Last semester I was the only American student in this program. This semester there are two guys Alex and Rocky. Having them here has brought some perspective to my life. First of all, Alex went to 后海 (a district in Beijing) and back because he wanted to get an instrument fixed. Then later, Rocky went to a shop and bought an internet cable by himself. They have both been here less than a week. I know that when I first got here, there was no way I would have been able to go to the shop by myself like Rocky did. Also I still wouldn't feel comfortable taking a taxi by myself to 后海 (although this might have to do with the fact that I am a girl). I wonder if I am pushing myself hard enough to experience everything here.
Despite that, recently on 人人 (Chinese facebook) I was informed by two different people that my Chinese was getting better. For a while I was sure that they were pulling my leg because I didn't use my Chinese for about a month, so I think it has gotten weaker. But I also think that I am more confident in my abilities in Chinese. I really don't mind using it and messing up. Making mistakes is a good thing because then I'll learn to correct them.
This evening I went with Christina and Carmen (and Carmen's boyfriend) to dinner. I had a great time, and I understood more of the conversations than I have previous times hanging out with them. That being said, I think I was lost about 75% of the time. Unfortunately. Carmen's boyfriend was insistent that I should practice my Chinese more, and he is correct. One of my friends, 李众 (Ryan), said the same thing to me, and made me do most the ordering when we went to get hotpot for dinner.
This is probably why I spent over 4 HOURS trying to get my phone to be able to type in Chinese. Its also probably why I have more Chinese in my most recent blog on 人人 (which is a rant about how much valentines day sucks, I'll re-post it on Facebook when the day gets closer). I hope that I'll continue to get better at Chinese, while still not pushing myself outside of my comfort level.
P.S. We had Bejing duck for dinner...it was sooo yummy. I love that stuff. Great every time I eat it!
Despite that, recently on 人人 (Chinese facebook) I was informed by two different people that my Chinese was getting better. For a while I was sure that they were pulling my leg because I didn't use my Chinese for about a month, so I think it has gotten weaker. But I also think that I am more confident in my abilities in Chinese. I really don't mind using it and messing up. Making mistakes is a good thing because then I'll learn to correct them.
This evening I went with Christina and Carmen (and Carmen's boyfriend) to dinner. I had a great time, and I understood more of the conversations than I have previous times hanging out with them. That being said, I think I was lost about 75% of the time. Unfortunately. Carmen's boyfriend was insistent that I should practice my Chinese more, and he is correct. One of my friends, 李众 (Ryan), said the same thing to me, and made me do most the ordering when we went to get hotpot for dinner.
This is probably why I spent over 4 HOURS trying to get my phone to be able to type in Chinese. Its also probably why I have more Chinese in my most recent blog on 人人 (which is a rant about how much valentines day sucks, I'll re-post it on Facebook when the day gets closer). I hope that I'll continue to get better at Chinese, while still not pushing myself outside of my comfort level.
P.S. We had Bejing duck for dinner...it was sooo yummy. I love that stuff. Great every time I eat it!
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