Blind Date Guide
------A tourist and a city, apply to other occasions when applicable...
cctv.com 01-19-2005 17:13
Going for a new city tour is like risking into a blind date, think about it: You can do as much fact collection and fantasy injection as you wish, it is still not until you actually set your feet on the streets, actually see the face and feel the vibe of the city, you can finally either "woh" or "jaja...". taking the trip is the only way to find out.
I went to see MY Harbin, when the timing was paradoxically good, during holiday season of Christmas and ice鈥攕now festival, at the same time temperature hit record low as minus 30degree.
Put the story short, Harbin received me gracefully and I felt for it, eventually. It wasn't love at the first sight, (since my eyelids were almost frozen together and could hardly see anything first minute when stepped out of the airport,) but let's say, it evolved... so, the secret of the success?
Rule No. 1: You have to feel good about yourself first.
Cruising in busy modern streets of Harbin in subarctic weather, I can't white- lie to you that I found it enjoyable instantly. No locals would stay outdoor longer than 15minutes if they could avoid. Streets are only crowded by tourists from the South and armed to teeth marveling, well, the plain COLDNESS I guess.
But if you dress like from the North Pole, you might enjoy a slight triumph thrill of feeling like someone actually from there. A sense of accomplishment, a sensation of challenging spirit right there.
Rule No.2: Having fun examining details. Fingernails tell more story than a make-upped face.
Most of Chinese cities these days all more or less look the same at first glance. Painted, polished, lots of extra d茅cor, little dedicate nuance. It is just such a time...
The trick is to explore backstreets, talk with peddlers, read brief history of old buildings and try to imagine how they looked before while speculating why it looks the way it is... the fun is all the head mostly anyway...
Rule No. 3: Any experience is good experience?..! even If it is not for you, maybe for your cousin?
Some place is just not for everyone. Harbin is exotic, is charming in its own way, has lots to offer, at the right time it could be the right place. But after a week-long stay in Harbin, I was longing for Havana..
But for you, If you really dream of your white Christmas in China, this is the best place to be鈥攊cy snow wonderland that will welcome you with open arms and a sparkling smile. As for me? Let's just say a good traveler knows when to return home鈥 with another episode of life richer.
Editor:Chen Zhuo Source:CCTV.com
