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. Leia Mais…
