Mandarin Immersion (Part 20)

This entry is part 20 of 40 in the series Mandarin Immersion

June 3, 2023

Mandarin Immersion (Part 20)

By Simon J. Lau

I visited the Three Pagodas, located at the foot of the Cangshan Mountains. The original and largest pagoda was built sometime in the 9th century, with its two smaller siblings added 100 years later for auspicious reasons.

Besides the pagodas, there are also many temples that lead up the mountain. I was surprised by just how many there were (I lost count!). It took me over an hour to get from the entrance to the last temple, but it was well worth it. Very few tourists make it to the last temple.

Earlier in the day, I visited March Street. There’s a monthly street market event, and I came by to photograph it. When I arrived, I made a bit of a foolish mistake. I’ve been hungry for fresh durian, a stinky but delicious fruit, so I gave in. However, I bought too much. To make matters worse, I couldn’t simply put it in my backpack (it would stink it up), but I also couldn’t hold it and photograph at the same time. So I forced myself to eat it all (it’s a delicacy and expensive!). I can’t say that I enjoyed it. 😢

Also, I bought this “air jacket,” as I like to call it, to protect my face and neck from UV radiation. There’s no insulation, but it’s breathable and has SPF protection. Unlike Americans, the Chinese avoid sun exposure as they know it causes sun damage and early aging. Considering how much more youthful the Chinese look, especially compared to Americans who tan, I’m going to stand with the Chinese on this one. I can’t let my face grow any more busted from standing out in the sun here, or back home in America. 😅

For dinner, I had this burrito-like item, which was good! However, when I prepared to pay, my vendor insisted that I pay with WeChat. She eventually agreed to take cash, but by then another customer had paid for me. This customer knew that I was an American (we had spoken briefly in line), and this was his way of welcoming me to China. He simply said, “Let me treat you.” It was very kind of him.

Finally, on my way home, I passed by this motorcycle rental shop. I noticed that they had a knock-off Honda Monkey with a sidecar. I couldn’t resist taking a closer look. After speaking with a worker, I convinced him to take me in the sidecar on a ride around the block.

Upon returning, I hung out with my driver and his coworker for a bit. They taught me the word for sidecar, “八嘎,” which roughly translates into “idiot.” The story goes, during WW2, many Japanese troops rode sidecars throughout occupied Chinese territories. Locals clearly disdained these foreign occupying troops and grew accustomed to calling those who drove and rode in these motorcycle sidecars as idiots. 🤯 This was a very fun and educational experience for me!