Posts Tagged ‘Translation’

Was that a date?

So I’ve debated typing this post but I might as well get it out in the open, once I tell a few people its going to get out there anyway and blown out of proportion so I might as well get my side out….

Goodness knows I could count the dates I’ve been on, on one hand but could someone please define what qualifies as a date because I think I accidentally went on one with a complete stranger I met on the train.

I got home from Weihai at 11:30, cleaned up, packed up and headed to Qingdao by 5. I purchased a ticket last min and hoped for the best. There was a huge line at the gate already so stupidly I went and stood in it. Why, I don’t know after five months in China you would think I’d wised up by now. Mom please skip the following paragraph.

I stood in line and then they open the gate. Here is where my stupidity comes in. Lines mean nothing in China, as soon as the gate opened the line turned into a mob. Forgive the expression but there is just no other way to explain it. You feel like you are back in the birthing canal. I’ve learned to throw a mean elbow while here and being a foreigner and a head taller than everyone else it tends to work quite well. But today that wasn’t even helpful. I’ve never been pressed so bad in my life. Never understood the concept of stampede until today. I finally gave up struggling and just let the crowd push me. Some lady’s carry on caught the back of my legs but luckily the crowd kept me upright as she pulled forward.

Anyway I finally made it to the platform relatively unscathed and headed for my car. As if going through birth for a second time wasn’t bad enough I soon realized there was no seat to be found on the train. Great, two hours to Qingdao and I get the aisle. Okay truth be told I had a second option, smoker ally between cars. I figured relatively smoke free air standing in the aisle getting hit with a food trolley every 15min was better. I found a bench to rest against, turned on my kindle, put in my head phones and zoned out as best as possible. I did notice the decent looking guy standing next to me but kept my scowl to myself as the the trolley and I danced each time it past.

An hour into the ride a kind gentleman offered and held his seat for me when he disembarked. The guy who had been standing next to me soon found a seat across the aisle. He leaned over and began asking about my Kindle. His English was definitely not the best I’ve encountered but he was nice, okay sweet. The fact he said he read Plato gave him major points. Before I knew it he was asking me to coffee. I didn’t know what to say so I tried to mumble under my breath, as his English was not great he  took it as an affirmative and started suggesting places.

I figured I would lose him once I got to the station, but he helped get my backpack off the rack and insisted on carrying it for me. (It was only after did I realize how bad that could have gone if he had decided to run, Passport and Y2,000 bad.) Him having my bag and all I decided not to lose him. We caught the 304, he insisted on paying my fare, and headed into town. We decided on Coffee Spark as it was located on both our bus routes. On the bus he began helping me with Chinese. A few points in his favor. One, his is one of the first Chinese people who have actually wanted to help me learn Chinese rather than just wanting to speak and learn English. Two, when teaching me Chinese he actually spoke slowly and clearly, repeating words often, wow what a concept when teaching someone a language. (In China like many places people often think it is the volume that makes foreign words magically become understandable.) Lastly, he encouraged learning Chinese Characters as he feels it is a vital component of learning Chinese.

Now before you flip out and think I’ve completely lost my senses, I did text Victoria and let her know the change in plans. I also asked for a bailout call come 8:15 if wasn’t on the bus to the University yet. My Chinese lesson was going so well we missed our stop, but he had a contingency plan apparently. He quickly suggested another place that was just two stops further. We went to Starbucks and I ordered a Hot Chocolate, after a brief argument over the bill he said something curt in Mandarin to the cashier and she refused to take my money. He ordered two and found a table.

We sat and conversed for about 45min before I had to head out. Between his minimal English and my non-existent Chinese I was surprised the conversation lasted as long as it did. It did come to an interesting point when I finally asked for his name. Okay yes one would think before we got to Starbucks names would have been established but in China names are just tricky. Family names go first, then first name. To top it off you refer to new acquaintances by their family name. His name is Hu pronounced ‘who’. When he asked for mine I of course gave him Kayte, he was a little taken back and asked if he should call me Miss. That was a definite NO! Names got squared away and numbers exchanged. I was soon on my way to Victoria’s before the designated bailout time.

Overall the evening was fun. Most definitely not a usual evening for me but if China has taught me one thing it is taken every opportunity thrown at you.

So back to the original question, if he asked, escorted to and paid for everything was it considered a date? If so I guess I just went on my first Chinese date. Oh and for all those wondering he is barely my height but hey he’s not shorter!

A day with the Chairman’s Daughter

 I met up with Wendy at 8:40 this morning. The chairman’s daughter and her classmate met us at the at t
 
Wood-Cut station, amazing details.

Wood-Cut station, amazing details.

 
Watching the printing was breath taking, the maticulous efforts that are applied are awe inspiring to say the least.

Watching the printing was breath taking, the maticulous efforts that are applied are awe inspiring to say the least.

 
The kites are made from thin sheets of silk. The paint is applied one color at a time let each color dry before applying the next.

The kites are made from thin sheets of silk. The paint is applied one color at a time let each color dry before applying the next.

 

Bamboo framework, all done by hand from selection to completion.
Bamboo framework, all done by hand from selection to completion.
 
 
 
All the kites are handmade. The large one was Y600, reasonable I felt after seeing the entire process.

All the kites are handmade. The large one was Y600, reasonable I felt after seeing the entire process.

 
Yi, me & Yi, the wood-cuts on the door are protective deities to keep evil spirits from entering.

Yi, me & Yi, the wood-cuts on the door are protective deities to keep evil spirits from entering.

 
Intricate Paper-cuts, handmade
Intricate Paper-cuts, handmade
 
"Original" Ming Dynasty home.

"Original" Ming Dynasty home.

 
Yi & me, can you see our personal stoves?

Yi & me, can you see our personal stoves?

 
Hot Pot, it just might be my new favorite.

Hot Pot, it just might be my new favorite.

 
Driver, Yi & Wendy

Driver, Yi & Wendy

 
Lobby, Largest Kite Museum in the World

Lobby, Largest Kite Museum in the World

 
My favorite kite in the Museum. Gold meddal winner at the Kite Festival.

My favorite kite in the Museum. Gold meddal winner at the Kite Festival.

 
An international kite donated to the Museum after one of the International Kite Festivals

An international kite donated to the Museum after one of the International Kite Festivals

 
a Ledgendary kite that is recognizable all over China

a Ledgendary kite that is recognizable all over China

 
How many old men do you see? (answer: 3)

How many old men do you see? (answer: 3)

 
An aerial of Weifang, really if only I could expereince such a clear day.

An aerial of Weifang, really if only I could expereince such a clear day.

 
Cabbage is a winter flower here, it does provide beautiful color in an otherwise dull landscape.

Cabbage is a winter flower here, it does provide beautiful color in an otherwise dull landscape.

 
I never asked what this particular pagoda is currently used for but my guess is observation.

I never asked what this particular pagoda is currently used for but my guess is observation.

 
The path ran right along the water, more than once I gave Wendy a scare by walking too close to the edge.

The path ran right along the water, more than once I gave Wendy a scare by walking too close to the edge.

 
______ Park, I just loved the Pagoda.

______ Park, I just loved the Pagoda.

 
 

Today was delightful. From start to finish it was a great.

Lost in Translation Alright!

V is for Victory right?

V is for Victory right?

 

Okay I have to admit I have always wondered why Asians always hold up the peace sign in photos. All of my students have done it when taking photos with me this week. Never really thought to ask, I just thought they felt it was cool or something.
 
As usual today my Chinese Lesson with Wendy turned into a culture lesson, I never mind this, to be honest some days I prefer it! I still can’t remember how we got on the subject of the sign but she kept saying Victory. I was confused and stopped her to ask for an explanation. She said, “You know the Victory symbol. (She held up two fingers) V for Victory. We have always seen the American ’posture’ for Victory!”
 
I sat dumb founded. I explained it didn’t mean victory but peace. She was confused I was confused so I called Dantzelle. I had to ask if we ever used that symbol for victory, she laughed and said no but they do here. So I confirmed with Wendy that the sign meant peace. She laughed and said she would have to correct her students.
 
So who ever started that rumor sure did a heck of a job because Asians all over are flashing the “Victory” sign.  At least the pictures here will make more sense.

I will last the year.

Yesterday evening after a triumphant return from my first excursion out of my apartment, all my by self, I discovered I had no Internet. I was completely devastated that I was not going to be able to bask in the glory of my accomplishment, not only had I managed to make a purchase but more astounding I was able to open my front doorby myself  in under five min, which is no small feat! 

I had gone to the small store on campus to purchase hooks to hang the decorative scrolls. I ran into a little confusion when I decided to purchased some bananas. I selected a few and was walking them to the register to pay when a gentleman tapped me on the shoulder and proceeded to explain something to me. He could tell he was getting nothing across and elicited the help of a fellow worker. Again the explanation was lost. Finally I surrendered the bananas as that was the obvious source of contention. He beckoned for me to follow as he proceeded to the center of the store to a weighing station. I had assumed they would weigh and price at the register but no harm done, once priced the bananas where returned to me and the kind gentleman escorted me to the shortest line with a smile. So lesson learned produce – weigh station -  then the register!

Psychologically the trip helped conqure the fear of survival! It is truely amazing what you can get across with gestures and looks. So eventually I hope to learn Mandarin but until then the confused Westerner look will have to do. But hey as long as I can buy bananas and bread I will survive!

I was hoping the Internet problem would resolve itself but to no avail, I awoke to no Internet. I felt rather cut off and as Sunday tradition dictates in the Reagan household I was allowed to check in without pushing the boundaries of being homesick.  After two tech Officers the problem was resolved! Thank you James! So Mom or Dad would you please call again!