Day 31: A Day of Feasts

Even though today is Saturday, we have class because of the upcoming National Holiday Week. To console ourselves, a group of us headed to a pizza-restaurant we had heard about, Miro Pizza. We did not know what to expect, but arrived to find a very comfortable and tidy diner that would remind us of home. The pizzas on offer were perhaps not standard Western fare, though, many including chilli flakes, fish and squid rings. The most common request was the Supreme, which *was* the typical style Western pizza. When the pizza came out, every piece was devoured and I think the happiest reunion was with cheese, which rarely appears in the Chinese diet.

Later that day we were invited to the home of a family that Ashley has been tutoring for. The apartment was in an inner-city building. Both the building and apartment were stunning, testament to the family's success. The apartment was lightly but by-all-means comfortably furnished, and the parents entertained us while we waited for their daughter (Ashley's student) to arrive. They both spoke very good English although, like many Chinese, the wife was too shy to speak much of it; and they were the most delightful hosts, we could honestly have spent the whole evening there in conversation! However, their plan was to take us out to a restaurant for a meal, so that was not to be. Their daughter arrived, and we were out.

They took us to a Muslim restaurant, Malaoliu(兰州马老六清真餐厅, or "MaLL" for short) that is well known for its lamb dishes. Indeed, one of the first dishes brought out was cooked lamb which we were now familiar with dipping in salt and pepper, and there are no complaints about that! Next were some light fluffy bread circles which we opened up and stuffed with chicken cooked in delicious spices. A fú wù yuán (waitress) came into the room with a black bag which she held open for our hosts. Next thing we know, the bag is flipping and jumping around -- there was a live fish in it! A little time later that was served up to us, steamed and garnished.

The conversation continued for hours, they are such wonderful people, I am pleased to have met them (and have our American friend, Ashley, to thank for that!) The wife and husband both gently jibe each other, they are so much fun! We took turns telling jokes, sharing tongue twisters (both English and Chinese). The laughter continued through the evening, until it grew time for us to depart.

We have met so many wonderful people in China, and I have a feeling over the coming months we will all meet many more. I hope we can return at least part of the kindness they have shown us.