My First Chinese Words

Hello everyone!!

I have made it to China safe and sound, and I've been running ever since.  It must be a universal truth: no matter where you're from, or where you are, if you're a teacher, you spend a lot of time sitting in meetings.  A LOT of time.  But maybe I should back up a couple of steps.

I drove up to Seattle with my parents on Sunday morning.  We attempted (and failed) to buy a phone along the way, and arrived in time for Seattle traffic and a picnic on the beach with extended family.  The next morning I had a nice quiet breakfast with family before driving to the airport.  I was full of bravado about how much luggage I would have to carry, mainly because I hadn't actually lifted it before.  When I actually boarded the plane, the stewardess graciously offered to put my bag in the overhead compartment, but it took BOTH of us to heft it up there.

The plane ride was phenomenal!  The airline overbooked the economy section, so they changed my ticket to business class.  I don't know if I've ever experienced anything quite so luxurious.  My seat fully reclined, and I could adjust it in 6 different directions.  I had my own screen where I could watch unlimited TV and movies, check the status of the flight, listen to music or play games.  But the best part was the FOOD.  They served two 5-course meals on fresh white linens and full cutlery.  There were delicate canapes tied with steamed scallions, chilled slices of lobster with fruit salsa, soup, salad, and noodles with an array of pickled vegetables for the main course.  When I finally decided to sleep, I asked for a blanket.  Whenever I've flown before, "blanket" usually refers to a small piece of fleece.  Oh no, not on Hainan airlines.  My "blanket" was a large, white, heavy quilt embroidered with golden thread, which was spread over me by a young steward.  If you think I'm joking right now, I promise - this is the absolute truth.  The whole journey felt more like a luxurious vacation than a trans-pacific flight.  Everyone fell asleep early, but it hadn't occurred to me to take any sleeping pills.  Instead I spent the quiet time journaling, listening to the travel playlists that my friends gave me, and contemplating the idea that I was chasing the sun across the globe.

We finally landed in Beijing, and the sun continued on into sunset.  I wrestled with my massive amount of luggage and smiled back at the pitying looks I received from fellow travelers.  I finally found a trolley for my bags (I love those things!) and walked through customs.  [FYI: Customs in China looks like a door.  You walk through it, and it's over.]  The customs doors swung open and there - perfectly framed in the doorway, was my very first view of China: Starbucks

After ordering a giant iced mocha, I found the shuttle and we drove off down the road....and we kept driving and driving. At this point, I was REALLY hoping that I got on the right bus!  Maybe 10 minutes later, we arrived at the terminal and I was blown away by the view of terminal #3.  I was told later that it was built in time for the Olympics.  Absolutely beautiful.

After 2 hours of delay, I boarded a plane to Zhengzhou and feel asleep three times before the plane even started to taxi down the runway.  It was about then that a Chinese mother decided to adopt me.  We touched down in Zhengzhou, and I had to heft my luggage for one FINAL trip through the airport.  My new Chinese-mother tried to offer help, but I was so sleepy and tired that she finally quit using words, took my massive stack of books and shoved them in her purse, and grabbed a handle of my over-stuffed carry-on.  She helped me find a trolley for my bags (gosh I love airport trolleys!!) and then called her daughter who spoke English to try to help me find a ride to my university.  I was so grateful for her!  Luckily I found my ride pretty easily, and before long we were headed off to the school.

I was struck by the fact that the entirety of my travel-time was filled with gratitude.  The first word I learned in Chinese wasn't 'yes,' or 'no,' or even 'hello.'  The first word I learned is the one I most frequently use: xiè xiè, or 'thank you.'  What an amazing thing, to have my first impression of a place be one of gratitude.

In the weeks following my arrival, I've relived that impression over and over.  The Chinese people are the epitome of gracious hosts, always looking out for the feelings and comfort of the newcomer.  What an amazing place to be!