Chinese Corner and Several First

Nin Hao (Hello),

This has been an interesting week for experiencing the Chinese culture. On Saturday, I had my first haircut in China. I have learned that if you need to get anything done, it is a good idea to take a Chinese student with you. I did! She had to explain to the barber that I wanted a trimming with a small amount of hair clipped off the top and sides. I also wanted my sideburns straight. Try explaining that in Chinese. Once Sally (her English name) explained what I needed, I then had my hair washed first. The person washing the hair did not wash my hair once but THREE times! As he washed it, he would massage my scalp with his fingers and nails. It proved to be quiet relaxing. I then went back to the barber who began to clip away at my hair. While working on me, he asked who I was going to vote for in the national election. Sally needed to translate his question and my response. I told him that this was really a private matter but I appreciated his interest in our national politics. He continued to clip away. As he is working, I asked Sally if she got her hair done at this shop. She said no because they don't give very good haircuts. I said to her, "Now you tell me!". Once he was finished, I told him that he gave a good haircut (which thankfully he did). But I wasn't done yet. I had to get my hair washed one more time to get the leftover clippings off. I have never had my hair washed four times at a barber shop! The cut and washed cost me about $4, not bad and you do not tip in China.

Later that Saturday, Chuck (an English teacher in the school of Foreign Languages) went with me to get a massage. I am use to a deep muscle massage to helped loosen the muscles and tightness in my back. What I normally get in the U.S. is wimpy compared to what the massage guy did to me. I felt as though I was beaten up, but in a good way! He took one hour to complete the massage on my back, shoulders, arms, neck, and legs. This guy dug into my muscles with his thumbs, arms, and hands. He them gave me karate chop-like hands movements all over my neck, back, backside, and legs. When all was said and done, I felt great! But it was not over yet. Chuck and I ordered the Bao Huo Gui (Red Fire Circles). They put these cups that stick to your back and have candles (which eventually go out) in them. The cups cause the skin to tighten and, as a result, draw the blood to the surface of the body. The purpose behind this is to take the poisons out of the body. These guys highly recommended the procedure. I now have all these dark red circles all over my neck and back. I don't know how advantagous the massage and fire circles' technique are, but I do know that I had the best night sleep that night and my throat (which was sore) did not hurt the next day! Both the massage and fire circles cost $12. I mention the price to show you on a small scale the difference in cost of living between the U.S. and China. Shenzhen, which is the city I am staying in, is suppose to be one of the more expensive places to live in China.

On the following night (Sunday), I experienced the Chinese Corner. Outside our dorm (which is the International Students Dorm), a gathering on Wednesday evening and Sunday evening takes place between Chinese students and international students and teachers. They meet to learn about each other and to learn to teach each other Chinese and English. I was surrounded by about 15 Chinese students who seemed real eager to learn about the United States and to practice their English. I didn't get much of a chance to learn Chinese because they kept asking me questions. I enjoyed our conversation which ranged in topics from college life in the U.S. to physics, business, finance and a little politics. I am doing a research project (one of three while I'm here) where I am interviewing Chinese students to learn about their argumentative styles and how they handle conflict. I asked the students last night if they would be interested in being interviewed. I now have a great start to my project with these new interviewees. I look forward to my next Chinese Corner gathering.

Zai jain (good bye)

Dr. Haskins