[Ah, Kuling: A Journey of Love, Memory, and Homecoming]-[RT presents Echoes of Kuliang - EP4: Questing]

Round Table China · B2 · 2024-04-25

📋 Summary

Ah, Kuling: A Journey of Love, Memory, and Homecoming

The Roots of a Lifelong Connection

The podcast episode centers on the poignant life story of Milton Gardner, an American whose soul remained deeply anchored in China despite the geopolitical turbulence of the 20th century. Milton’s connection began in his childhood in China, where he formed a profound bond with his "Chinese brother and sister," Dasha and Payan. This connection was physically symbolized by a "bamboo dragonfly," a piece of "skilled craftsmanship" that served as a tangible link to his formative years. Milton’s memories were defined by the "flavors of childhood" and a longing for his roots, which he referred to as "Kuling."

Geopolitical Barriers and Unfulfilled Wishes

Throughout his life, Milton faced numerous obstacles in returning to his homeland. Despite his deep affinity for Chinese culture—evidenced by his love for "fish ball soup" and his collection of "flacker faces" (vases) that his parents treasured—the harsh realities of history intervened. The outbreak of the Chinese Civil War and the subsequent lack of diplomatic relations between the United States and the People's Republic of China prevented his return. Even in 1955, while working as a "support professor" in Pakistan, his visa application was denied because the U.S. had not yet "established diplomatic ties" with China. For Milton, the "misery and the bloodshed of the war" were not just historical facts, but personal barriers that kept him separated from the place he considered "home."

A Promise Kept Beyond the Grave

As Milton’s health declined, his dream of returning to Kuling remained unfulfilled. His final wish was for his wife, Betty, to take his parents' precious vases back to his hometown. He believed that the Chinese word for vase, "Ping," sounding like the word for "peace," embodied his parents' dream of a "peaceful world." Following his passing, Betty took up this mantle, driven by a "moral obligation" to honor his memory. With the help of a Chinese student named Joan Hahn, Betty embarked on a quest to locate Kuling, a place Milton described as having "green mountains, beautiful scenery," and "western-style mansions."

The Discovery of Kuling

The search for Kuling was filled with trial and error, as they initially explored Lushan and other regions. The breakthrough finally arrived when Betty discovered an old notebook containing "postmark stamps" from Milton’s college years. These stamps, featuring both English and Chinese characters, explicitly identified the location as "Fuzhou Kuling." This revelation brought closure to a lifetime of longing. The discovery not only honored Milton’s legacy but also underscored the enduring power of human connection that transcends borders. As Joan Hahn notes, the story of Milton and his "best friend in the world" serves as a testament to the idea that even across oceans, one can feel as close as a "next-door neighbor." This "legendary tale" of Kuling is now preserved, ensuring that Milton’s spirit and his love for his homeland are finally, and permanently, brought home.

🎯Key Sentences

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📝Key Phrases

keep the world turning

touch one's soul

kick up

lost all contact

make a living

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📖 Transcript

Discussion keeps the worldturning.

This isRoundtable. Welcome back toRoundtable.

I'mNyulhollin. In our specialprogramming, we continue our English radio dramaseries, Acoz ofCoulion.

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