The Jing

(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-09-21 07:59

TUTOR TO THE STARS

I worked as an English tutor to mainland action star Zhao Wenzhuo and wife Zhang Danlu, or "Lulu" as she liked to be called, for three days before I was fired.

They had recently returned from a stint in Los Angeles where Zhao wanted to expand his fame by signing with the same agency that represents Tom Cruise.

I was told that the two had already been through a string of English tutors in their attempt to maintain the English they'd learned. Their English was impressive, but the topic of our conversations always seemed to revert back to a common theme - fame.

"Where do famous people on the east coast of America live?" Zhao asked during one session. I soon found myself discussing the demographics of Manhattan's neighborhoods: "TriBeCa stands for 'the triangle below Canal' and SoHo means 'south of Houston,'" and drawing maps to explain what I meant.

The Jing

They paid a reasonable rate (150 yuan per hour) but the commute was either expensive or grueling, so I asked for more money.

This was apparently not the thing to do because Zhao's wife fired me later that afternoon over the phone. I guess I just don't have what it takes to be a tutor to the stars.

FUNNY FLOWERS

There have been several recent sightings of clowns on bicycles in Beijing. Now were they proper circus clowns there would be stacks of them juggling bananas on tiny red tricycles, but these clowns, while also out to get a laugh, are part of a whole new spin on flower delivery services.

NEW FERRET STORE

The Jing

Odds are you're more likely to smell the store before you see it, but "Angora", one of Gulou Dongdajie's newest boutiques is selling ferrets. Unless I'm missing something about the local market, this store defies everything I've come to learn about the supply-and-demand business model. Then again, maybe I'm completely wrong and the numerous Beijingers with ferret needs which were previously being unmet now have a place to go.

And to think I was just coming to terms with the growing number of dogs with their ears dyed pink or wearing shoes. Seriously, what is it with Beijingren and their pets?

IS LEARNING A WASTE?

It's astounding how many people have lived in Beijing for years and can barely speak a word of Chinese. As someone who's lived in China for a year and a half, I am functional but could improve my skills. Learning Chinese is an enormous commitment that doesn't always seem to have a pay-off. That said, immediate pay-offs can always be found in being able to communicate effectively, if not always accurately, and trying to build up from there. Learn a few words and phrases, like "trim" and "blow-dry" for instance, before getting your haircut and put the vocabulary into practice. People will appreciate that you're trying to learn. Conclusion? An effort made, even a tiny one, is never a waste.