The Dining Hall

This is what I had for lunch yesterday: chicken, rice, and a steamed vegetable that I think is bok choy or something like it. It's a little easier for westerners because it usually doesn't have bones, so the problem of what to do with bones in your mouth is eliminated. Note that it's served with a spoon as well as chopsticks; some people hold them at the bottom of the chopsticks to keep things from falling. I think but I'm not sure it's considered something kids do, or girls being careful about not spilling. The dining halls use no napkins: theoretically nothing touches your fingers so you shouldn't be getting your hands dirty. There is a set of sinks just behind where the students are sitting in the photo below, so it's easy to wash your hands before or after lunch. The water - "Ice Dew" - is bottled by Coca Cola. There is no sugar-free cola here (or most places outside the U.S. I've traveled to) but there is often a Coke Light. Those over forty-five will recognize the pop-top - that removable metal tab that can cut your fingers. There's another brand of water called "Wahaha" - the sound of laughing. At the school's convenience store it costs 2 kuai (2 yuan), about a quarter. Coke is three yuan.

Ashley, Vicky (partially hidden), Tim, and Jackie eating lunch at the dining hall. Jackie's eating noodles topped by a fried egg. Many of us have also become fond of the milk tea (nai cha), which comes in many flavors, including coffee, fruit flavors, and something that tastes just like birthday cake. By the way - although we are all taking Chinese, everyone at this table has also studied Japanese, and Tim and Vicky have made short visits to Japan before. Jackie has also completed majors in French and German.