Fudan University student Roseanne Jiang's 2006 visit to Richmond

Fudan University visiting student Roseanne Jiang's blog posting about visiting our home in Richmond, Virginia in July, 2006...

( from http://rosannejiang.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!EF889EB37273390C!893.entry )

07，24，06

After a long class, we had a nice visit to the Dan Ream’s house today. The nice American librarian has already given us a memorable introduction for VCU library. His sense of humor made everyone enjoyed the whole introduction lecture. And, we all like his clear standard American pronunciation! Someone even said he can try a radiobroadcaster.

The visit to his house is also memorable. Houses are scatted in the serene and beautiful neighborhood. You can feel the harmonious American family life once you come to his back yard. Dan’s dog welcomed our guests from China. She is so pretty and docile that we heard no bay when the strangers come by her. The house is so neat and clean, you can imagine what a capable housewife there lives. The living room decorated much like a multifunctional hall. The librarian couple decorated the living room with books and music instruments. A familiar feeling like you enters a small library! From Dan’s house, it explains that how he could be so erudite and scintillating, here comes the old saying “Books are the best teachers”.

Dan’s wife made a nice and delicious dinner! She held a small Barbeque party at home! Before we eat, everyone hold their hands together and praise something they especially wanted to send their thankfulness. I think the little ceremony can strengthen family ties and make every family members appreciate what they have. I don’t know whether it is a traditional American dinner culture, but it really works for a educated family such as Dan’s. I love the Barbeque and the bean source his wife cooked! Yummy! The bean source taste like some Chinese cuisine, it reminded me Chinese food. Although I got quite used to American food, I still prefer riceJ Oh, I nearly forgot the self-made ice-cream! It is amazing that Americans can make ice cream all by themselves. The ice cream used fresh fruits and milk; it is more natural and less sweet. Dan’s dessert is the highlight of the whole dinner.

We toured around his neighborhood and talked a lot with his wife and son. All of us feel so easy and comfortable to chat with the easy-going, erudite and nice American family. We talked about American talk show hostess, American presidents, American cars and Chinese cuisine, one-child policy, so on and forth …We learn more about each other’s culture from our conversation. I really appreciate such an opportunity to be a guest in an American family to have an understanding of their ideology, culture and living styles. Thx, Dan Ream! If you ever have the chance to read my blog, reply to my blog

Photos posted by Roseanne..