Sunday, January 4, 2009

While at home, I prefer spending more time by myself than with others. I use this time mainly for thought and study; the rest is spent with my family and a few select friends. I am guilty of often not recognizing the importance of the relationships I have. China reminds me that these relationships should be more of a priority in my life. Our visit to the Temple of Heaven today confirmed this thought.

When we arrived at the Temple of Heaven, I was relieved by its familiarity. We had the opportunity to split up, meeting back in one hour. I stayed with Grace, our friend from New Day who has generously helped us around Beijing these first few days. We came upon a woman and man playing “Taichi Rouli Ball,” a tai chi-styled ball game combining traditional tai chi ideas and forms with the modern ball games. I looked on, interested, and they gestured for me to come over and try. The woman handed me the racket and ball and I passed the ball over to the man. We played catch for a few minutes and although we had not spoken, I had just made two new friends.

Grace and I then walked through the courtyard—a place where old folks gather to spend time together. They have conversations, play card games, practice their calligraphy on the pavement, and play music together. While observing today, I saw two woman arguing over an article in their local newspaper, an older woman knitting beanies, and two people become friends through their game of feather hacky—a popular Chinese game.

This is where, on a cold winter afternoon, instead of passing time by studying, reading, or thinking, I’d rather learn how to play a new game, learn calligraphy, or make a new good friend.

Tomorrow we embark on our adventure to New Day.

Respectfully submitted by Jake Stortini