I spend about 8 hours a day at iCafe, so it makes sense that I would go there for dinner...and spend another three drinking tea. The night started with Tricia, Heather and Thomas eating dinner, and when those two left Tricia and I we had a guest and Sarah join us. It was very pleasant sitting and talking, drinking tea and generally loitering. I really like my coworkers, ahem I mean colleagues, and I like seeing them when I'm not in beige. That way they know I'm not a loaf of bread.
At lunch it was a normal day, nothing too special, just guest eating like they do, and making messes. I took drink orders, delivered coffee and generally cleaned up after them. I don't mind this work, as its rather uncomplicated and if you smile generously most people have a positive response to any interactions you might have. I've noticed that certain guests, usually older Chinese men had about one mode of response; a grunt, and or a curt nod of the head. Women usually smile or indicate more clearly if they want their plates cleared or not. But there are those that I play the 'uh' game with. I say politely, "Ni hao, may I take your plate?" and gesture, open palm to their dishes that look finished. I get some blank looks so I reach for it, and then they do a gesture that is neither confirming or dis-confirming, so we yo-yo back and forth of me taking them or not. Eventually I blush madly and walk away. Also, I've taken to muttering under my breath as I walk away, and I say, "nope!" a lot. Looking for more jam, none in the cabinet, "nope!" That and when I think of funny things that have happened, I start smiling and laughing to myself...I am the crazy foreigner of iCafe.
Then there is the guest that randomly say things that make me start and blush furiously and go, "ahhahhgahh". Like the Japanese gentleman that I was clearing the table for, as I was leaning over to take a plate he told me I was beautiful. I awkwardly laughed, kinda shrunk into myself and a stream of babbled nonsense poured out me...I can't handle compliments. The other day as I approached a table of westerners, one of the guest laid it on a little heavy telling me my radiance filled the room as I approached.
How does one respond to this? Apparently I kinda snort and hiccup and go ahhhagghhh while simultaneously running away. This seems like an acceptable response to me. Either that or I suddenly have to pick up coffee mugs from under the counter.
In that, this culture is hugely different. They say things. Sometimes they are very nice, and I feel all warm and gushy inside, but other times its things like, "You look so tired today" or "that shirt is too dark, my grandmother wears clothes like that, its too old". Also telling someone they are getting fat is no big deal, and don't even eat sweets in front of them because they will inform you that you will get fat. Gee thanks.
I received a piece of advice from my family. I was told to do things I wouldn't normally do in America. I don't intend to go crazy, but I see the wisdom in it. Being here is already not normal, and when will I have the chance to make memories like this? Who knows. So far, its been nothing hugely out the ordinary but my plans are big. We started a China bucket list. Basically we are accomplishing things that normally would never happen, things like sitting on elephant statues in front of the mall, or go back to that horrendous restaurant with the plate of bones and order something good. With the other stuff, I'll wait to tell you until it happens. Each one will be a story unto itself:)
Also I work with Jackie Chan.
Ok he's not actually Jack Chan, but he looks like him (hey not racist, he *really* does) and he even nods his head like him!
No comments:
Post a Comment