I fibbed today

Because I am a dirty rotten liar.

And want to know what's worse? I didn't even feel bad about it.

So there is this man. His name is Mr. Son (emphasize the o, and kind of unemphasize the n). And he talks to me a lot. And he asks me to sit by him at lunch sometimes. And he teaches me Chinese words every day. And one day he asked me how old I was.

Friendly guy right? Well... the problem is. He doesn't do this to any of the other teachers. Just me.

It's not a problem. I don't mind talking to him. We're on friendly terms, but I've quit being super friendly, just in case. And I think I now have just cause for my actions, because today he asked me if I want to marry a Chinese man. It took me about negative .4 seconds to promptly respond that I want to marry an American. And he laughed and repeated the question, and I assured him, that I really DON'T want to marry a Chinese man. I REALLY want to marry an American boy.

He tried to tease me further, suggesting that he could set me up with some Chinese... and asking if I have an American boyfriend at home. (This is all done in broken English FYI.) This is where I fibbed. I used a word I'm almost positive he doesn't understand, and said "Sorta" while nodding my head emphatically.

Sorta is not the truth. It's not even close to the truth, because I don't have a single male soul anxiously awaiting my return to the states that I am not already related to.

See what a rotten liar I am? But I'm actually very ok with being a liar in this case.

So. If anyone asks. I have an American boyfriend. But only for the next three months.

:)

Wishy Washies are Wonderful

So there is this book: called the area book. It's a compilation of knowledge passed down by previous ILP head teachers to help us newbies navigate life here in Guzhen. The other day I was perusing the area book, finding interesting tidbits of knowledge, when I came across a mention of something called a Wishy Washy. So. We decided that it had to be tried out. Megan and I went first, as a test run. We walked down to one of the many hair salons in the area, and went inside. The people were so nice, and didn't speak a lick of English. We had 3 or 4 of them gathered around us, trying to figure out what we wanted. Megan mimed washing hair, and I pulled out my dictionary and started pointing at words... and eventually they figured out what we wanted, because they took us to the back of the salon, where there was nice music playing and a whole lot of really comfy looking bed things. At the head of each bed was a sink. And we got to lay on those beds while wonderfully talented Chinese people washed our hair, massaged our head, our necks, backs, and arms... and basically gave us the most wonderful experience.... I pretty much thought I'd died and gone to heaven. When they were done washing, they styled our hair. So. One hour and 30 yuan later (which is about 5 American dollars) we left the salon feeling like new people. I felt beautiful, and maybe like I actually deserved a few of the stares we always get. I haven't felt that pretty in quite a while. It was so great!

After Wishy Washing it up, we decided to stop by a bakery for lunch. After grabbing some things that looked delectable and trying to learn the names of the bakery employees, we stopped at the Lilly Pad Park for lunch. As we finished our meal, a nice looking Chinese man came towards our bench, gesturing with his racket--- he wanted us to play with him. So I got up and went and played badminton with a group of Chinese people. We couldn't speak to each other, but we had fun laughing and chasing the birdie around. It was so great!

Playing Badminton

Later that night we wanted to go Disco Dancing. So we all dressed up in cute clothes, and set out to find the disco club. Upon arriving we decided that the club looked a little to sketchy for us, but after a bit of thinking, and recalling that the area book said something about there being dancing at the Lilly Pad Park, we headed over that way to see what there was. In point of fact there was dancing. All sorts of social dancing going on. With old and young and everyone in between. Some couples looked like they were pro, others just mimicked their moves, some danced in time, others not so much... but it was so fun to be there and watch and dance a little ourselves.

All dressed up and ready to go!

What a great Saturday right? I loved it. One of the things I love most about being here is how kind and friendly the people are. The stares can be a little awkward, and when guys follow us around it's sometimes a little weird, but I love the realization that you don't need words to communicate. A smile goes a long way, and laughter even further. Of course, that isn't going to stop me from trying to learn as much Chinese as I can...

I love China.

"Hey Lady"

So it's too hot in Guzhen for me to worry much about hair and makeup and stuff like that. Not that I was ever super into that stuff anyways.... ok. I'll take part of that back. I have always been a little vain about my hair --- but makeup not so much.

Anyways. Here in China, I don't need to really bother with either in order to turn heads. Literally. Elizabeth and I were discussing how pretty we feel here in China. Even when we are gross and sweaty and dressed extremely badly. I think it's because all of the stares. Especially from the men.

Like a couple of nights ago. Elizabeth and I were walking home from the market. My hair was thrown up in a mess on top of my head, I think hers was in a ponytail. I was sporting a red blood donor t-shirt, and baggy capris. Elizabeth had a gray DI t-shirt on with boy shorts. Not the best look for either of us. Nevertheless, that didn't stop two policemen (yes, policemen) from slowing down to honk and say hello to us.

This afternoon we were walking back from school, when a man sitting next to the corner mart held out a pamphlet or something that he wanted me to take and said "Hey Lady" with a large grin.

Tonight we were walking back from the market. There was a long line of traffic moving slowly along beside us.... yet a motorcyclist slowed down to swerve in front of me, blocking a whole line of traffic as he did so, to say 'Hi,' before smiling and taking off again.

My favorite of the day though was the attractive man eating at the restaurant below our building. He did one of those sweeping 'I'm just seeing what's moving on the street' looks, but his gaze firmly halted when he spotted us, and I'm fairly certain his eyes followed us until we were past.

This happens everywhere. Everyday. All. the. time.

Is it a nice confidence boost? Absolutely.

Good for my large ego? Probably not. Hehe.