The front desk at the hostel told me that all taxi drivers are cheats. They will try to run up the cost and never use the meter. I haven't taken a taxi yet but I did met one taxi driver walking on the street that talked English. We had an nice visit so I hope I can find him again if I need a ride somewhere. Also, at the coffee shop, an older woman approached me and wanted to know where I was from, then wanted to talk English. She was from Taiwan. After a few minutes, she wanted me to visit Taiwan instead of HongKong. Ha! Generally, most Chinese, can't help you with directions even if it is in their language. I am able to read some information from the bus stop signs now.
I see some Christmas decorations in stores and music playing in many. It is very strange to hear Christmas songs in Chinese. Often, I have to stop and think of the song even though it is very familiar.
In the morning or at night, there are thousands of people doing TaiChi or some form of it in the street. The groups can vary from 40 to more than 100. They all seem to be into and serious. The most interesting things I notice is that there is very few men. Maybe the men do something else.
I went to Ballet Circus the other night. I invited the two university students who have been a big help to me in Guilin. We arrived early to our VIP seats(I paid a little more for better seats). This show is preformed every night. The performers put on a great show. Lots of acrobatic feats, ballet dancing, and slapstick comedy. The show is nonstop for about one and half hours. Performers range in age from about 7 to 50 years old. I didn't see one mistake. The only time I was nervous was when I was watching a young woman balance herself atop about 8 stacked wooden chairs. She was about 10 feet from me. The students thought the show was great too and didn't even know about it before now.
I decided to get a haircut yesterday. The question was where? I saw a few upscale places that just catered to young people, all with their Korean hair styles. Then there is the very local barber. The local barber is just one block off the main street but the difference between the areas is like night and day. Main street is very Hollywood like, yet, one block over, it is like you have walked into the bowels of the city: very poor, rundown, and basic subsistence. I finally found one shop that wasn't to expensive and a few steps above basic. Haha! I stood outside for a few seconds, trying to read their signs. Inside, I could see about 6 or more stylists/barbers, many without customers. Inside, at the front desk, I just tried to tell them I only wanted a haircut, gesturing with my hands. No English spoken here. And then trying to guarantee the price. 40 yuan (about $6 USD). A woman took me to the back, and wanted me to lay on this bed for a shampoo. I tried to explain that I wanted to skip this part but they kept insisting. I thought I would have to leave without getting the haircut. Finally, a young man, about 30, escorted me to the chair. He gestured that he would cut my hair. After wrapping a large towel around my neck, be began to cut with scissor and comb. Now, my presence is starting to attack attention. Many younger stylists came and stood over me, watching quietly and commenting occasionally. My stylists continued cutting: it is not a difficult job and he couldn't really screw up. haha! In the end, he shaved my sideburns and neck with a straightedge which made me a little nervous, but he did a good job. I left satisfied and probably the first foreigner to come to their shop.
Raining again today. ahhhhhhh!
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