Ancient Medicine Modern World

The oddest thing about being here in China this time….
…..is that it does not feel odd at all.

Shanghai, of course, is a rising dragon, unique in China, like New York is unique in the United States. I see it in passing glimpses as I enter and exit the Dragon Gate. It is like watching time lapse photography of an explosion.

Nanjing, is another story.

This is a new city for me, and like many stops on a journey, it is not one I would have chosen, but there are other compelling reasons, and so I am here. It is an odd Chinese city. It lacks the brutal traffic of Beijing. Smoking, of course is a free for all in China, but here for some reason it is far less of an indulgence. Strangest thing of all, is here with my foreign skin and face, I am glanced at, but rarely stared at. It makes me wonder if I have turned into a ghost, or if something in my walk and posture has changed in some way so as to not trigger the bug eyed look of amazement. Most delightfully of all, there is a complete lack of the yahoo “HELLOOOO!” that was such a hallmark of street life in Beijing. I find I feel comfortable here without any effort.

Like any other Asian city it has buildings that soar far into the sky. Snaky thin alleys that spill out into river wide boulavards. It burrows underground with a modern subway, and its associated maze of below street shopping. The streets are full of life and commerce, fresh fruit, neon, bicycles and chatter.

And as much as I love all that, what brings me here is the opportunity to spend time with Dr Huang, to discuss the book he wrote and which I have the honor to translate. We are an odd combination. Me, a foreigner with just enough Chinese and chutzpah to take on such a project, and him, he is more like a distinguished Ivy league professor. The Nanjing TCM University is one of the best schools in the country. He is no mere academician , but a prolific writer and sharp, really sharp, clinician as well.

My Chinese gets a serious workout in the time we spend together. It is one of those kinds of challenges that seems like a good idea, until you are in the midst of it, then it is hold on for dear life, and wonder why this all seemed like a good idea in the first place. But, there is always something of value that comes out of the process.
I can’t not go back for more!