June 17, 2002

"So This Is How Madonna Feels."

by Sue Nichols

When traveling abroad, it's best to try to blend in. Fat chance here.

While Beijing residents grow increasingly accustomed to Western faces, a visit 70 kilometers northwest of the city to the Great Wall reminded us that we are indeed far from home.

My curly hair doesn't blend. As Kevin and I trudged up the aptly named Great Wall Monday, sweating in 90-plus heat, I was surprised to find an older Chinese woman squarely planted in front of me. I smiled, a bit perplexed. She lightly struck me on the collarbone and barked what clearly was an order. I looked to Wei Ting, our graduate student guide for guidance.

"She wants a picture with you. They don't see Americans much."

What started as a quick photo op with a stranger turned into a mini-mob scene. Soon no less than five groups were jostling as Kevin and I self-consciously grinned and snuggled with various family groups who got in on the action. The scene was repeated a couple times after.

In a couple Chinese photo albums are snapshots of two sweaty, red-faced Americans hoping against hope they don't think we *all* look this disheveled.