#41 Teaching at Taizhou Teachers College, China (Birthday in China)

Quiet birthdays are the best. Cancers prefer calmness, and July 9th was going to pass, and not be noticed on the other side of the world, in Taizhou, China. At 62, it is now official, Senior Citizenship and Social Security have become partners in my life, and the occasion was going to pass peacefully. Not many phone-calls reminding me on amounts of birthday-candles.

Before I left Miami, one of my gentlest friends made it clear, what she thinks of the prospect of growing older, (she is the sweetest and wisest "lady" at 82). In her kitchen I casually asked, ... and how is life?

"At my age a Bitch !!" was her quick response.

We had a good laugh, and at 83, her husband's chuckle sounded agreement. They pointed out, that between my sixty-two and their stage of life, I am permitted another "guaranteed" 20 years. Then they were on their way, and cruise Italy and Spain, the happiest and proudest of couples. Honesty and awareness are often expressed in jest, but theirs is a life to imitate.

I have tried to greet every next morning with gratitude, and this July 9th morning was to be no different. The alarm awakened at 2 a.m., wanting to catch the Germany-Portugal-Game in Stuttgart, Germany. China's time is 6 hrs. ahead of Germany's. It was to decide the 3rd Place team in the Wold Soccer Cup Final. I also hoped to see the faces of my special friends from Winnenden/Stuttgart and the Georg Buechner Gymnasium in the bleachers, their faces painted in Black, Red, and Gold, and representing my enthusiasm.

I have been watching all the live-games, though only with Chinese commentary. The flags on the screen gave me the clue to the nightly matches.

My bed is hard, and I think I hurt myself when I jumped at Germany's deserved win. It was a very fair birthday present, the only one I wanted, and went back to sleep. The rest of the day was going to be "gravy".

Then my friend Arthur called me:
There was going to be a banquet that night, he informed me. It was to honor my collegue Sue and I, and my birthday would additionally complement that occasion, he informed me.

The President of the college and visitors from the Taizhou's city government are expected. We are to meet at 5:30pm. and be driven to the restaurant. It's all I needed to know, and all arrangements had been made, just dress for the occasion. He concluded, not to worry about any fire-works only about the gifts of flowers.

The remainder of the day was filled with moments of anxiety, knowing the spot-light and my ill-deserved fame in the population were to continue this evening. In almost 6 weeks, I have yet to meet another Westerner, other than Sue, and this evening is to entertain "celeb's" in our honor??

I thought, with time I would blend into the crowd, and fewer might take notice of the "Portly One" passing to their left or right. That has not happened. Confusion continues to reign in "every" little place of commerce, when I'm noticed as "this" older, gray, stout, , and once-in-a-lifetime-to-see "Westerner". It is hot in Taizhou, and so the population also observes me in a sweat-drenched shirt, a beet-red face, and my defensive smirk. :-)

It is the only way to combat wondering, if I had forgotten to spray my fragile, precious few hair that are blowing in the breeze, or if the zipper had exposed. The few who can ask: "Where you from"? become very exited, when they hear from America. Few have heard of Florida, fewer of Miami. Then it's "Good bye, nice to meet you". Gestures let me know, that there will always be a table at their humble eating-place. One eatery I'm sure to visit kneads and "slings" their own dough, as the Chinese have since before Marco Polo. He learned the process, and forever called it 'Italian-Spaggetti'?

Six in the evening is a good time to begin a dinner. Even a smaller group is considered a banquet, honoring always important guests. Ladies in bright Chinese dresses greet at the entrance of the restaurant, lead to a glass elevator, and whisk to one of the top floors into a formal sweet. The plush ante-room permits relaxed conversations, and allows for the "required formal" greetings, considerably more important than in the West.

Sue and I were introduced to Mr. Wei and Mr. Dang, representing the city of Taizhou. I had already met Mr. Zang from the Foreign Office last visit, and according to Chinese custom were considered "old friends". We were graciously greeted by Mr. Xu, President of TTC. The Ass't Dean, who wanted to be called by her adopted name "Maple", found some of my commentary humerous, a good sign. English Teacher Vivian helped with the translations and customs, and Arthur was ever attentive, ready to translate and suggest proper decorum. The driver is never forgotten at the table.

Seating is carefully assigned according to status at the evening's celebration. Once arranged, wine is served, and glasses forever seem to fill them-selves, ready for the next of numerous toasts, to health and in gratitude of present and future friendship.

This evening the wine did help to overcome many of the anxieties, and I "quickly" understood the custom better than before. :-) Inhibitions are compromised with a few glasses of wine, and a "few" glasses of "red" centainly helped this evening. One by one, some 20+ dishes of "exotics" are offered, always to the guest first. I have noticed, that unless a course is first tasted by the guest, the dish will remain un-touched. At times that first taste becomes a serious challenge.

In appreciation, we were presented with bouquets of fragrant lilies. Few Chinese like sweets, and much of a beautiful birthday cake came home with me.

As a banquet starts on time, so abruptly it comes to a conclusion, when suddenly and often very unexpectedly the host stands, and bids his wishes for the evening. It's how I tell, they had enough of me. (Of course I am just kidding!) :-))

I am very appreciative of Arthur, for having made my first Birthday in China one I will remember. He is proud of reminding me, that "Senior Citizens" and "Foreign Friends" are honored and appreciated in his country.

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