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Little West Lake.
After my previous Chinese adventures, I decided that on Thursday I wouldn't go out socialising, but rather try to catch up on some sleep. I had bought that day a blanket in the aim of keeping warmer at night. Boy did it work. It was rather small, as I am quite a bit taller than the average Chinese person, so I did sleep in the feotal position all night, but I actually woke up really warm and toasty, after a 12 hour sleep. Go me. Not even the crowing c*** could wake me.
I awoke, and wondered what I would do with my morning, as I didnt have to be at work until 16:30. I got ready, which surprisingly takes forever in China. Back home you can easily just shower and get dressed and go. But here there has to be a lot of planning and preparation. First to shower, always a hit and miss idea with the water temperature and pressure, then decide what to wear. Normally I would look out the window and see if it was hot or cold, rainy or sunny and choose accordingly. Here I look out a window and see hundreds of peoples washing staring back at me through my blue tinted windows. So I open the window. Still doesnt help much, there isnt a breeze. I look up, and cant see the sun so think I should err on the side of caution, so no dresses. Now, having decided what not to wear, I have to figure out what to wear. After about 30 minutes deliberation, and hearing two bouts of what can only be described as gunshot and someone on a loudspeaker, AND trying on some of my limited clothing, I decide red skinny jeans, top and jacket.. Whilst this might not seem like anordeal to some people, for me it really is. Plus I dont want to stand out too much, well not any more than I already do.
Having gotten dressed, I decide to go for a walk, by myself and explore my surroundings. I can almost hear a few people take a huge breath in, and I would agree. Me walking anywhere I know is likely to result in me getting lost, so me walking around a new town, city even country on my own is a huge deal. I had a plan though. We were given maps of Fuzhou when we arrived so I put mine in my bag as well :)
Once I had descended the hundred plus steps, I made my way out on to the street and started the fun game of dodgems with the traffic. I won!! My prize was Little West Lake. What a prize that was too. If you have seen my photos, they are from only about 1/6 of the Lake, which has three islands in it. It is simply breath taking, and packed with everything you would expect to see in a Chinese garden and so much more. At this point my camera was out and I was taking photos every which way I turned. But for the first time it seemed I wasnt the only tourist, with other Chinese tourists also taking photos. I wondered around the gardens in complete awe, and I might add I didnt get lost!
Though this is also where I really noticed people staring and pointing. Whilst on the street in pairs or a group, us teachers are normally just stared at and left alone. But it appears when we are alone we elicit more attention.
I'll expand. So there I was, a foot taller than most people and wearing bright red trousers, in hindsight not the best decision, walking around very happily taking my photos when I hear whistling, I turn and a guy is just strolling behind quite merrily whistling a tune. I stop take photos, he stops and looks around. I continue andc so does he. This happens through my tour of Little West Lake. To make matters worse, the Pink Panther tune pops into my head and is now on repeat. I try a few evasion methods, to no avail, I am basically a walking beacon. It doesnt help when you then have people coming up to you with their phone out and speaking Chinese. I assume they want me to take a photo of them together, but no no no, they want a photo of me, with their mum. I am now an attraction. Or I was later told that they might have thought because I was Caucasian I could have been someone famous! (At last someone FINALLY recognises my talent). I did feel rather awkward though, and much like I was a zoo attraction. I can now empathise with the poor animals.
Feeling rather conspicuous and slightly anxious about my stalker I decide to go, so obviously so does he. Hoping he genuinely doesnt live in my apartment block, I try my last evasive maneouvre, and upon exiting the bridge I slink down to the water behind the cherry blossoms and sit down for a few moments. When I leave I notice him at the traffic lights, looking rather perplexed, but thankfully going the other way. Now if only the Pink Panther tune would leave my head. I make it to my apartment, out of breath and slightly dizzy, and load my photos. I empty my bag and upon taking out the map, I then realise it couldnt have helped me if I were lost. It is all in Chinese..!
It is then off to work, where I am told I will actually be leading an activity.. Nerves, fear, excitement, dread all creep in to my stomach as I try to wrack my brain for an educational game to play with the children, and land upon flash cards. Good old flashcards. Though that doesnt help me much when the time draws near, my mind goes blank, I stand up infront of 13 8/9 year olds and, trembling like a leaf attempt to speak with the world's driest mouth. All I am thinking is why wont my heart stop pounding and my mouth work. 5 awful minutes later I collapse back in to my chair and hope the children aren't too traumatised. I get to do this all again tomorrow for 15 minutes though..
Work finishes, and it is pouring with rain. I have no umbrella and my shoes arent waterproof, again great choice when getting dressed. Cant go home though as out for dinner later. all that could be done was to walk with head held high and mouth clamped shut, sit at table and Gumbai the first few people, forgetting what might await when it is time to leave for home.
That's just one more day in my life at the moment.
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