Seriously.
Today at school we each met our new tutors and took a crash course in Mandarin, covering the basics: ordering food, getting directions, naming places in the neighborhood, and bargaining, then had lunch, then went for a campus tour. My tutor, Amy, and I finished early so I left campus much earlier than the rest of the gappers. So, I took and extended route home and went shopping.
Shopping, of course, requires many skills. Taste, which is essential and cannot be taught, is something I already have (wow my ego really needs to be checked here), but communication is also key and I learned the basics today!! I needed to get a new camera, so first I had to ask, "where is the electronics store?" Upon arriving at the store, I had to pretend I knew Chinese and greet people who greeted me. Then I had to say what I wanted. (this actually utilized more pointing and grunting, its still my first time). Then, unexpectedly, the salesperson wanted to negotiate a price! I was simply overcome with joy. So many new skills to use!! I was able to ask him for a cheaper price than what he originally offered, and he accepted!! However, I didn't come home with a new camera because they only accept certain cards from union banks (NO visa, NO mastercard) and I couldn't find an ATM for the life of me.
Oh well.
I'm about to go back at it, woohooo!!
1 comment:
Hi Megan, It sounds like the adventure is in full force - - - - and that you are excelling. Good for you. I really enjoy your take on the culture, shopping and the people.
If you haven't completely adapted, Monday, September 1st is Labor Day here - - - most of the attention is focused on the Hurricane Gustav in the Gulf. We were in downtown St. Paul Saturday night - - - uncharacteristically busy with the start up to the Republican Convenetion.
Your grandpa and grampa, Becky & Bob, and Susan are having one last summer hurrah at Malmo. Lance and I stayed home to get a start on the pre fall activities. Love you. Shelley (and Lance)
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