After an entire day’s worth of classes last night, my host jiejie (meaning Older Sister in Chinese) decided to "treat" me by taking me to an American style restaurant (or, as better put, the Chinese take on western food). Needless to say, it was quite amusing to see the differences between our cultures, such as their take on Texas Toast (similar to French toast, yet baked instead of grilled) and the Chinese ones. It was also quite amusing to see my family struggle using a fork and a knife, just as I often am unable to use chopsticks. Whether the food was very delicious or not, (or was it that the lack of red meat in my diet might have been effecting my iron levels?) the strange Chinese steak was tantalizing. (Sorry to any vegetarians.)
A key phrase that has become seemingly unavoidable in my household is " Mei Guan Xi". Although it is a Chinese phrase, it translates to "that's all right, no problem!" Whether it is literally spilling a plate of food all over myself or staring blankly at my host parents as they speak Chinese at a seemingly record speed, there is always something interesting going on in the Feng household that is very different from what we are used to in America!
After the steak ordeal, my family decided to pay a visit to the local Walmart. Located in the center of their town, finding a parking spot was very difficult. We eventually found refuge in an underground parking lot. This subterranean vehicle establishment was not only very large, but also very poorly ventilated. Could have it been the choking car exhaust fumes that made this establishment so unbearable? Or maybe the unbearable heat due to the lack of ventilation? Nonetheless, we "small town folk" live the luxurious live in terms of vehicle parking.
Owen
A key phrase that has become seemingly unavoidable in my household is " Mei Guan Xi". Although it is a Chinese phrase, it translates to "that's all right, no problem!" Whether it is literally spilling a plate of food all over myself or staring blankly at my host parents as they speak Chinese at a seemingly record speed, there is always something interesting going on in the Feng household that is very different from what we are used to in America!
After the steak ordeal, my family decided to pay a visit to the local Walmart. Located in the center of their town, finding a parking spot was very difficult. We eventually found refuge in an underground parking lot. This subterranean vehicle establishment was not only very large, but also very poorly ventilated. Could have it been the choking car exhaust fumes that made this establishment so unbearable? Or maybe the unbearable heat due to the lack of ventilation? Nonetheless, we "small town folk" live the luxurious live in terms of vehicle parking.
Owen