Back from China. LJ didn't work, because of the Great Firewall. Great excuse for not updating. So here's something from my infrequently posted (even less than here!) BlogSpot. Okay, so I've now been in China for about two weeks. And I have much to discuss! However, considering I'm getting ready for a long, long, excrutionatingly long, travel day, I'd best not probe my mind to thing about all that's happened through this fortnight in the People's Republic. (Also, who ever thought I could ever use the word 'fortnight' in correct contextual sense? Swanky.) I'll work on a more detailed thingee (Damn it, there goes my vocab points) when I get home.
However, I'd like to simply put one verbal exchange. It actually was from today, the last day of my travels. I was walking around a market, where I was accosted by a group of English speaking college students from Beijing (I was in Shanghai, but like, whatever). I wasn't too surprised by the idea, considering I dealt with it a few times in Japan. They're sent out to public places, and instructed to talk with foreigners, to practice conversational skills. So, I happily oblige.
However, this exchange I wasn't expecting. This is not verbatim, but it's certainly close enough to communicate the gist.
"Do you speak English?"
"Yes."
Seriously, come on. Really? I can't believe that the stereotype that everyone in America is blond still exists, or is even this prevalent. I'm aware you have about 1.3 billion brunettes, but that doesn't give you a copyright on the genes. Doubly confounding was that her English was fairly good, and I must assume that she's at least seen pictures of Americans. This opened to a door to a whole slew of racist retorts, but I'm too classy. And I couldn't think of a good one for another twenty minutes anyway.
However, I'd like to simply put one verbal exchange. It actually was from today, the last day of my travels. I was walking around a market, where I was accosted by a group of English speaking college students from Beijing (I was in Shanghai, but like, whatever). I wasn't too surprised by the idea, considering I dealt with it a few times in Japan. They're sent out to public places, and instructed to talk with foreigners, to practice conversational skills. So, I happily oblige.
However, this exchange I wasn't expecting. This is not verbatim, but it's certainly close enough to communicate the gist.
"Do you speak English?"
"Yes."
"Would you mind conversing with me?"At this point, I'm confused. I tug at my hair.
"Sure, why not?"
"Where are you from?"
"The United States."
"What city?"
"New York."
"Ah, Big Apple!"
"Ahaha, yes."
".. but... wait. You have black hair?"
"Yes, yes I do."
"But.. uh.. don't you dye it?"
".. what?"
"You are from America, but you have black hair?"
"... People from America do have black hair."
"...?"
Seriously, come on. Really? I can't believe that the stereotype that everyone in America is blond still exists, or is even this prevalent. I'm aware you have about 1.3 billion brunettes, but that doesn't give you a copyright on the genes. Doubly confounding was that her English was fairly good, and I must assume that she's at least seen pictures of Americans. This opened to a door to a whole slew of racist retorts, but I'm too classy. And I couldn't think of a good one for another twenty minutes anyway.
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