Just some more happenings here in Dalian China.
1. No matter how hard someone tries to talk to you in Chinese, you don't suddenly learn it to know what they're talking about. They can talk slower, louder, softer and even repeat words.......it doesn't help and both of you will shake your head and smile, then be awkward as the silent elevator ascends like 100 stories.
2. China is just a hop skip (taxi ride) and a skip away from New York. No really!
yeah ok...its not quite New York. Its a block containing two things in or around New York...or maybe just one Real thing around New York. What's important is that we went, ok??
We went to Central Perk first, got some coffee, or some other fancy drink, sat and talked. Like ya do. Then Brooklyns was a heaven sent with french fries, which I have been needing since last week. Weird thing cuz I rarely crave them. Maybe the lack of them drove up my demand...whoa, did I just mention economics in my blog??
Coffee houses are so amazing. They somehow combine three things I love doing, talking, drinking hot delicious liquids, and doodling. I can do all three for hours, maybe days. Although I've never tested that...hmm...time for some hypothesis and theory testing.
There I go again with school-y things!
I must be homesick. Or tired. Or the altitude of the apartment is getting to me...
3. The people I work with in iCafe (the restaurant in Shangri-La) are ADORABLE. I mean, most of them. Definitely not all. The first girl I worked with was named Rani, and she has a sweet round face, soft speech and this way of tilting her head and tapping her chin when she's trying to think of English words, and don't even get me started on James and Kevin! Ages range from 18-27 of servers and pantry workers. Have I mentioned my time in the pantry? I've learned some things about that place. Maybe you don't want to know, but I'm going to tell you anyway.
Its gross.
Ok. I'm done.
But back to the cutest people ever. Seriously folks, I feel like a tromping elephant next to these delicate people. I crash around setting up silverware and plates, attempting to look graceful in my beige and red tiger shirt and flowing gouchos. I've learned a gracious nod and apologetic smile go a long way with any natives, and a self deprecating laugh and straight talk goes even farther with the "western guest". So far, the people I've talk to are incredibly nice and interested in my backstory. I feel silly because its far from interesting. A lot them are business men, living for months even years here for work. I'm just here to "learn" about F&B in a hotel while primarily being a "familiar" face to the "westerners". Lots of people fall under that category I've found. Being western has its advantages here too...you should think about visiting. Seriously. I'll get you a nice rate.
How did I get so off topic?? Must be the tea...or the sappy love songs I'm listening to on my iTunes, since the internet is too weak to stream Pandora or Spotify. I'm sadly behind in music now, and am stuck with my music selections I listened to in high school...
Whew! Gotta say...I love being here. Yes I miss the quiet of my hometown, waking up late on weekends to watch tv not in a foreign language, seeing my family or being with the people I love, and even just sitting out on a porch with nothing but birds and light breezes. Here its hustle bustle, looming buildings, crowds of people that don't care for waiting for anything (even if that means risking life and limb in heavy traffic!), shopping, eating, and jagged attempts at communication. Its a new pace. Maybe I can withstand it, maybe not.
I'll guess we'll see!
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