Human Zoo

Since I last documented my time racked up on the rails, I've made another three long distance journeys, clocking up 52 or so more hours. I'll probably talk about these another time, but in general, train experiences in China have been quite different to those from the great Russian route. Rather than spies and drunks, there are just lots of curious Chinese. As I may have already mentioned, as a Westoner I'm getting stared at a lot, but on the train it's far more intense.

Having more modern trains, but a lower standard of accomodation, we travelled from Beijing to Xi'an with six to a cabin (two triple bunks) and no door. This concentraion of Westoners in one place was too much for many locals on board to take and meant they had to just come to our cabin a look in...a lot. In the morning I opened my eyes to see one sitting out in the corridor just staring a me!

Anyway, I think this proves the demand for the Human Zoo. A place where natural habitats for people of all cultures around the world are created, and native families to each are placed to live an everyday life as they normally would. Such a place would then be opened to the public so all could learn about different people and cultures from all over our planet.

It is funny though, even in the heart of a city people are still amazed by us and many, especially kids will shout 'Hello, what's your name?' as they fly by on the back of a bike or walk past. Parents also watched us play cards at the station and then, after a while, sent their child over to have their picture taken with us. Others just gather to watch. I like it best when the surreptitious pictures are taken. In the corner of my eye I might see a camera raised in our direction when we're in the street, at a restaurant or anywhere really. Sometimes I even see a relative or friend is side-stepping closer to be in the shot too!