User Comments - RJ
RJ
Posted on: Awkward Silence
April 1, 2011 at 11:43 PMYou're welcome. And thanks for teaching me 简称。 This is what its all about.
Posted on: Awkward Silence
April 1, 2011 at 10:24 AMits "by the way". Sorry about that. I thought that one was universal.
Posted on: Awkward Silence
April 1, 2011 at 9:52 AMActually, in China, people seem to just shut off in elevators. I swear if I passed my hand in front of their faces, they wouldnt notice. Its a skill they have developed to a high level of proficiency. Its the same walking down the street. If you were to stick your tongue out at 100 people as they pass by, 99 would not notice. This is an essential skill btw for crossing the street without getting hit. Make eye contact with any drivers, and you're dead. Once they are sure you have seen them, avoiding injury is now your responsibility. Dont ever let that happen. Never never.
Posted on: Awkward Silence
April 1, 2011 at 9:39 AMAh, finally a lesson I can handle. In fact, I mastered that silence thing long ago. In China, even easier. I just "pretend" that I cant speak Chinese.Dont have to look up, dont have to look down, dont have to check my mobile, just fix that dumb look on my face, and make sure my tall nose is out there for everyone to notice. They always nod knowingly. Everybody's off the hook. Sometimes they appreciate it so much, they even hold the door for me.
At one of the companies I have visited, they had an elevator "operator" in one of the older buildings with 10 floors. "师傅， 七楼" （"Shifu, qi lou"), and she would "drive" you to the seventh floor. I think this is a good idea, if gives you something to say. No akward silence. And to keep her from getting bored, they had her doing small piecework hand assembly on a tray in front of her. She never missed a hand stroke as she skillfully multi-tasked between her assembly job, and driving the elevator. Very impressive. For me, it was one of those "only in China" moments. Or was it April 1st? Nope, I think it was in Feb. Got to go. I have 2 flashcards to make.
Posted on: 土葬和火化
March 31, 2011 at 9:11 AMwow indeed. This has to be one of my favorites now.
Posted on: Checking out at a Hotel
March 30, 2011 at 10:15 AMBodawei,
look at the bright side. You get free shampoo, shower gel, skin cream, and tooth brushes every day. I know that appeals to your frugal nature. I never have to buy shampoo or a new tooth brush. Just keep up my collection.
Posted on: Checking out at a Hotel
March 29, 2011 at 11:59 PMI avoid the minibar, but Im sure about the price. I was just there in Jan. I wont tell you how much I pay for laundry. Sometimes I just buy new clothes, hehe (not really).
Posted on: Houyi and The Ten Suns
March 29, 2011 at 11:36 PMHehe, calm down. I dont disagree with you. I was just providing information. Your point is well taken.
Posted on: Checking out at a Hotel
March 29, 2011 at 10:12 AM45 kuai in the mini-bar for Qingdao. Even standard size bottled water is 35. They give you 2 bottles of water for free every day and you have to stretch it for brushing teeth and making coffee. Otherwise you are faced with being robbed over a bottle of water because at 4am I want my coffee. If Im going to be in any one place for a while I buy water at the store. Large bottles of "cheaper" water are available in the room for 42. The maids are usually good about giving me water if I ask for extra. You have to catch them though.
Posted on: Awkward Silence
April 2, 2011 at 2:11 PMThat has happened on occasion, but I have also noticed a decrease in how noticeable a foreigner is over the years. I can be quite invisible these days. I agree with you about the elevator. Its on my list of "do this, not that" healthy living rules as well.