The "new post" button and I are finally getting along. You might be wondering why my blog address contains "gantingles". My Chinese name is Gan Ting and my friend Durf calls me Tingles. Much more fun that the name I've had for 28 years. I can't take much credit for the title "TIC"...I heard that through some other volunteers. They got it from the movie "Blood Diamond" where they say "TIA...This is Africa" when something happens that can't really be explained other than the simple fact of their location. Now, when something happens in China that we don't understand (pretty much on a daily basis), my friends and I throw up our hands, roll our eyes, sigh and say "TIC."
I'm thinking that Durf and I should make a documentary when we return to the states. Basically, we would do things in China that wouldn't fly in the states. For example, at a restaurant: yell at the server, then throw napkins and bones on the floor. Don't want to give too much else away pending our future Oscar nomination.
The day before yesterday, Bo Tao and I were shopping in Xi Men, the market district of Nanchong. While looking in what felt like the 30th bag store, I got a call from Wendy. I met Wendy in Leshan during summer project through Nate. Wendy won my heart when Nate was telling a story during dinner about St. Patrick's day and said "I was wearing a green hat" and Wendy responded "Congratulations!" We almost fell out of our chairs laughing.
Anywho, the call...after exchanging hello's/how are you's?:
Wendy: My grandfather passed away the other day. We are now on a mountain waiting for his funeral to start.
Me: I'm so sorry to hear that
Wendy: It's ok, he was 98. Anyway, my nephew is here and his name is Dan something something. Can you give him an English name?
Me: How about Danny?
Wendy: (after asking him) He doesn't like that.
Me: Ok, how about Daniel?
Wendy: Yeah, he likes that.
We talked for a few more minutes, at the end of our conversation I couldn't help but think TIC.
Maybe Durf and I should add that to our list of things to do in our documentary. :)
