Does anyone speak English?
Today I had the opportunity to participate in several meetings in Shanghai.
I cannot stress enough how gracious and hospitable the local people seem to be. In several meetings, they were attempting to speak English for my benefit. Once I insisted that was not necessary, they would reluctantly switch back to Chinese. I have picked up a couple of phrases, and they seem to enjoy Chinese with a southern drawl.
While I could not understand anything, it is amazing how much you really do pick up through body language. At one point I thought I understood one member from the group infer that I was funny looking even for an American-(I picked up the American part)…
At every meeting we were served some type of beverage and refreshment. It was warm water on a couple of occasions. While I have been told not to drink the water, faking it was sort of difficult. I even thought a couple were secretly thinking, “let’s see if the American drinks it…” We were also served some type of Tea, and coffee. Tea is very, very popular from what I can tell-I have tried what has been served to me, and it hasn’t been bad. One had big leaves and debris floating in it, but I assumed that was normal.
On the streets, I saw vendors selling everything from crabs and assorted seafood to chicks and birds. Streets are loud and vibrant with action everywhere. You see bikes by the thousands, and will literally see hundreds parked by every subway entrance. Horns really are a second language, and pedestrians receive no right of way. I can’t believe you don’t see more as hood ornaments for the assorted taxi’s and buses blowing through the city.
Even in a city such as Shanghai, they seem fascinated by Western people. Most have not been outside China due to obvious Visa restrictions. They are fascinated by our perspective and culture. Unfortunately for those of you who know me well, know that I have little culture to offer, but will attempt anyway.
I’m traveling to Guangzhou in the south tomorrow on a late flight, so it may be a few days before I check back in-my best to you all.
I cannot stress enough how gracious and hospitable the local people seem to be. In several meetings, they were attempting to speak English for my benefit. Once I insisted that was not necessary, they would reluctantly switch back to Chinese. I have picked up a couple of phrases, and they seem to enjoy Chinese with a southern drawl.
While I could not understand anything, it is amazing how much you really do pick up through body language. At one point I thought I understood one member from the group infer that I was funny looking even for an American-(I picked up the American part)…
At every meeting we were served some type of beverage and refreshment. It was warm water on a couple of occasions. While I have been told not to drink the water, faking it was sort of difficult. I even thought a couple were secretly thinking, “let’s see if the American drinks it…” We were also served some type of Tea, and coffee. Tea is very, very popular from what I can tell-I have tried what has been served to me, and it hasn’t been bad. One had big leaves and debris floating in it, but I assumed that was normal.
On the streets, I saw vendors selling everything from crabs and assorted seafood to chicks and birds. Streets are loud and vibrant with action everywhere. You see bikes by the thousands, and will literally see hundreds parked by every subway entrance. Horns really are a second language, and pedestrians receive no right of way. I can’t believe you don’t see more as hood ornaments for the assorted taxi’s and buses blowing through the city.
Even in a city such as Shanghai, they seem fascinated by Western people. Most have not been outside China due to obvious Visa restrictions. They are fascinated by our perspective and culture. Unfortunately for those of you who know me well, know that I have little culture to offer, but will attempt anyway.
I’m traveling to Guangzhou in the south tomorrow on a late flight, so it may be a few days before I check back in-my best to you all.
posted by Curt at 2:51 AM
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