In the past few weeks I have taken up running again. And by running, i mean slowly jogging. Running has brought a small bit of normalcy into my very foreign world. Those who know me well know that I love to run in beautiful places - through Waterfront and Battery parks in Charleston, around Mississippi State's campus, or along the trail at Jemison Park. East Asia has not disappointed me. The city itself sits in the valley of mountains on either side. Through the center runs a river. In the past few years they have built fancy stone walkways along the river banks. Just picture it - running along side a river, mountains in every direction, sun shining, Needtobreathe playing on the ipod...
That is more than enough to keep me happy for a few miles, but it is only the beginning of this story.
On a gorgeous day like today the entire city flocks to the riverwalk. There are parents playing with their toddlers, children flying kites, teenagers hanging out, people walking their minidogs, elderly people walking backwards. Yes, elderly men and women walking backwards, hitting themselves (maybe its good for circulation?), and jumping into trees. I wish I had a video so that ya'll would believe me! As strange as this is, it gets funnier. When they see me running, more than a few people will literally stop in their tracks, and turn to watch me run by. The looks on their faces speak their thoughts clearly. "What is that crazy white girl doing? Why is she running?". I guess running isn't he preferred form of exercise in this city. I can't help but smile and say hello in their language. Their response to that is the same every time, smiles and laughter. They are tickled that the white girl is running AND speaking their language! A minute later, it happens all over again. They are my entertainment while I run. I am their entertainment while they walk backwards. I guess it is only fair.
