There are two kinds of travelers, tourists and non-tourists. Tourists go places. They arrive someplace new and do what they want, oblivious to the culture and customs of the destination. Non-tourists arrive expectantly, longing to know more of the world, desiring change deep within. So many people.
I didn’t understand the difference before our trip to China. After all, beaches along the U.S. coast cater to tourists, offering all the comforts and convenience of home. Amusement parks, playgrounds for adults, exist to entertain, not to change us. It’s major trips, the small town girl’s first trip to the big city, the southern belle’s first trip north, or an American’s first trip abroad, that provide opportunities to grow and change. If we allow it.
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| The Chinese wait patiently and comfortably on their haunches, no benches or lawn chairs required. I find myself to be lazier than I wish to be. |
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| Cute kids on a field trip to the zoo. I discover that the world’s not that big after all. |
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| Yes, the squatty potties in China are real. There are no doors for privacy and no sinks for hand washing either. I learn that I can adapt — when necessary. Yay me 🙂 |
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| Exercise in the parks, something that happens in cities throughout China. I wonder why we need big fancy gyms and personal trainers… and then I wonder why I spend so little time visiting parks at home. |
Traveling, whether across the world or across town, offers us a chance to learn more about the world and ourselves. Slow down. Look at the world around you. What do you see?
Karen Dawkins says
Jenny,
Perhaps our paths will cross one day! 🙂
Jenny Reibert-Wolfe says
Beautiful shots. We would be good travel companions as I also like the everyday of somewhere else.
Becca @ R We There Yet Mom? says
What great photos! I especially love the one of the exercise int he park – you are right, we don't visit enough parks in the uS.
Carla Karam says
Karen… wow China! I never thought I would ever go, thank you for taking me with you! Grace, peace and blessings, Carla.
Mommys Juice says
Great photos. I really like the ones of the kids at the zoo. Reminds me of my sons class when they are out on field trips together.
Family Travels on a Budget says
Pepper Tan,
We experienced squatty potties throughout China. Parks, tea houses, and traditional restaurants had them. Even the restrooms at major tourist attractions were squatties, but thankfully, hotel rooms were “modern” 🙂
Karen
Lisa Fyfe says
love these. I feel like I just got a great little lesson in Chinese culture. Thanks!
Making Our Life Matter says
Great photos. I wish I had a camera that could do all those things! Following you from VoiceBoks!
Pepper Tan says
Squatty potties? I never knew these still existed in this day and age. I like the exercise in the park. Just watching them relaxes me already.
jade says
squatting toilets scare me! I actually got peed on once when we were in Beijing!! never again- I'll hold it!
Karen Dawkins says
Making Our Life Matter,
My digital camera was so basic — the cheapest we could get — and it froze up, big time! The lens cover wouldn't open an hour before we met our daughter. I prayed like crazy for it to fix itself!
It did — for the rest of the trip… and then it died. :-/
Karen
mail4rosey says
Those pictures are amazing. All of them. I said it before, I'll say it again, I'm going to love this blog. 🙂
Debbie Beardsley @ European Travelista says
I love seeing children when I travel. They really are the same all over the world! I'm amazed at the number of bike riders in other countries. Yes we are privileged and maybe a little lazy too!
Christine D. | The Plumed Nest says
what lovely photos! that looks really lovely. i love that you captured the bits of everyday life, that's what really intriques me the most.
Jessica says
I actually like to sit the way those men are pictured. Unfortunately, my knees don't like it too much these days.
Family Travels on a Budget says
Michele,
When I plan my trips, I begin as tourist too. By the time I get there, I know the tourist info — and enjoy those sites — but I LOVE that I can travel with open eyes. A little research goes a long way! 🙂
Karen
Michele @ Malaysian Meanders says
I think I vacillate between tourist and non-tourist. I usually arrive with my checklist of places to visit but try to take time to just observe local life as well. Your lovely shots capture everyday life.
Nancie says
A great cross section of shots for China. I found when traveling there…so many similarities with other Asian countries, but oh the differences, they are vast!