China Impressions

Before we traveled to China we had preconceived ideas of  what we may encounter. I want to start by emphasizing that  we came home with a sincere respect for China and the  people there. For those who have not done much traveling in Asian countries, there are certainly surprises to be found  in China. At times China seemed like another planet, with such completely different language and customs. You may, for the first time in your life, know what it feels like to be a minority. You will be frustrated by your inability to communicate. You will see polluted water, smell things you'd rather not and eat things that you can't be sure what they are! Be flexible, smile a  lot, talk softly, and be nice. You will be rewarded. Busy sidewalks of Beijing The Great Wall of China Stir-fried nuts of some kind Water boy  We had taken with us some negative impressions of China  that we had gotten from growing up in the communist phobic  1950's, and even from the adoption community and adoption agency. Our experience was very positive. Everywhere we  went the people were wonderful or mostly wonderful, the food  was interesting and we never felt uncomfortable or unsafe.  If the opportunity to go back ever presents itself, I would not be opposed to going.