We are staying as guests at the apartment of Hilda's cousin, Jackson. Jackson lives in the Philippines and runs a business importing motorcycle parts. Not only did he very generously offer us the use of his apartment, but he flew into Xiamen from Manila to meet us at the airport and get us settled.
I consider this to be over-the-top courtesy from a host !!! It makes me uncomfortable. If Hilda weren't part of the equation, I would refuse an offer from anyone to fly from another country to pick us up at the airport. When I talk to Hilda about this extreme benevolence, she lights up and says "That's my family. That's what we do". For Hilda, in addition to being extremely generous, this is familiar and comforting, and it is the proper way to treat family.
Jackson showed us how to catch a bus to Xiamen University, where we will be studying. The toughest part about public buses in Xiamen is that it requires a 1 yuan coin to ride. How to stay stocked in such coins is not evident. I do notice on the bus that some riders appear to be using a pass, so there is hope.
In reality, the toughest part about riding the bus is that the routes and schedules are all written in Chinese characters. I am not on intimate terms with Chinese characters, and so they leave no mark on me - delible or indelibe. I simply don't remember them. I am very thankful that Jackson escorted us.
Hilda is also very thankful. She brought some gifts for Jackson and it was lively entertainment to watch him resist them. It took three visits over the course of three days, before he walked away with the gifts. On the second day, I thought they might come to blows, but it was essentially high drama, so there was nothing to worry about.
Right to Left: Jackson, Hilda, (friend) Greg
We Chinese people are really friendly and hospitable, which may explains the over-the-top courtesy from Hilda's cousin, Jackson. This is the typical and proper way of we Chinese hosts to treat guests from the western countries, haha....... So, just accept it and return our hospitality when we later travel to your country and your city. As to Jackson's refusal of the gifts from Hilda, that's also typical of Chinese's way: standing on ceremonies. Xiamen is called "international garden city", with lots of foreigners coming and going, so I will suggest to the Xiamen municipal government that the bus routes and schedules be written bilingually. BTW, how do like the public bus transport in Xiamen? And now that you have a bus pass, do you think it more convenient to travel from place to place without carrying coins in your purse? Hope you enjoy the bus travel here in our small and cozy city and charming city.
ReplyDeleteI am enjoying this. I will try the Atom thing at the bottom of the post and let you know.
ReplyDeleteLove Karen
Hi Di and Cal,
ReplyDeleteHow fun for you two to travel the summer in China with Hilda. I am curious to hear all about the ppl and your adventures. Also hoping to hear about some trips to listen to music. Are you going to take some cooking lessons? Chinese dance Di? Love always, Yamo
Hi Diane!
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting this. I am enjoying reading about your observations and experiences. I am the only one in the family who hasn't been to China and look forward to 'seeing' it through your eyes.
About our cousin, Jackson, what can I say...that's our brand of hospitality, without expectation of repayment. He is after all family.
Vanj
hi diane
ReplyDeletei am really enjoying reading about your adventures and it is very much enriching my limited knowledge of china. thanks so much!
rochelle r.