An American in a rainstorm

In America, rain usually has a negative attribute associated with it. Either people complain about not having enough or having too much. However, in China, rain is an important and positive symbol in the Chinese culture. Often associated with the Dragon image, rain represents health and a bountiful harvest in the Fall. Hmm,..well I would guess that the Chinese are pretty optimistic about this next harvest because it has been raining a lot. A LOT..

Since arriving in Hangzhou, I have never truly been in the city by myself. At least, not until this Saturday. Some would say that traveling by oneself in a foreign country is scary, weird or even dangerous. However, without a doubt, if you want to do solo traveling; come to China! I've never met such loving, caring and helping people in my whole life. Whenever you are lost or need help with anything, you don't have to look far for a local to come help. They love foreigners and will go to all measures to help us! I've never felt so safe in a city - and this is the largest I have ever been in.

Today, even through it was pouring, I wanted to go find the only Catholic Church in Hangzhou. Named Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, it was built in 1659 by Italian Jesuit, Martino Martini. After being converted to a Buddhist temple a few years later, the emperor Kangxi ordered to restore it back to a Catholic Church. Destroyed by fire twice, it was once again restored to today's current state and is gaining respect and popularity among foreigners and locals.

At 355 year old this place is still beautiful!

In China, the best way to get around the city is either by walking or by bus. I've talked about the bus before, but today was interesting in itself because I was by myself and not with my group. You don't realize how much you stick out until you are totally by yourself in a bus full of Chinese people. All eyes were on me...at all times. Kids would squish their way through everyone to get a closer look, girls in the back would look and whisper, the boys seemed to always look at my shoes and point and the adults did subtle stairs in my direction. Awkward. Soooo awkward for the whole 20 minute bus ride to Wulin Square.

Sidewalk above the Highway!

In terms of size, I guess Wulin Square would be equivalent to Times Square in New York. After I squeezed off the bus, I was smack dead center of this huge shopping and entertainment center of Hangzhou. Huge skyscrapers, restaurants lining the streets and people everywhere; you would think this would be the last place a 355 year old Church would be. But sure enough, after a short walk away from the main road, I came across the church.

The Only Catholic Church in a city of 8 million! 

Because I attended an English Mass, I was joined by other foreigners. Most of them were from Africa with a mixture of families from Israel, France and Russia. It was so interesting hearing all the different accents even though all of the white people looked similar to me. Surprised by the amount of Chinese people in the congregation, I couldn't help but constantly look around at everyone. We all came from different places around the world, spoke different languages but all attended the same Mass. Interesting thing to wrap my head around.

After Mass, I made small talk with a few members and wandered off back into the rain. If it was Mom and Dad or some unseen force that granted me the sense of good direction - thank you. Haha, thank you so much! Even though I have never been to that particular square before, I used the tallest building, the highway and other random landmarks to get myself back to the bus station. While walking back, I noticed that more and more people were staring at me. I thought that since I was in the downtown area, the locals would be used to foreigners? Either way, I know what it feels like to be somewhat of a celebrity. It's the culture, I know, but lately I just want to be a, you know, just an American in a rainstorm. Not some person on show the whole time - but it's still an interesting feeling. I'm sure I will both get used to it and witness more of it as the weeks go on.

Tower and street lamps in downtown Hangzhou

I hope to travel more independently while in the city. I have already grown more independent and I will always use this skill in my future. The only person you can truly rely on while abroad is yourself. It makes it even more complicated when you can't understand the language. The people you meet, make friends with or merely communicate with for twenty seconds all make differences in your life. This definitely has been a learning experience. I love it!

Like always,

Tyler

Oh, and by the way, I went to a bamboo forest last week and I got to hug a 1,000 year old tree...it was so big!

This tree saw so much history in it's lifetime...I wish it could talk!