Hooter’s and Jesus

Sunday, November 08, 2009

Callum, Stephanie and I were up before the sun this morning! They both wanted to visit the Temple of Heaven and I recommended we go very early to beat the crowd and to be able to join in on some Sunday morning exercise!

I became tour guide Julie and navigated the subway system and found the correct exit and off we went! We got there earlier than I did last time, so “my people” were just starting to gather, but the ski pole group were off and running! While I thought I was a good tour guide I did not come prepared with ski poles, so once it looked like “my people” were starting I led the way!

Stephanie is doing a photography internship so she took pictures and I dragged Callum into the group. I wasn’t sure if I should put my bag with everyone else’s (on the blanket they bring) so I carried it with me. But a man quickly showed me I should put it on the blanket! So Callum and I were in the back (where I like it, it’s safe!) when we were greeted once again by the friendly teacher saying, “Hello”. She then motioned for us to come up front and when it was clear we would not start until we were in the front, we reluctantly went. It wasn’t as if there was room, she had to ask people to part the seas so we could be front and center! That’s when I swallowed my pride. Callum told some woman not to laugh at us and I prayed she understood English.

We started and the teacher said something and then everyone clapped for us! They really were so nice and welcoming (even though Stephanie told us everyone was laughing behind our back, literally).

It was a lot of fun and we did our best to keep up! The balancing tasks were the worst for Callum and I would be laughing so hard I would fall over too! He also got yelled at during a foot exercise. I still don’t know what he was doing wrong but she came over and moved him all around. She did this one thing with her arms and I could NOT do it. My body didn’t bend that way (even after she tried to make it). I don’t think she was happy with me. Oops!

After, Callum and Stephanie were going into the Temple but since I had already seen it I told them I would meet up with them later. I decided to walk around the loop of exercising classes again and on the way passed a group playing hacky sack. They didn’t use a hacky sack, but something different. However, the concept of hitting it with your foot was the same. The man saw me looking and invited me to play! They didn’t speak any English, but the thumbs up seemed to work! I’ll admit, I wasn’t very good. I need to work on my foot-eye coordination. I tried hard though, and was so excited when a couple of times we had some good volleys. I really thought it was so nice of them to ask me to play.

I continued on and found a nice park bench to read and write postcards. It was in front of the ski pole group, who was now ballroom dancing! They just do it all!

I was getting a bit cold so I walked to the KFC and made myself comfortable. Callum and Stephanie visited the Temple of Heaven and then we were off to the market! Callum made out VERY well and got presents for his mom, dad and girlfriend! I did ok and got two presents. But, I did learn, don’t go to the market when you are tired. It is sort of like don’t go to the supermarket when you are hungry, it never turns out well. I know I got ripped off on my last gift (I paid what I was willing to pay but know I could have gotten it lower), but honestly I was just too tired.

When we were walking around the market some man (a Chinese man) asked me where I was from and I said, “The USA.” And he replied, and sang it, “Party in the USA!” I laughed and was like “Woo hoo Miley Cyrus!”

We spent some time in another market and also at a silk factory store before calling it a day and heading back. I was very tired when I got back but knew I needed to go out and get milk and also eat lunch. And, since it is the Lord’s day, I decided it would be Hooter’s for lunch! Now let me explain..I was in the mood for some good old American stuff and it is right next to the grocery store I needed to go to..so it seemed like the logical option. I knew it was the right place for me when a Lizzie McGuire song was playing. Now I know you ALL are wondering, and the answer is, they did not have big boobs, they just wore little booty shorts. I got chicken and french-fries and enjoyed watching sports on their TVs.

Now Dad..I know you always ask what I do for church every Sunday..and this Sunday..not only did I go to the Temple of Heaven, but I went to Hooters! I am not making this up..I was in Hooters and music was playing and I heard something about Jesus. So I listened closer and heard lyrics that said “Jesus, savior and friend, you are the way the truth the life” I loved it! Who knew you could have a Sunday worship service at Hooters!

I then came back and took a nap! It was cold and cloudy and smoggy; so basically a day made for napping! Callum, Stephanie, Helena and I met to go to the clothing market. We decided it was too smoggy for the Olympic Park.

The clothing market was happening, although they weren’t as aggressive as the Pearl Market we had been to earlier. We all decided we were just going to browse and I knew if I liked something I would go back tomorrow morning because I read you can get better deals on Monday morning (because it is slower).

We then had dinner at a local (but still had some English, noodle restaurant). It was actually VERY good. I got noodles and dumplings with a side of rice (I just love rice) and the whole meal was pretty cheap. It also had a great Asian feel to it (no silverware, just chopsticks) so we all enjoyed it.

I have really enjoyed the friends I have made in Beijing and it amazes me how easy and quickly one can make friends. Not only that, but friends who you can’t believe you didn’t know a month ago! We had a great dinner and all talked about our different cultures and the places we come from (Spain, Wales and Singapore). It really was just a great and interesting dinner.

I came back and took a VERY hot shower and got organized for another week!

Hugs and kisses from Hooter’s!