Oh, the joy... What a lovely man! I hope we can meet up for a beer sometime.
And he calls me pathetic. Who sends vile messages to a complete stranger? Seriously, who does that??
Your writing The entry "you know why you are in China when" is simply pretensious, arrogant, unfunny and totally patronizing to other foreigners who have lived here for several years too. I myself have been here with my wife for over 10 years, but would not be so pathetic as to find myself amusing by writing such banal tripe as you. Clearly you must be teaching English in some third rate university and think you are som great traveler.
You dog looks like shit too.
Hello - I am here please!! What an adventure! Brilliant pictures Erin - bit worried about the picture of you and Joe - at last a decent one of your both - you look like each other! Artemis looks like a bush baby- Carrot has the habit of diving in front of the door as well in case he gets left out!
Love you and looking forward to the end of the month. Mummy xx
Loved your version of the adventure So enjoyed your blog - I felt your pain and know exactly what you mean about being home and having your belly full. Remember what Eleanor Roosevelt said, "that which doesn't kill us makes us stronger." I promise you will both look back on this adventure and laugh one day! Katie sends her love -- she's just too busy being a social butterfly (waterskiing at the lake today) to write.
Doesn't sound as though this particular trip had any redeeming feature, but thank goodness you didn't have to resort to the tap water! Just don't go believing any more small smiling people with bright ideas.
Singing What is the matter with 'Take me home country road'? Its the only song I know the words to and I would sing it no trouble - look out next year - I expect to be taken to said bar to join in the festivities. Hope you are feeling better Erin. XXX
Misunderstood The point I was trying to make was not that my tones were rubbish, but the fact that all Chinese people know better when it comes to foreigners. Even if you want to take a train, laowai are supposed to fly, so that's where you get sent. Because dollars are worth more than RMB. Is what I am told daily by people, though I earn RMB here.
And sometimes a smile works far better than tones.
Hi Erin
Glad it's you not me, I too am needle phobic and the whole exreience sounds pretty dire, however I too am a great believer in alternative therapies so let me know if it does the trick. Sounds like you are having a super time, talked to your Mum the other day and as soon as she can hop along, we are going to have lunch and catch up.
Love to you
Helen
Pay Attention This is a message to all Erins friends - please be so kind as to let her know you are reading her blog - she is feeling a bit home sick and could do with some in-put. As the internet connection is a bit suspect at times, this is the best way to let her know she is not fotgotten by us all!
Buy A slipper I seem to remember when I was at school we had our sttention focussed with the back of a slipper! I will buy you one to use as a threat. Love you Mum
Hello! Erin, I so enjoyed your version of the trip! It sounds like you guys had a wonderful time. Can't wait to visit and have you show us the sights! Take care and look forward to seeing you soon.
Hey just about to head to Xi'an myself so im killing a bit of time in the netbar before my train arrives (I lived there for a year once studying at the foreign language univeristy in 2004). VERY interesting story about the train station / airport mix-up. hopefully your chinese will/has improved enough so you no longer have those huo che zhan tone problems. Is Jocelyn Chinese by the way? because i sware i know Joakim. He taught and learnt at the foriegn language university (waiyuan) if it is him. If there is any advice i can give you for your stay in China which took me a while to realise, its to not get duped by everyone saying your chinese is awesome. focus hard on those tones. if you dont know the tone then you dont know the word. have fun!
marian little
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Hello
Get typing Erin while you still have some free time. Auntie Marian