January 23rd: Pre-departure Purchases

Today we went to a music store in downtown Vancouver, so my wife could buy a few items she needed. I was reluctant to go because I don't have any money to spend. I'd just have to walk around looking forlorned at the guitars all lined up in their neat little rows. She needed a hard shell case so her guitar doesn't get destroyed by Chinese Baggage Handlers. I don't know if that's a high-paying job in some cultures, but here in Canada I've never seen a Baggage Handler's face ona postage stamp or a holiday called St Bagger's Day.

She picked out a case, then she needed a strap. I guess to hit the baggage handlers with to make them move her guitar faster. I continued wandering around, pretending to look sad. Maybe someone will feel bad for me and buy me a guitar pick or something. No such luck.

Once we got home, all the new purchases unpacked, I began cooking dinner. I have a feeling I'll be asked to whip up a Canadian treat when I'm over in China. Just for shits and giggles. I made a hearty feast of boiled potatoes, fried chicken breast and green beans. God, the Chinese must think our tastebuds haven't evolved or something.

"Me Lick Rock. Yummy."

Later on, my Chinese mother-in-law phoned. Here's how our phone conversations usually go:

I answer "Hello?"

There is a pause, followed by my wife's name. Well, it's more of her nickname. It'd be like if somebody called and asked for Nay-Nay.

I struggle with saying "She's not here" in Mandarin. MIL (Mother in law) usually laughs, and then tells me the correct way to say it. She knows what I mean... smug Chinese people and their fancy words and correct pronunciations...

Then I draw a blank on any more words I've sorta learned. I say Ni-How, MIL says how are you, then I say Bye Bye and hang up. Hopefully Bye Bye doesn't mean "I hate you".