Reminiscence

During the four-day holiday, I went to Shen Keng Old Street, which is only a few bus stops from NCCU. I was impressed by the ancient-looking streets and antique shops, but was kind of disappointed because they aren't authentic. You could easily tell that it was built and modified to look timeworn for the purpose of attracting tourists. Nevertheless, it is still a great place for people who would like to experience what it is like in the old days, to be surrounded by red brick houses, crimson lanterns, as well as restaurants with wooden stools and tables. It felt nice being there, yet sad somehow, probably because it reminded me of my grandmother. She passed away when I was in middle school, and all that's left in my memories of her are the good times when she gave me nothing but love.

My grandparents lived in a suburban village in Changhua, where some of the houses are more than a hundred years old! Everyone in the village have the same last name, Su, hence the name of the neighborhood "Grand House of the Su Family". You could see red bricks and wooden furniture almost everywhere, along with faded red couplets on rusty doors. Beside my grandparents' house is a well where the villagers used to come get water from, and next to it are two trees that stand on the village entrance like guardians. Directly in front of that is the traditional three section compound, in which the central building is the Shrine of the Su Family with our own God that we worship. The two wing buildings are resident houses, and the open space is where we hold festivals and religious ceremonies. Following the red brick road in front of my grandparents' house will lead you directly to a mysterious bamboo forest. It's so quiet and calming there it is like a fictitious land, dissociated with the rest of the world. When I was young, I'd imagine myself as Dorothy, following the red brick path and escaping into my own land of peace. Past the arch of bamboo trees are acres of fields and croplands, where my grandmother would catch butterflies to cheer me up. There were so many fond memories of this place that I cherish so much that emotions would pour out uncontrollably whenever I go back for a visit (which I haven't for a very long time). I feel lucky to have this cultural heritage, because to me, this place is my sanctuary, a retreat away from the turmoil of the world, which will always have its special place in my heart.