Friday, July 16, 2010
A "China" moment
We are coming up on the 4 month marker and I think we are doing pretty well. People ask if we are adjusted... and I feel like we are. We can get around, negotiate prices at the markets, have conversations in Chinese and are able to enjoy activities, especially living less than a mile from the ocean beach and Discoveryland. Then we, or maybe I should say "I", will have a day, or a moment. I think it is an accumalation of all the little things that are fustrating that can be handle on a daily basis, but then they sort of build and build and build, until they accumulate...and then you go crazy. I had one of those last week. Here in Dalian, we have a few choices of chain type "American" food...Starbucks, Subway, KFC, McDonalds, DQ and Pizza Hut. I was at Subway and although it sometimes takes 20 minutes to get a sandwhich made and I want jump over the counter, make my sandwhiches, and be done, we endure the at times 20 minutes process, with people taking cuts at times. But this day, we were enduring the process and I as am paying, I didn't think the total was right. They always charge extra for cheese, and although I know this, for whatever reason, I disagreed and told them I didn't want to pay the 2 RMB for cheese on Mia's sandwhich. I said I thought it should be free and did not want to pay for it. The poor gal behind the counter was trying to say that they had to charge for cheese and I ranted about not wanting to pay for it. People in line behind me stopped and were watching me argue over paying for the cheese. Another staff came over to help the gal... Then, well, it hit me. I was arguing over .29 $ at one of the places that DOESN'T negotiate prices. Yes, everywhere else, you can ask to pay less, but at the American chains, they don't do that. So after I paid the total, I apologized, smiled, said "God bless you" in Chinese, and walked away. Yes, this poor little chinese gal watched me go through a roller coaster of emotions, and then smile and give her a blessing. I'm not sure if she thought that was odd at all.
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Hi Vicki! I can understand your going crazy. I think I would too. Especially if I had been waiting for 20 minutes with my children. In fact, I just went a little crazy at Hobby Lobby today, but it was only because of my own children, not because of the store. I don't think I'm ready for China. Hang in there! Four months are already over! Love and miss you lots! -Amy
ReplyDeleteSounds perfectly normal and now should happen less and less frequently. There has to be room for an "adjustment curve". I think you are doing splendidly! I can't even imagine the blow out's I'd have. It's one thing to visit - another to live there. Hang in there! God is with you. These lessons are going to be used by you and your kids for the rest of your lives. Goosebumpy huh?
ReplyDeleteif only they sold 500 kilograms of cheese, like they do apples, eh? then you wouldn't have to pay for cheese. you could just take your sandwiches home and add as much cheese as you wanted. with 500 kg of cheese, though, you might run out of sandwiches.
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