SECTION FIVE
sm
COLUMN
SIXTY-ONE, JULY 1, 2001
(Copyright © 2001 The Blacklisted Journalist)
LETTER FROM CHINA
10-DAY LECTURE TOUR
I had a
wonderful 10-day lecture trip to Anhui province upon the invitation of Anqing Normal
College from April 18 to May 1, focusing on the Beat Generation. My
lectures to English majors there were, as you can imagine, quite a success.
Anqing, well
known for its rich historical and cultural significance in ancient and
modern China, is not as big as Hefei---the capital city of Anhui, where I stayed
this time for two days. My impression of Hefei--- in comparison with other large
cities in China---is very good, judging by its cleanliness and its well kept
natural surroundings.
See, Chengdu, where I live, for example, is also in China. Hefei looks much more prosperous than it looked when I last saw it eight years ago. The city is more
'The
most charming
of all the famous mountain views
in China'
commercialized,
with tall buildings and newly developed suburban areas. Still, the taxi fare is
the lowest of all the provincial capital cities, and I found the expenses here
very reasonable, including food and lodging.
Anhui people
are in general hospitable, frank and sincere. I also climbed for the first time
my Huanshan Mountain. I 'd like to say that in the rain, Huanshan is the most
charming of all the famous mountain views in China. One feature is that you
cannot find the temples of Buddhism and Taoism that can be easily seen in other
such mountainscapes as Omei in Sichuan or Wutai in Shangshi. Huanshan
Mountain’s unique landscape is replete with different types and species of
pine trees. They just make one
think of Nature as such a gifted creator of life.
I'm happy to
know from Gerry Nicosia that his new book, Home To War, is another
success. Yes, such a book can stir people in and out of America to think of the
country’s past mistakes. If possible, I am to introduce the book to China---at
least in my book.
Jack's On
The Road scroll auction is under way. What do you think of the matter? In my
opinion, the scroll should go to a public library no matter who buy it---for the
benefit of the public, in particular Jack Kerouac fans and beat scholars as
well. But I doubt such a thing can be done in your money-hungry society.
I do believe
that the Beat vision/philosophy is eternal and already has proven that it can
transcend time and space.
5/14.2001
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