Old China Hand Foot and Mouth Disease
Last weekend again saw me in my beloved Shenzhen to shoot some of the last scenes for the upcoming Cantonese teaching DVD called DWD 2. Yes, the ultimate in the latest teaching technology, in colour.
I took a taxi out to Splendid China, and the taxi driver was from Hunan. I mentioned that we had visited that wondrous province only a few months ago and how much we had loved the food, scenery, Mao’s gaff etc. “Wah (in Mando) – you can even eat chillies! You really are an old China hand,” the driver exclaimed. (中國通 Jung Gok Tong – old China hand.)
“Really? Oh, you’re too kind,” I protested modestly. Then, an incredible teasing mood came tearing out of nowhere clutching me in its deadly grip.
“So, don’t you think Taiwan should be an independent country?” I remarked casually. A torrent of words ensued, ending with (after I had said I thought Hong Kong should also be an independent country: “You don’t understand anything about China!”
From old China hand to idiot in less than two minutes. Something of a record. Yes, I know it’s not kind to tease taxi drivers, but it was a long drive and I had just lived through Jesus Suffers Difficulties Festival. I’ve forgiven myself.