So, how do you like living in China?
When I am back in the US this question is usually asked by two types of people, those that don't know any other foreigner that lives or has lived there, and those that do know foreigners that live or have there.
That first kind of person usually asks me with bewilderment, as if they are unable to imagine how any American could live in China. Occasionally someone asks me with wide-eyed curiosity, as if they believe we are on some sort exotic adventure. A few years ago, that would have been me, somewhat envious of others' romantic expatriate experiences. Yeah, I am totally over that notion.
The other kind of person is a little more fun for me. One of our neighbors in our (soon to be former) neighborhood in Pittsburgh has some experience with expatriate life. Her parents at one time lived in Hong Kong. She asked me once if we also had a maid to do all our cleaning and cooking. I think she was surprised when I told her we didn't by choice. Randy and I joke that we must be crazy if even homeschoolers (our neighbor) think we are crazy.
During this trip to the US Randy has visited several customers. This has sometimes meant that he has visited with engineers that at one time worked with me, too, in my previous life. Just the other day one such engineer asked Randy, right off the bat, if I missed my nanny yet. Randy could not contain his laughter. The engineer was incredulous that I didn't have an ayi, and he actually used the ayi word. I pointed out to Randy that clearly he knows other Americans that have lived in China.
That first kind of person usually asks me with bewilderment, as if they are unable to imagine how any American could live in China. Occasionally someone asks me with wide-eyed curiosity, as if they believe we are on some sort exotic adventure. A few years ago, that would have been me, somewhat envious of others' romantic expatriate experiences. Yeah, I am totally over that notion.
The other kind of person is a little more fun for me. One of our neighbors in our (soon to be former) neighborhood in Pittsburgh has some experience with expatriate life. Her parents at one time lived in Hong Kong. She asked me once if we also had a maid to do all our cleaning and cooking. I think she was surprised when I told her we didn't by choice. Randy and I joke that we must be crazy if even homeschoolers (our neighbor) think we are crazy.
During this trip to the US Randy has visited several customers. This has sometimes meant that he has visited with engineers that at one time worked with me, too, in my previous life. Just the other day one such engineer asked Randy, right off the bat, if I missed my nanny yet. Randy could not contain his laughter. The engineer was incredulous that I didn't have an ayi, and he actually used the ayi word. I pointed out to Randy that clearly he knows other Americans that have lived in China.
Comments