The Gift of a Translator

I agonized over my translator this year; it’s probably the reason I was ill the ten days prior to my departure.
The translator I had last year was perfect: even though she was a graphic artist, she had studied Tuina - traditional Chinese manual medicine - which is what I practice; working internationally she spoke English very well; and she was capable of listening to Teacher for several minutes and then translating for several minutes, apparently covering the whole dialogue. We had agreed upon a payment that seemed fair at the time, and I gladly paid her at the end of the two weeks. However, the amount of time each day was just one hour and we didn’t meet on Saturday or Sunday. Also, Temple of the Earth Park, a.k.a. Ditan Park, was on her way to work each morning, so transportation was not an issue.
When I contacted her this year, before buying my airline ticket, she said she worked for herself now and therefore had some flexibility and so, yes, she was interested in translating for me again.
I purchased my airline ticket at the end of January. Then she said we could work at the same rate as last year. I inquired what the rate was, as I couldn’t recall. She told me, I did the math for this year, multiplying that one hour by 3 or 4 (not knowing what Teacher would be up for) and adding in Saturday and Sunday, and promptly had a heart attack! My payment to her would be just shy of what I paid for my airline ticket! I just couldn’t afford it! I tried to bargain with her, to no avail. I was heart-sick! Then she told me that she lives 1.5 to 2 hours away via taxi, and, working for herself from home, didn’t regularly travel to the area of the Park. She no doubt wanted me to pay for her travel as well. Finally, she said she couldn’t be available all the days after all, so we agreed she would only translate Mondays and Thursdays… only four days out of two weeks!
I was glum. I didn’t know what to do. It hardly seemed worth all the money and effort to fly to Beijing for only four days with a translator!
Finally, in Mid-March, two weeks before take-off, I emailed “Super.” (His Chinese name is Su.) Last year he was the volunteer translator in Dr Xu’s class. I asked if he was interested and available to translate for me this year, or if he knew someone who was. He wrote nine days later saying he would be out of town during my visit, so please contact Xihua (pronounced “She-wha”) Yang.
Xihua had also been a student in Dr Xu’s class; in fact, she and I had visited at the end of my second day of teaching, I just didn’t recognize her name, it being Chinese and all!
So, I emailed Xihua three days before my departure when I was sick with laryngitis. She responded almost immediately that, yes, she would be interested and available to do the job. With another email exchange she agreed to do the whole job, so I canceled the translator from last year. I actually confirmed with Xihua, for translating ALL the days of my stay, during my brief layover in Seoul, South Korea, Sunday morning.
As I got to know Xihua in the days that followed here’s what I found out. She is a Western-trained surgeon, having studied in China. When she delivered her daughter, about 8 years ago, she didn’t want to continue with the schedule of a surgeon, so she became the editor for a Chinese Medical Journal. Nearly two years ago she returned to school, interested in becoming an acupuncturist. Also, she had lived for a year or so in Australia at the time of her daughter’s birth, and so her English language and comprehension, as well as her world-view, was above average. At 39 years of age she had her own car and could drive 30 minutes or less to meet us each morning. And, on top of it all, she didn’t want to be paid!!! She was happy with the experience of hearing what Teacher Hong had to share. And, since we were usually done by 11:00 a.m. or noon each morning, she had the afternoon to conduct her usual business. (She graciously accepted a pound of Parrot Chocolates as a token of my appreciation.)
I came to trust Xihua’s perspective regarding what Teacher was telling us. If, with all of her medical training, she thought it was pure bunk I would listen to her. But, no, she was very interested in his suggestions for improving health and dealing with various maladies; in fact, she would bring up her own issues and get Teacher’s advice. As Teacher told his stories, he would mention famous doctors, restaurants, events, et al, Xihua recognized them, giving merit to his stories.
And, when Teacher asked for an exorbitant sum of money for my training, Xihua was level-headed and calm in dealing with him; coming to a more acceptable resolution. This, obviously, was very valuable to me!
Xihua continues to be a friend through email: offering to ask Teacher any questions that arise for me as I digest his teaching; translating Teacher’s handout for me to give to my clients; and, should I decide to further my studies with Teacher, Xihua wants to be there as my translator!
Truly she is a gift to me!

Knitting the world together, one connection at a time.

Janice, a.k.a. Hong Liang

Laughing Again

I'm laughing again.
I feel I've been someone else this past month – sober, serious, and calm. In fact, I've tried NOT to see the funny side of things and I've hoped there wouldn't be a punch line, for to laugh meant pain; a sharp pain below my right breast, underneath my sternum and lower rib area. It began the first morning of April, also known as April Fools Day, in my hotel room in Beijing. I would double-over in pain if laughter found me. Thus, joy, mirth, gladness, humor, and belly laughing, in addition to sneezing and coughing, became associated with punishment.
That's never happened before.
Laughter is me; it's part of the way folks describe me, "The one with the belly laugh!" To not laugh goes against my fabric.
Through this past month I've wondered whether I'm depressed because I've been so quiet. Instead of life consisting of emotional highs and lows, I've been humming along the lower notes without benefit of the higher staccato and fuller range of expression. It's sobering - literally! I felt sad much of the time, my lightness of spirit was missing, and I had the doldrums.
My painful lung wasn't the only thing I was working through: I've characterized this trip to China as one of struggle, so I've been recovering from the various challenges I met along the way; I've been sorting and processing the information Teacher Hong gave me; treating a digestive issue; and, no doubt, suffering jetlag.
At the same time, I recognized the benefits of being quiet - time for introspection, centeredness and calmness. I took time to just BE, and found it to be rejuvenating and rewarding.
Yesterday, the last day of April, I laughed heartily with two clients (I do "laugh therapy," right?!) and found it refreshing! I felt I was coming home to myself.
This quote has been on my bulletin board for several years, but I don't know where I got it…
"Dr William Fry, an authority on laughter, calls laughing "internal jogging." He claims that laughing, even when it isn't completely genuine, can be beneficial. Laughter doubles the heart rate for three or five minutes and provides a complete workout for the upper torso. It is said to reduce muscle tension, stimulate the nervous system, deaden pain and energize the brain."
Okay, I ready for some comedy relief!

My Complexion

“What do you do to your skin to have such nice complexion? You’re beautiful!” It was Mr. Li’s woman-friend asking after dinner the evening we made dumplings. She and I are the same age.

My mind raced. Yes, I use a product that has helped to create my smooth skin. In fact, when I had used the product for only a month, a friend interrupted me to ask, “What have you done to your skin???? It’s BEAUTIFUL!” The product is from the USANA line of Sense skin care products and called Daytime Protective Emulsion. It moisturizes and tightens the skin, giving it what it needs to be radiant. I’ve never had such silky-smooth facial skin before.
However, USANA is a network marketing company that isn’t yet operating in China, so the product wouldn’t be available to this woman for a while yet. And, talking through an interpreter as we were, without a sample with me, I felt it would require a lot of explaining only to get to the point of, “it’s not available to you.”

The answer I gave, however, is my honest answer.

I said, “Thank you! I believe I’m more beautiful now than I have ever been and it’s because I have found my passion in doing bodywork. I love what I do and it is reflected in my complexion. Particularly in the past few years I have embraced the work that I do.”

They nodded and voiced agreement. They understood about finding one’s passion, following it and having that joy be reflected in your whole being.

Numbers

April 19, 2008
I have finally figured out that Teacher doesn't know how to do math! As you read through these posts, keep that in mind.
When I first met him in 2005 he said he was 79 years old. This trip I discovered he was born in 1932! So, he's NOW about 76!
Economics also escapes him. When he says that staying in a hotel is "Too expensive!" and that I should instead purchase an apartment, I don't think he understands what he's talking about.
Also, in asking for a large sum of US Dollars for the training, I doubt he knows what the exchange rate is!
It helps my tolerance of him when I realize he doesn't understand math!

Enjoy the posts. The older ones are at the bottom of the list.
If you're interested in reading last years' China Journal, visit this blogspot: http://www.wanderingjanice.blogspot.com/

Janice, a.k.a. Hong Liang

Where it all began...

April 19, 2008

This post was originally written September 16, 2005 when Teacher Hong and I met during my first visit to China.

Hi All,

This is Saturday morning and we've moved south to the city of Nanjing. However, the story I want to tell took place last week in Beijing.

On Saturday evening Ken made arrangements for dinner at an Indian restaurant for any in our group who wanted to go. About 20 people went. At the last minute he mentioned that one of his teachers would be there. When I entered the dining room, our group was filling up the first two tables. I saw the third table behind a pillar. When I walked around the pillar there sat the quientessential Chinese Master! Mr Hong is 79 years old, has a goatee of about 3 inches, wears a round, flat topped hat without a brim, (sorry, I don't know the name of it) and his eyes twinkle with merriment. He made me think of Mr Miagi (sp?) in The Karate Kid movie. I took the seat next to him and soon our table was full. Mr. Hong doesn't speak English and I don't speak Chinese, so conversation was limited to hand signals about the food, etc...

When dinner was over we decided to take pictures of the group with Mr Hong. I stood behind him and laid my hands on his shoulders. Then I began giving him a shoulder massage.

When the pictures were over, he turned around and (apparently) chastised me! He took my hand and massaged my shoulder, down my arm to my hand, all the while talking to me about how to do it right. Then I sat down and he worked my neck and the back of my head. Periodically he would name points, like Baihui and I would say it too. Then he would be excited! Then another woman in our group sat down and received a treatment while I watched, pointed and asked questions. Ken would be around sometimes to translate, which was most helpful. He said Mr Hong was eager to pass on what he knows until he 'leaves.' Mr Hong worked on another person or two before we called it quits for the evening. We looked around and were the last ones in the restaurant.

At the cash register, Mr Hong indicated pencil and paper. The man behind the desk gave it to him and Mr Hong wrote down his phone number and his name. He gave it to me, indicating I could study with him. I was very honored! Over the next couple of days I pestered Ken to set up another meeting with Mr Hong. Tuesday morning Ken brought Mr Hong to the hotel room at 7:20 a.m. Mr Hong had already treated 6 people that morning. Ken says Master Hong treats about 40 people per day.

Once in the room Mr Hong removed his beautiful gray satin tunic and put on his white lab coat. He sat down with each of the 4 of us and took our 'pulse' and looked at our tongue. Then he gave each of us a treatment according to his diagnosis. Plus, he said, 'I'm treating you so you'll never get breast cancer.'

And, 'One treatment from me is as good as 10 days on medication.' Some how I believe him. Ken told us that Mr Hong has gone 42 years without seeing a medical doctor or taking any medications. I asked if he does Qigong and he said, 'He gets up at 3 or 4 in the morning to begin his various practices of Qigong and massaging the internal organs.

Teacher Hong brought some tools to use: a rolling pin shaped like a figure 8, that he rolled up and down the spine; A 'scraping tool' (gwa sha) to scrape various areas on the body, without benefit of Vaseline! But, he didn't do it until the 'sha' came up and he often did the scraping over the clothes. There was another tool that he did not use that is a percussion instrument that I've experienced during foot massage. I took lots of pictures. Ken was there to translate when necessary.

Mr Hong asked when we were leaving, and when we said 'Friday,' he said, 'that is too soon to teach you anything!' But, I had already learned much. All too soon the morning session drew to a close and we were in a taxi on our way to school. The treatments were powerful as witnessed by various students.

It was another magical moment in Beijing!

Janice

A time of struggle

April 19, 2008
Rock-climbing with my son, Phil, I had my elbows bent and toes clinging to their purchase. My left hand stretched up and grabbed the next hold. Phil, spotting me from the floor, encouraged me to move my right foot up and then move in one movement - straightening that right knee and extending my right hand to grab the next finger-hold with the white-colored tape below it. My leg wouldn't straighten and my right arm was shaking from holding the tension too long. I said, "I need to come down," and dropped to the spongy mat below. It occurred to me there were no teachers grading me, no experts judging me, if I wanted to drop to the floor that was my decision and the right one for me at that moment. Rock-climbing is complex and challenging, taking time and experience to improve. You go at your own pace and watch others as a way to gain insight. Thinking through the steps you need for each route engages your puzzle-solving/problem-solving skills.

This trip to China was a problem-solving trip. The previous trips I traveled with a group and had a tour guide. Many arrangements were made for me. Things went smoothly and successfully without many obstacles. This trip was different.
First of all, I went alone. In many ways this was a benefit. If I felt like going to bed at 5:30 p.m. I could do that without considering anyone else’s wants or desires; likewise with choosing where to eat or whether to go out with friends. However, when exploring Beijing, either by shopping or by going out at night, one needs a friend.
Teacher talked about this concept when it was time for me to go to the airport. He said he wanted to go with me to protect me. He said if a person goes out alone – like walking through the streets – the pick-pockets and thieves can rob them. But, if a friend walks beside them, the thief stays away. I told him I was taking a taxi and would be fine, but I appreciated the gesture and the security that comes from having a friend beside you.
Secondly, I arrived in Beijing sick. Couple that with jetlag and I was very low energy-wise for the first several days. Add to that waking up on the second morning with severe rib pain when I coughed or laughed and I wasn’t too happy!
Thirdly, Teacher wanted a large sum of money for his teaching, which I wasn’t prepared for. This felt like a set-back and I wondered if I should just return to the States.

Fredrick Nietzsche said, “That which does not kill you outright, can only make you stronger.”

And Robert Henri said in his book, The Art Spirit, written in 1923:

“Do not let the fact that things are not made for you, that conditions are not as they should be, stop you. Go on anyway. Everything depends on those who go on anyway.”

I went anyway and am glad I did. There were lessons to be learned in the midst of the struggles.

Teacher and Bodywork

April 19, 2008
When Teacher heard from Mr. Li about the neck and shoulder treatment he received from me, he asked for a session. The next day he wanted a low back treatment; another treatment the next day, AND one the day after that!
One day he admitted that he doesn’t receive massage or bodywork because who could he go to? I told him that he needs to set a good example to his patients by receiving regular bodywork. He said there’s a big tree in the Park and he rubs up against it when he needs work! He said a lot of the old men go there for the same reason; the tree is becoming shiny!
When I finished each session he would declare my work “very good!” and then add “just two things more” to make it better. He would give me the treatment and then have me do it on him to make sure I had it right.
It seemed to me his mood improved, he joked, laughed and smiled more those last days. Receiving good bodywork can have that effect on a person, especially if they’ve never experienced it before.

Kung Fu Hands

April 19, 2008
That Sunday evening when I gave Mr. Li the neck and shoulder treatment, he said, “You have Kung Fu hands.” The next day when Teacher received the work, he, too, said, “You have Kung Fu hands.” I didn’t know what that meant, so I began asking folks. Here’s what I found out.
Daniel said it meant “Professional.” He smiled and gave me a high five!
When I asked Teacher he said, “You are different than other people, you have Kung Fu hands, or qi on your hands.”
Giray, the Turkish fellow who is an expert on the Chinese language, said, “It's something you're born with, not something you learn. If you have it, you have it. If you have it, it will come to you. It's your gift, not something you have to work at.”
And Alex, the Aussie social worker, said, “Kung fu (gongfu in pinyiin) means a discipline, or to take time, show patience and give total awareness. It comes from your heart and through your hands.”
In reviewing my experience in massage school, with various bodyworkers and teachers, there are many among us who have Kung Fu hands!

Mothers

April 19, 2008
Teacher Hong thinks Mothers are very important people.
When he treats someone and they offer to pay him, he quite often says, “No, don’t pay me. Send the money to your Mother.”
He says, “When we are in pain, who do we ask for? Ma! Ma is Mother. Ma is Buddha. Give money to your Mother.”
The Chinese character for “good” - hao - has two symbols. One is for “mother” or “woman” and the other is for “son.” Teacher said, “Nothing is better than Mother and son. Mother is best in the world; Father isn’t so good. On your birthday, think of your Mother – she suffered for you.
Teacher’s Mother died when he was four years old.
When my time with Teacher was nearly over he presented me with gifts in the form of necklaces. One for me plus two bracelets; two for my husband, Martin, and one for my Mother!

Thanks, Beijing!

April 10, 2008
I've had friends and family email me, concerned for my well-being with the unrest in Tibet and along the course of the Olympic torch. I've had to inquire of my friends the state of the populace, as I'm separated from the news by language issues.
Alex, from Australia, has lived here just over two years doing social work in a hutong. (http://www.the_hutong.com/) We visited for a while this afternoon and his perspective helps me understand things. The people of Beijing and the rest of China are not concerned about these issues. Keep in mind their source of information is screened, (i.e. censored) and given to them in a language and with the perspective the government is promoting. The people of China are not politically-minded as a rule. It's a one-party system and most folks don't get to vote for their leaders. (A mere 20 million belong to The Party, and get to vote in tiers.) The Chinese people are a family-oriented race and tend not to be aggressive. Indeed, Alex pointed out, they built the Great Wall of China to keep folks out! They aren't looking for conflict, they are peace-loving. The name of the street of my hotel means "Peaceful way." The government is taking care of their 1.6 BILLION people as best it can.
My friend, Giray,http://www.cinrehberi.net/ from Turkey, after living and studying here for 8 years, says the people of China have NEVER had life so good in the history of this country! They're looking forward to the Olympics to show the world their home.
The experiences I've shared in my China Journals reflects the hospitality of the Chinese people as a whole. Today I ran some last minute errands. I took a taxi to tourist-friendly, Wanfujing Street for the first time, which is a BIG city block, closed to traffic, with BIG-named stores – you know, kind of like our walking mall in Helena! (Okay, that was a joke!) I went into two BIG bookstores (six floors each, the top one carries musical instruments, including pianos!) and browsed for quite a while. I found an outlet store for Olympic Games memorabilia. But, I didn't allow enough time to go shopping for clothes, dog-gone-it! From there I took the crowded subway, including a transfer, to The Hutong, where I met Alex for tea. After that, I took a taxi to the School for the Blind where I received a massage from a blind therapist. (Coincidence time: I had the SAME therapist I had in Sept. 2005! Greg! And he's GOOD!) I then took a taxi back to my hotel. In all that time, about 5 hours, I didn't witness a raised voice or any sense of anger or frustration, and believe me, my taxi drivers would've been justified to loose their cool on several occasions! And nobody bothered me in any way. Plus, my taxi drivers put up with my lack of language and bent over backwards to get me to the right place in a timely manner.
This morning I met Teacher in the Park for the last time this visit. I said good-bye to Mr Li and the other regulars at the knoll. Jane was there and gave me two mangos to enjoy. Xihua arrived and the three of us walked to the hotel together. I asked my final couple of questions and received the answers from Teacher. He gave me a low back treatment to augment the treatment I gave him yesterday. Then he had me use the same techniques on him to make sure I understood and got it right. Then we exchanged gifts and said good-bye until next time.

(Photo caption: Gifts from Teacher include the neckace and two bracelets I am wearing, the two necklaces he is wearing (for my husband), and a necklace for my Mother. Gifts to Teacher included the agreed upon fee for the training.)

My room was quiet when the door closed.

Teacher has purchased some CDs that teach the English language. He can say, "one, two, three," and "Okay!" and "better." He says he practices when nobody is around to hear him. (His daughter lives with him.) He named a famous leader who began learning a new language at age 90 and said that since he's only 76 he's got LOTS of time to learn English! And, he's doing it so he can talk to ME! Guess I'd better quit whining about my age and memory issues, buckle down and learn some Chinese!!!
I'm off to bed. After breakfast and checking out of the hotel in the morning, I'll catch a taxi to the airport and spend the day flying to LA. My time in China is about over. It's been another above average visit. As they say, "Anything is possible in China!"
Zaijian! (Good-bye)
Hong Liang, a.k.a. Janice
Knitting the world together, one connection at a time

Number-One Friend

April 8, 2008

As she rubbed my neck and down my back, I heard myself say, "First you bring me chocolates and then you give me a massage! You are my Number-One Friend!"
Eunice Chen is the retired school teacher I met in Dr Xu's clinic last June as she was awaiting her turn for a neck treatment. We visited and exchanged email addresses. Our correspondence has been few and far between, but when she learned I was in Beijing she immediately scheduled time together – 2:00 p.m. at the North Gate of Ditan Park, Tuesday. I got there a few minutes early and she had already paid my entrance fee. When she hugged me she said, "I missed you!" We laughed and giggled like school girls as we sat in the little pavilion and took our pictures together.

She had a cloth bag with a sketch of Piglet on the side. Inside she had an assortment of books and things. The first item she brought out was a gift for me of a silk scarf, similar to the one she was wearing. I instantly put it around my neck; aaahh, smooth, soft and warm! Next she brought out a book of maps of the United States; she wanted to know where I live. Oddly, the states weren't in alphabetical order, but she was able to find Montana. After that she showed me an English version of a book explaining the historical sites of Beijing – she wanted to know where I've been. Then, a brochure on a high-tech neck support, complete with infrared "moxa" and magnets, she's using to restore the curve in her neck. And then she brought out the chocolates! The bag had "I Love You" chocolate hearts, Happy New Year chocolates, crispy "shrimp" candy (not really made with shrimp!), and the Double-Happiness candy eaten at weddings. She kept handing me more! She asked if I like chocolate? "YES! And, I haven't had any in a couple of weeks," I said with my mouth full! The Double-Happiness candy wrapper was especially difficult to unwrap, but she tore into it like an expert! After eating three pieces, I put the others in my pocket for later.We caught-up on our families and then decided to take more pictures. We walked over to the plum blossom tree at the knoll, whose thick pink blossoms make a great back-drop for photos. We had more photo-ops at the key-hole gate.

Finally, we left the park and walked to my hotel. I had offered to give her a neck treatment, and she gratefully and graciously accepted. Once in the room, I showed her photos of my family on my laptop before beginning. By now time was running short as she wanted to catch the 4:30 subway for her two-and-a-half hour(!) trip home, and it was just after four p.m. Where had the time gone?! Her cell phone rang three times during her treatment! I wrapped it up quickly, keeping the time in mind. But, then she insisted on giving ME a treatment! I was incredulous! But who am I to turn down a massage? I haven't taken time for a foot massage or any such thing during my stay thus far, so I'm over-due! She rubbed and hit and pinched her way around my shoulders and down my arms like a pro! She pulled my fingers and they popped! She beat down my back, and grasped the back of the neck. It all needed it and I LOVED IT! She said she's been taking notes at her appointments with Dr Xu and practicing on her husband and son. I couldn't be a happier recipient!
We threw our coats on and she reminded me to put my new silk scarf around my neck to protect my throat. Then we walked briskly towards the subway station. When we got as far as the West entrance to Ditan Park, she stopped and said, "I know the way. You don't have to go with me." So, we hugged good-bye. I heard myself say, "I love you!" She said she'd invite me to her house on my next visit for a home-cooked meal. "Good-bye!" we waved. I turned, and as I walked I realized I had a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. She touched my heart.
Hong Liang - Knitting the world together, one connection at a time

Heart to Heart

April 6, 2008
I'm reading a book called Wild Swans by Jung Chang about the author, her mother and her mother's mother and their life in China. I'm currently reading the part about a time during Mao's reign in the early '60's when Mao asked the people for suggestions on how the country could be run better. However, it was a dishonest plot to find dissatisfied citizens and punish their arrogance by demoting them and sending them to labor camps in the western part of the country. Tonight I had dinner in the home of Mister Li who, it turns out, was one of those people who gave honest feedback to the government only to be punished by over 30 years of hard labor.
The great part is you'd never know he'd lived such a life! He's the man at Ditan Park whose big smile, butch hair cut and military salute welcomes me to the knoll each morning. He's been friends with Teacher Hong for five years, he says. The evening was arranged by my substitute translator, Jane, who wanted me to experience making Chinese dumplings at a family home instead of the restaurant experience. She met Mister Li one year ago. He lives just a 7 minute walk from Ditan Park and was willing to host the party. Jane bought some ingredients, including lamb, and we hiked up the six flights of steps to Mister Li's apartment. We were greeted by Master Li's 30 year old daughter, a woman-friend of Mister Li's – a woman about my age who owns a restaurant - and her son-in-law, in addition to Mister Li, age 68, himself. The son-in-law didn't stay long, so there were five of us for the evening. The dough for the dumplings was already made, so Jane put the ground lamb in a bowl and added various ingredients including oil, soy sauce, Chinese wine, spices, egg and grated green veggies. Using chopsticks she mixed and mixed them together.

She kneaded the dough and then, with wooden cutting board placed on the table, rolled out circles of dumpling dough, using a broom-handle rolling pin, eight inches in length. Quick and nimble fingers made the process look easy, but for this Westerner it wasn't! When properly rolled out the center is thicker than the edges, so that when you put a spoonful of filling in the middle you can stretch the dough around it and seal the edges all around. I've made won-tons for years, but I didn't mention that fact to the restaurant-owner-woman who kept taking the dumpling-to-be out of my hands to show me - yet again - how to stretch the dough and then seal the edges! Watching it done correctly many times doesn't make it easier to do! This, like so many things in life, takes PRACTICE!

Once the water in the wok was hot, the dumplings were cooked.

Additional side dishes included smoked fish, a green vegetable resembling cucumber only more bitter, some spaghetti-like noodles, and chicken soup complete with the bones.

We enjoyed beer with the meal and Mister Li brought out his home brew, appearing to be made from cranberries and sea horses!
Dinner conversation kept Jane busy translating our becoming acquainted with each other, asking and answering questions both ways. After dinner I presented them with the 4 pound container of mints I had brought from Helena. They were delighted! They said I could visit anytime I'm in town.
When the dishes had been cleared from the table, I invited Mister Li to sit down and I began "rolling" (massage technique) the top of his shoulder. He said things to the affect of, this feels good. This feels REAL good! I like how this feels! And so on. Soon the translator quit translating, but Mister Li kept talking as I proceeded to give him a neck and shoulder treatment like he's never had before. He loved every minute of it! Apparently he suggested to his woman-friend, that she learn how to do this "rolling," as she came over and tried to copy my technique. When I finished 15 minutes later, Mr Li got up, moved the chair out of the way, got down on his hands and knees and kowtowed, or bowed, down to me, saying, "I want to be your student!" I am now part of the family and they will make room for me if I want to stay there on my next trip to Beijing.

We took lots and lots of pictures. I gave brief sessions to the woman-friend and to Jane so they could experience the "rolling."The woman-friend, the daughter and Jane walked me to my hotel, a 15 minute walk, and Jane told me a bit more about Mr Li's experience in the labor camp. She said his hip was injured and he has a head/neck injury from those days. He is diligent about doing his exercises in the Park and feels it has helped him recover his health to some degree. This is one of the great things about travel – making a connection with people; a heart-to-heart connection.

Now...where was I...?

April 5, 2008

On Thursday afternoon I decided that, except for two trips to a local grocery store for bottled water and bananas, I had spent most of my first four days in China in my hotel room or in Ditan Park. This was not wholly a bad thing, as I had been fairly sick for two weeks and I was no doubt suffering from jetlag. Mornings were spent with Teacher and afternoons were spent doing quiet things, reading, napping, emailing or journaling. Finally, I needed to do something else, but, what? I wanted fresh air, exercise and a destination with which I was familiar. It had to be Lama Temple!
Lama Temple (http://www.beijingservice.com/lamatemple.htm ), or Palace of Peace and Harmony Lama Temple, is a place of fond memories. Ken Lubowich typically takes his groups of massage therapists there, so I've been two or three times. On one occasion a group of Tibetan Monks, dressed in their orange robes, were chanting a ceremony apparently for three people who were kneeling at the center. In 30 years of visiting China, Ken had never witnessed such a performance! The men's a'capella chanting resonates deep within you as you stand mesmerized, and the sounding gong reverberates to your core. It was a special moment and we soaked it up.
And so I set off! I knew basically where it was and that it was within walking distance. I just needed to follow my nose to get there. This Ditan District of Beijing is a busy section of town with some skyscraper office buildings mixed among the usual businesses such as grocery stores and restaurants. I walked past a McDonalds (another on the opposite side of the street), a KFC and a Pizza Hut. The six-lane Andingmenwai Ave. supports honking buses, taxis and cars and has several raised walkways for pedestrians to cross the street safely over the traffic. There are bicycles and pedestrians aplenty on two-lane access roads on either side of the main lanes.

As I walked along I was fully aware that I was the lone Westerner among the masses that afternoon. I focused my eyes forward and was resolute in my determination to reach my destination.
After walking about 15 minutes I crossed Second-Ring Road, which is akin to a freeway or Interstate in the US, with on/off ramps, etc.... But, it's not often these vehicles reach the speed limit of 60 KmH, as it always seems to be bumper-to-bumper traffic. The figure I heard was that 2000 new cars are added to Beijing's population every month! However, I haven't ever witnessed road-rage! You hear honking, but it's just a reminder, "I'm right behind you!" And it's very rare to see a car with dents indicating an accident, or to actually see an accident. I've seen two small-scale accidents in my 4 visits to China.
Once across, I turn left and am pleasantly surprised to find a freshly landscaped walkway with periodic benches and play areas for children. The trees, again, are budding, adding a sweet fragrance to my walk - lilac and magnolia to name just two.

I follow this for 10 minutes or so when I can actually see my destination. I recognize the tall, 250 year old building with the yellow/golden roof tiles that are layered with centuries of dust, dirt and sand. This is the northwest corner of the compound, but the entrance is at the south end. I have crossed the north/south street before I look and realize that there's no sidewalk on this east side of the street. It seems blocked and congested to me. So, I decide to keep going straight and kind of work my way around the block – you know, like we do all the time, right?
Well… I went straight until I found a right-hand turn. It was a bit further than I had expected and the Lama Temple buildings were no longer in sight due to these other buildings. There was a sign with Pinyin words that said, Hutong, which means traditional village. So, I turned right and walked down the street of this hutong, where people live in traditional low buildings and many have a small family business out front, such as a little grocery store with a fruit stand, for instance. Frankly, there weren't too many people out and about, which was okay with me!
I walked quite a ways looking for the right-hand turn that would take me to the entrance of the Lama Temple. Eventually, my street dead-ended into a cross-street. Feeling just a bit uncomfortable, I pulled out my Point-and-Go that Ken Lubowich provided us, and asked a guard at another old-looking building, pointing to the Chinese characters for Lama Temple. He pointed towards the west and I set off. Another left turn and things were looking less hutong and more Temple-esk! Around a couple of corners and there was the entrance – on the same street that I had crossed 10 minutes or so before! It feels good to arrive, you know?!
I purchased my ticket and entered the Temple grounds. Peaceful is the right term for this nicely landscaped place. I purchased some incense and walked through the first archway. Ahead of me was the first of five major temples that housed various statues of Buddha, including one 18 meters above ground and 8 meters below ground made out of the same tree!!! Along both sides were other buildings with Buddhist significance. Outside of each main entrance sat a large incense burner and, nearby, a smaller stand with a protected lighted flame.

I took out three sticks of incense and held them over the lighted flame until the ends began burning. Then, facing the main entrance, I held up the incense and quietly said my prayers. The belief is that the sweet fragrance and the smoke from the incense delivers your prayers to heaven. After bowing three times in reverence, I planted my three sticks of incense in the large incense burner, amidst many other sticks, being careful not to burn myself. Then I stepped to the entrance and absorbed the peacefulness of the place before proceeding on to the next incense burner. I spent an hour that day saying prayers and heaping blessings on friends and family members. Walking home, my heart was full and light at the same time, even though the day was quite warm and I was over-dressed.

Mission accomplished!

Teaching, continued

March 5, 2008
My last post, Teaching Begins, was written just before I meet Teacher Hong and the translator, Xihua, in the Park on Friday morning. When I arrived at the knoll where he stations himself, he was ready for me. Xihua, arrived and the three of us did qigong together; a series of movements Teacher has put together for good health. He talked us through and explained the purpose of each movement and even admitted it was boring, but essential. Xihua kept pace with Teacher, speaking English to me in sync with his instructions.
Then the three of us, plus Jane, walked the 15 minutes to the hotel. I first met Jane last June at the knoll and was delighted she could speak English. I don’t know her Chinese name, but Jane is easy to remember and pronounce! Friday she was serving two purposes: one - she suffered a sore throat and sinus pain with a headache, so she’s the perfect patient for Teacher to demonstrate on; and, two - she agreed to serve as the substitute translator Saturday and Sunday for Xihua, who had plans to be away.
Once in my hotel room Teacher gave Jane her second treatment in as many days. Afterwards, Jane said that after the first treatment she felt a bit better, but after the second treatment she felt considerably better, particularly in the sinuses. Then Teacher treated me. My sternum and rib were still tender to the touch and I winced, but not nearly what it was the day before. The stomach treatment was much shorter in length and the liver, still tender, needed attention. Then he placed his hand over my tender rib area and just sat, holding it for a time and commented, “everything is related.” Since that treatment yesterday morning, I haven’t thought about my rib unless I needed to cough. Even lying down at night, which used to be painful, isn’t. It is much improved. For the remainder of the time Teacher continued teaching and telling stories while I took notes and asked questions. This morning, Saturday, I met Teacher in the Park, we did our movement and Jane met us. At the hotel Teacher had me treat Jane following his protocol. He was happy with my technique, and, he said I passed! So we have to determine what he’ll teach next! We’ve come up with some ideas.
A word about our financial agreement… on Wednesday Xihua and Teacher talked for an hour while I sat and watched. I had told Xihua my position clearly and she used her tact and diplomacy to bargain with Teacher. I will pay Teacher less than half of his asking price, and I’m okay with that.

Hong Liang
(“Hong” – my Teacher’s name; and “Liang” – the light that comes from the moon; also, bright, clear voice.)

Teaching begins

April 3, 2008
Yesterday Xihua, the translator, and I met Teacher at Ditan Park, also known as Altar of the Earth Park, a little after 8 o’clock in the morning. The park is large and has some ancient buildings, but is mainly tall trees, grass, walkways and plenty of open space for the people to do their Tai Chi or dance class or sword Tai Chi or jog or walk - whatever their form of exercise may be.



My first visit to Ditan Park was two years ago when it was in the beginning stages of renovation. Some of you may recall there was a temporary, solid fence surrounding the area of the park where Teacher was known to spend his time. I had to find a hole in the fence, climb through and then tip-toe and hopscotch my way through the freshly turned soil and muddy areas to the knoll where he stood, all the while skirting past the inquiring eyes of the manual labor workers with their shovels and wheel barrels. Now the temporary fences are down, the grass is growing, the new sidewalks are attractive and the trees are just beginning to bud out. There are literally hundreds of people in the park, in groups typically, doing their thing. And, these few days that I’ve been here, the sun has been shining and the birds are singing! It’s absolutely grand!
We had agreed to meet Teacher in the Park because he said he wanted us to do some movement together. However, as soon as we met him, he gathered his things and we walked back to the hotel! I’m afraid he’s got that Senior Memory Issue we struggle with in the States!
Once back in my hotel room, Xihua asked me what area I’d like to have Teacher instruct me. I said, “I’d like him to work on me!”
I had awakened the day before (it’s been 48 hours ago now) with a sharp pain in my lower right ribs. It doesn’t hurt all the time, however, only when I inhale, cough or laugh. Through email, Dr Nick thinks it’s probably a separated rib. I say it’s from the extraordinarily hard mattress that is not only FIRM, but has extra-firm LUMPS! My guess is my ribs were wedged on a lump and then I coughed in the night. But, whatever the cause I was in pain!
I laid down, face up, with my head at the foot of the bed and Teacher placed his two thumbs on my sternum. PAIN! He didn’t waver. He moved inch by inch down the sternum until he came to my stomach area. There he planted four fingers deep in my gut and waited. This was uncomfortable and I worked at relaxing and breathing. He stayed there, talking and teaching, Xihua translating, for five minutes or so. He was waiting for my stomach to gurgle. While setting out to treat my rib, he realized I have digestive issues and he stopped to treat it first. Then he treated my liver. Then he had me stand up and we did some movement together. He said we would repeat it all tomorrow; i.e. today. Then I sat down and took notes – you know me! Before we had gotten very far he was telling stories again! But, I was happy with the treatment and the explanations.
Time for breakfast and then to the Park!
Janice : )

The Old Ways

April 2, 2008

Back in the "Good ol' Days" of China (I don't have any exact dates); there were Masters of various disciplines – Tai Chi, Gung Fu, and other martial arts, as well as traditional healers, medicine men, etc… These Masters carefully chose the students they would adopt and train. The relationship was as close as a blood relationship and carried a lot of importance. The training might take three years for the healers, for instance, and during that time the Master paid for the student's room and board. The student paid nothing but his devotion to Master, following his every word. After the three years (or whatever amount of time), the student would be accomplished and begin working for a wage. Now it was time to pay back the Master. All of the student's earnings for the first year went directly to the Master. In subsequent years the amount was reduced by various percentages. As time went on the Master would continue sharing secrets with his students, in particular the one that showed the most promise. The student who learned his lessons well and supported the Master most generously was the one to receive the more valuable nuggets of information over the years. At the end of his life, the Master would give that student, and only that student, his most treasured bit of information – something he had held back until his final moment.

(Photo caption: Teacher in Ditan Park talking with his friends. Does he look like a relic to you?)
My translator, Xihua Yang, says Teacher Hong is living in the Olden Days. When he says our relationship is like Father/Daughter it comes with a lot more expectation than handing down some traditional healing techniques! We have spent the last two days discussing the various financial aspects of our relationship, and it hasn't been easy! I certainly didn't realize that's what I was being invited into 2.5 years ago! This explains why Teacher suggested I buy an apartment here in Beijing – for me to use when I come to study with him for lengths of time. In HIS opinion, staying in a hotel is too expensive! I should just buy an apartment!!! Of course, in MY mind the difference in cost is very significant! And, I don't have plans to live here for months at a time to study with him. That Old World system isn't employed today, at least as far as I'm concerned. He has a hard time accepting that.
Teacher is living on a pension, so naturally earning some income from a student would ease his aging years. His argument for charging me large sums of money is that he's giving me the tools to become a very successful healer. That may be true and it may not be true. For instance, how often might I treat someone who has been stung by a bee on the eyeball? And if I did, could I really collect sputum from a rooster to do so?! My complaint is that he hasn't taught me much of anything as of yet. He's a talker and tells story after story. I'm a person who loves to hear stories, don't get me wrong! However, if I'm paying hard-earned money, I'd better be learning something! For his part, he says he's not an academic teacher as he's never been to university. It's hard for him to just teach me things. He needs to have a patient or many patients in front of him with genuine issues to work on, and then he can teach through example. That probably isn't going to happen. He has suggested that he fly to Helena, Montana, USA and shadow me in my *clinic* giving me suggestions for the treatment of my clients. Again, he has NO IDEA of what he speaks!!!

(Photo caption: This is Xihua Yang, my primary translator. I am wearing part of the gift Teacher gave to me - the necklace and some bracelets.)

So, where does that leave us? Fortunately, my translator has been an excellent ally, has voiced my concerns and whittled down the price. I don't have to pay anything as of yet, so we can see if he follows through with some information and treatment protocols. I'll keep you posted!
Hong Liang

Meeting Friends

March 31, 2008
How long does it take to become friends? How can that connection remain strong when half the world separates you from each other? It's one of life's mysteries and I'm sure we've all experienced its magic in our own lives.
I am RICH with friends in Beijing! Daniel and I went to dinner last night. Daniel Chen is a tour guide for a guide service in Beijing. When I travel with a group he is always the first person we meet as he greets us at the airport and welcomes us to China. In the bus he tells us the stories of this place called China, he answers our questions and has a sense of humor. He is compassionate and genuinely cares about each person on tour. For this visit, he has been key in finding this hotel, in the perfect location and includes internet in the rooms!
I arrived at the park, Temple of the Earth Park, Chinese name: Ditan Park, this morning at 7:15, paid my 2 yuan ($0.28) to enter, and walked briskly to the knoll where Teacher generally is first thing in the morning. He was not there, but, one of his friends was. This fellow has a big smile and a big laugh! His hair is a butch cut and is gray. I waved a big wave at him; he smiled and waved in recognition. We shook hands. Then I wished I'd been studying the Chinese language since my last visit! We couldn't catch-up like Daniel and I did. He knew I was looking for Teacher, so he looked too. Finally, I began doing my qigong and he continued with his routine as well.
Teacher Hong showed up, 30 minutes late! His eyes twinkled as he smiled and nodded his greeting. He walked with a cane but at a pace that is very grounded and solid. Again I wished I could really speak to him. Soon the one I call The Imp arrived. She is high energy, a bundle of smiles and over aged 60! We hugged and wiggled! And, again, I wished I could ask her how she's been since my last visit!
Fortunately, two strangers who could speak English arrived and translated so that I could tell Teacher there would be a translator at the hotel this morning by 9:00 a.m. and where the hotel was located. We walked together to the hotel and took the elevator to the forth floor and my room. I called the translator while Teacher inspected my laptop. He brought the DVD of him doing his qigong that Ken Lubowich video recorded two years ago. We put it in and played it. Then the translator arrived. Xihua Yang is my new translator. The translator I had last year lives 1.5 hours away and no longer works in the district of Ditan Park. Xihua Yang was one of my students in Dr Xu's class of doctors last year. I had emailed another student and he put me in touch with Xihua. She is an acupuncturist, married, with a daughter in school and lives 30 minutes from my hotel. She has a very kind smile and eyes. We've had the briefest of encounters and yet she is as an old friend.
Teacher seated himself on the end of one of my two twin beds and Xihua sat next to him while I sat in a chair at the computer desk creating a tight circle. My gesture was the signal for Teacher to commence introducing himself. Periodically Xihua would say, "He's telling me how he met you." Or, "He's telling of the boy with the bee-sting in his eye!" I would nod in understanding having heard the stories before. And then, "He's talking about the relationship between a teacher and a student; it's like a father and daughter relationship." I had heard this before. This time Teacher asked her to ask me what one calls their father in the USA? I said, "Father or Daddy or Papa." This last one he liked. In Chinese, the word for Father (or grandfather) is "Baba." So, for this relationship, Teacher Hong is my "Baba!" And I am to treat him with the appropriate respect and honor that traditionally goes with that title. Baba talked the morning away and Xihua translated when he took a breath! Baba said that he & I have been "friends" up to now, but since we've known each other for nearly three years he accepts me as his "student." Tomorrow our relationship changes from friends to teacher and student. Stay tuned!

Lost is found

March 30, 2008
I'm sitting in my hotel room in Beijing after a 30 hour travel time from Portland, OR to LA to Seoul, S. Korea, to Beijing, China. It's good to arrive.
Most everything went along as it should've until the little piece of my earring that holds it in place (the little part in the back) slipped down my shoulder and I realized my Montana sapphire earring was missing. This was the last flight of the day, from Seoul to Beijing, a flight of only an hour and 40 minutes. I was heart sick! I began looking around, patting my clothing, standing up and looking, looking, looking. Then I just sat and thought about it. Why now? When exactly did I loose the stone? It had to be pretty recent because the little part wouldn't just stick to the back of my ear for long, even though it'd been 30 hours en route! Then I remembered that the flight attendant had helped me lift the shoulder strap for my laptop computer case over my head as she lifted it into the over-head bin. That must've been when the strap caught the earring and sent it flying. As soon as the Buckle Your Seat Belt light went off as we stopped at the gate, I stood up and looked at the floor behind me. Yup! There was my earring, the stud bent from the woman's high heels stepping on it - an easy fix! AAAhhh!!
Inside the airport I recognized many changes since my visit last June - lots of shiny new space, and, as the voice explained to us all, as of March 26th there are now THREE terminals to the Beijing airport. And a slick rail system to take you to Baggage. That's new! After claiming my baggage and asking, "Where do I go from here?" I arrived at what I call the Welcome Gamut! LOTS and LOTS of people greeting their family and friends or hotel guests. It almost feels like a celebrity welcome with signs waving and everyone looking at you and you searching for your friend. Speaking of whom... Daniel, our tour guide from previous trips, had mentioned in an email that he would be in Shanghai today, but thought he could get an early flight back to Beijing to meet me at the airport. His last post a week ago said his flight landed in the afternoon and we'd meet at the airport. It was 11:00 a.m. So, I searched the faces but his wasn't there. I hung around for a spell waiting, hoping, ever optimistic. No Daniel!
I decided I could change my money into local currency. I counted my money and handed the woman $515 USD. She counted the money and assembled my Chinese RMB, a.k.a. yuan and handed it to me with a receipt. I couldn't count all 2880 yuan, so I folded it and put it away in my purse. Next, call Daniel.
There were some pay phones handy, so I asked the woman at the Exchange place if I could use my credit card to pay for a call and she said yes. And, certainly there was a picture of a VISA card on the screen, but that was nearly the only thing NOT in Chinese characters! I couldn't find a button that would switch to English language. I asked an airport employee walking by and she said I needed to buy an IC card and pointed in a direction of several small shops and lots of people. I went into another exchange place and they directed me to the Information Desk. That woman sent me back to the small shops - the one on the END! As I was making my way to the shop, two women approached me and asked if I had just exchanged some money? I said yes. The one asked to see the receipt. I produced it and one woman pointed out that the other woman had inadvertantly exchanged only $415 USD worth of cash!!! In her had was the remaining $100USD and she returned it to me!!! I could hardly believe it!!


(Photo caption: This is the new Beijing Terminal 3 which opened March 26, 2008. Upstairs is departures, downstairs is arrivals. You can see the folks lined-up downstairs to greet arrivals. That's where this story took place.)

I told them I needed to buy an IC card. One asked if I needed to make a call. I said yes. She pulled out her cell phone and asked for the number. I showed her Daniel's number and she punched it in (all 13 numbers!) and handed me the phone! I couldn't believe it again!! Daniel answered the phone and said he was still in Shanghai and would arrive in Beijing at 4:00 p.m. He suggested I take a taxi to the hotel. So I did and here I am!
Beijing is more beautiful than ever! The sky is actually BLUE! The day is very warm and there are new roads, highways, landscaping and buildings all the way into town. And the trees are in bloom! It's Springtime in Beijing! And the internet works in my room!!!! I am very excited about that! : )
More later! Janice : )