« 15 months ago... | Main | a weekend in the village »
October 23, 2005
class party & britt's glasses
One of the foreign teachers had to return to the States, so Britt inherited 2 new classes and I inherited 6 of her post-grad English classes. Last week was my first week and I absolutely loved it! Well... my Tuesday class invited us to a "party" -- not knowing what that meant, exactly, I agreed. The party was Friday night and since all of these kids live on campus, there was no "house" to retreat to. Instead, they rented a banquet room at one of the nicer restaurants in town and we had a FEAST! It was excellent! So... Chinese drinking traditions are... (I haven't quite found the word to describe it yet) "Gambay" is a term they use, similar to "cheers" except it means "drink the entire glass all at once" We were drinking pijuo (beer) en masse. So, they had many cheers: welcome to China {gambay} Here's to good friends {gambay} Here's to Britt {gambay} Here's to Daisey {gambay} We're glad you're our teacher {gambay} Here's to everlasting love {gambay} 
We love you! {gambay} {gambay} {gambay} {gambay} Oh my. And here's the catch... if you don't "gambay" and drink the entire glass, then it's a sign of disrespect and it means you don't agree with the cheer!!! So if they do a cheer, and you only take a sip, they'll give you "that look" like "what? don't you respect what I just said?" soo... you kinda have to... {gambay} Britt and I were TANKED by the end of the evening. And I have to say, Britt {gambay}'ed a few times more than I did because the boys loved having him as a new friend!
At one point in the evening, the musicians came in and played the most beautiful music for us. They played the yangchin (stringed instrument, basically, a Chinese piano) and the pipa (upright guitar) Those girls were getting DOWN! It was such a treat to hear them play traditional music. (and it was also a much appreciated, 10 minute gambay-free moment!)
And (drum roll please!) Britt got glasses! He asked a few of his students to accompany us on our optic adventure! We're glad they joined us because we ultimately got the whole package deal (frames, glasses & eye exam) for 80 yuan -- yup. do the math. $10 US!! and he looks fly!!! (note -- the picture you see here is NOT the final product! merely an absolutey adorable picture of my husband during his eye exam! I couldn't resist!) We'll post pictures of him in his new specs soon... stay tuned!
{gamaby}
Posted by daiseykat at October 23, 2005 06:05 AM
Comments
Ya'll look like your having a good time. Please contact me.
Love,
Bull
eltoroloco
Posted by: Bull at October 24, 2005 03:55 PM
That is just hysterical! Thanks for the warning. I'll be "on medication" for the time I'm their so I'll just guambay with my water. I would love to hear the music. And also, Britt looks a little Elton Johnish in those specs, don't ya think?
Posted by: Mom at October 25, 2005 06:36 AM
Visit Okinawa, Japan. It's beautiful. I live in Okinawa.
Posted by: Yuichan at November 2, 2005 01:10 AM