The first time living as a digital nomad has come to an end, with my mind filled with beautiful scenery, stunning sunsets, and a vibrant community life within reach.
There have been countless memorable events:
Watching meteor showers at Zhongzhou Ranch,
Night sky at the grassy field with SBT.
Impromptu dancing under the moon,
Playing the flute on a wandering prisoner's cart.
Hearing the dragon's roar while riding the cable car,
Encountering a divine presence in a solitary pavilion.
In the MOFA world, there are no Muggles,
Chasing the joy of summer with Aurora.
Instantly burning talk shows,
Learning astrology and the Book of Changes.
Observing the night sky while buying pancakes,
Passing time by counting rice grains.
Zibo's small pancake rolls encompass everything,
Kindergarten teachers chasing away big rats.
The Eight Vajra Guardians of Sparta,
Peach blossom jellyfish Godzilla.
The furnace's fireworks and fairy wand,
SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick Star.
Don't worry about not having a confidant on the road,
Who in the world doesn't recognize you?
The Shanhaiwu community encourages people to unleash their true nature, to distance themselves from the city and the concept of time. Here, there are no social labels or business matters, only individuals being themselves. Everyone is encouraged to initiate activities that align with their interests and strengths, to unlock their potential. Specific events have driven community members to showcase their talents. The Women Coding Camp, organized in just three days, revealed hidden talents among community members. The familiar mountain people turned out to be full of surprises, preparing at lightning speed after being assigned as mentors. After learning astrology and the Book of Changes, they went home and signed up to learn game engines, promising to meet again in the world...
This place provides a deep social environment, and I am particularly grateful for the genius first step - soul bound talk. No one can hide during three hours of deep conversation, and the topics naturally revolve around what they care about the most, revealing the current issues they need to work on and the stories behind them.
The most fascinating thing about humans is their complexity. They present different aspects to different people, and individuals can reflect upon themselves by inspiring others. The contrast brings surprises, and everyone has their own lovable and struggling aspects. Any encounter does not necessarily mean that life will change. In Shanhaiwu, the close social distance brings a sense of support and happiness. I realized that humans are inherently social animals. The close care between people acts as a glue, intertwining many lifelines. Specific wishes and the courage to take action have given rise to a series of events.
What makes me happiest is that I have gained a better understanding of myself within the community. The vision of an ideal dwelling has become clearer - it is inseparable from a community. I have also gained clues for the next stage, with hopes and curiosity to guide me.
Before leaving, I originally planned to climb Changbai Mountain and see Tianchi with friends. However, the group of four had a high P-value and a severe lack of J-value. The car was already on the road, but the destination had not been decided, making this trip quite random. Fortunately, the experience of self-driving in Northeast China was fulfilling. The flat and open landscape expanded the driver's field of vision to nearly 270 degrees. Thus, with a press of the accelerator, we traveled from Jilin to Yanji, gaining so much joy along the way.
Lastly, the enthusiasm of the people in Northeast China knows no bounds, far exceeding the human samples I have encountered. I can't help but shout: Northeast China is amazing!
September 2, 2023
On the second day after descending the mountain, a new friend told me that I resemble someone from Northeast China. It seems that I am not far from becoming a spiritual Northeasterner.
Some people have said that I resemble someone from Guangdong, Jiangsu/Zhejiang. This time, I have made progress. Perhaps it's because I have been more open and expressive, that I am now being compared to someone from Northeast China. After living in the mountains for a month, I have been deeply influenced by the generosity and warmth of the people in Northeast China.
In the frigid zone, Nordic people are cold and melancholic, while Northeasterners are warm and humorous. Why is that? Is it related to immigration?
I found some answers on Zhihu:
"Throughout history, Northeast China has experienced a large influx and integration of people, resulting in a high population density and a tradition of doing business. Being quick-witted with words is a necessary skill for success in Northeast China.
Although Northeast China is cold, its highest latitude is 53 degrees 33 minutes, which means there is no phenomenon of polar day and night. In contrast, some areas in Northern Europe are located within the Arctic Circle, experiencing either six months of long, cold days or six months of long, cold nights. The irregularity of day and night disrupts people's biological rhythms, leading to tension and unease."
Since becoming more open, I have become healthier as a whole. I now speak my mind instead of accepting everything passively. I have transitioned from seeking approval to being true to myself. My playlist has changed from "Sad Hell, Fragrant Flowers Guide Souls" to "Happiness is All That Matters." After becoming more open, the thing I fear the most is scaring people away.