Ordinary exists no matter where we go
To the editor:
January is a month of changes. Living in China, changes are always part of the landscape. This last weekend of 2013 marks the beginning of new subway services in the northern part of the city. Line six will finally open and make it easier to go east and west. Not certain if it will lessen the crowdedness of some transfer points but it will make it easier to get to newer places to explore.
Exploring the world has been a hallmark of these letters home. As with so many things there comes a time when the exploration returns one to the beginning. What began as a way to let people know what was happening and to encourage others to look at the distant world of the unknown now returns. It has been exciting and honorable to write about how ordinary people live, look, and survive in this place of today. In writing about life in Shanghai, England, Korea, and Guangzhou people have joined me in appreciating that the ordinary exists no matter where we go.
People need to eat. People love snacks. Laundry has to be done and people are interesting. In short people are a lot like the people of Aroostook County — real. Reality has now inserted itself in my own travels. Through these notes home I have re-connected with friends and made many new ones. There are many who have traveled around the globe. Above this fray certain truths have shown their faces.
People live ordinary lives. Shopping is an experience and perhaps our own views should reflect upon the idea that Aroostook County is a great place to grow up. As the sons and daughters of The County go out into the world they take a little bit of the heritage with them. We have a lot to share with the world and if this world is going to get better we are going to have to share much more than just our money.
Thanks for the following. If you get the chance, I urge you to go forth and sing the praises of enjoying life in a quiet, beautiful area. As for me, I now join the large crowd sharing memories and experiences at the beginning of a New Year. Perhaps I will come to your classroom with tales of dragons, rabbits, shopping and laughs that make this such a wonderful place to live.
Orpheus Allison, MLA
Castle Hill
