Right now I am sitting in the dining area of Hilary's apartment. I just finished a very filling and delicious bowl of noodles for dinner and am wishing that I had packed more pajama pants and sweatshirts (no heat in my apartment=goosebumps all over). Today I was granted a "day of rest" which at first I was very grateful for, but after sleeping until 12 and then taking another nap, I was hoping we would go out shopping or something. At least I'll have gotten over the time change!
Since we didn't go out today, I'd love to share my unique experience last night at dinner. I got to the apt., unpacked, and was told we were going to a family dinner. I expected to go to a grandparent's or other relative's house, but instead we went out to a very nice restaurant. The restaurant was organized with one open room for more formal meals and many fancier small rooms with a large lazy susan in the middle. We went into one of the small rooms where I met Hilary's adorable grandparents and aunts/uncles.
After about 30 minutes, there were about 13-14 of us crowded around the table and ready to eat. Dish after dish came out of the kitchen, and one when platter was empty, another would soon take its place. Plates of vegetables, fish, lobster, beef, frog, oysters, goose, and many unidentifiable dishes spun around the lazy susan nonstop. I tried to give every dish at least a small try and most of what I had was delicious. Surprisingly, my favorite dish that I tried was definitely the frog. It was very tender and spicy, and as soon as I said I enjoyed it, Hilary kept putting more and more on my plate. Soon I became full and felt bad having to refuse more food, but I didn't want to feel nauseous.
The dinner was also very awkward, and I realized that the language barrier might be harder to get around than I had expected. Many questions were thrown at me, most of which I was able to understand with Hilary translating, however I was also very confused most of the time. For example, I was asked if I enjoy various fruits, which they all found to be hysterical. When I answered "Yes," to the question, "Do you like cherries?" the group erupted with laughter and I couldn't help but laugh too. Although confusing at times, the Chinese people so far have been extremely kind and hospitable and I am excited to see what is thrown at me next.
Ciao for now!
-Nora
Since we didn't go out today, I'd love to share my unique experience last night at dinner. I got to the apt., unpacked, and was told we were going to a family dinner. I expected to go to a grandparent's or other relative's house, but instead we went out to a very nice restaurant. The restaurant was organized with one open room for more formal meals and many fancier small rooms with a large lazy susan in the middle. We went into one of the small rooms where I met Hilary's adorable grandparents and aunts/uncles.
After about 30 minutes, there were about 13-14 of us crowded around the table and ready to eat. Dish after dish came out of the kitchen, and one when platter was empty, another would soon take its place. Plates of vegetables, fish, lobster, beef, frog, oysters, goose, and many unidentifiable dishes spun around the lazy susan nonstop. I tried to give every dish at least a small try and most of what I had was delicious. Surprisingly, my favorite dish that I tried was definitely the frog. It was very tender and spicy, and as soon as I said I enjoyed it, Hilary kept putting more and more on my plate. Soon I became full and felt bad having to refuse more food, but I didn't want to feel nauseous.
The dinner was also very awkward, and I realized that the language barrier might be harder to get around than I had expected. Many questions were thrown at me, most of which I was able to understand with Hilary translating, however I was also very confused most of the time. For example, I was asked if I enjoy various fruits, which they all found to be hysterical. When I answered "Yes," to the question, "Do you like cherries?" the group erupted with laughter and I couldn't help but laugh too. Although confusing at times, the Chinese people so far have been extremely kind and hospitable and I am excited to see what is thrown at me next.
Ciao for now!
-Nora