What it Takes to Get Some Attention Around Here.

Most of the time I integrate pretty seemlessly around here.  I don't usually call attention to myself (save for my less than saavy biking skills :).  Most people don't even blink an eye as I make my way of life in this foreign land.  Now you may be thinking, "that's great, Sherise...you blend right in!"  Well, except for the fact that I secretly want the attention.  Granted, I'm no limelight hog, but when traveling with my non-Ch. colleagues, you get a taste of what the limelight feels like--enough to make you want the same attention.  I can be a celebrity just by association with a 'foreigner.'  This isn't always true, though--the other week as we were exiting a restaurant, one of the local people held open the 'fly trap' door for our non-Ch. colleagues and after taking a look at AC and myself, quickly let go of those annoying plastic strips that guard the doorway, leaving AC and myself to open it for ourselves.  I could only chuckle.     

BUT, after three weeks here, I am proud to say that AC and I have finally managed to draw attention to ourselves, without any 'wai guo rens' in our midst.  It only took us carrying large backpacks and three large bottles of orange juice each (hey, is that that wierd?).  Here I thought I was going to have to stand upside down and sing 'My Heart Will Go On' until I was blue.  Or was that dye my hair blonde?

Oh the humor of being in this place :)