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Published: February 4th 2006
I think I got lucky with the family situation…I have heard stories from the other exchange students of crazy mothers and psycho fathers. I, on the other hand, could not be happier with the family I was chosen to live with.
I had already met my younger brother, Hans, in America during his four month stay. He is my height, but not as large. He is younger than me, but more mature and responsible.
From looking at the father, I understand where Han’s goofiness comes from. He is so easy going and laughs at almost everything. Hans, Baba (daddy) and I played Risk together one day and Baba loved every minute of it, even when he was losing horribly. He works at the Electronic Store at the bottom of our apartment. Hans told me that Baba investigates airplane disaster; he is the guy who listens to Black Boxes after an accident.
My host mother is the cutest thing in the world. Very hospitable and easy-going, She laughs at anything I say. It is a shame that on a recent Skiing trip she fractured her knee, and she has been hopping from one couch to another watching TV. She should be better in two weeks.
We had my mothers parents (Grandpa and Grandma) staying with us for a few days during the Chinese New year, but they left after Mama busted her knee. Grandpa is great: he helps around the house, talks to me, helps other people. Granny on the other hand…The funniest thing in the world must be watching Granny and I try to have a conversation. She always starts it by mumbling some nasal sounds. I’ll say shen me? (what). She will squeak a low huh? and look at me. I will pause, open my dictionary and pronunciation as clearly as possible, “I cannot hear you?” She will look at me. Just look. (I think she forgot what she was doing). I stick my nose in a book and prays she stops looking at me and finds something else to do. I can’t leave…that would be rude.
Because of the one-child policy, this is as large as a family is going to get…unless you have some pets.
They have a large (my guess is that it is 70 gallon) aquarium filled with fish. They also have two turtles that they keep in a separate, small aquarium with only rocks for them to entertain themselves with.
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Chris
non-member comment
Hahahah I cracked up when I pictured Granny just staring at you. Sounds like a really nice family. Except for the turtles, they must be pretty grumpy.. Chris