Dispatch from China–Many Loved Children

Posted on February 18, 2010 by Jeffrey Newman

I am in the Shanghai airport traveling to Kunming after three glorious days of the Chinese New Year in Shanghai. The world dynamic aside for the time being, the Chinese mothers and fathers and grandparents I see here hold and kiss their children as if they will not see them for many years. They dote on them and talk to them and show them the world in with constant attention that every child should have. Xin Yen Quai Leu, one of the few expressions I have learned (Happy New Year), results in immediate response of smiles and delight from parents and the children themselves. We visit the former home of Sun Yat-Sen, which is in the French Quarter and is now a museum.This Chinese intellectual wrote some advanced books in his time, early 1920’s and set up the Military Government of the Republic of China in Guangzhou. The stately home, with relics and images of this Chinese leader was visited by many when we were there and we were the only Americans. One older Chinese woman came over and tapped me on the arm showing me a framed inscription written by Chairman Mao. She read each letter with glee explaining (translated by my daughter) that Chairman Mao wrote this with her own hand. She wanted me to know. We attended the gardens in Shanghai, which was teeming with people taking time off work to celebrate the new year. The food, cooked in stalls in the open filled the air with a thousands wonderful smells. The children wanted their picture taken with my daughter, who is fluent in their language. Perhaps the mood of the people was joyous for the New Year but I also think there is a lot happening here and that can be felt by watching the people here. I would, of course, know a lot more by learning the language and living here. Another thing–they LOVE basketball here! There are pro teams popping up everywhere and american players and teams visit here a lot. Here is my projection–over time, there will be escalating trade and tourism between China and the US like nothing ever expected. There are so many things in common–despite differences that cannot be ignored.