My Parents

I've been looking forward to my parents coming to China for a couple years now, but when it came down to a few weeks prior, I was more than a little apprehensive. My dad has never been outside North America, (I'm including Mexico in North America although that's not exactly correct) and my mom hasn't left the continent in oh... let's go with 30 years. China's not a place that I would necessarily recommend for the unseasoned traveler either. There's a lot of social differences that even after living here for 2 years, I still don't understand. Add into the equation travelling in China without at least a minor understanding of the Chinese language. I know how difficult it is because I've done it.

I haven't been on a real holiday with my parents since I was a teenager. It was great being able to just wander around and go shopping, or taking buses all over the place, going to look at this temple, and that village. They were the best travelling companions I've had. Their easy going outlook and their willingness to jump with both feet into something completely new was really inspiring to me. If something didn't work out according to plan they easily adapted. They weren't put off by a ducks head, or some weird fish, or a baby pooping in the street. Except for a few questionable bathrooms I'd say they left with a pretty good impression.

Sometimes I'm afraid that I'll end up one day, stuck in a rut, being afraid to really live my life to the fullest. But looking at my parents here in China made my fears soften. They aren't faint of heart. They're brave, inquisitive and curious about different cultures and the world. Hopefully when I'm older I can keep the same open mindedness as they have.