Dinner at Funn's Home

Last evening, our group of 7 enjoyed dinner at the home of one of the Chinese teachers.. Her Chinese name is pronounced Funn! I had been walking around the school taking photos and run into her... she is a very tiny, smiling woman who teaches English here. She asked me if I'd like to come for dinner and bring a friend. I told this was a wonderful offer, and the other teachers would be jealous! "How many are you?" "Seven... ??? Without a pause, she replied, "That will be fine. We will be ten with my and my husband and my son."






Funn and her family live about 10 minutes from school. The van dropped us off... we came bearing 2 bottles of wine and a case of beer and some pop..
Entering the building, the foyer and walls looked to be in rough shape. She lives on the fourth floor. There are no elevators, so up we trekked. What do people do if they can't do stairs?? Chinese characters on a red background framed the door. Once in the entryway, everyone quickly removed their shoes and put on one of the many available pairs of sliippers.

Funn's husband is the principal of a high school as well as a science teacher. He doesn't speak a word of English, and spoke Chinese in a very loud voice. He smiled a lot and could use some dental work from Dr. Erie D.D. S.!! A round table covered with a variety of dishes was ready forr us!

Funn had spent the afternoon making jaudza (meat filled dumplings) with her Mom. They were delicious. Also to eat was dried squid, pulled crab, jellyfish, tofu and cilantro, egg rolls filled with sweet bean paste, dried sardines, and tiny little prawns with eyes and tails attached. Mixed in with the above were a variety of store bought cakes and cookies. To drink there was beer or pepsi. We brought two bottles of good wine. I hope they enjoy it!!! Could have used a glass of wine that that meal!! Oh, I almost forgot... each person also enjoyed a bowl of gelatinous sweet stuff with a couple of dried plums on top. At the end of the meal, Mr. Funn offered us rice and also made some tea.

As we finished eating, Funn invited us to take a tour of the apartment. It was quite spacious with two bedrooms and a third room used as a study for Funn and her son. Another smaller study for her husband was off this room. Each bed was covered with a large netting to keep away mosquitos. On the bed is a bamboo mat and rolled up blanket. Apparentlyy the bamboo slats make for a cooler sleep. SIgn me up!! A small balcony to hang laundry was off the living room.

As we said our thank you and goodbye, Funn gave each of us a beautiful tin of local tea. Her hospitality and generosity were above and beyond.

I am reminded how much it means to be invited to someone's home for dinner when in a strange city or country.

Joan
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Location:Yuyao