So there I was, in a small alley. The time was pushing 9AM and ahead of me was an older lady pulling a trolley full of veggies. As I was about to walk past her she turned around abruptly and started to ask in Chinese "Excuse me?..."
She saw I was a foreigner and immediately...
STOPPED.
She lost several shades of colour and started waving her hands desperately without saying anything.
I smiled and assured her in Chinese "It's okay, it's okay, you can ask me!"
She slowly murmured "can I take this lane to the university?"
To which I replied, "Yes, you sure can."
I smiled again, for smiling was in order and carried on my way. It was the first time in almost four years that anyone has asked me directions!!!
The reason I haven't been asked directions in my four years here is a mixture of a few things. Here is what I've thought it to be:
- There is a popular belief in China that no foreigner could ever possibly speak Chinese. Tack on top of that the fear of said foreigners.
- I have believed in the above ^ , thus limiting myself to the experience.
- I'm not particularly skilled with directions and people can sense not to ask me.
- People asked me in my first year when I wouldn't have understood and it's only in fact been 3 years.
I love helping people. I love giving directions. Giving directions this morning made my day (even if it was an accident). It was so simple, but I decided at 9AM that my day was made. I had a wonderful rest of the day riding the high of that simple joy.
When's the last time you've given directions?
Ou.yang.
3 comments:
Aw,it is nice to give directions. I think all of your assumptions are correct as to why people don't normally ask you. I get asked for directions all the time, at least once a week. I think I give off a "helpful" vibe.
Last time I gave directions it was a freezing day in February and I was walking home along St. Peters. I was passing three homeless looking youths, two guys a girl and a dog, complete with backpacks and a few punk accessories. I was just passing the lead youth when he asked for directions to the nearby youth shelter. I gave him the best set of directions I could muster. I almost wanted to get a story from this band of youths, they seemed pretty storied, but I resisted that temptation. Eventually leaving them far behind as I strided quickly ahead. I thought of myself as not so different than them, my current accomodations excepted, my life was at the time quite fragile and barren as I am supposing theirs was. Least they had a dog though.
Charles
Thanks for the comments! Sarnwich, I never knew you were such a directions giver. Any memorable direction giving moment that stands out?
Charles, your above tale is well told - oh where oh where is your blog? I'd love to read more... =)
You are missing the company of pooches? Me too.
Post a Comment