I have started on the readings that Henry has suggested. He has given me two bundles of articles from the New York Times (and perhaps other publications) and has suggested several books for reading. I have just finished American Shaolin by Matthew Polly. Matt Story spent two years training with the Shaolin monks from 1992 through 1994. He included a lot of interesting cultural information and it was an entertaining book but I'm not sure if it really served to answer any of those burning questions I'm having like how much toilet paper should I take with me and should I plan to wash my clothes in the hotel room or will there be laundry services.I am actually finding answers to some of these questions but am worried that I'm not even thinking of the right questions. The toilet paper thing hadn't even occurred to me until one of my fellow travelers (who was in China last summer) mentioned it.
I am making lists and setting appointments for haircuts and trips to the optometrist to get ready. I'm trying to remember all the things that I need to remember to do. I will be lucky if I remember where the lists are later when I need them.
I am making lists and setting appointments for haircuts and trips to the optometrist to get ready. I'm trying to remember all the things that I need to remember to do. I will be lucky if I remember where the lists are later when I need them.
Our graduate assistant, Jing Jing, is from Beijing. She was quite excited when she learned that I will be in Beijing this summer. She spent 30 minutes trying to teach me to say that I wanted to buy something. She was incredibly patient and encouraging but finally ended the conversation by laughing and saying that maybe I could just point at the thing I wanted and rub my fingers together to indicate I have money.
I fear she may be right and it will not matter how much I prepare. I think I will be relying on the kindness of 1.6 billion Chinese.
