Nanhu

Last week our group took a trip to Nanhu-The Memorial Hall in Jiaxing that commemorates the birth of the Communist Party of China. That birth was originally supposed to be in Shanghai, with a meeting of the first Communist National Congress comprised of several delegates from across the nation. However, their plan was intercepted and they were forced out of Shanghai. The group took refuge right here in Jiaxing. The impromptu meeting was actually help on a boat in South Lake. I've seen the actual boat, and its pretty neat to think of the history that unraveled on that small vessel that still sits in water today! This meeting developed the rules for and outline of the CPC, and essentially birthed modern day China.

The commemorative museum was beautiful-full of artifacts and displays. There was a lot of information about the background of communism world wide as well.

It made me reflect on our own nation's history. We were, comparatively, learning about China's founding fathers! Put in that perspective, it was a curious experience to approach a governmental system that seems so very foreign in that light.

We took our share of photos, and I tried to soak in as much information as I possibly could about a system of government that has fascinated me for so long. I was excited to see other Americans also become curious!

Perhaps the best part of the trip however, was talking to the Chinese who were visiting. We tested out our language skills, and leaned a lot. One of the gentlemen I spoke with believed that China has much to learn from America because they are still in the process of developing, and we are a shinning example of a developed nation. I tried to politely correct him and explain that there are in reality still parts of America that need to be developed. Americans have a lot to learn from the simplicity of the Chinese and the rich culture that is woven through their daily lives.

Lastly, while my sister thought I was nuts for taking a picture of a sign on the escalator, I thought it was a great english translation-something we can all live by :P Stand Firm, Take Care of Your Children, and Don't Play on the Escalator.

As a former escalatorphobic, I echo the sentiment and sign off the American, Standing Firm in China.