| Thursday, September 21, 2006 |
| You're Not Really In China Until You've Seen A 7-Year-Old Boy Being Chased Across A 6-Lane Highway By Goats |
And first off - yes, I did actually see that on my drive into Laiwu. There is a lot to be said for the differences between big city living and the small city life. But most of the differences are pretty easy to swallow. There's not a gym to be had, not even in the hotels. But as a pretty good substitute, you can run up and down the mountain ranges that are just steps away. There aren't any real official organizations you can join to meet people and there are no universities close by, but every night at nine there are friendly middle-aged women doing taijiquan, dancing, and chatting out by the roadside.
And if you're an American - or a foreigner from any country, for that matter - and you're in Laiwu, you're a celebrity. Apparently, I'm one of only three foreigners in all of Laiwu and the other two are black men from southern Europe. Here, I get stared at and whispered about everywhere I go. It was a bit bothersome in Beijing, but in Laiwu it happens so often it can turn a person paranoid. According to one of my colleagues, Laiwu people (especially native Laiwu people) are friendly but shy, and would rather whisper about you than approach you.
Unless they want to learn English. And then they won't stop talking until you agree to be their personal English-language sherpa. What a way to make new friends. |
posted by Rachel @ 10:09 AM   |
|
|
|
|
BRAND NEW:
SIGN MY GUESTBOOK!
THE WILD WILD EAST:
Everything you never knew you didn't know about life on the other side. |
| In China, the people are represented by two separate, yet equally important groups. The Chinese, who call this land "home," and the expats who migrate here. My name is Rachel. I am an expat. These are my stories. |
| What You May Have Missed |
|
| Archives |
|
| A Brief Disclaimer: |
| This is a satirical site intended for the entertainment of an online audience. None of the features on this site are real (except in my own distorted view of reality), nor are they intended to harm the subjects mentioned. This site uses fictional names in all its stories, except in cases when public figures are being satirized or when I choose to use this site as a platform for someone's public humiliation (usually my own). Any other use of real names is accidental and coincidental (or purposeful, but with good reason).
|
| Welcome! |
Despite the trivial nature of my random daily (sometimes weekly) musings, I hope you enjoy your stay at my site. If there is anything you need, don't hesitate to ring up the concierge, because I just travel in style like that. Have a pleasant stay and I hope that you will come see us again soon! |
| Links |
|
|
| Thanks To |
China Findouter
Ferienhaus Kroatien
Personal Statement Of Purpose
|
|
