Photo Journal: Old Shantou

We have loosely established an exploratory schedule to coincide with a school-provided driver picking us up at 10pm from the downtown area every other week. Otherwise, our explorations would be limited in area and time since the bus stops running the route at 5pm...or stops at 3:30pm for no reason and leaves dozens stranded downtown (which happened to us last weekend.) Today, we had a driver, so we pinpointed a location and pounded the pavement for hours. Sadly, the government has gotten a hold of Old Shantou, so most of the locals have been removed, the buildings are encased with scaffolding and netting, and a good dose of disney-fication is underway. Luckily, China only worries about the facades, so a turn down an alleyway reveals the charm of years past.

I would have loved to hear this woman's thoughts as she silently stood in the middle of the road, for a long time, gazing at the mayhem around her.

Electrical lines are the perfect laundry line.

We were completely amazed yet baffled how a ginormous tree grew on a roof and survives long after the roof is gone. 

Bakeries are the land of bizarre labels.

Much to our surprise, churches are in abundance in Shantou. This Catholic church was the perfect location to hide from honking motobikes and insane drivers.

When the delivery truck doubles as a siesta hideout.

For Those Who Cross Our Path

Every so often, Zach and I will embark on a conversation about individuals, couples, or even families who were instrumental in our lives at certain points. The people who walked alongside us for a season, somewhere in the world, and left their distinct mark on our memory and life. These are always fun and endearing conversations for us and what prompts them varies.

Today we had such a conversation.

Sixteen years ago, I embarked on an exchange program in China. It was a whirlwind three weeks, filled with so much - learning, laughter, new experiences. It was my first time out of America. My first time dealing with a language barrier. My first time experiencing something so different from my day to day routine. Reflecting, I have very distinct memories from this journey. Many revolve around students, but I have just as many that involve the host couple - Mike and Winnie.

As a seasoned expat now, I can fully understand and stand in awe of the patience and grace they extended to four wide-eyed and naive foreigners. We plopped into their world wanting to try anything and everything, not caring the repercussions or the cost. To their credit, they were flexible and more than willing to endure another Chinese meal for us.

Little did I know, that trip would stir within me wanderlust for the world and be the first of many journeys across oceans and continents. When people ask me why I live overseas or what made me decide to travel, I recall this trip and this couple.

Today, we had a conversation about Mike and Winnie because I received word that Winnie died. Earlier this month, she had heart surgery which was followed by complications and death.

Shocked. Stunned.

As with most deaths, the reel of memories begins. Though Winnie was not a constant in my story, she was one who crossed my path at very distinct and memorable moments.

She was the one who walked into the room as I read the email from Zach saying he was breaking up with his fiancee. She commented that one day I could marry him. When I vehemently replied that no way in hell was I going to marry Zach, she responded with a gleam in her eye and a quiet, "We will see."

Three years later, she hugged Zach and said, "I thought I might meet you one day."

Six years later, we reunited as fellow expats. We were in transit from Beijing to Zhanjiang, and they were embarking on their final year in China. In the three days we spent with them, we reminisced, laughed, shared struggle stories of living overseas, as well as the joys of such a journey. The things they shared with us during those conversations truly helped ease our transition into a university setting and long term living. Many times, either Zach and I will remark, "...just like Mike and Winnie."

Though I am sad our paths did not cross again outside of China and I will never have that chance with Winnie again; tonight, I am grateful for the Winnies of my life. The ones who have walked alongside me for moments, days, months, or even years and left their distinct mark on my journey. Winnie was an incredible woman and I do hope that in her final days she was repeatedly reminded of what an amazing influence she had on those around her....including this former college student who plopped into her world so many years ago and walked away a different person.