In 2001, with my brand new passport, I took my first international flight, a looksee trip to Tokyo, where we ended up living for over a decade. During that time, I spent at lease a few weeks in America each year, and had the good fortune to visit several other countries in Europe and Asia. While in Japan, I worked hard to learn the language, made many local friends, and had come to think of myself as fairly culturally sensitive. But its true what they say, the more you learn, the more you realize you don't know. I admit it, I do not understand China. Not only that, I really have to struggle to be culturally sensitive here. I observe, I listen, I try to keep an open mind, and I wonder: How can they stand the smells?!
When you walk into the grocery store the first time, the second time, the third time, etc, etc, the odor nearly knocks you over. I thought I would get used to it, which hasn't happened yet, but I have hope. I thought it might be chicken blood, and I didn't want to buy any food there, but, even though there are piles of birds and meat without wrappers, that's not it. It is the durian. Now I am very curious. How can this fruit emit such a putrid stench? And why do they have it in the store when it is obviously an olfactory troublemaker? And how can they possibly buy it and take it home, knowing it will stink up not only their own home, but the whole neighborhood. Nevermind what might happen when they cut it open? See what I mean about being culturally insensitive. I need to work on this, I know.
Okay, so at least I have a choice about whether or not to buy the durian and take it to my home. The deal about odor is that it really hits home when it... hits home. At my last apartment, there was such a bad issue with the plumbing, mostly in the kitchen, but only some of the time. I would call the landlord and they would send someone up who would tinker around, sometimes replacing pipes or gaskets. It didn't seem to make any difference. And then it would go away for a few days or weeks. And then come back. I moved to this apartment, and thought I had escaped it, but no, it happens here sometimes too. I just need to be LESS sensitive to it, I guess.
But here, the washing machine has a very strong smell of mildew. I have tried to clean the parts that I can get at, but to no avail. So, I asked the landlord office to try to help, the girl was real nice, came up and took a whiff... no, she doesn't smell anything. I'm thinking, "What?! Impossible." Yeah, right, she probably thinks durian smells like perfume. So I tried a sudsy treatment that didn't really help. Oh, well. Enough on this topic. It stinks.
十年間以上前に、最初の国際の飛行機を乗りました。日本に行ったので、長い時間住んでいました。そして、あの時間に、毎年にアメリカに行ってので、色々国も訪問しました。私は色々国に行ったら、違う国の文化を感受をやってみるが、中国のにおいはとても難しいです。そして、この物語は悪臭においについて、特にドリアンとか、白カビとか、鉛管は悪いにおいです。
You've just got to try the durian. I want to! I've read that it has the most heavenly taste, notwithstanding the hellacious smell.
Posted by: Jackie White | 09/18/2012 at 06:04 AM
Well Jackie, for you, I will try the durian. It's really not fair that it is available to me and I won't try it, and you would if you could. I will probably need some liquid courage, but I will do it. It may be awhile, because I will have to do some research first, and maybe dig a hole in the park to hide the remnants, or wait until it gets cold, and certainly wear rubber gloves. If I forget, don't remind me. JK.
Posted by: Pamela | 09/18/2012 at 08:53 AM
Whatever the smells, Toby is the cutest puppy dog EVER!!!
Also, front load washers will get musty & smelly if they are closed up when they are wet. Mine is in the basement & I leave the door open all the time that it is not being used. Wiping away excess moisture & leaving the door ajar will help.
Posted by: Beatrice Foster | 09/18/2012 at 10:49 PM
Bea is right - that is the downside of front load washers :( Don't know if you have it available there but there are products you can buy to run through an empty washer that helps. Mine is on the main floor and it still gets a little smelly - especially when it is humid outside. I also try to remember to wipe the rubber seal down and leave the door open - that really helps!
I would try the durian, too - but I like the idea of a little liquid courage first!!
Posted by: Sue Bean | 09/19/2012 at 11:13 AM
Bea and Sue,
I didn't expect to be discussing the demerits of front loading washing machines on here, but since I brought it up, thanks for the advice. I guess this is my first time, had to come to China to learn what you knew all along.
And as for Toby, he's a handy model for scale, cute is just a bonus.
Posted by: Pamela | 09/20/2012 at 10:04 AM