Me da ganas de escribir en Espanol. But then I realize that I'm surrounded by English-speaking peers (if you're wondering what the first line says, here ya go: "I feel like writing in Spanish"). That is not a big deal. What IS a big deal, however, is the fact that my landlady does not know any English, save for a few simple words. My biggest problem is that a lot of miscommunication occurs.
She knows no English, and I do not know Cantonese-- at all. I think the only thing I really know how to say is "Good morning!". And that is after a month of living in this woman's home. But, despite the huge language barrier there is a huge amount of affection and respect. The key is body language-- interpreting facial expressions, tone of voice, and physical gestures.My landlady, Daisy (which is her American name, of course) is very kind to me, especially since we are practically strangers to each other. She always greets me or says "goodbye", will often give me hugs, and always tells me "be careful" as I'm leaving for a long period of time. Just a few days ago, she and her sons Frank and Kit had actually bought a cake for my roommate and I-- a "Welcome Home" cake. I cannot tell you how touching this was to me. Even though I pay Daisy to live in her house, she treats me as if I were the daughter she'd never had. And, even though estoy viviendo en una casa ajena ("I'm living in a foreign house") and still recovering from complete culture shock, I really do feel at home. Not only spiritually because I am at peace with the ones I live with, but I feel comfortable where I am. And I am truly, sincerely and humbly grateful for such an experience.
She knows no English, and I do not know Cantonese-- at all. I think the only thing I really know how to say is "Good morning!". And that is after a month of living in this woman's home. But, despite the huge language barrier there is a huge amount of affection and respect. The key is body language-- interpreting facial expressions, tone of voice, and physical gestures.My landlady, Daisy (which is her American name, of course) is very kind to me, especially since we are practically strangers to each other. She always greets me or says "goodbye", will often give me hugs, and always tells me "be careful" as I'm leaving for a long period of time. Just a few days ago, she and her sons Frank and Kit had actually bought a cake for my roommate and I-- a "Welcome Home" cake. I cannot tell you how touching this was to me. Even though I pay Daisy to live in her house, she treats me as if I were the daughter she'd never had. And, even though estoy viviendo en una casa ajena ("I'm living in a foreign house") and still recovering from complete culture shock, I really do feel at home. Not only spiritually because I am at peace with the ones I live with, but I feel comfortable where I am. And I am truly, sincerely and humbly grateful for such an experience.
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