Regular Folks in China: Holiday? Just 'Lie Flat'. Best. Move. Ever.

[Jeremiah Stamm-Carroll]

Alright, my romantic fantasy about Suzhou has been shattered. This write-up was originally composed during the "National Day" holiday (a time when all Chinese nationals have a long holiday, causing massive crowds everywhere) but wasn't published until now.

• Although I deliberately avoided peak travel times during National Day and had hoped to truly appreciate the famous "Jiangnan Water Town" charm (referring to regions south of the Yangtze River, known for abundant water bodies, bridges, and gardens), the reality was different.

  • After visiting classical gardens and historical relics, if one lacks cultural knowledge, it can be difficult to fully appreciate their beauty. My attempt to experience these spots while having limited time due to previously busy schedules revealed my diminished ability to savor life and find pleasure in it.

• Changing locations for a trip can seem exhausting, burdened with trivial stressors. While visiting during this season (not too cold or too hot, with occasional gentle breezes) might have been ideal, my taut nerves wouldn't relax even amidst typical Jiangnan small bridges.

  • I kept reminding myself, "Hey, this is the rare moment where you get to unwind, feel, and appreciate beauty!" But in reality, my heart wasn't in it.

• As for modern cityscapes, the layout felt generic, with consistent greenways, barriers, intersections, and squares. Old town districts, unfortunately, have fallen prey to over-commercialization.

  • Warning for Foreign Travelers (Heads-up for foreign friends):
    • Gardens & Relics: If one isn’t familiar with the historical context and artistry behind these gardens and relics, they might find themselves not "getting it."
      • How to Enjoy Them Better: Suggested to study up slightly before visiting or hire a guide, so as not to feel disappointed like I did.
    • Commercialized Old Streets: Popular old streets filled with souvenir and snack shops look almost homogenous now; advisable to mentally brace for it.

However, strolling accidentally down a quiet road off the beaten path, I spotted a serene stream glistening gold under the late afternoon sun – such beauty wasn't expected yet made me realize my Suzhou journey hadn’t been worth it until then.

 - A Little Travel Tip (Travel Jottings):
     - Some of the most beautiful scenes hide in inconspicuous, less visited corners. Aimlessly exploring may lead to delightful finds.

#SuzhouImpressions #JiangnanMystiqueWhereExactly #APlodderDuringTheTrip