When people think they know me, before they even get to know me, I love to prove them wrong. Think that because I’m a woman I can’t dig into math problems like the best of them? I just might mention my mathematics degree in casual conversation. Think that because I’m Black, I’m going to walk out of your store with unpaid merchandise? Be prepared for me to ask you point blank why you’re following me. Think because I’m Black, that I’m good at sports? Well, I don’t actually have to do anything to defy that stereotype – it’s just obvious that I’m not the athletic type:).
This past Thanksgiving, China gave me a dose of my own medicine. Just when I was starting to believe that all of China is crowded, polluted and monolithic…I found magical scenery, serenity and diverse ethnic groups just a 2 1/2 hour train ride from Guangzhou in Guilin and Yangshou.
Both places are in the province of Guangxi – Guangxi is home to beautiful mountainous karsts, winding rivers, ancient towns and a concentration of ethnic Chinese minorities. During our four day visit, we wandered through the Reed Flute Cave in Guilin, took a cruise on a bamboo raft along the Yulong River , visited an old town famous for fan making and witnessed an extraordinary nighttime light show, Liu San Jie, that highlighted the ethnic minorities in the region. The show had over 600 performers and a stage that was literally on the river. One of the best parts of the trip was our mountain resort in Yangshou, it had the best American breakfast we’ve had since we’ve been in China – definitely a plus!
While I missed the Thanksgiving turkey, ham, dressing, mashed potatoes, collard greens and sweet potato pie (I guess that stereotype about me is true), I felt truly blessed to see more of this beautiful country.
Karsts in Yangshou
Guilin was very cute, a welcome respite from the busy city of Guangzhou
Reed Flute Cave was a neat way to kick off our trip
The bamboo rafts were powered the old fashioned way, with a gentleman and an oar.
China recognizes 55 ethnic minorities that make up about 8% of the population – if you take the time to notice, you’ll see that not all Chinese look the same!
(Star) Transition 