The great traveling circus of us gappers and all of our families hit the streets to get our residence permits, cell phones, and a greater misunderstanding of how to navigate ourselves. I think I shall forever be in one state: lost. But that is okay.
Its quite frustrating to listen to Chinese speak to eachother, because they speak with such conviction and such passion, that everything they say seems like a major argument, when in fact, it is just a simple discussion. When we were all working on our residence paperwork I was so tempted to jump into the conversation and say, "Don't worry!! Its all right! Stop fighting, it will work out." Of course that would never work. I think eventually I will adjust to the sounds of fighting. It is seems odd, maybe not odd, but fascinating that is a society where it is valued to save face and be non-confrontational, people always sound and act like they are fighting.
One other important topic to address: electronics. The store where we bought our new cell phones today had the most incredible devices known to man. Cell phones appear to be ages ahead of what is available in the States. And they had really high technology kitchen appliances and hairdriers and stranger looking vacuums. And while I was looking at everything, the employees gathered in corners to stare at me. I am well adjusted to the looks I get on the street and in the elevator, but I always take particular notice when people have conversations about me. I am curious about their curiousity.
Right now my littliest brother, Willy, is in my room and we are playing games on my cell phone, so I had better get back to that.
Ta chien!
1 comment:
Dear Megah - I am so thankful that your Mom forwarded your blog page to me. I loved reading about your initial experiences. Your write well - your words well chosen. They convey your heart and how it feels to arrive in a new environment where you don't quite belong,but people are so helpful, thoughtful, and inquisitive.
Today Bob and I are going up to Malmo to see Grandpa and Grandma. John will come this afternoon to spend the night.
All our love,
Bob and Becky
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