Thursday, September 19, 2002

Wo shi Jianadaren! (I am Canadian)

I started classes this week and I'm the only Canadian in my class. I've met three other Canadians; two only briefly. The teacher was using the phrase meaning "only second to" and was discussing the size of countries. She told the class that Russia was the largest country and the second was perhaps USA or Canada. There I was, reclined in my chair, with my MEC pants and Canadian $10 bill in my wallet, wanting to blend in so I wouldn't be called on. Once I heard what she said, I almost side-thrust kicked the American sitting quietly next to me. "Bu shi! (no, it isn't)" I retorted, I explained to her that is was quite obvious that Canada was the bigger country in my poor Mandarin. She flashed me a patient smile and told me, since I was so passionate, that I should then use the new phrase and answer her question.

Zixingche (bike)

Two days ago, I bought a bike! It was very exciting. But its new cuz everywhere I looked, nobody was selling old second-hand ones. I think people will steal it. My LA friend bought hers on the same day and it was stolen the next day! (even though she purposely dented it and painted it unaesthetic colours.) Both our bikes are new but in a shade of an unattractive camoflauge dark blue. I haven't really used it though. I just want to have a bike. It was 140RMB with no gears. Its so flat here, I'm beginning to find it hard to believe that the earth is round.

Watashi-wa Canada-jin desu. (I am Canadian)
Nanun Canada saram imida. (I am Canadian)

Yes, I'm beginning to pick up Japanese and Korean a little. People want to learn Cantonese from me. It's very amusing. I started to talk to a few Americans and found that I couldn't speak English properly as I was using 4-year-old Mandarin with my roommate and non-English speaking friends so much. I had no vocabularly anymore and it was hard speaking English again! Another thing I noticed is that I truly am an "undercover sista". People don't pay any attention to me when I'm out on the street, but when I'm with my Vancouver friend and we start speaking in English, everybody turns abruptly and stares at us! When that happens, I start to count aloud to ten in Mandarin. (I don't think that works though. . .)

Yiheyuan/Chang Cheng

Went to the Great Wall (a part of it called Mutianyu) and it was so hot that day. Quite steep, lots of stairs. But it was impressive. As most parts of the wall are closed to visitors, there are only a few sites people can actually go see. I heard there is a section that is a bit hardcore, for all those hardcore peeps out there, crumbling and difficult terrain that I aspire to visit during this stay in China.

Also went to Yi HeYuan (Summer Palace) which is huge and beautiful. Nothing like Stanley Park. All the lakes and water areas are man-made but you need to ride on slow boats to get across some areas, vast magnificent buildings, carvings. Unfortunately, I forgot my camera that day, I heard it's bikeable so I will attempt that soon with my camera next time.

Beijing Yin Yue (music)

I went to a live music show last weekend. It was a local rock/Chinese fusion all-male band: dummer, vocalist/acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass, Chinese instrumentalist. The Chinese instrumentalist was playing Tibetan trumpets, pipes and other wind instruments which contrasted greatly with the rock feel. The lead singer had make-up on and wore a qipao (Chinese formal dress). His long straight hair was combed neatly and flowed past his shoulders. They sang in Chinese about political and social issues. I don't understand exactly what they were singing about though. I was told that they were singing about Bush and bin laden. I was highly impressed. The name of the group is Secondhand Rose.

This weekend is Mid-Autumn Festival. Have a great one and don't eat too many Yuebing (mooncakes)!

P.S. There are no Internet cafes (legal ones anyway) here in Beijing. There was a terrible fire back in June so I've been waiting in line at the campus computer room. Around an hour's wait but cheap 2RMB/hr.