Chinese Proverbs

     While on our city tour of Suzhou, China, Steve happened to sneeze.  The tour guide, Janet Wu, and I both said "bless you!"  She then said, "that reminds me of something we Chinese say . . .

          Sneeze one time - Someone misses you.
          Sneeze two times -- Someone loves you.
          Sneeze three times --- You have a cold!

     Earlier she told a story about ancient Emperor Wu and Emperor Yow.  Emperor Wu captured Emperor Yow and sentenced him to 3 years in prison.  While there Yow determined to get his revenge.  He learned everything he could about Wu - what his strengths were and what he liked the best.  When released Yow found an attractive girl - taught her to sing, dance and speak intelligently.  Then he got her to meet Wu.  Like you thought, Wu fell head over heals in love.  He was so in love that he began to neglect his kingdom.  The girl told Yow when Wu was at his weakest, then Yow pounced and captured Wu.
     And that is where the saying comes from of "wooing someone". 
             I thought it was cute.


                                  On Chinese Food

     Janet Wu also told us about a young man who left China to go to the west to earn a lot of money.  While gone, his younger brother did many things for their mother.  The mother loved this but still longed for her oldest son.  When their mother's birthday was almost there, the oldest boy determined to send his mother the most wonderful gift he could find . . . a beautiful bird that could sing like an angel.  So the oldest boy sent the bird to his mother.  It cost him $20,000 US dollars!

     The day after his mother's birthday he called his mother.  "Mother, how do you like the bird I sent you?"  His mother replied, "Oh son, what a wonderful present!  It was
delicious!!!"

                                       A Star is Born

     While on the city tour, we visited a Buddhist temple in the heart of Suzhou.  I don't believe I saw any other caucasians around.  We definitely were something to stare at - Steve, a 6 foot 5 inch white man, and me, a "lovely" white woman (I can dream can't I?)
Many people stopped and stared at us.  While I was taking a picture I heard a commotion behind me.  I turned to see a short, young man standing in front of Steve.  The kid said (in very good English) "May I take my picture with you?"  Steve laughed and said sure.  So the kid's friend took the picture and the 2 walked away.  The Asians in our group laughed and said, "Steve, you are a star!  They must think you are a basketball player!" 
                            Super funny!!