Adventures in China with North Reading Resident

Resident Greta Barresi is a world traveler. She's been to every continent in the world. Last Thursday evening, Barresi returned from a two-week long trip to Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands. 

It wasn't her first time there, but she said it's probably her last. Why? Because at 80 years of age, Barresi thinks it's time to settle down for a bit. But, this doesn't mean she doesn't have exciting stories to share. On the contrary, she enjoys educating others about the places she's been able to see. 

"If people are interested in learning about these things, than I am happy to help them with anything I know," Barresi said.

This Thursday, at , Barresi will be sharing her experiences of a trip she took to China last summer. 

"Do not give up your American citizenship in favor of a Chinese citizenship," Barresi said, somewhat joking, somewhat serious. 

The trip lasted 16 days and Barresi had the opportunity to visit Biejing, Tiananmen Square and Suzhou, among other places. Suzhou is known as the place where silk originated from. Barresi said that tour guides were very keen on showing the good, but never the bad in China.

"They told us and they showed us what they wanted us to see, not necessarily the negative." Barresi said. 

Even at Tiananmen Square, known for its ill-fated uprising and massacre of protesters, tour guides glossed over what happened. 

"Everything was good and dandy in China," Barresi said. 

Despite these circumstances, Barresi said she enjoyed the trip, especially the food. Real Chinese food is different from what they serve in Chinese restaurants in the states, she said. As someone who travels she has noticed the incongruence of diets in the U.S. and abroad. 

"Other people do not consume the amount of meat that Americans do," Barresi said.  

She enjoys traveling and gaining perspective on the world we live in, she said. 

"You see different places, you meet different people," Barresi said.

She recalled a moment in Peru where her group visited a school, and after the visit, someone noticed that several students weren't wearing shoes. Most of the time these trips remind her how lucky she is to be an American citizen. 

"These people were so poor, so poor and they don't know it because they have everything they need," Barresi said. "It just gives you a bigger perspective on the world and makes you appreciate being a citizen of the United States." 

The most special of trips are the ones she gets to share with her entire family. Her extensive travel has taken her to many places, but she still has a wish list. What's on it? Egypt and the Amazon.  

Head to the library on Thursday at 3 p.m. to hear Barresi talk about China. She will also show slides from her recent trip.