So this evening I decided to grab dinner in the alley way down the street from the apartment complex. It rained today making the streets cool and comfortable enough to walk through with a t-shirt, pants, and boots. I’m glad I made the decision to go alone rather than with a large group because I learned it’s when I’m by myself that I better meet the locals and speak Chinese with them. Tonight I walked by a small little noodle shop with white walls adorned with cute, colorful stickers. It appeared friendly enough and quite empty so I decided to give it a shot, especially because it looked like a place where I could sit down and study from my Chinese workbook.
As soon as I walked in I was immediately seated by the young man who worked at the shop. He began to explain the menu to me and with the little Chinese I know I nodded my head and acted like I understood what he was talking about. When he finished speaking I asked him (in Chinese) what he thought was good and he proceeded to explain. I smiled all the while understanding him here and there when I finally asked him if he spoke any English. After he said no, he called over a young lady who really did not know much English either and eventually I decided to pick the very first dish on the menu, which was 7 kuai. After he told me that it was very spicy I picked my veggies, my meat and got comfortable.
The young woman served me a Coke before sitting down at my table. I’m extremely proud to say that during my evening at the little noodle shop I was able to hold an entire conversation with her in Chinese! I was surprised with how much I actually know of the language and I got to know her a bit. I told her I was from America studying at the Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics. I asked her if she worked at the noodle shop but I found out she was only accompanying her boyfriend, the young man who sat me down when I entered the restaurant. It was not awkward at all even as she sat directly in front of me as I ate. We talked, asked one another questions and I showed her pictures of friends and family I saved on my iPhone. She was so friendly and sweet, and then she treated me to my entire meal! It was unexpected for me and especially kind of her. I am very grateful! (The bowl of noodle soup and coke, which for sure would cost anywhere from $6-10 in the US, cost about $1 USD here, by the way. So if you come visit me and ever want a good, big bowl of noodles, I know a place!). Anyway, I told her I would take my friends there next time. Of course, we exchanged numbers and I’m happy to say I made a new friend this evening.
Friends from the noodle shop in the alleyway down the street.
I hope you make a new friend today or enjoy a bowl of delicious noodles.
With love from China,
e.
