Fortunately, there was a guy in one of those Ubiquitous Little Blue Trucks who was able to understand his broken Chinese and send him the right way. The path is just past where the dirt road sort of disappears.
We've been learning to live with the increased amount of ambiguity. Sometimes the available information gets us only so far. Sometimes, we simply can't figure out what it's supposed to tell us. Sometimes, there's just no information at all.
Here's Mark's sketch of the point on the path to Zhuwei where there's nowhere to go but through the little shrine. Some guy with a broom and dustpan just waved him through. The path led past a side building of a temple and then abruptly ended at a paved road.
We've been trying different routes to get from here to wherever-it-is we're going. The bus is great, the MRT is handy, but we really get to know a place when we've got "feet on the ground." It may be longer, but it's worth it.
Yesterday, it was raining, so we took the bus to Shipai石牌, hoping to try a well-recommended Thai place. We got there before they opened, but we walked a bit and found some great pot stickers and some red bean soup dessert燒仙草加紅豆 (yes, that's dessert!). We also happened upon several more places we have to try. (Remember, it's all about food over here!) Mark went on to do business in Tianmu天母 and Ping walked a different route home, following a delightful path that avoids almost all the traffic and uses the elevated MRT track as rain cover and shade.
When we go take a look, we always experience something interesting. Taking the long way widens the horizon.
So very true! There's SO much we miss in life if we don't savor and explore it (whatever "it" is). It's too easy for me, especially when tired or stressed, to miss the renewal of the new and near. At those times, I have to be deliberate in choosing my perspective. Beaten paths can limit experience or open it up. Activity can strengthen or incapacitate. Speed can hinder or enable. Sometimes the choice is difficult, but to not choose leaches joy. I really appreciate your choices, including the anticipation expressed in your painting of the road! I smell the vegetation, feel the ruts underfoot, look forward to...?
ReplyDeleteThere's a parallel perspective in near/far views. I think of it especially when flying over the Rockies, or remembering Antisana from Quito and from the road to Papallacta. Near is breath-stealingly awe-inspiring, climbing the peak gives an up-close-and-personal interactive knowledge, yet the whole picture from a greater distance helps you understand the magnitude in a way you can't grasp when you're so close to a small portion of it. To experience all three magnifies each perspective and deepens the soul.
Mark's over the hill? (LOL) Wait'll you see the peaks ahead. The best is yet to come!
Wonderful thoughts, mom. I like your comment about the parallel perspective. It does take each perspective to appreciate the other ones fully. When we stand on one summit, we see the other ones we've climbed--and we know just how much work it was to get up each one, step by step. Then we look around and see other peaks still to be climbed. I guess that's the great thing about being over the hill, you're just working your way from this one to the next one! Great reminder!
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