I have arrived in China for a three month tour. I have mixed feelings about being here, because. On the downside, a quarter of year sounds a long time to be away from kith and kin. However, on the upside, the lion kicks in again. I’m in my role as breadwinner and I feel connected to the wheels in motion. Furthermore, this contract involves some travel around the country and attending some fairs. So it’s an opportunity to see some more of this fascinating country and to network.
I caught the flight from Birmingham to Dubai on Tuesday evening, having enjoyed the benefits of the Emirates Business lounge in Solihull. I did particular damage to a banoffee cheesecake. Everything went like clockwork with the flights until I arrived at the hotel in Foshan, at midnight China-time, some 22 hours since leaving home.
“Hello Mr Knight, it’s nice to see you again. But what are you doing here?”
“Well, I was in the neighbourhood and I thought I’d just call in to say hello”.
“Do you want to make a reservation Mr Knight?”
“There should be one made”.
“For how long?”
“Three months”.
“Three months?!!!!”.
Quite often, Chinese people can appear expressionless to outsiders. However, my friend dispelled myth that at this stage. I got the impression that the hotel computer system was saying “no”. Anyway, the upshot was, after 20 minutes of him opening and closing drawers and tapping on screens, I suggested that he just give me a room so that I could go to sleep, and it be sorted out in the morning. So at 2am, I was unpacked, showered, and clothes and equipment laid out for the next morning. I was being picked up at eight, so I set the alarm at 7am, as usual.
At the factory, I was warmly greeted as always. With Chinese people, once you overcome that initial set of encounters on an individual basis, and establish a rapport, they are very friendly. I count some of my colleagues as friends, and I find them very likeable souls.
However, would you like to be greeted with “oh, you look so fat and handsome and young and fresh”? I’m aware by now, that this is very complimentary, but come on. I’d had my hair cut very short to last the three months, and I’d had a very good night’s sleep, so maybe that was it. But really, I’m flesh and blood as well you know; a guy can only take so much. About three stone too much flesh.
