Many cultures can be different yet have very many similarities. In the next following paragraphs, I will be discussing the observations I have made from the story “The Old Man Isn’t There Anymore”,
1- Kellie Schmitt’s purpose in writing this travel narrative was to show the difference of what it was like to live in China compared to living in America. One difference is the living conditions. In China, most of the people live under one roof and the people that live with each other don’t know much about one another. However, they are comfortable around each other to the point that they walk around in pajamas, a t-shirt, or just shoes and underwear. In America people, do not see that very often and sometimes would call the cops; because, it is public nudity to just wear shoes and underwear. Also, there is multiple differences between what is done at and for funerals. Such as wearing a black swatch of cloth on the sleeve of their shirts to represent the relationship to that of the one who is deceased. Another difference that I read in the story was the color of the flowers that was given to the …show more content…
Throughout the story the author made it clear that she wished and, wanted to be a part of the community of people who she shared a roof with. The tone of being respectful was reflected by her going to the funeral of a person she hardly knew to give her respects to the “buzz cut grandpa also his family. In the end, it payed off because, she “achieved a new relationship of familiarity” with someone who lived in her building. She felt gratitude because, in the end the “buzz- cut grandpa’s family” welcomed her for tea; Lili asked her for advice about her current love interest, the dad taught her how to Kung Pao chicken; and, the mom insisted to carry her luggage. With having a closer relationship with someone in her building it brought her closer to her expectations of what it would be like to live in