Well, I am all packed up and Drew has gone to sleep and I have some time to kill so I decided to tell you about one of my greatest sources of amusement in China. Being warped and easily amused as I am, I have found great fun in trying to leave a tip. Tipping is OK in the hotel, they are used to it. Outside the hotel in restaurants not frequented by westerners it is not common. They think you have accidentally left your money on the table. Since my Chinese is almost as good as my Spanish it is difficult to convey the idea of a tip. Even if you can get the concept across they do not want to take it. The waitresses will grab your arm and force the money back in your hand. You might say just put the money on the table and leave quickly. Easier said than done with a 2 year old, a stroller and a backpack. Even for a quick footed person it would be difficult. By the time you stand up someone is cleaning the dishes off the table and they spot the money. I have tried ignoring them and walking out but they will sprint to the door and block your way. At one restaurant, was surrounded by 4 waitresses who made it very clear there was no way I was leaving money behind. One of them had a mean look in her eye so I took the money back and then they gave Drew a bunch of toys, you can see him wearing the mask he got in a previous post. I have averaged successfully tipping about 25% of the time. Only one lady did not protest but it was my second time in that restaurant. I think they remembered the strange foreigner with the Chinese kid. I know some of you are thinking, it can't be that hard. Trust me, it is much more difficult than it seems. They are quick, stubborn and overwhelm you with numbers, one girl even went and got what I assume was her supervisor. I tried leaving it under the plate once but I can't get ten feet from the table before they have everything cleared away. we are not talking huge amounts of money either, 3 to 5 dollars. Life is good for those of us that are easily amused.
Kevin
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How different things are across the globe. We ate dinner with Joey and Kendra N. at Olive Garden in Huntsville one time and we had a HORRIBLE waiter--rude, got our order all mixed up, didn't come back but one time to see if we needed anything, etc. Well, Joey left him a really small tip and the guy actually chased us out into the parking lot yelling at Joey and Rick. AllI could think was, Joey's going to jail . . .
ReplyDeleteHey Kevin.
ReplyDeleteThere is the courthouse security video with the scuffle. Joey has it downloaded on his computer and can show it to you when you get home. The video made Channel 48 news at 10:00 p.m. Funny, huh.
Looking forward to the next update. You two have a great weekend.
Paula