Every morning on my way to Metrotown Skytrain Station, my bus passes the library square. And on most sunny days, from my seat behind the glass, I can see a group of older Chinese women (and some men) doing a slow-paced, low-impact, exercise ritual while holding red fans.

It reminds me of Tai Chi. They all move through a routine set of postures, and it’s all very flowing and deliberate. And I think there is some Chinese music in the background. And everyone looks very focused and content. In my head everyone goes for tea or coffee afterwards. Then they all go on their separate ways (lunch with grandchildren, Mah Jong games, shopping at the mall, a nap). It sounds so peacefully decadent.

And there I am on my way to work, to participate in the rat race. Mine morning routine and daily grind seem so different from their experience. Oh, to be a Chinese fan dancer. One day….