This is what I look like most of the time, attempting to speak and understand Chinese.
(Thanks to G for the photo.)
I have to say, I laugh a lot, but sometimes this town is also really frustrating. The city is dirty and it takes a long long time to communicate. I miss the country. Today was really smoggy and everything seemed to go wrong. I went to the park to boulder in hopes of changing my perspective and was pretty much immediately surrounded by a large crowd. Someone put on some really loud Chinese pop techno-music and while the kids were really cute, the many Chinese men smoking and watching were not.
But, then things happen... like the other day I asked a woman on the street which direction I should walk to get to another part of town and she accompanied me to the bus stop, told me which to take, and how many stops it was. She smiled and was so nice. 56 years old and 3rd generation Beijinger, she restored my faith in the kindness of people. Her adorable 3 year old grand-daughter was not so excited about this extra little walk but still said, "Goodbye Auntie!" in Chinese when they left me.
Anyway, I'm going to get out of town for a bit before I start working. Hi to all you east coast family! and I'll be back in a week.
2 comments:
Hello Martha.
Your pictures are beautiful. It brings back nice memories.
I am home on Medical leave for 6 weeks. (Foot Surgery).
I know you are having a nice time and learning so much.
later emily mar devitt.
The city can really wear you down. I'm feeling that way right now. I've been thinking about moving south to Nice, near the beach. Coming from Wisconsin, with all the beauty, it's hard not to miss it.
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