Adopted Against My Will by Chinese Aunties

by Kay Kingsman (United States of America)

Making a local connection China

Shares

Once again, because of my own lack of forethought and common sense, my travel plans had fallen through. I had originally planned to take a day trip from Chengdu to Leshan to see the world's largest Buddha, relax at a hot spring, and climb the enchanting Mount Emei, one of the four sacred mountains of China. Sounded like a dope spiritual journey, but when I arrived to the train station, all of the tickets were sold out. "What?" I repeated, watching the worker turn her screen towards me. The screen displayed the number "0," just in case I couldn't read the bright "SOLD OUT" message in red. "Also," she added, leaning into the glass. "You're at the wrong train station." Before I could complain about the tour I had already in that city, the next customer in line had already scooted in front of me to buy their own train tickets. I walked out of the station, slightly deflated, but grateful the station was nearby a park. I could make out a few stands and the top of what seemed to be a teahouse, so at least I wouldn't starve. As I walked under the shaded canopy, upbeat Chinese pop drifted towards me. I looked to the trees, but the birds didn't have boomboxes. Instead, as I rounded the corner, I saw a group of about thirty older women dancing in an open square. Completely in-sync, they floated their arms and lifted their feet to the rhythm of the music. I locked eyes with one of them, and she pointed to me. "Me?" I mouthed, putting a hand over my chest. Her pointing turned into incessant waving. I looked behind me to the birds, but they shook their heads with a "Nah, she means you girl." I walked up to the woman, just as the song ended. She clapped and cheered and said something while gesturing to my curly blonde hair. I nodded, because what else is there to do in that situation? She pushed me into an open spot, then the next song started. Just like in high school during state testing, I frantically looked around to copy what the others were doing. Kick, side step, kick, sashay. After about ten minutes, I started to get the hang of it, and managed to make it through the extremely long 5 minute song. But when it ended and I tried to politely step out of the dance line, I was met with protests and wide smiles to encourage me to keep dancing. So I did. Because what else is there to do in that situation. We danced for a solid hour. Except while they had light and airy workout clothes on, I had a leather jacket and Timberland boots. I was drenched in sweat and I think I pulled my butt muscle. Finally, the morning's acrobatics had wrapped up. I thanked the woman who waved me over, and those that danced next to me and had to put up with me stepping on their feet. But as I started to head out, one woman rushed over to me. "Where are you going?" She asked, her English shaky, but understandable. "The teahouse is over here!" I spent the rest of the day playing mahjong with someone's aunties. And I loved every second of it.