2004-10-12 - 3:32 p.m.

I decided to enter the rat race this week. I have been emailing my resume to every school I can find, and I am having a little bit of luck! I have three interviews this week--yeah for me! Getting around by myself is a little scary though. I realized that I haven't spoken much to anyone. Mike does all the talking, I nod and smile. I told you I am superb in the field of nodding and smiling. Anyway, I have to take cabs to these interviews, and the amount of miscommunication that takes place on these taxi rides is startling.
I can get in and say "Ni hao" (hi) but after that the breakdown begins. Shangahi is a very friendly town. They (whoever "they" is- city workers?) spell out street names in English on most of the signs. So I have my destination's address written out, and I always try to read it to the driver. They always reply with a very puzzled expression, followed by lots of Chinese. Again, my theory of "repeat yourself enough, and they will understand" comes into play, by both sides. Driver gets Chinese map out, points to lots of streets, says lots of Chinese words, I repeat my destination's address,horribly butchering the Chinese language. The interaction is completed by me holding up my little piece of paper with address written on it, pointing to it, and smiling really big. I never get anywhere. Then Levi, the guy we're staying with, told me about the neatest trick ever. He told me to call my prospective employer on the cell phone as soon as I get in the cab, and ask the person to give my trusty cabby directions. BRILLIANT! I can't believe I didn't think of it myself. Mercy me, yes I can. I would have continued my merry-go-round of noncommunication well into the wee hours of any morning. I am rambling a bit, but being in this city makes me feel like a 3 year old. They can talk a little bit and point and cry to get what they want, but they just don't understand too much. That's me. I will learn. You'll see!!!!

Also, I would have taken a picture of one of my taxi drivers, but my request would have gotten lost in the translation I am sure. And its probably really rude. And the thingy that loads pictures is broken for now.
:(

?lt;/P>

previous - next