Xianning Friendship Forever

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China, November 4, 2023

Xianning Museum of Art, Xianning, Hubei

Saturday afternoon (the last day to spend with our hosts and artistic counterparts) was a rich and meaningful experience. I was thrilled to share my calligraphic skills with fellow Chinese calligraphers. So, with a broad brush, I wrote “Friendship Forever” and stamped it with my brand new seal (to the applause of many bystanders).

The words were the most important part: “Friendship Forever.” For the rest of the afternoon, my new Chinese friends would shake my hand and say aloud, “Friendship Forever.” These were the first—and only—English words they had ever spoken. Then thumbs up all around. Wow!