daughters
Lots of teams practiced today in the playing area — it’s bright and fresh and I was thrilled to walk in and see such a nice venue. Decided within the first minute that you’d probably love to see a photo of all the teams — open, women and seniors. We heard there was a six-team round-robin happening, but that wasn’t anything that interested USA1.
Sadly, my camera died. So while the boys practiced (under the careful supervision of Chip &/or Jan), I ran over to the mall to buy a new one. Nobody wants just me yammering — let’s have the photos! Shanghai’s biggest mall is directly across from our hotel, so I ran over there figuring it would be a simple thing to get a passable digital camera and head back to snap some photos in the playing area.
Wrong. Ten-story shopping mall; I saw every last story and found no shop selling cameras. Finally asked in a place that sold iPods, and they told me I needed to head toward Basement 3. To the grocery store. Yikes. Had no choice but to trust the young woman directing me — certainly had nothing to lose. So down I went, and sure enough there was a section for small appliances and they did indeed carry digital cameras.
Unfortunately, none of the young women who worked behind that counter spoke a word of English. So I chatted up the coaches of the Fiji women’s soccer team (did you know the women’s world cup is playing in Shanghai while we are here?) while we waited for the “English Specialist” to attend us.
That was the first of several long waits. During the last, the young woman (Alma, she’s 24) started sort of interviewing me. When she heard we have two children, both of whom are girls, Alma and the seven other clerks helping us went berserk. I pulled out photographs. Kid 1, Kid 2, Lola the obnoxious Maltese. The big, wide faces of the women were a complete surprise to me. Turns out the Chinese don’t generally have two daughters.
I’d forgotten about China’s one child policy. I think it’s relaxed a bit; the girls were telling me that they’re permitted a boy and a girl, but still. I’d completely forgotten that we’re visiting a country where more than the language is totally different. Brought me up short, made me think.
Kid 1 and Kid 2: wouldn’t trade you for anything. Including all the tea in China.
September 29th, 2007 at 10:13 am
Thanks, Stacy.
Great story.
September 29th, 2007 at 10:42 am
it’s so great to read updates every day. the distance seems to be not so huge this way. think of how it might have been 30, or even 15, years ago. wish geo and the team best of luck from me.
September 29th, 2007 at 2:26 pm
Stacy,
You are the best:)
Mega thanks for this site. Like “kid” says, it’s great to read your updates every day.
And I would happily listen to your “yammering” every day without photos:)
I’m just thrilled you have chosen to share the ride with all of us.
It’s very thoughtful of you. And we do appreciate it!!!!
I’m still trying to digest the ten story shopping mall:) Jeez, even I might get tired of shopping there:)
Will see you on BBO later. xoxo