Misc iPhone Anecdotes

While I have wireless for a bit:

I forgot how much we get stared at. It does feel a little weird. A few people avert their eyes when caught; many are not shy about direct staring and blatant rubber-necking. Most smile and are friendly if you meet their gaze and smile (and what else are you gonna do?)

A few adults and many children like to call out, "hello!". Many parents encourage their children to do so, and some do it on their own. One little girl kept calling, "Hello Ayi!". (Ayi is Auntie or adult woman friend.) Another called, "Hello [Chinese word]!" which our guide said meant, "Hello foreigner or outsider." (Sassenach?!) Another little boy, 2 or 3 yo, said "Hello," and came up and took my hand. His parents were encouraging him, so I squatted down, switched hands, shook his hand, and said nice to meet you. He was very tickled, and his parents said, "Thank you, thank you." As all who know me can imagine, I'm eating this up! Michael teases me that I can never leave kids alone and won't believe me that the kids started it! Lol

When we were here before, China was setting 20 year records for cold. There weren't many people out and about. Now people are out in force, including the infamous split pants. While my Western thinking has taught me that diapers are preferable to defecating on the sidewalk, it is an undeniable fact that toddler butts are cute!

I had two (very brief) successful conversations with adult strangers in Chinese! I am very excited to have been understood! :) Hopefully, I will be courageous and keep trying.

The weather here is perfect. I would not choose to live in this population density, but I could adjust to the climate very easily! It's supposed to be like this year-round and is called "City of eternal spring." Aaaah...