Language Barriers

#1:  Dave, Mike, myself and our translator had finished a day of being together.  We had a car driver from the hotel, while we had been out for the day, Dave was trying to keep us located on the Fuzhou map to get a feeling for the city.  Since we ended up so close to Louie's (English name for our translator) apartment, we thought we would just drop him off and head back to the hotel.  Dave was now riding up front with the driver, and pointed to a place on the map and asked if that was where we were.  The driver nodded yes and continued on.  It became apparent in about 15 minutes that we were no longer on our way to the hotel, and in fact he was trying to take us behind some building - God knows where - to let us out.  Apparently, Dave's pointing to the map made him think that was where we wanted to go, instead of inquiring where we were.  Lesson learned:  if you can't speak the language, do not point at maps!

#2:  Being the fashion statement I am, and my hair driving me nuts, I decided to get a couple of inches cut off the bottom.  There is a nice salon in the hotel, and I found out that you never need an appointment - how convenient!  Karen's Mom went with me to clarify that I could charge the cut to my room, and  how much I wanted taken off- then she left.  So, it was myself and two Chinese hair dressers who are using hand signals and laughing to accomplish the work.  The shampoo area was wonderful, where I laid completely down while she gave me a massaging shampoo. Then off to the cut - and all was going well.  Before she finished, she noticed that my bangs needed a little shaping, and gave me an inquiring look to see if it was okay.  I nodded yes.  Well, she worked on my bangs as long as the rest of the hair!!  When she was done - Holy Asian Bangs!!  Daisy, if you are reading this- I will need an appointment as soon I get back!!  Lesson learned:  if you can't speak the language, do not get your bangs trimmed- especially before the wedding celebration on Saturday!!

Deb