"I just want to practice my Engrish"
Hey everyone, I just got to Shanghai last night and I'm itchin to go check out the city which so far is better even than Hong Kong. However, I just found out that the web browser here at this hostel is completely in English so I couldn't pass on the chance. So this will be short but quick update:If every anyone approaches you with the above phrase one should be weary. You might think I learned my lesson with the "English teacher/Chinese Art professor" that sold me one of his personal paintings in Guilin. I didn't. Alright so I'm a trusting person, jeeze.
Well last night after I just arrived to Shanghai, I hit the streets to find some dinner at the number one recommended restaurant by Lonely Planet (Travel Guide). "Hi, where from?... "Oh, can I walk with you to pratice my Engrish? I can help you find." Since I had been walking around in the rain for the past 40 minutes and this girl and her brother seemed to know where this restaurant, this might just be perfect. Ok, so the restaurant had been closed down and for the next 30 minutes we walked around looking for some other place. "Noodles? Oh you like this place." Ok. We all sit down and Ms. Engrish starts working her way down the menu for her and her brother. The waitress adds everything up and points to me. "You want me to pay for everyone?" "Of course."
Yeah, NOT OF COURSE! So we all leave before anything is prepared, and continue to walk for as I try to explain if she wants something she should maybe ask first. Eventually I buy us all a bowl of dumplings to share. I quickly paid before she had a chance to say "I'm still hungry" Which she did. And by the way I should let the reader know that this girl was in no way malnourished.
Ok blah, blah, blah and some walking when I put together the boy she is with is not her brother. And after a series of further questions like where are you staying, etc., I decide it's time to say good bye. And no you can't have my address, and no I don't have a phone number... In English: Good night. Ol' Shanghai livin up to it's shady past.
posted by Travelin' D @ 6:27 PM
2 Comments:
Wanted more than your dumplings eh?
Shoot, I feel weird going to dinner with just my friends... the splitting of the check... shady tippers... fighting over who gets to ask out the waitress...
The Chinese Oliver Twists are thinking "easy mark."
Try blending in better. :)
love it. Can't wait to have my own experiences like this...did you get that email where gina let us know what the chinese say instead of um... it starts w/ an n and ends in an a, it was the name of a certain family on chappelle's show. I'll be seeing ya soon my fellow traveler.
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