China is one of the places i had always wanted to visit. I was aware of its fast explosive growth and it's strong capital arm, and was hoping to visit and document the countryside and see the China that is fast disappearing instead of another huge metropolis. Away from the chaos and cacophony of the cars engines, horns and the busy streets packed with people, electric scooters and bicycles I discovered a people holding on to their ancestral ways while simultaneously welcoming the novelty that change brings. It is this conflict which compelled me to make my way to today's China, and it is within this socio-political framework that I set out to capture a land steeped in tradition but embracing novelty.

A vast land of 1.3 billion people and with more than 55 ethnic groups and at least seven recognized dialects with Mandarin being the most common language. By learning a few basic phrases and using crazy sign languages I was able to reach them 40% of the time.

While my travels through China were vast and epic, one moment during my journey symbolizes the new openness of the Chinese and my ability to penetrate both cultural and language barriers, chancing upon the essence of both the human and metaphysical spirit there. One day in the ancient water town of Suzhou, which Marco Polo called it the "Eastern Venice" I decided to visit a large Buddhist Temple with many open areas, gardens and a space that was off to the public. At the temple most folks were Chinese who came to worship. They were marching in a very disciplinary order and before entering the monastery to pray the worshipers would light and burn an incense of stick in a small or large bundle. It was a quiet, contemplative place. As I walked around I went near the Prohibited Entrance with a NO Photography sign that was reserved only for the monks living quarters, relaxing, and meditating space, I encountered a monk near the door and with my Chinese phrase book and more strange sign language I was able to capture his attention. He came to me and started uttering non familiar words. This strange form of communication went on for a while. Eventually I found myself being taken into this most sacred space, being invited for tea and prayer. As I was given the humble offering of a prayer bracelet which was, perhaps, one of the monks' few material possessions, I marveled once again at the spirit of hospitality I had stumbled upon during my journey.

Across my four weeks journey in China I engaged, ate, traveled and laughed with folks with a 5,000 years ancient culture and with a background so different than mine. In a small dose I got to understand the wonders of China and its complicated transition into the modern world.

November 2011