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[YetAnotherCanadian]

Hey guys,

The wife and I spent the past 36 hours in Hefei.  Very nice place!  I don't know why, but I was picturing a much more rural/undeveloped city.  We just got back to Shanghai now.  I would have loved to spend a few more days to get to know Hefei better.

Anyway, we braved the rain and visited the pedestrian walk last night (where we were accosted by a monkey; you guys probably know what I am talking about).  We found the church and went in and listened to the service.  We also saw a number of very nice parks.  We didn't walk through them, though, as it was a little wet.  I imagine Hefei must be quite beautiful in the spring/summer.

I have a few questions for you foreigners living there:

1 - How do you go anywhere?  I was only there 36 hours and do not think I've ever said 'hello' more in my entire life.  Everyone wanted to stop and speak English with me.  (Everyone was friendly, but I am wondering how the heck you get anything done when people are stopping you everywhere to talk?!)

2 - Has anyone studied Chinese at any of the Hefei universities?  My wife and I are leaving China this year (we're going to Dubai), but we may come back someday.  Wouldn't mind nailing down my reading/writing ability.

I'm sorry I didn't let you guys know I was coming ahead of time.  It was sort of a last minute thing!

[Virginia9742]

It helps to have a Chinese friend with you.  It's very rare for someone to say hi if I have a friend.  Also, it's easier if you seem busy.  The second one person stops you to ask questions, everyone else gets over their shyness and jumps in, so I don't usually stop.

[YetAnotherCanadian]

Hehe, well my wife and I were in a restaurant last night and the table next to us (full of really drunk guys) wouldn't stop yelling 'hello' at me and then they started coming over and trying to get me to drink bai jiu with them.  (They were friendly enough, but after a while it got a little irritating.)  Just made me think: This is my first night here.  How could anyone live here long term?!

[Aussie Mike]

Welcome to Hefei, Shanghai it ain't.

Don't you like celebrity status?

You learn to deal with it quick enough, doesn't happen to me as much now.
It's the people that keeps me wanting to stay here.

[YetAnotherCanadian]

People were great.  Everyone was respectful and friendly.  To be honest, nobody stared in an uncomfortable way (like you get in Shanghai, where people stare and stare and stare).  Like I said, the people who came up to say hello were very nice.

So, what's with that monkey?  Do you guys know what I am talking about or is this a new thing?

[Aussie Mike]

You will notice that nearly all the monkeys have lost a limb. They set traps and the monkeys can be trapped for days before they are found. In the mean time the monkeys twist and turn trying to escape. The men then just severe the limb when they collect them.

Every time I see one, I want stick the collar on the man and give the lead to the monkey.