Popularity

Being a child with white skin in China can be a little overwhelming. Fair skin is considered true beauty in China. If you watch the ads or look at the skin products they sell here most things are to help whiten your skin. So when a Chinese person sees a child with white skin they are fascinated and think they are the most beautiful person they have ever seen. (I don't blame them, my children are the most beautiful! hehe)

We knew we were in for a ride when we took LanLan to the park when she was only a couple months old. In a matter of minutes we were surrounded by at least 25 people just looking at her, wanting to take her picture, or taking a picture with her. My husband had to stand on a ledge to get out of reach from people so they wouldn't touch her. It's been 4 years since that has happened and almost every time we go out (especially to parks or an attraction) people come crowding around to have a look. It can get taxing and most of the time LanLan doesn't appreciate it.

Yesterday I was shocked! I noticed that a woman was eyeing my two children and I saw her get her camera out (not surprising). But she had the sweetest spirit and spoke so kindly. She talked to LanLan, asking her name, telling her she was beautiful (also not surprising) and then asked if she could take a picture with her. Most of the time people don't even ask they just do it. Occasionally we will have someone ask but there was something totally different about this woman. LanLan I think was taken with this woman's kindness and agreed to take a picture with her! (LanLan will usually refuse)