LIVING IN CHINA; The Parks It seems that virtually every city in China has numerous parks scattered all about. These are generally well cared for and the larger parks often undergo renovations. They are kept free of litter (thanks to the street sweepers) and are very, very beautiful. In the early morning hours (from about 0500 to 0700) there will be groups practicing taijiquan and sometimes other martial disciplines. They often play traditional Chinese music on MP3 players. Where I practice, one group cranks their music up full-tilt boogie and not 20 yards away, a second group does the same thing! The music is LOUD and its about half-maddening to stand in between the two groups and practice – which is, of course, exactly where my “spot” is. Each group has its own small area and they ensure that no other groups step onto their territory. Around 0600 or 0630, dance groups come in and dot the open spaces. They play more modern Chinese music while they practice traditional dancing movements. Some of them play several dozen different songs over the course of a few weeks and each dance is different. I have no idea how they remember all the dance steps for each song! But theyre fun to watch – women from mid 20s into their 70s - are out there dancing and its really relaxing to watch them. By 0900 the park begins to fill with people who walk the concrete paths. Some jog. You see a little bit of everything; people who have suffered strokes, athletes, the very young and very old... they all flock to the parks to walk and “exercise”, which usually involves some arm-swinging, waist-turning, leg swinging, and even shouting and making weird bird calls at the top of their lungs to loudly slapping their bellies (with shirts pulled up)... its quite a show. Some months ago, I was at the park and heard what sounded lie a large jungle bird. It seemed to be off in the distance but moving closer. I wondered if a bird has escaped from the zoo or something. It sounded like a cockatoo. The screeching continued at regular intervals and it seemed to be getting closer. I looked at the sky but saw no birds at all! Then, a shirtless fellow of about 55 yrs. came jogging into our area and I saw that it was HE who was doing the bird bellowing!!! My. Lord. And waving his arms like small wings. Poor bastard couldnt get off the ground, though. But he seemed to be having a good time. I havent seen him in some time now. I wonder if hes in a holding pattern over the airport or sitting in an extra-large birdcage somewhere... There are people sitting on the concrete benches and playing various traditional musical instruments, some play more modern instruments like violins or electric keyboards. Others sing (sometimes accompanied by a musician) but I have to say that most of the singers need some serious work. But I figure if it makes them happy, its okay. Its not hurting anyone...:-) I sometimes sit and look out at the lake (most parks have at least one small lake...some have large ones, too!) and relax. Strangely, very few locals do this. They feel that walking in the park will cure what ails you and also prevent disease from getting a foothold. Walking anywhere else just isnt the same; its as if the parks have some magical power. Larger parks have areas where people can barbecue (such as it is in China) or have picnics. And theres always LOTS of flowers everywhere. Well-manicured flowers...and they sometimes form Chinese characters or symbols. Its very beautiful. No one seems to be self-conscious about what theyre doing. Whether theyre singing, slapping their tummies or asses (yes, they do that too), or limping down the sidewalk, they couldnt care less if anyone watches. And generally, no one does watch...unless youre a “laowai” (foreigner). :-) It took me a while to get comfortable training in the park because I knew everyones eyes were on me, even if it wasnt obvious. The parks do feature public toilets (without benefit of t.p.; you bring your own) and theyre kinda scary. Filthy. But if you gotta go, you gotta go. Typical China. Its best to go before you take off to the park... During festivals, the parks are often brightly decorated (especially during Spring Festival, which is their New Year) time... and it seems like everyone living on this side of the Yangtze River is in my park. Its PACKED. Music everywhere. And singing. And dancing. Quite a spectacle. I prefer it quiet and serene. For me, the park is a place where I can find some relaxation and peace. No traffic, no grumpy wife (!!!)... just a slight breeze, the lake, and the many varieties of trees, shrubs, and flowers. My little slice of heaven.
Posted on: Mon, 07 Jul 2014 12:41:32 +0000
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