Something I saw at the wall made me think about who exactly it is I am acting as an Ambassador for. Naturally, as I stated in one of my first posts, myself, my country, etc. But how about for those who I see and interact with; the citizens of a country other than my own? What responsibility, if any, do I have to them?

Through this log, I am acting, whether I like it or not, as a sort of Ambassador for them. I am providing you with a lens into my daily life, of which they are an integral part. Of course I think the best way to know a country or its people is to visit, but I well realize that this is not a feasible option for everyone. So for you, my visit may also be your visit.

So it follows that I want to present a balanced view of what I see and experience here. I don’t want to give a skewed view, either good or bad, of the people, their way of life, or country.

Okay, that’s my diplomatic disclaimer.

When I was in the states, I met a native Chinese that asked me to tell him the thing that I was most surprised by when visiting China. Well, though my travels are far from over in China, I must say that two things have struck me. The first is the widespread use of bamboo as scaffolding. The second is some of the public restrooms.

In the spirit of Forest Gump, public restrooms in China are like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get. It just all depends - doors, no doors, walls in between, maybe not. Urinal or through, toilet paper or not.

I can deal with whipping it out (okay maybe it’s not exactly a whipping action) and pissing in a through next to another man, but to take a squat with no wall in between just doesn’t s(h)it well with me

Qi told me the story of The Six Blind Men and suggested that I keep it in mind when travelling.

Below is the John Godfrey Saxe version of the famous Indian Legend.

It was six men of Indostan,
To learning much inclined,
Who went to see the Elephant
(Though all of them were blind),
That each by observation
Might satisfy his mind. 

The First approach’d the Elephant,
And happening to fall
Against his broad and sturdy side,
At once began to bawl:
“God bless me! but the Elephant
Is very like a wall!”

The Second, feeling of the tusk,
Cried, -”Ho! what have we here
So very round and smooth and sharp?
To me ’tis mighty clear,
This wonder of an Elephant
Is very like a spear!”

The Third approach’d the animal,
And happening to take
The squirming trunk within his hands,
Thus boldly up and spake:
“I see,” -quoth he- “the Elephant
Is very like a snake!”

The Fourth reached out an eager hand,
And felt about the knee:
“What most this wondrous beast is like
Is mighty plain,” -quoth he,-
“‘Tis clear enough the Elephant
Is very like a tree!”

The Fifth, who chanced to touch the ear,
Said- “E’en the blindest man
Can tell what this resembles most;
Deny the fact who can,
This marvel of an Elephant
Is very like a fan!”

The Sixth no sooner had begun
About the beast to grope,
Then, seizing on the swinging tail
That fell within his scope,
“I see,” -quoth he,- “the Elephant
Is very like a rope!”

And so these men of Indostan
Disputed loud and long,
Each in his own opinion
Exceeding stiff and strong,
Though each was partly in the right,
And all were in the wrong!

MORAL,

So, oft in theologic wars
The disputants, I ween,
Rail on in utter ignorance
Of what each other mean;
And prate about an Elephant
Not one of them has seen!

Why do I relay this tale? Well, it may seem I am over analyzing, but I don’t want my travels to be a case of the blind leading the blind. You see what I’m saying

Woke early for a shower and another huge breakfast. I’m really eating too much these days. The only redeeming aspects of my lfestyle are the amount of sunshine and walking each day. I’m relatively well rested, too.

Fu Yuan arrived and we headed to the National Art Museum of China (NAMOC). An exhibition on Mexican art was being held, but to tell the truth, it wasn’t at all compelling. Mothers have probably put more subtance into their children’s boxed lunches than these artists did into their work.

Viewed some modern folk art from artists in a village in the northeastern part of China. We agreed that the styles (of approximately 36 artists included in the exhibition) were relatively consistent. Just as we were hard at work critiquing, a gentlemen approached us and stated that he was one of the artists. In fact, I had just noted that “this guy” has a lot of paintings in the show.

He snapped some photos with us in front of his work and we did the same. Chatted about his work and it turns out that the village lives communist style - sharing cars and, as I came to believe, artistic expression. He introduced to another artist, a woman in her mid to late twenties, and she lead us to some of her work which, thankfully, had an original style.

Her two pieces were much more subtle. When asked about her influences she said that she doesn’t have any. Further probing resulted in her proclaimation that ‘although she respects the classic artists, the most important thing is that she express herself and her idea.’ I concur. The other gentleman specifically mentioned his influences (e.g. Picasso) and it definitely showed in his work.

Not to say that one is superior to the other, but I definitely prefer the approach the woman takes to her art, as well as the end product.

This was the gateway for a discussion on self-expression in art and life in modern day China and the US. Fu Yuan had some really great perspectives. Hope he can share them here in the future. Also made me think of the impact environments can have on my mood and thought process.

Viewed some ceramics from Chaozhou. Found some pretty impressive. Took some snaps of tea sets.

To lunch in a hotel and then to a book store for a browsing session. Home now. If the weather doesn’t interfer, I Will travel by plane to ChengDu tonight. Currently raining.

Woke early to get a jump on the crowds and find a proper parking spot. There are several entrances to The Great Wall, with those furthest from the city being leess crowded. We visited the closest, most crowded of them all, Badaling. This proved to be a good thing beause I was able to interact more closely with the people. I would say 99% of the visitors were native Chinese, from all over the country.

After a 10-15 minute wait in line, we had our tickets and started the trek. The weather was relatively cool, low humidity, and slightly overcast. The total time for our climb was about 1.5 hours. We were severely delayed at one of the peeks by the large crowds and bottlenecks that formed from people going up and coming down.

There is a saying here that goes something like, “You are not a man if you have not seen The Great Wall.” I snapped a photo of the Chinese characters which, I imagine, put it more articulately than I can. Nonetheless, I’m a man or shall I say, The Man. But you already knew that, didn’t you?

Enough.

BTW, one of the gentlemen I was with had never visited The Wall either, so it was nice to share the experience with someone.

Once we reached the top of our section, we had a great view of The Wall crawling across the mountains. I snapped some photos of the scenery and with some young girls who requested a photo with yours truly. When I asked, they all seemed to be coming from distant, remote parts of China, so this trip is one that, I gather, is an important one in the lives of many people. Kinda like visitng Disney land? You’re not a man until you see Mickey Mouse frenching Minnie?

Dry humor. But we got wet.

Just as we made our way back to the bottom of The Wall, we were met by some showers. We purchased some very thin (think cheap garbages bags)ponchos for our 15 minute walk back to the car. Despite the rain, I couldn’t help but keep a smile on my face.

After 20 minutes of traffic, we were on our way again, winding through the mountains that lie North of Beijing. This time we were headed to the Ding Ling Tombs - the tombs of the Ming dynasty that were the first excavated in China and made viewable to the public. The best part of the tombs was viewing the excavated artificats that accompanied the buried emporer and his two empresses.

Back to Beijing for a lunch and home. Slept from late afternoon to around 23:00PM. Woke for internet searches on the visas I need to enter other countries and did some planning for the next phase of my trip. Slept around 0300AM.

As we discussed, they (fortune cookies) can be pretty insightful at times. In University, with a gut full General Tsao’s Tofu ($4.95 with student ID), inspired by Das Kapital, and after plotting the revolution (i.e. determining precisely how we were would get the workers of the world to unite), Bow Wow and I got one that read, “Disontent is the first step in the progress of any man or nation”. Feel bad, do good, that’s my way.

It read, “To think is easy; to act is difficult. To act as one thinks is the most difficult of all”.

It wasn’t mine, but a very close friend’s fortune. We had a dinner together just days before leaving NYC. We talked a lot of things. He gave it to me for my journey. I carry it with me.

I thought of The Ohio State University’s motto - Do Something Great. I thought, before you can do something great, you have to do something.

Act now. Swiftly, decisively, off with their heads.

Doing something,

Jesse

Where to start, comrads? I’m feeling frisky because this keyboard has an apostrophe.

Fu Yuan woke us up early and we headed over to Qi’s God Parent’s home. His God Brother and his wife met us and we all went for lunch. It was a feast. Peking Duck, 108 pieces, they say.

Then to Qi’s Peking University for a tour of the beautiful campus. Off to Dashanxi 798 art district (or should I say commune) for post modern, pre-G8 status, post reform, pre-olympic self expressionism. Do you know what two great leaders look like? A $100 to anyone who can tell me.

Why did I want to eat Pizza Hut? Well, for one, Pizza is my favorite dish. Can you feel me, Hikaru? For two, I needed some variety in my life. Did I mention that since I’ve arrived in China, I’ve eaten (no kidding) approximately 20 cucumbers? Besides, it was the first ever ‘Hut’ in China.

The funny thing about Pizza Hut is that when you order a salad, you can only go to the bar one time. The people are incredibily adaptive and have developed varying techniques to maximize their one trip. Some take the great wall approach (use your imaginination, my friends), but my party decided on the pagoda technique (I took a pic, don’t worry).

Sometimes it’s good when you don’t know what people are saying. Smile, fein innocent and they’ll take care of the rest. Maybe I should use that tactic with the ladies. Then again, my mouth is too big, or I should say my tongue to active to ever do such an audacious thing. 

To a bar sponsored by Heinekin (makers of the scratch DJ-insulting commercial which joked the baby was created when someone spilled their barley concoction on the vinyl). Fu Yen (spelling?), I don’t care how cute your Hiney looks in that Heinekin dress,  I can drink it in the US. Give me a TsingTao. Kudaaaaaaaaasaiii.

The band performing was very good. They covered some American songs and sang in perfect English. My only disappointment was from the crowd, who was reserved and didn’t express much appreciation for the efforts of the performers. I found them inspiring, though.

Back home for a shower and here I am.

I’m stuffed with food, memorabilia, DVDs, and most importantly, love and kindness. The people here unusually kind and warm-hearted. I feel privileged to have this opportunity.

Well, today was so moving that I will be devoting at least one separate post to it.

Maybe the tone was set when Fu Yuan and I headed to the Forbidden City. He’s quite knowledgable on just about everything and fielded all my questions with ease. Then a taxi tour around Tianamen Square. Bei Hai Park, Jing Shan Park, and later, just before dinner (but after shower and a rest), the Purple Bamboo (forget the Chinese name, sorry) park. To dinner. Met Xu.

And then…to Ho Hai.

It’s hard to describe what happened. I wish you were here with me. I’m searching for the words. I need time to articulate this, but what I experienced was quite moving. Thankfully, I documented my feelings and thoughts contemperaneously. I even have some pics.

Fu Yuan arrived in the morning. We went for Korean BBQ and met some nice waitresses, one from Sichuan province and another from somewhere in the South of China (I cannot recall).

Fu Yuan is my brother. While Qi was in meetings, we went to the Summer Palace with his Mother. The scenery was amazing and it was my first look at the old structures here in China. Better than the scenery, however, was the hospitality. I mentioned early in the day that I liked riding bikes, so when I was resting, Fu Yuan went and got his Mother’s bike fixed and brought it for me to ride.

To a restaurant where they brought us out the live fish before cooking it. Then to a great coffee shop with an eye candy running it.

Wake. Pack. Check out. To Ryoko’s with Yu. Lunch, where I ate some Donkey. Quick, who said it - ”gimme that donkey butt and them big ‘ol legs, I ain’t too proud da bag.”?

To the airport. Stuffed with noodles and buns. Flight delayed. Glory Road on the plane. Another example of the pervasivisty (is this really a word? I don’t think so, but I am doing my part to keep the English language fresh, right Professor McFarland? Hey, if Webster says Will Smith can get Jiggy with it, then my Ps better pop off properly) American culture  <- not a judgment, just an observation.

Jason and Fu Yuan met us despite our 0100 AM arrival. Put me at complete ease within 5 minutes. To the hotel. Walked and ate noodles at Malan. Some delicuous fruit drink and meat on sticks to boot.

Ryoko, you are the best ever!!!! I know you were probably tired of seeing my face everyday, though. See you in ChengDu!!!!!!!

To Ryoko’s. Updates to the site. Pizza Hut and some Funk Flex style real talk. 4 ice creams.

Met with Ryoko for a trip to the ShangHai art district. Wandered around and found an interesting market in an alleyway. To LuXun park, where folks napped, sang, and practiced Taiqi. Then for ramen and cold beer mid-afternoon. Maybe a little too much of both. More walking and bus, where the driver almost ran over a cop who was making an illegal u-turn. The cop gave the guy a ticket and the passengers gave him hell once he returned to the bus. Ryoko was slightly bruised and my pointer finger had a bump, so I couldnt seduce any pretty young things with it like I had planned. Finally made it to Ryoko’s after some walking and another bus. Didn’t have change this time, so the ride was free for her. Back to the hotel. Ice cream twice and quite a lesson from Mr. Gong on Chinese history, poetry, and tales. Don’t forget, America represents freedom.

Woke late after a long night. Switched hotels and watched some TV, studied some characters and relaxed.

For lunch with the guys and some walking around. To see a temple, but so many people and shops that I almost missed it. Took a boat across the HuangPu river and went to the observation deck (88th floor) of ShangHais tallest building, Jin Mao Tower. Back to the hotel, then to a Japanese restaurant and a British pub, where we played billards. Talked until 0500AM.

Relaxed during the day, anticipating Yus arrival in ShangHai. Watched a Japanese film, my first, during the evening. Was feeling Chipotle withdrawl, so went to a Mexican spot. Met Yu at the Shen Garden Hotel and, along with Ryoko and Mr. Gong, went to Bar Rouge, a swanky rooftop spot in The Bund.

When I set out for Tokyo, I had a couple travel cases with me because I had to bring things that I would need when I finally settle in Japan. But when I left for China, I could only bring those items that I would need for the next four months of travel. Heres what Im working with:

1 Jansport backpack

1 fanny pack courtesy Nobuko

9 pairs of socks

7 Ts (3 PT original designs, 1 Jesse original design, 1 Nate Ritchie Beastie Boys gift from Freshman year at OSU, 1 beat up white T, and 1 V neck to show the ladies my curl) 

1 Brooks Brothers button-up

10 pairs of boxers

1 pair of Old Navy jeans courtesy of Margareth and Will in Dallas

1 pair of swim trunks

1 pair of nylon shorts to lounge, sleep in

1 Japanese phrasebook

1 signed copy of *On the Return to China* by my *multicultural* muse, Ingrid Li

1 Moleskine writing pad courtesy mrpt

1 Canon IXY digitial camera with carrying case and accessories

1 toiletry bag (courtesy Ike chan) containing: toothbrush, toothpaste, razor, 2 dental floss, nail clippers, nose hair scissors, deoderant, brush, shave gel, tongue scraper)

1 insect repellant courtesy Ike chan

1 Suntory Boss soccer jersery courtesy Mr. Ikeda

1 belt

1 pair of slippers courtesy Hotel Pacific

1 watch courtesy Mr. Ikeda

1 Wallet courtesy Li Yu

Your love and support

1 Kitano umbrella courtesy Sawa san

1 headlight courtesy Abe san

1 adapter courtesy Ike chan

1 pair of Air Force ones

2 pens (Pilot Precise V5 and Nikkei Platinum)

1 US Passport

Business and Personal cards

Passion for life, the unknown

1 sweat rag

1 wash rag

1 Murakome miso for Ryoko

1 Japanese curry for Ryoko

Desparation. Admiration. Manipulation.

Thats how it happened. Its best practice.

I take you where you want so I can take you where I want.

Talk the talk, but walk and balk. Now hes on second and you dont know what to do with this ball in your hand. Will he steal third? Batter up. What signal is the catcher sending? You dont want to be dugout.

No moral compass, whatsoever. You better Google him. Jesus.

Intimidated by real intimacy, she shrank to positions of infancy. On her knees and back, should society cut her neck or slack?