June 26, 2009
David KenleyWe began with a group meeting, cozily convened in Brenda’s room, sharing our impressions of China so far. Then, we split up in small groups to explore numerous special interests and varied non-tourist eateries. Several people went to a Confucius Temple and enjoyed a vegetarian buffet; James found the Bejing mosque and participated in the prayers. Doug, Dixie and Brian went in search of antiques and secondhand treasures at the Dirt Market, but after miles of walking ended up at the Silk Market. Katie, Judy and I made a pilgrimage to the home of 20th century author Lao She.
Hutong (alleys) and siheyuan (courtyard homes) were a recurrent theme. For the threesome who visited Lao She’s home, the afternoon began with an experience of the narrow lanes, just a little more than a meter, wide enough for bicycles and pedestrians. Behind the walls of a hutong near Wangfujing, Lao She’s home, a typical arrangement of small wooden structures around a courtyard with trees, flowers, and an urn for gold fish has been preserved as a museum. In the late afternoon, our small groups rejoined and headed to Neal (Nien Luin) Yeh’s home—a preserved courtyard home. Neal generously hosted us for a barbeque and shared his insights about his father’s illustrious career, cultural issues, and of course, migration trends. We were treated to an amazing performance on the pipa by a 13 year old girl who has only studied the instrument for six months.
Finding our way into the hutong, shopping in markets, bartering for singing bowls, experiencing houses of worship, and being guests in a private home allowed us to have personal interactions with Chinese people in ordinary ways. What a terrific day!
BJ McElderry