Americans are like a tourist attraction in themselves.

People are enthralled by us. People will stop in their tracks, stare from the table across the room and follow us down the street. The etiquette for staring must be entirely different here than back home. When you are younger, you are taught not to stare at people because it is not polite. Apparently here it is an entirely different story. Either that or people are not used to blond-haired, blue-eyed Americans. Despite the staring, the people are actually quite nice. Most laugh and try to communicate as best as they can, and others will just mind their own business. I have had a few experiences in the past couple of days, though that have permanently and positively affected the way I look at this culture.

On the way back from dinner one night, a friend and I walked over to watch a class of old ladies dancing with fans. While there, a teenage boy started talking to us (in English) and urged us to join their "English corner." It was about 75 feet away and consisted of Chinese people spanning a wide range of ages and English language proficiencies. When my friend and I got there, two huge circles were formed around each of us and we were bombarded with questions: What is your name? What are you doing here? Where have you visited? Do you like Chinese food? and so on. I answered each question and even ask some myself: How do you get a Chinese name and an English name? Have you been to America? Do we look different to you? What started as a 10 minute detour turned into an hour-long conversation with more than twenty aspiring English-speaking people. It was fun. They meet every morning (5am blech) and Wednesday and Friday nights. I am planning on going back next week if I have nothing else going on.

People are also enthusiastic to help us. A couple of days ago we needed to find the right bus to the subway station. I asked a random guy at the bus stop about it. He had on his BOCOG accreditation so I thought he may know a little english. I was right. Not only did he tell us what bus to go on, he got on with us and personally escorted us to the station. I found out his name is Guanghui (nicknamed Joe because that is easier), he is 24 and he is working for BOCOG to earn money for his family in another CHinese province. He was really nice, and completely dropped what he was doing to help us out. That is not the only time that has happened either. A woman today walked about a half a mile out of her way with us to show us to the gym one of the girls wanted to find. Is this because we are American? People in the states are never this nice. They will tell you where to go (maybe), but they will rarely (if never) take you there. I could get used to this. However, I do still miss home.

Did I mention I got 'Joe's' phone number? :D