smogtastic

I’ve been so excited to hang meet the Chinese students. They we so giddy to practice their English at our introduction today. They smiled nervously as they welcomed us and told us their Chinese and American names. Most of the names were a little goofy, but incredibly endearing. Conversation with most of them is a little slow and awkward, but I love it all the same!

After one of the guys in the group randomly showed us some self-defense moves, the students gave us Chinese names. I was named Li Yue – which somehow means happy! Sometime later in the program we have to do some performances for the Chinese students and host an entertainment time. I’m so ready to bust out some dance moves! One of the guys and I might also perform a special variation of ‘milk & cereal’ by g love and special sauce. Although now that I think of it, they don’t really know what cereal is. I got a box this morning and ate it with warm milk from a bag…yeah, and I thought what they ate for breakfast was weird.

They love the Backstreet Boys…I’ve heard the ‘Backstreets Back’ song twice blaring in public and after one of our students said his name was Nick, a Chinese student got excited and said, “like the famous singer…Nick Carter!”

I’m having a little trouble ordering food, but Selina has been working with me on some phrases. Pointing can only take you so far. Today our waiter for lunch was so sweet…he didn’t speak any English, but by the end of the meal he had memorized a phrase. He said, “you are my best friends”. Oh and at that my heart melted, I love these people!

I titled this ‘smogtastic’ because Mike coined that term tonight as we tried to take pictures and the smog was overwhelming. You really can see it and feel your lungs taking it in! Those poor Olympic athletes, I can see why they are complaining!

Classes start tomorrow...6 hours of it...these are going to be long days!