Disclaimer: This was written on June 12th.
Maybe I wouldn’t feel this way if I had gotten to my destination as planned. If my itinerary had not been blown up to pieces by some weather and issue with communication. I tried everything to not let the last three days of my trip define this cultural experience. China is a very unique place with a distinguish culture and custom. I am an outsider being exposed to this very culture. I do not understand what I am not familiar with and I have always tried to keep an open mind, be receptive of learning and gaining knowledge. My physical condition does not assist in remaining open to what China and its culture has to offer. I am more irritable, frustrated at the language barrier and annoyed at the blatant disregard for personal space, consideration and the “I Get Mine” attitude. I was at my limits the night I spent in the airport trying to leave Hangzhou, China. The weather delayed many flights and cancelled most. However, the ticketing counter told me that my flight was going to be cancelled and that I should go to the hotel provided and rest. “Come back tomorrow, but I don’t know what time you should be here.” I decided this suggestion was not wise and I was capable of handling myself in the airport for one night. One decision I definitely regretted within a mere hour into the evening. I was uncomfortable, unaware of what my next flight would be, mosquitoes eating me alive, benches that were not conducive to the attempt to sleep, fear of luggage or goods being stolen in my slumber and the heat that lingers in the air. Needless to say, I was not a happy camper; ready to change all flight plans and head straight home back to the states to get rid of this God-awful feeling. Hindsight, I’m probably better for it, but I’m still irritable and frustrated. I’m equally annoyed with the Chinese attitude to this second.
Maybe a minor change would have altered my mood, like air conditioning, comfortable position to sleep in, no mosquitoes, or actually getting on my flight to Beijing when it left at 2:30am (in my half dreary slumber, I rushed through security and ran to my gate only to find no one there, and no indication that someone WAS there.).
Looking at this situation, it probably makes for a great story for an outsider, but let me remind you very clearly that during this fiasco, it was not pleasant nor did I ever consider that this makes for a great story because I am or rather for the time being, was miserable. I finally made it to Beijing, after a night in the airport, an hour and half waiting standby for a flight, and getting on a plane where everyone is fighting to get off, even before the plane has taxied or even stopped. I’m sitting in the meeting point of the arrivals awaiting Smiles to arrive. It will be nice to have someone to keep me in check when I feel like punching the next Chinese person to touch me or talk to me in Chinese. I understand it is a part of me and my heritage, I can’t blame you for thinking I speak Chinese but each time it happens, I feel like I’m a disappointment to the Chinese culture for not knowing how to speak. If we were in Thailand, I’d rock the shit out of it and impress everyone, including myself. Do not judge me for not knowing your language; do not belittle me for the same reasons. I am an adequately capable Asian American, who does in fact understand and can converse in another language. So screw you, I’m going home. That’s right, home to America where I’m glad each of every second in the past two to three days I’ve had left here in China. I live in a place where everything is just right. Life is right, life is comfortable, life is familiar. I’m all about being cultured, but as I quickly found, my cultural cup got filled pretty quickly here. I’m overflowing, ready to put this one on the mantle and bring out another cup for another place. It has been great China, but good riddance my friend. I have damn well had enough of you.
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