As we approach the exit, a woman appears dressed well in a
bright dress and sunglasses that cover her face. She begins talking loudly as
Pengfei approaches her. I realize this is his mother and our ride from the
airport.
We enter the parking deck and a white van comes zooming at a
high speed around the corner, stops and gets out and grabs my bag to place in
the back. I enter and sit in the van as Pengfei tells me this is his
brother-in-law. From the moment I get in the van, Pengfei exhibits his host
skills as he gives me a bottle of water, which soon becomes my water of choice
while staying in China, and a type of Chinese cookie.
We being to make our way out of Shanghai, and instantly my
observation skills kick in. I quickly get my camera out of my bag and begin
snapping pictures. The number of buildings that are constructed so closely to
each other astonishes me. These buildings are apartment complexes to house the
millions of people that call China home.
I keep catching his brother-in-law looking in the mirror at
me, but quickly look away when I notice in the mirror. I find this to be funny.
I am being examined. I am completely the outsider now. The only American I know
of in the radius. One would think this is frightening, but to me this is
liberating and refreshing.
It happens to be Pengfei’s mother’s birthday. I will refer
to her as mama. We are headed to a restaurant to celebrate mama’s birthday and
Pengfei and my arrival. I am a little nervous because Pengfei has told me the
number of people that will be attending. It is at this time I realize how much
large his family is.
We arrive to the restaurant and make our way to the main
door crossing over little bridges that go over water. In the water live the
fish and turtles the restaurant uses in their dishes.
Upon entering the building I am observing everything, from
the construction of the building to the way the room is set up. So far, I am
very much impressed. The hostess leads us to the three rooms that have been
reserved for us. I pick a seat at the table with mama and Pengfei and the waitress
pours me a cup of tea. This is my first cup of tea in China.
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