Thank you Amanda, a wonderful story. You carried me right into the sleeper cabin and I sat right there with you, looking out the windows, meeting the companions and wondering about the soldier. I loved the poetry and the ending reminded me that peace is always possible between people sharing time and story and poetry together. I listened to their voices combine together with moist eyes.
"Like shooting stars, a few people pass through our lives swiftly but shine so brightly they change our perspective forever."
This is such a beautiful story, full of Earth Hope -- on a long sleeper-car trip in China, strangers discover their shared humanity across vast cultural differences. We're all on that sleeper car together, and it might take most of the ride, but we can finally remember, through poetry and other forms of connection, to look at one another as human beings, and have our perspectives changed forever.
I'm Amanda's mother and I have a comment. I loved this story. It captured the essence and the heart of my three years teaching in China. Almost every day was a discovery. When my husband and I got home from work, we'd just look at each other and shake our heads.
Yes, I do have beautiful memories of my time n China. Your name is Chinese. Were you born in China, or have you been there? I think you have a strong affinity for the Chinese people. Have you considered going
Being in service is better than being a tourist.There are many teaching opportunities aT
Another wonderful tale, Amanda!!! Time spent on Chinese sleeper trains are always eventful. I have many fond and not so fond memories of them from my time there.
Thank you Amanda, a wonderful story. You carried me right into the sleeper cabin and I sat right there with you, looking out the windows, meeting the companions and wondering about the soldier. I loved the poetry and the ending reminded me that peace is always possible between people sharing time and story and poetry together. I listened to their voices combine together with moist eyes.
Thank you, Leslie 🙏
"Like shooting stars, a few people pass through our lives swiftly but shine so brightly they change our perspective forever."
This is such a beautiful story, full of Earth Hope -- on a long sleeper-car trip in China, strangers discover their shared humanity across vast cultural differences. We're all on that sleeper car together, and it might take most of the ride, but we can finally remember, through poetry and other forms of connection, to look at one another as human beings, and have our perspectives changed forever.
Deep thanks for sharing this story, Amanda.
We're all on a sleeper car together, indeed.
Your mother and the soldier joined for a brief moment, through the beauty of a poem... wow... Thank you Amanda.
Thanks Monica 💗
"My mind was embracing new knowledge, and it was as simple as knowing the taste of milk or the smell of freshly fallen rain.
I was beginning to know how peace is possible."
Lovely Amanda. So much wisdom so beautifully expressed.
Thank you!
Susan
Thank you 🙏
This was so gripping and beautifully told. Thank you for sharing this poetry and this story. It gives me hope for peace and humanity. Perfection.
Thank you 🙏
Beautiful account of strangers connecting in unlikely circumstances, exemplifying choices possible for open and curious minds.
I'm Amanda's mother and I have a comment. I loved this story. It captured the essence and the heart of my three years teaching in China. Almost every day was a discovery. When my husband and I got home from work, we'd just look at each other and shake our heads.
Hello Amanda's mother, Mariana.
Reading this brought tears to my eyes
"I’d long heard of the waters of Dongting Lake"
I've only just really been reminded of the beauty and sadness of Du Fu's poetry
exiled, away from his family, in the midst of war.
How beautiful the soldier softened to recite the poem, then recited one of Langston Hughes.
You must have beautiful memories of your time in China.
Yes, I do have beautiful memories of my time n China. Your name is Chinese. Were you born in China, or have you been there? I think you have a strong affinity for the Chinese people. Have you considered going
Being in service is better than being a tourist.There are many teaching opportunities aT
I lived in China for many many years where I worked as a teacher and pedagogical advisor.
Such a beautiful story! Brought tears to my eyes… Thank you for sharing it!
We have only begun to scratch the surface of Chinese culture.
5000 plus years of herbal medicine, philosophy, discipline.
Cast I Ching and there will be different answers.
Ideographs instead of words, but the same emotions.
Yes. Thanks Richard.
Oh and have you read "Riding the Iron Rooster" from Paul Theroux? A good insight into train journeys in China (from a different time).
I've always heard of it, but never read it. I love stories with trains. Maybe I will finally pick up a copy.
Another wonderful tale, Amanda!!! Time spent on Chinese sleeper trains are always eventful. I have many fond and not so fond memories of them from my time there.
A wonderful and beautiful story. This is how we all flourish, by small personal connections. Ignorance breeds fear, I know it.
Beautiful writing so was transported and touched 🌸
Thanks 🙏
My eyes are tearing up reading this beautiful story Amanda.
Thank you for telling it. 🙏
Delightful tender intimate beauty
Thank you
Thank you 🙏
Beautiful memories, lovingly expressed. Thank you, Amanda.