The Two Worlds of Columbia, Missouri

 Chinese Artist and Architect, Jingtao Li shares his love for his new and termporary home here in the Midwest.

At the end of October, I and my three friends, a south Korean man and two Americans went on a camping trip. Columbia is amazing place, for when we drove our car to camp just 20 minutes outside the city, I found myself in a forest which shows the good relationship of mankind and nature, which is unbelievable to the Chinese people since there is so little natural areas around city in China.

This was my first time to experience camping: to sleep under a tent at night in the forest. Because of all of the newness of this experience I could not sleep in this mysterious world. The voices of different animals was coming, like a gate of another world opening. Further, the foot falls of many little animals touching the leaves produced much strange sounds near our tent, not to mention the voices of a group of coyotes.

All these sounds were a vivid symphony –even including the snoring of my neighbor person. I never listened so such beautiful and mysterious music. The animal world deeply impressed me —the world of the night so distinctly separate from the human world. I enjoyed every second and minute. We were the intruders. I believe that we have to keep quiet and not disturb their world.

In China there is famous architect, Wang Shu, who said these famous words:   “We are not only building a building but also creating a world that respects animals, plants, lakes, rivers –reaching for a harmonious relationship which is worthy to be called a beautiful world.”

Similar Essay Nature’s Pets

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About Lori

Ever since Lori Younker was a child, she’s been captivated by her international friendships. She is mesmerized by the power of short works to inspire true understanding of the cross-cultural experience and expands her writing skills in creative nonfiction, guiding others to do the same. These days she helps others capture their life history as well as their stories of faith.