American Consulate in Guangzhou held a celebration in Xiamen today for the incoming Independence Day. I was honored to be invited to the occasion. Here are some of my random thoughts.
To err is human
This year is the thirtieth anniversary for the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and U.S.A.. While we were eating and chatting, I saw some slides about the meetings between the leaders from both sides. Nixon erred in Watergate scandal. Carter was thought of as a weak president. In this world, it is hard to find a perfect person, and even harder to find a perfect powerful person.
Food
I like American style cakes, and chocolate cakes are my favorite. It’s nice to be able to taste something American after more than two years.
China and U.S. on collision course?
No. Two countries are becoming so intertwined in mutual interests, and any large scale conflicts are not foreseeable in the near future. Down to earth, it’s all about business.
Former classmate
My former classmate was doing some interpretation for the Chinese government officials, and we chatted a little after he finished his work. There is a huge disparity between the salaries of a civil servant and a teacher. He had a car, a high-class apartment and has travelled to more than 30 countries, and what I did? Many trivial things. Then I asked my colleague who was also attending the occasion about the future prospects for a teaching career. Dim was his response. It’s about time that I changed my job.
English
I finally understand the difference between Consulate and Consul. I don’t think those interpreters were reading the English translation very well. The translation of the prepared speech sounds Chinglish and the interpreters read it without a natural flow of American accent. This is the job I can do, but I doubt I ever want to do it. Now I have something different in my mind to pursue.
That said, I must say continuously working on English is very important. I promise myself I’ll keep working on my writing and speaking.
Police and Prostitute
The celebration kicked off at Wyndeham — a recently opened five-star hotel in Xiamen. Because this is a diplomatic event and some high ranking officials were present, I saw some traffic policemen at the hotel gate. They usually appear when some events like this happen.
On our walk to the bus station, a street girl was standing by a phone booth, soliciting some business. She never knows what the people coming out of the fancy hotel had for dinner just now. In the underground passage, which smelt of piss, I saw some homeless people.
Bus and Neighborhood
I took the bus and returned to the familiar neighborhood of mine. This is where I belong.
No pictures?
My camera is a big one, and I hate to carry it around. I promise myself I’ll get a decent mobile phone with camera when I get to the U.S. this year.