But if the family is bringing a bit of home to me, it's even more fun to show them some of my favorite things about China and there's no better place to do that than Yangshuo, where I've spent much of my time over the last year. We've eaten at some of my favorite restaurants, relaxed in one of my favorite coffee shops, and even visited my favorite massage parlor.
On Wednesday, that favorite activity was a fan painting lesson with a local artist, something we often do with the kids. The artist and his wife were really nice to us--he got out the special fans and patiently went over every step of the fan painting process, taking extra time to walk us through painting cherry blossoms on our fans. This was especially necessary because the last time I painted a fan he asked me, politely, if he should just throw it way because it was too ugly.
Compelling as the lesson was, we couldn't help losing focus when the couple's young son came into the studio. My dad showed off his whistling technique and child spinning abilities during a long play date (as Max asked, "Was Dad just happy all the time when we were little kids?"). If we had been there with the students, I would have been shooing everyone back to the class and telling them to focus. But the thing is that I doubt we'll ever use our new fan painting skills; I can't say I have ever considered making a fan in my daily life (well, outside of those classes!). What we can always use is a few new friends, especially super cute 4-year-old ones.
As I look forward to three months of traveling (the current itinerary: January in Southeast Asia, February in India, and March in Nepal), I hope I'll gain plenty of new favorite things in each place I visit--and here's to remembering that sometimes it's important to step back from the big projects and must-see sites and make a few friends.
So long for now, China! Thailand, here I come!
Great post, Pipe! I'm proud to be related to you!
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