Reflections both personal and group generated...

Our group of 16 adventurers, our fearless leader and assistant met 3 times during the course of our journey with agendas to brainstorm/discuss Chinese and U.S. priorities, changes, challenges, concerns, agendas, etc. and the final meeting was mainly to generate learnings, impressions, enlightenments, etc. I would like to list these shared thoughts from everyone as this was a group experience as well as a personal odyssey and my fellow travelers had a significant influence on the outcomes. So, here goes...
The question was "What was most remarkable/memorable that you experienced?"
* cultural things, minority dancing, songs, costumes (native dress)
* EVERYTHING * the history * the Naxi (pronounced Nashi) people
* the schools taught us that if they can teach 60 kids, we can teach 30. * the daily exercise that is a part of everything for harmony/balance * Everyone has a job, a mission, everyone is useful. They keep the masses employed and productive. * the vastness of the country and how many people are here which can teach us so much. * a lot of what I thought was Draconion actually makes sense. The DINK (dual income, no kid) makes more sense, one child rule, etc.
* the likenesses but also, the differences due to culture and government. Choice is more important than I may have realized. * the people are so very welcoming * the people, family structure, the children, closeness and commitment. * the ORDER of everything, everything has a place. * I felt SAFE always * we have a lot of similar dreams * everything is so fresh * riding bikes, walking, eating healthy * landmarks were so spiritual * more awareness, uniqueness, antiquity * the Heifer Village was amazing! * all media portrays their people Chinese) and others in a negative light. Dialogue one-on-one makes a difference. * Minority museums were wonderful! * family time/ties, the interdependence coming out of Confucianism...they want, like, need to be dependent on each other * the openness of their worship practices, they hold-fast to their beliefs * their desire to stay connected with their heritage, a sign of a more grounded people with their identity * the 'wrong' parts of the U.S. may perhaps be the 'right' things about China. Can we learn and improve? * the U.S. is also a country in transition, coming to China helps us question who are we? how are we changing? what do we need to to do the same/differently? * the geography, the bus rides were gorgeous and essential to appreciate the mountains, landscapes, lakes, terrain, etc. * the food was spectacular! * the level of work ethic and discipline * the Dongba priest experience
* the sense of community everywhere, they laugh, live, play, visit, enjoy each other's company, sharing lives with each other in such a real way * people embrace, men and men/women and women, hold arms/hands in friendship and caring without worry of how it looks * the schools were probably like ours where our kids act 'right' with visitors but...60 in a room?? * Pride doesn't require a flag * their Healthy lifestyle leading toward balance, exercise parks for everyone to use. * OBEDIENCE on behalf of the children (although Catherine says not necessarily so) * the stressing of the importance of education and obedience to authority
* People are very "in the moment"! * amazingly people maintain their privacy in public
* Food is more about the socializing that the eating. * how families live together and care for each other because it's the right thing * the food...growing, harvesting, preparing, eating, clean-up, disposing of, etc. is just all part of the whole eating experience. * Tibetan men are hot!
* the Chinese people look different which I didn't notice before. * the gardens are exquisite!
* the music compliments our journey in such a positive sense by giving us another dimension as we travel. * the unique and ancient instruments, they love song and dance * their superior craftsmanship, we have come to see 'made in China' as cheap but they take great care/pride in their finished products where we were shopping * watching the process of HOW things ae made and seeing how much effort and time goes into each item * WALKING everywhere feels so good * even when it's pouring down rain, it's great fun * the streets and walkways are sooo clean * to keep foot traffic out of roadways they have underground crossovers * the mountains * the way every piece of ground is productive like the terracing and crops going all the way up the mountains and crops instead of lawns. * the children are beautiful! * I love how they all ride with each other * the wheeled vehicles are all so unique and versatile

I loved China, I miss being there but I love being home too! I can't wait to share what all I have learned with family, friends, colleagues, students. We are all really one, you know. When we visited one-on-one with the people we all have families, hopes, dreams, regrets, fears, and possibilities. So although we are different, we are alike too...both aspects to celebrate!
Nihao!
Until I have more thoughts to share and photos....happy reading!
With love and hopes for Peace, Liz