-10-22T05:21:00.000-07:00

For Shell, Ann, Jane, Fran. Jeanne and Ted, and everyone else who loves the kitties.

I saw this little doll living in an abandoned house. It looks like this vine is growing inside as well as outside. She didn't seem to mind me taking her picture, but I didn't get too close either. Wild girls need their space.

When I got home this sweet one was sitting on my neighbor's bike. I know the neighborhood cats nap on my bike too because I see their little paw prints on the seat. Sometimes I bring them a little chicken or duck.