China Daily recently published a column inspired by my trip back home to visit with family: Chinese art exhibition in US bridges hometowns and hearts. Here’s an excerpt:
The photograph that greeted me at the entrance to a special exhibition at the Cleveland Museum of Art had a startling familiarity.
The water bristled with the umbrella-like leaves of lotus plants, a grand gathering of bright green parasols under the summer sunlight. Behind them, the gentle slope of a long stone arch bridge balanced a white car and a handful of pedestrians. Willow trees bowed before the shoreline, while a mountain silhouette traced the horizon.
Excitement stirred within me as I realized I had gazed upon that lotus field, walked that bridge, wandered under those willows, and hiked those mountains. “Look, that’s the West Lake! That’s in Hangzhou, where I live!”
I lingered before the image, sharing my amazement with the family members who had accompanied me — my father, stepmother, uncles and aunt — and with a volunteer at the museum.
How did my hometown of Cleveland, Ohio, just happen to lead a special exhibition titled China’s Southern Paradise: Treasures from the Lower Yangtze River with a photograph from my adopted hometown in China?
Read the full piece online — and if you like it, share it!
wishing your family happiness, good health, and prosperity in 2024. love from canada.
Thank you so much nelson!
Jocelyn, I spent only one afternoon on West Lake during a visit long ago. It’s beautiful and not a sight one soon forgets. I hope you’re having a good visit back home.
Thank you for the comment Nicki, and for sharing your experience at the West Lake! I hope your 2024 is off to a great start!
Jocelyn, I came across your blog after I fell hard for my tour bus driver during my last visit to China! I’m Taiwanese American but deprogramming from the same beauty standard BS America pumps out. Oh my god, this has been a wild ride. Love is surprising. A few weeks later I fell even harder for another guy.
I’m grateful for everything you’ve written here; you’ve given me and many others a roadmap for deeper loving.
Aw, thanks for your kind words, Amy!