Book Discussion Questions
​Welcome to Here: A Reluctant Traveler Goes to China

Note: There are no right or wrong answers to these questions, which have been provided primarily to clarify each reader's values, to evaluate if their values have changed over the years and if so, in which direction.
 

1. Had Nancy's son not been so intimately involved in China, she probably wouldn't have gone there. What are your wishes/dreams for travel to China and/or other international destinations? What is the primary draw to these places for you?
2. Nancy needs to pace herself when traveling, taking breaks from what the rest of the group is doing. When you travel, do you prefer to do as much as possible on a given day or to schedule frequent downtimes? Ideally, what percentage of touring versus relaxing would you plan for a day?
3. What kind of eater were you as a child? As you grew older, did your tastes change? How does your appetite or attitude change when confronted with new cuisine? What have you eaten (or refused to eat) on any trip or new location that you've visited? Why?
4. Nancy often felt guilty or inferior for not being able to keep up with the others she traveled with. Have you ever been in a situation like that? How might you handle it should it happen again?
5. Enduring uncomfortable situations is an important part of the Chinese mindset. If endurance is a struggle for you, what techniques do you employ to keep yourself going?
6. How does not being familiar with the local language affect you? Do you find it more adventuresome or more burdensome to be in a place where the people do not speak your native language? And what about their customs? Do you try to fit right in, or do you feel resistance to doing things differently?
7. Nancy tends to point out the less attractive aspects of traveling. Do you find this type of narrative to be a downer or to be refreshingly honest? Did the book discourage you from visiting China? Discuss why or why not.
8. The book discusses one of the main philosophical differences between Americans (functioning more as individuals) and the Chinese (functioning as a collective). Where do you stand on this issue and why?
9. Which part of the book resonated the most with you: Part I where everything is new and surprising? Part II, the wedding? Or Part IV, the teaching of English to Chinese middle schoolers?
10. Did you learn anything interesting by reading Welcome to Here? If so, discuss what was new and noteworthy.
11. If you were once a reluctant traveler and aren't one anymore, what event or events helped you get beyond your reluctance?