Second Impression...The People!

The people in China....ooh boy! For the most part they are very kind hearted and warm. When I say hello (你好) and wave, they smile, say hello (你好) right back, which is more than I can say about a lot of people I've met! There is one thing that I can't get over though: they stare at me so much. I'm not sure if it's contempt, amusement, curiosity, animosity, or their vision of beauty, but the fact that I'm white and from the United States (mostly because I'm white) compels a vast majority of people to stare at me as I walk. It's starting to get annoying how much people stare.

The people I have a problem with staring is the younger generation; kids my age. I get the vibe that they dislike me or have that macho thought that I admittedly have where you tell yourself, "he's not so tough. I could take him." I just get the feeling that they're intimidated by me or don't like me because I'm a foreigner. Guess it's something I'll have to change or get over. I was expecting the older generation to be much more abrasive and unwelcoming, but I've found that to be far from the truth. I've met a friend who lives in my building who can't be younger than 60, but he is the most friendly person to me it's astonishing!

As for the hospitality; it's incredible. The culture around here is so focused on making people visiting your house, store, shop, restaurant, whatever, as comfortable as possible that it's almost off-putting. People make sure you're comfortable, not thirsty, and having a good time that it's a huge change from back in the States.

Overall the people are warm and friendly, eager to help you in any way possible and to make you as comfortable as you can be. I do wish to say thank you to my previous Chinese teacher, Wu Xiaoping, who has made all of our lives in Xi'an as pleasant, easy, and comfortable as possible. She has helped us find apartments, locate good places to eat, places to buy food, necessities, and frills, and offered her time in any way possible. She has sure helped all of us students from BG and we are grateful for her being here. The help she has given us has been an example of how nicely someone can expect to be treated in Xi'an, and it's heartwarming.