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Published: April 7th 2009
The News crew
I was interviewed on the streets of Chengdu, they wanted to know my opinion on 'imitation' goods made here.This weekend I had the privilege to celebrate some sort of national holiday with China, all I did to participate was take Monday off school. Originally, I tried to get a plane ticket to leave town but was too slow on the draw and didn’t make it happen—however, I’m all set for NEXT weekend in which we have a three weekend again, due to a track meet here at the school. Therefore, I devoted my time this weekend to getting a lot of schoolwork done, as well as going into the city with two of my students, Carol and Shen Shaolin.
But before my stint into the city with my students—another student made me aware of another America living in the city. Intrigued, I accepted his phone number when my student offered it. He and I (Phil is his name) met at the school gates and continued down the village street to a restaurant (one we’ve both been to before). Along the way, he picked up one of his roommates (Chinese roommate) to help us order some food. We chatted about the students (he taught at the University last semester, now teaching Middle school), chatted about missing home, then he
Old tree
Leading into the alley asked if I have had the chance to see the town. Of course I have not, so and his friend went and rented some mopeds (Phil was concerned that they wouldn’t give mopeds to two foreigners, so he took his roommates) and we were off!! It was a little difficult at first—and my brakes didn’t work properly (in that they just sort of didn’t work at all), but once I got the hang of it I was cruising just as well as all the crazy Chinese moped drivers! We sped through the town, on city streets, side streets-even a sidewalk or two. Good way to see the town, used my horn quite a bit, I think it was quite the treat for the locals to see not only one white person on a moped-but two.
So onto Chengdu…We trekked down to the Music Conservatory about a mile down the road and took a bus from there. It’s only about a 30-minute ride and they drop us off at the corresponding Music Conservatory campus in the city. From there we set out with the mission of finding me a yoga mat. On our way, we had stopped to confirm directions
This is the alley
The old part of the city... to a local sporting goods store when a news crew bombarded me. The interviewer, a beautiful Chinese woman with ridiculous fake eyelashes, began talking with one of my students. I watched as they set up the camera and the newswoman fixed her hair a little bit. However, I still had NO idea what was going on?! Without asking me if I would do an interview, or even what my name was, or what I was doing in Chengdu, the interview began. Using my poor student as an interpreter (the interpretation was very poor, I think I found something to work on in class this week) I quickly discovered the interview is about imitation goods made in China and they would like my opinion about them. Sorry to say I had little to no opinion about them, but I did the best I could—which seemed well enough for them. The thanked me profusely for my participation, showering me with compliments—like any good Chinese person does, and as quickly as they assaulted me for the interview, they were gone.
We find a store that has yoga mats—much to my excitement, then we continue our adventure to an old part of the
city to wander around. The old city has been converted into corresponding ally ways lined with eateries and teashops. Not much authenticity going on, but it made for a nice stroll. I stopped and posed for several pictures, usually I catch people trying to sneak a picture with a camera so I stop, smile, and wave. Usually they’re more embarrassed that I caught them, but I don’t mind too much. Afterwards we take a bus to Sichuan University campus, the largest university in Chengdu, as well as one of the top universities in China (so I’m told). The campus was lovely, reminds me of East coast living. A tall tree overshadowing various nooks and streets, many grassy pastures to practice one’s leisurely activities. My campus is newer and our trees have not reached the ‘shadowing’ stage yet. After strolling for quite some time, we were stopped by some man who inquired as to my presence on campus. Shortly thereafter, I was offered a job there. Very nice, maybe next time I’m in China. We continue towards the gates to exit the lovely grounds and get back to the dingy city streets only to be stopped by another gentleman. This one
smiling monster
outside all the buildings are these 'guardians,' this one looked like it was smiling also offers me a job…however, it is in modeling—with cars, I think? Intrigued by his enthusiasm, I indulged his ideas, and laughed at the amount of monies he promised. It sounded like one of those stories that you see on Dateline and would prefer not to have my story end that way. We politely excused ourselves and continued on our way. By now, we were tired and walked back to the Music Conservatory to hop the next bus home. Never a dull outing here…
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Liz
non-member comment
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