Imechapishwa: 12.12.2019
Now that our apartment is fully furnished, we feel more and more settled. The rose-colored glasses are off and everyday life hits us unfiltered. We feel comfortable! Also thanks to all the phone calls, pictures, and care packages from and with all of you :-*
Another reason why we feel so good is the way many Chinese people treat the "LaoWei" (western people). Here are a few points:
1.Helpfulness: At the beginning, when we were still without mobile internet, communication often went on with hands and feet. But usually it didn't take long and a volunteer translator stood by our side. Even if their own food got cold...
2.Communicative: Many people spontaneously talk to us or engage in small talk. They ask where we come from, how Anna's eyes can be so green, or they greet us with a spontaneous "Hello!" This is always answered with a "Ni hao!" And if the language barrier becomes too big, our conversation partner quickly reaches for the translation app!
3.Beefeaters: In every vegetarian restaurant, we have been looked at strangely and asked, "Do you know that there is no meat here?" It almost seems as if, in the eyes of the waiters, foreigners can't get by without their daily ribeye steak.
4.Not only secretly like in Hangzhou, but also officially people ask for selfies or photos with us. Of course, this is always done with a peace sign and a big smile :)