I’m not funny in Chinese
August 21, 2008
I crack myself up.
It’s a good thing I entertain myself because the Chinese don’t get me.
It was pouring rain this morning when I left to go to the gym. I was too lazy to hike back upstairs for an umbrella. (Ironic since I was going to the gym to run in place.)
So, I asked the concierge if I could borrow an umbrella.
“Of course,” he replied. ”How long will you need it?”
“Um, I’ll need it as long as it keeps raining.”
We were sympatico until this point. And then he says, “how long do you think that might be?”
I’m a lot of things but Nostradamus is not one of them.
As I pondered what to say next, I noticed the concierge had taken out his umbrella borrowing/ weather guessing book. Clearly I was on the record with whatever answer I gave next.
“I think I’ll need it for 47 minutes.”
Okay, he said as he scribbled my name and rain protection needs.
“Actually,” I said glancing out the window, “make that 10 hours.”
The concierge scratched out 47 minutes, replaced it with 10 hours, handed me an umbrella and told me to stay dry.
It’s now 13 hours later. The rain stopped hours ago. And, I have yet to return the umbrella. I’m sure the concierge will find something to write about me in his book.
That was actually pretty funny & would be something I would say!
Hi Deirdre,
Wanted to let you know that I am really enjoying your experiences of the Olympics!
Two questions/story ideas:
1. When the athletes marched in during the opening ceremonies, there were several Islamic countries that fielded some female athletes…I was wondering what their experience was and how its affected the way they see themselves and their home culture.
2. NBC coverage (multible tv and internet) of the Olympics has been great…How have the Chinese experienced it?–especially the ones who live far away from Beijing and rely on tv to experience it–like us.
Thanks…and keep up the good work. Every morning I check your diary to see what new adventure you’ve had!
I love this story! Accurate communication is a complex endeavor. Cross culture considerations aside, trying to be both truthful and accurate is not a simple matter in a “whatever” world. Your Yankee pragmatism won out and hopefully, depending of course on what the concierage writes in his book, the worst of it may only be that you are required to eat more frog legs instead of the skewered-scorpions Mary Carrillo faced!! I really have enjoyed you stories and pictures.
Ha ha ha ha.. If it helps your funny in English. I know you are. I seen you crack up Walt to the point he wanted his “Mullet” back…. LoL
I can’t help but wonder if there is a “Umbrella Non-Returners Holding Cell” with your name on it already.
Make It A Great Day… And Thanks for being you
Deirdre,
You are funny and a great writer. Thanks to you and your cameramen for making the Olympics personal and interesting!