What’s Your Preference?

equilution · #1 (**permalink**) 10-17-2009, 01:17 AM

...so I went to China last summer, just after the big quake, and just before the Beijing Olympics. I came back with a whole new appreciation for that which is not American. Although, I've traveled all over Asia, China was by far the most fascinating culture, and was my third trip there. It goes far beyond the negative connotations associated with the "Made In China" stereotype.

We visited the Hunan Province in east-central China, about 1800km from the epicenter of the quake that killed thousands of people, many of whom were kids. You could feel the despair and heartache in the air...there was no escaping it, and could see it in the eyes of everyone we met.

We were treated to a beautiful pageant in which the earthquake victims were honored. Below shows some of the children dressed up as the angels of the children that were killed. It was a very powerful, powerful performance.

One of the kids that went with us brought 5 small tents to donate to the Chinese equivalent of the Red Cross to help house some of the victims who had been left homeless. It was a very emotional exchange.

It wasn't all about tragedy, though. We were treated like kings everywhere we went! In fact, I was treated like a celebrity. I wore my wrap-around sunglasses...very Hollywood! In fact, I got caught up in all of the attention...people actually asked me for my autograph, which I happily obliged and took the obligatory picture! What a ham!!

They were as curious about us, as we were about them. I'm not sure who was taking a picture of who!

...and lastly, this one I thought epitomized the beauty of the area we were in, surrounded by beautiful, lush, green hills!

Sunrise over Lushan!

Thanks for looking! If you ever get a chance...go to China...not just the hot spots like Shanghai and Beijing!

leonaashlee · #2 (**permalink**) 10-17-2009, 01:23 AM

Very powerful series Jim...I like these shots and the story accompanying them. Thanks for showing us a little bit of China.

equilution · #3 (**permalink**) 10-17-2009, 01:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leonaashlee

Very powerful series Jim...I like these shots and the story accompanying them. Thanks for showing us a little bit of China.

Thanks for looking, Leona. This trip was one to remember for sure! I'll have to find some pics off my old computer and share my LAST experience (not so great) in China where I was held hostage by a hi-tech company who wouldn't let me leave! ...to be continued!

Fred flyfisher · #4 (**permalink**) 10-17-2009, 06:43 AM

Very interesting set equilution. Love the story too. Great work.

manunasi · #5 (**permalink**) 10-17-2009, 07:50 AM

nice shots bro... and looking fwd to ur story continued.....

equilution · #6 (**permalink**) 10-17-2009, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fred flyfisher

Very interesting set equilution. Love the story too. Great work.

Thanks, FF! I just threw this together last night....I didn't have anything recently taken.

Quote:

Originally Posted by manunasi

nice shots bro... and looking fwd to ur story continued.....

Thanks, Manunasi! There's definitely a story there about my last experience!

beachcomber · #7 (**permalink**) 10-17-2009, 03:22 PM

Jim you brought your own entente cordiale to china and clearly had mixed emotions from the post earthquake pageant through to acquiring celebrity status. Kind words and a smile, can break down many cultural barriers, an excellent photographic journal.

Hayward Taylor · #8 (**permalink**) 10-17-2009, 04:05 PM

Hi JIm .. another first-class visiual journey .. I think the Chinese are just as curious about us as us to them .. very well presented ..

jennie · #9 (**permalink**) 10-17-2009, 04:52 PM

great set accompanied by a powerful story..Asia actually sits in the "Ring of Fire"..we have a share of the same catastrophe..earthquakes can do much damage to any structure but can never break the human spirit..amidst the tragedy people manage to put a smile to their face still..tnx for sharing..