Hangzhou to Suzhou By Canal
Looking back in my travel journal of 1988, it is indeed remarkable to see just what was new and unusual only twenty years ago in China. The following describes another trip I was taken on when I was the first foreign teacher ever in the Zhejiang Tourism School.
Our happy group of the three boys plus Elizabeth and me set off for Suzhou. I was worried the school would not allow me to invite my three young friends from another Hangzhou college, but they did. And the expense was, once again, fairly minimal. That tells me that tourist prices are far higher than the true cost. But, of course, we didn’t go first class either.
Actually, we took the all-night boat from Hangzhou to Suzhou. In our crowded cabin, we devoured chicken, laughed, played games I taught them like Hangman and Tic Tac Toe, and got into a philosophical discussion about the meaning of life after Russell shared an art book of famous western art pieces.
When they finished a bottle of Chinese champagne, Richard said he was going to throw the bottle into the Grand Canal. I enthusiastically wrote a message to put into the bottle. And, since Russell said we would be passing close to his hometown, I added a note to his mom and dad telling them how much I enjoyed their son. Russell read it and then wrote a note to his parents saying that he had many stories to tell them about me. Richard wrote a wonderful note that expressed his happiness at being together on this trip. Bill just wrote down his name. Then, we went to “launch” the bottle. The night was cold, but strangely beautiful, and we all felt close at that moment.
We remained a happy and playful group throughout the trip. We ended up staying in a very fancy hotel. It was the first time the three had running hot water, and they bathed AND showered after asking me how to work everything. I taught them to lift the toilet seat on the western toilet. However, I neglected to tell them to lie between the sheets on the bed. The next morning, we all had a good laugh because each of them had slept on the top of the sheets AND blankets, only using the extra quilts from the closet for warmth. They couldn’t get over the softness of the beds. Russell said he had awakened at 7 a.m. and just walked around the room for a while.
Another new experience for them was an amusement park. They had never been to one before. They ran like 12-year-old kids to the ferris wheel and roller coaster. They came off the roller coaster quite terrified. “That thing is dangerous, ” Bill panted as he rushed to get off after the ride.
At a particularly beautiful scene of sampans on the lake in Wuxi, Russell said, “It is like something I have only seen in paintings, and you have given me the chance to see it.” It was an eloquent thank you.
Elizabeth is a wonderful traveling companion although it’s difficult to get used to the way she holds my arm when we walk. I’ve noticed my female students also hold my arm like they’re leading a frail old woman.
Tags: Hangzhou to Suzhou by the Grand Canal; Chinese students, Travel
