Then we were wandering along the river and there were two girls on the other side, staring at us, so I waved. They of course, waved back. There was a pretty temple on top of the hill in front of us that we thought would be nice to visit, but there was no clear way up. We ducked into the first alley to avoid the girls, but some old men started yelling at us, so we went back out to the street, where some obnoxious boys were yelling, "Hello!" and whatever other two words they know. We were still looking for a path up the hill when the girls came up to us and asked us where we were going. We told them and they said that they could take us there. We were headed back toward the alley, but instead turned into a construction site in a building. They talked to a guy working there and we went in. We followed them up some a treacherous, long, stone staircase and came out at the foot of the temple. It was really pretty (no meadow). They were apparently doing some renovations but we were allowed to walk around. The hill looks out over the town, so there was a great view and I took a picture of the girls. There was a smaller temple there with large anthropomorphic statues of their gods, presumably. One of the girls showed me how to pray. There goes another commandment. Then we climbed up to the upper level, where the view was even better. You could see over the whole town, to the other two temples and the mountains beyond. I will post the pictures as soon as I read my manual and upload them (also, the computer at school has a virus). We wandered around for a little while and then it was time for the girls to go home, so we walked down with them. They had an English test the next day, so we taught them the word "dude." I'm sure the teacher will be impressed.
Instead of eating dinner at the school, I decided to try a noodle place near my house. I went in and started with my usual, "Wo bu huay shwa potunghua." (sp?) (I don't speak Chinese.) and said, "Wo zhe dao... neige." (I'll have... that.) and pointed to what a woman nearby was eating. So the girl pulled out a little card and I eventually figured out I was supposed to pay the amount on it and take it to the order station. So, I did that and then sat down and waited for my dinner. It came in three bowls (broth with meat and vegetables, noodles, and empty, with a spoon), which I sat contemplating for a minute. Then the woman at the next table came over and put the noodles into the broth and took the empty bowl and put all of the condiments sitting next to me in it, added a couple of spoonfuls of broth and demonstrated that I was supposed to dip the noodles and stuff from the broth into the bowl of chili/chives/soya/salt, etc. It was really good.
I bought tea the other day. It seems pretty good. I hope so, since all the employees in that part of the store and a policewoman helped me pick it out. Shopping is always amusing. Everyone has an opinion about what is quality and will hand me a product with a nod and a thumbs-up. I've decided for the most part to just take what they recommend.
That's all for now. Lessons learned include, as Julian said, "You'd think in the country they would keep the girls and throw the boys back." The women will form a committee to help you. Then boys and even men sometimes will just laugh. I'm off to work on my lesson plans. My intensive courses start on Friday. That's four hours a day (2-AM, 2-PM) for 10 days with the same kids. It's their vacation. They must hate life. I don't yet know what age I will be teaching (young'ns to teens), so I will be making four lesson plans. At least there's no nightlife to distract me.
Take care all. Send any fun news. Or make some up. Let me know if you want a small Chinese child named after you (one per letter on a first come, first served basis).
I am playing the part of the Mysterious Stranger, AKA Girl Who is Always Cold and walks around with a hood on. Sometimes when people are staring/commenting, I feel like asking, "What, is this the first time you have ever seen a white person?" But it occurs to me that many would answer "yes."
I make up one-third of the foreign population of this town (though there are rumors of a Dutch woman). If the three of us ever go on vacation, I expect newspaper articles like, "All Foreigners Leave Zunyi in Exodus!"
Lunch now!
I was met at the airport by people at the school and taken to a fabulous noodle place for lunch. Then walking around the town for the rest of the day. Muddy, cold. Lots of kids smiling and saying "hi" and "hello." Going out to dinner in a few minutes and currently ignoring my host.
Must run, thanks for all the good wishes.
Jenny
p.s. fritz. lose the secretary (----- is sufficient) and i'll post it.