My Office Friend

KK is my office friend. e talks to me the most and has been very helpful and friendly since I arrived. He was out of the office for a few days after the first week I worked, but invited me to dinner with Simon and Qing Qing (Ching Ching), our other workmates. I assumed we were going to stay in the village and get noodles, we actually took a cab. The restaurant was 30 yuan away. I have to use this metric as I have no real sense of direction here, but know that the same amount can get me to the central part of the city. That distance can be reached in  hour on the metro.

We arrive around 7pm, so it is getting dark, to find what appears to be a roadside garden with an informal market.  It is a very peaceful and mysterious setting, which very ironic because upon leaving I find that we are under an overpass.

We walk back through some low trees and Chinese lanterns to find outdoor seating under a tent. As they decided what to order (we order several dishes for the table and share, family style) they are amazed when I told them no meat. I'm a fake vegetarian here, (too picky about the kind and quality of meat), and we decide on sheep, chicken, veggies, and noodles. It was very good and you simply cannot tell the Chinese no when it comes to food, so I try a little of everything. I get very full, very quickly with these types of meals.

We talked about basic things because my workmates are a bit shy about speaking English, and my non existent Mandarin make for some interesting convos. I ask some basic questions and they teach me how to count to 10. It is a good dinner, but a better feeling to be accepted.

After dinner we walked across the street to an art market. Though it was closed by time we got there, we were able to walk around many of the shops. Most owners were enjoying tea and watching television or talking. There was one shop, however, that allowed us to come in and look at some paintings. There were a lot of paintings, all on canvas and appeared to be watercolors, though I am unsure of the medium. There was on black and white piece that is very large, but very expensive. My willingness to pay has decreased significantly since coming here and realizing the power of a dollar and some good bargaining. So far I have purchased tennis shoes for ~$40 and a dress for $4.14. The painting itself was $150, much more than I had on me, but I was willing to pay. It was a one of a kind. I will go back and buy it. If take home a souvenir, it will be that! It was all so beautiful and they were so hospitable. The artist, a woman, even invited us to stay and have tea!