My mother had her first experience with treasures from Asia in 2004. At the time China was getting ready for their first Olympics in 2008. China was still a generally unfamiliar place at that time for most Western people. To remedy this, there were often discounted tour packages to provide people the opportunity to explore China prior to the big event. This was the method I decided on to provide my mother with her first China experience.
The trip was positive and memorable for all. One thing stood out to me during that experience though…we were constantly in a rush to get to the next big sight, shopping center or fancy restaurant etc.
Sure, when one travels to Beijing for the first time, the Great Wall, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven，Forbidden City etc. are all “must see” destinations. These are amazing, historical, and important to see. But, from my personal experience the best treasures one will retain from any international experience come from taking a moment to slow down, look around, and experience a slice of the life of local people. When you see locals lined up at a particular noodle shop, rather than rush to the fancy, upscale restaurant, or the comfort of a fast-food chain from your home country, step into that queue of people. Try that inexpensive bowl of noodles.
In the early 90’s there was an accomplished individual from my hometown that paid a visit to Taiwan. He could have easily had drivers and guides take him anywhere he wanted to go. Instead, he walked. He walked to explore, to take in the sights, witness and experience the local life. This was a lesson for me, that I continue taking advantage of everywhere I go.
I walk and check out local supermarkets, convenience stores, road-side vendors. I will also often find a spot with a lot of activity like a fresh market or a local shopping area. I’ll find me a place to sit, and just observe the local comings and goings. This is how some of my most memorable experiences end up happening.
The big things matter but remember to slow down and enjoy the little things.
我媽媽在2004年第一次體驗亞洲的珍寶。當時中國正在為2008年第一居奧運會做準備。對於大多數西方人來説，當時的中國仍然是一個陌生的地方。爲了彌補這一點，經常有打折的旅游套餐。爲人們提供在大活動之前深索中國的機會。我就決定這樣的方法提供給母親第一次體驗中國的機會。
這次旅行對所有人來説是積極難忘的，不過，在此經歷中，有一件事讓我印象深刻。。。我們總是匆匆忙忙地去下一個大景點, 購物中心或高端餐廳等。
當然，當一個人第一次去北京旅行時長城，頤和園，天壇， 紫禁城等的地方是必看的目的地。這些都是驚人的，有歷史性值得看的地方。 但是，從我個人的經驗來看，人們從任何國際經驗中保留的最好的寶藏來自花點時間放慢脚步，環顧四周，體驗當地人生活的一小部分。當你看到當地人在墨家麵館排隊時，與其匆匆忙忙地去高檔餐廳，或者從你家想來的快餐連鎖店，不如走進那群人。試試那碗便宜的麵條。
90年代，有一位來自我家鄉有成就的人訪問台灣。他可以很容易地讓司機和導游帶她去任何地方。相反他決定自己一個人走路。他步行去探索，欣賞風景，見證和體驗當地的生活。這對我來説是一個教訓，無論我走到哪裏，我都會繼續利用這方法。
我走著走著，逛逛當地的超市，便利店，路邊攤等的地方。我還經常找到一些活潑的地方，比如生鮮市場或當地的購物區。在那我會找個地方坐下，觀察當地的來來往往。這就是我最難忘經歷發生的方式。 大事很重要，但記得放慢脚步，享受周邊的小事。