Back in 1994, I decided to learn Chinese-the most difficult thing I could think of to do. In 1996, my
company was going to set up a small factory in Qingdao and of course I volunteered to work there. Of
all the places to live and work in China, Qingdao is the best. I think.
Qingdao is a popular tourist city for people to go for summer vacations. Its beaches can be crowded
during the summer months. There are plenty of places you can visit in Qingdao: the old Governor"s
Mansion (总督官邸), Laoshan Mountain and Nanshan Market. The German Governor"s Mansion was
built in the late 19th century. At that time, Qingdao was a German colony (殖民地).
The German Governor"s Mansion is a famous hotel now. Laoshan Mountain is a favorite tourist spot.
It is about an hour"s drive from Qingdao. Nanshan Market is an open air market where you can find
almost anything you want.
The foods in Qingdao are famous. Seafood is the most popular dish. Another traditional dish is mutton
soup. For only one US dollar, you can get a big bowl of soup with a few pieces of mutton in it.
By the way, I met and married my Chinese wife while in Qingdao. I suppose I did okey with my
Chinese lessons.
"Thank you" and "Excuse me"
American people have the habbit of saying "Thank you". They say "Thank you" whenever others help
them or say something kind to them. People of other countries do so, too. You should say "Thank you"
when someone passes you the salt on the table, when someone walking ahead of you keeps the door open
for you, or when someone says your work is well done, or you have bought a nice thing, or your city is
beautiful.
"Thank you" is used not only between friends, but also between parents and children, brothers and
sisters, husbands and wives.
"Excuse me" is another short sentence they use. when you hear someone say so behind you, you know
that somebody wants to walk past without touching (触及) you.
It"s not polite to break others while they are talking. If you want to speak to one of them, say "Excuse
me" first, and then begin talking. You should also do so when you want to cough or make any unpleasant
noise before others.
There are many occasions for "Thank you" and "Excuse me". We should learn to say them in the right
situation.