The Strangest Night of my Life

December 2nd, 2011

This is the story of what was, without a doubt, the strangest night of my life. Two days before Susi's birthday her school informed her that it would be hosting a small birthday party for her with all of the headmasters and a few other people. The next day, her school informed her that the party had been moved to the school Cafeteria, and that each of the thirty English teachers, as well as each of the ten headmasters, and some other people would be in attendance. Susi was also informed that she would have to perform a song in English, do a traditional Chinese dance, and give a speech. Initially, the speech part didn't sound so bad. However, when Susi realized that the speech had to be in Chinese, a language that we are still struggling to pick up, she began to get nervous. Our Chinese teachers wrote the speech for her, but the concept of giving a five minute speech in which mispronunciations were likely to be very common, to fifty people, some of whom were important, was rather daunting. It was not until we arrived at the party that we were informed of the fact that a local news station would be covering this birthday party. 

Then, the festivities began. Susi performed her speech, which was met with a round of applause and only a few moments of stifled giggling. She also cut the cake in a very uncomfortable, ceremonial moment, and she received a few gifts. Then, the food came. Most of the food was excellent, but one particular item was rather frightening. In case you have ever found yourself wondering, chicken feet taste about as good as they sound. They are basically just skin and ligaments that are nearly impossible to eat. Chicken feet also have a very strange pickled flavor. The embarrassing part about eating a chicken foot is that I accidentally did it just as the television camera was pointed right at me. 

After the food, it was time to perform. Not just for us, but for everyone. Many of the teachers danced and sang songs. They even sang "Edelweiss" from The Sound of Music, in a cute attempt to do something German for Susi and Nina. Susi, Nina, and I managed to avoid performing for a long time. However, our demise was inevitable. We were pulled to our feet and forced to perform a traditional Chinese dance that we had learned the day before in Chinese class. It was probably the most uncomfortable moment in my entire life, and to make it all better, it was captured on video and probably broadcast on a local TV station! I also juggled on this camera, and sang "Hey Jude" with Susi and Nina.

While this night was altogether strange and uncomfortable, it was also amazing. It really showed us that these schools truly appreciate the work that we are doing to help their students, and their town develop. It is one of the many things that have happened during my stay to make me glad that I decided to come to China, rather than Cambodia, or India.