Need Directions?

What a wonderful language day today!!! It's fun to practice most of the time. But sometimes I just don't know how to use new words in every day conversations. Or sometimes, words I learn aren't really words for conversations with shopkeepers or taxi drivers.

Anyway, I tutor a boy and girl Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. On my way to their house, my taxi driver asked me the typical questions; how long have you been here? what do you teach? where are you going? how old are you? I politely asked him: do you have kids? how old are you? what's your name?

Then he asked some other questions and told me about his kids. I could actually answer and understand him. BUT that is not the great part...

My tutees live on a side street. So, as I approached a bigger street to hail down a taxi, a giant semi-truck pulled over in front of me. The passenger got out and walked towards me. At first, I couldn't hear him or understand him. But as he approached he said, "Ooooh," realizing I was not Asian.

Now, keep in mind the following conversation took place in this countries language.


Me: I'm so embarrassed. I'm so sorry.
Man: Do you know where BuBuGao is?
Me: Uhhh...?
Man: BuBuGao. The supermarket. Do you know where it is?
Me: Oh! Do you know YY Tower? Do you know where YY Tower is?
Man: Yes. I know. I know.
Me: It's near YY Tower.
Man: I understand. Okay.
Me: Okay.
Man: Thank you. (Then in English - "Shank you.")


He hops back in his truck and drives away.

And I am a happy duck. I gave someone directions in the third language I kind of know. And he understood me. I also felt very Asian, in the sense of helping a complete stranger.

What a good day~!

Gym

Well, I can't tell you how much I love my gym. I might have mentioned it once before. It's small-ish, full of interesting people, and pretty cheap. There is a guy named Oscar there. He is the manager. He's pretty nice and I practice English with him for a couple of minutes after my work out.

I especially like spinning class. It's great with the loud music and energitic teacher. The teachers always give me a thumbs up or say "Good job!" Because that is about all they can say.

Anyways, I'm thinking about taking them some holiday treats. There are about 8 people that work there. I think I'll make mini pumpkin loaves.

Special Moment

I witnessed one of those sweet things about the culture here. I was riding a bus to my favorite place to read. The bus stopped at its usually stop. However, the driver knew the man and preggo lady on the bench. He hollered at them and friendly hello. And I think he was teasing them about something. They all laughed. It looked like the couple had just finished shopping and were eating some yogurt. The man asked the driver if he wanted some. Of course, he politely refused. The man was insistant. He hopped on the bus quickly and gave him a yogurt and straw, even though the driver said no. It would seem to be a small, insignificant gesture, but is it insignificant to do something kind?