The following article was published in the Winter 2006 issue of the Landon Magazine.
Summer in Shanghai
John Skolnik writes about visting Shanghai with the Landon-in-China program, with some thoughts about the food, the city, and the special privilege of learning Chinese calligraphy from his artist-host.
My trip to China was fascinating. I was glad that I took the time over the summer to enjoy something that very few students my age have the opportunity to experience. Looking back on the experience, there are many lasting memories.
The only difficulty I initially had trouble with was the food. The American form of Chinese food is so different from that of actual Chinese food it is astonishing. The “taste of China” was something that took a little getting used to. I tried almost every rare food I could because I knew I probably would never have the opportunity to try it again. I ate pig ear, chicken stomach, goose foot, chicken head, poisonous blow fish, and many other strange and wondrous samples. The one thing that I regret trying was a dish called “Choudoufu;” the look, smell, and taste of it was unbearable. I eventually adjusted, and aside from the exotic dishes, the food was good. I especially enjoyed the food we ate during our stay in Wuxi. This city is located right on a lake and all the fish comes fresh from the fisherman on the lake, so it was delicious.
Something I particularly enjoyed were our trips into downtown Shanghai. The city itself is so much larger than I had thought, and it is still developing rapidly. I knew that China was one of the most rapidly growing countries in the world, but looking down on the city as a whole from the observation dome in the Pearl Tower was incredible. I had no idea how fast it was really growing. It is apparent looking at the city that there are many western influences, but it is also easy to see that the Chinese are a proud people and maintain their customs.
Perhaps my favorite part of the trip was our calligraphy lessons with Huang Laoshi, my Chinese host father and famous artist in Shanghai. I came to appreciate the difficulty of the craft. I learned the importance of stroke order and a deep appreciation for the massive amount of time and dedication that calligraphers put into their craft. I was extremely grateful to him for taking time to teach us and help us create works of art that I am proud to say are mine.
My experience in China was a great one and I will most definitely return. The country is beautiful and full of interesting things waiting to be seen. I hope when I graduate college, that China will be part of my future and I will have the opportunity to travel there often. Chinese people are extremely kind and welcoming and I look forward to meeting many new Chinese friends in the future.
-John Skolnik 'o6
To learn more about Landon-in-China for 2006, contact Dr. Dali Tan by e-mail: dali_tan@landon.net or call: 301-320-1107.