Suzhou

Yesterday we arrived in Su Zhou, often called "the Venice of China". Since then, we've been exploring gardens, rivers, market places, and silk and embroidery work places. 

Lots of Chinese people have a weird fascination with Americans. We've been the subject of may different strangers' photos. Often times, they try to inconspicuously get us in the background of their photos; when this happens, I wave them over to be in the photos with us. Some times they ask right out to take pictures of us. Other times, they blatantly take photos, without asking and without embarrassment. 

When we agree to be in a photo, it attracts attention to other passerby's who will sometimes gather round to take their own photos. This attention is flattering; I don't know what it will be like to return to the East Coast and receive scowls from Bostonians again.  

I've had some remarkable connections with strangers. Today, an elderly woman was dancing down the street to her music. The rest of the CHEX group jokingly encouraged me to go dance with her. I danced up to her, we took each others hands, and spiraled together for a few minutes, with out any words, until she waved goodbye and continued down the street. 

Another example from today: we came across a group of people snacking on something intriguing. When I asked what they were eating, they offered us each a stalk of sugar cane, handing out the rest of their bag. It was surprising how generous they were with us, see in that we were perfect strangers.

China has been a delight thus far! Can't wait for tomorrow. 

Mattie