Something I've had to get used to, and it sounds bizarre, is how nice people are here. I've been taking the train a lot, and if I or someone I'm traveling with asks for directions, someone will gladly help. Or they'll go get someone to help. Or use a translator. And just today, I needed help at the ticket window. Not only did the person help, but she came back while we were on the platform to make sure I knew this was my train. Every time I've been in a larger American city, or in Europe, strangers, especially men, will yell crude things to a woman walking alone. I've learned to use the Amish country blinder strategy and keep walking. To give them a response is a bad idea. Here, it's much more obvious that I'm a foreigner, but people really are just being nice. One day I used the blinder strategy, and the "strange man" turned out to be my school principal. Or a bunch of kids will ride bikes past and say hello. And then there's a chorus of "inguyen, inguyen." I don't know if I spelled it right, but it means English. So I have to force myself to smile and say hello/ni hao and hope I'm making a good impression.
On a side note, I looked at new apartments today, and found one that's a lot better than what I'm living in now. I can't move until Sept. 12, but it will be so worth it!
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