Back in Shenzhen

Matt and I arrived safely back in Shenzhen this evening around 8:30 from a 5 day business trip in northern China. It was such a wonderful feeling when we walked in the door. Air conditioning and western-style toilets 24/7 with soft toilet paper – a little slice of heaven on earth!

I am so glad Matt accompanied me on the trip. He was insightful and patient even when I just about lost my cool. Repeating yourself 5 times before being understood can really wear a person down.

On more than one occasion this trip I faced a blank stare after saying something in English to the vendor, waiter, or hotel attendant that I thought spoke fluent English. I’ve learned to not raise my voice when this happens. Contrary to what comes natural, saying the same thing louder does not necessarily make it any easier for one to understand.

Instead, I usually say the same phrase over and over again slowly, but also throw in any new words I can think of that might trigger a lightbulb in the person I’m speaking with.

Example from last night, when I called downstairs in the hotel:

ME to front desk: What time is breakfast served?

Front Desk: I’m sorry… (insert random Chinese characters here)

ME: W-h-a-t t-i-m-e i-s b-r-e-a-k-f-a-s-t s-e-r-v-e-d?

Front Desk: So sorry… (insert muffled random Chinese characters here as attendant covers phone and attempts to discuss with nearby colleague)

Me: Food? Morning? Meal? Hungry? Time?

Front Desk: Oh… uh….

Me: Breakfast? The morning meal? AM? Food? Chi Fan???? (that last bit has something to do with eating lunch I think)

Front Desk: Oh… 6 to 10.

Me: Xie Xie!!!!!!! (Thanks)

Front Desk: Click.

Ah yes, it's really my fault though for expecting what I should not... I am a visitor here and should speak their native language. I should have studied much harder and longer on those Mandarin lessons before leaving Atlanta. Google translator only works when you have internet access!

All in all, the trip was good. Matt and I celebrated our 7-year wedding anniversary yesterday. We were able to spend the day together, even though I had to visit 2 different factories for work, one of which was a 3-hour journey into the countryside outside of Nanjing, China.

We ate a wonderful Chinese dinner of fresh steamed fish head, chicken soup (made with ALL parts of the chicken), mystery green veggies that tasted like buttered spinach but looked like weeds from the side of the road, sliced beef ribs, and fresh papaya with some kind of clear jelly-like fruit. Couldn’t tell you the name – who knows if it even translates to English? – but I loved it.

Matt’s first Mandarin phrase to master was “Tu Pien”, which means “Picture Menu.” He’s very skilled at interpreting what the mystery meats on menus are by the photo. His second favorite phrase sounds like “Da Bow”, or “Doggie Bag” (to-go).

He’s quite handy to have around when I’m hungry.

It’s time for bed now (good morning Atlanta, and our sweet Dean!) - - - only 2 more days until we leave for the U.S. Can’t wait to get my arms around our baby boy. Also can’t wait to speak English to the person next to me and know that they will understand when I say “Sure is hot out, I’m melting. Got any ice cold watermelon I can sink my teeth into?” I can only imagine the confused looks I would get saying that to the average engrish-speaking person I met on the street here in Shenzhen.