October 12, 2008

It’s been a month since I landed in Beijing’s Capital Airport and the past month has been nothing less than amazing.

Beijing is an impressive city. Everyone and everything is here. The culinary options here are extraordinary. There are restaurants specializing in cuisines from all around the world.

And although I’ve been trying to avoid the big American chains as much as possible, it’s been hard. I’ve been to McDonald’s three times and Starbucks…way too many times to count. I know, I know, weak, right? But as I take a bite into that deliciously fattening cheeseburger, I just tell myself that the McDonald’s here is different. And it is. They have weird things like taro pies instead of the good old all-American apple pies and corn kernels as a substitution to fries. Although I do admit the corn is somewhat tasty, the taro pie is absolutely gross.

While I’ve taken two years of Chinese, I definitely still have trouble ordering. At McDonald’s, I have resorted to pointing at the menu but sometimes ending up with something different than I expected. It’s frustrating especially when I try to communicate simple wishes like I want my milk tea warm, but not too hot.

Milk Tea Lady: 你要冰的还是热的? (Do you want it cold or hot?)

Me: 可以不太热也不太冷的吗? (Can you make it so it’s not too hot and not too cold?)

MTL: 什么？你要两杯? (What? You want two?)

Me: 不是，我只要一杯。但是我想要一点儿冷，一点儿热。 (No, just one. But I want it a little bit cold and a little bit warm.)

MTL: 加热的吗? 好! (Extra hot? Okay!)

Me: Okay…

Things I’ve Learned:

- I’m a great biker! I haven’t run into anything/anyone…yet.

- Pies made from taro are not good!

- While ordering, pointing at the pictures saves time and confusion.

Answers I still seek:

- How can anyone enjoy a pie made from a purple potato-like vegetable?

Word of the day: 温暖wēn nuăn – Warm.

Vivian Huang