My hometeachers were so considerate in asking me out to dinner in SLC before our ward temple appointment. Randy (spelled "Rendy" because his parents didn't want his peers to receive the false impression that he was promiscuous in any way) served his mission in Taiwan and when he came here found this great whole in the wall resturant that served the most authentic chinese foods: hot-pot, pot stickers, battered pork, snow peas, etc.
It reminded me very closely of every single meal we ate in China earlier this Spring.
As we left, I asked if we left a tip for our $50 meal amongst the 6 of us. Rendy said, "No, there is no tipping in China." Trying to be witty by making an allusion to x-men III, I said "Tipping is a CITY in China." …silence from the group… Just to break the awkward silence I went back into the restaurant and left $2.50.
I felt generous because before dinner, I popped in next door to a Equadorian bakery. There was a big soccer game going on so I chatted with them for a bit and he gave me some from cookies for the friends he saw me with outside.
The temple was great. We had about 30 from the ward there. I took some pictures with the nativity figures who were just recently set up and will be lit sometime next week. After the 2 hour session, everyone (except me and the few others I came with) knew to meet in the JSB for refreshments afterwards. I just drove home with my own hometeachee, Josh, as my co-pilot. He taught me a lesson in Chinese as a for of gas-reimbursement.
Sounds like a fun trip! I'm glad you've been having such good ward activities lately. I wish I could be there to see the nativities on temple square. :)
ReplyDeleteNo tipping in China, but yes tipping Chinese people IN America. Glad you went back bro!
ReplyDeletePS since you're a private blogger now, would you take off the word verification so we can leave comments easier?
Good move. We are in the USA and pay American rent, gas, food bills, etc. Happy Thanksgiving! Thanks for adding the fun posts!
ReplyDeleteThat was one great post! Are you serious about the Rendy thing? Because if you are, I just cracked up! That looks like a fun dinner- those are great people! I am a little sad though to hear that dinner tasted like it did in China... I didn't get the whole "Tipping is a CITY in China" joke. Oops! Also, I just learned how to spell Oops- instead of "ups!" I'm not talking about the postal service!
ReplyDeleteGreat excursion. Temple visits during the holidays are always winners. Chinese food will never be the same will it?
ReplyDeleteThat whole tipping thing is weird, I get confused sometimes as well. I am jealous you had such great food and baptisms in SLC. Hope all is going well!
ReplyDeletePhil