Little Trouble in Big China OR...
SELF CRITICISM AND RE-EDUCATION
Haonan tracks Emily down by phone, and she joins us in the van. She doesn't say anything and she and Rod decline joining us for lunch.
When we get back to the hotel, Rod knocks on our door. He asks us to get Kevin, and then lets it rip. Emily is deeply hurt and offended. By not going back on stage, the band humiliated her in front of the festival officials. The band is obligated to perform for the length of time specified. Emily has contacts here and she's known as a trustworthy person who always delivers.
Furthermore, when I told Emily to talk to Haonan I was insulting her by suggesting she consult with a subordinate. Emily is the boss. Haonan is just a hired hand. We haven't been appreciative enough of Emily's efforts. John and I are arrogant and condescending (stop smirking, Bill). That we're way too demanding. Rod has to protect his girl, who is more important to him than anything.
John points out that the set length kept changing and that he did the best he could to time the set list. We say that the chain of command hadn't been clear. That we thought Emily had facilitated getting the band to the festival but that Haonan was the coordinator once we were here. That at any given point five people are ordering the band around. That Emily has a strong accent and is very difficult to understand, especially in chaotic situations.
Somehow John manages to mollify Rod. Now that we know what the situation is we'll certainly respect Emily's authority, he says. There's one more show, and the band will get it right. We're very grateful to Emily, and this is the opportunity of a lifetime. Please apologize to Emily for us.
After Rod leaves, John and I collect Kevin Cain and walk over to a local department store. John wants to buy a day-pack. Kevin wants to replace his digital camera. I want to see if there's goofy stationery. I feel very ashamed. But I also feel pissed off, frankly. Sure we needed an attitude readjustment. But, selfishly, I was having a good time until this fracas made me feel like a bug.
But you know? I get over it. We hunt and hunt and finally find some sad little roses. They're actually fragrant, though, and it's the best we can do. We buy them and give them to Emily.
Peace.
Haonan tracks Emily down by phone, and she joins us in the van. She doesn't say anything and she and Rod decline joining us for lunch.
When we get back to the hotel, Rod knocks on our door. He asks us to get Kevin, and then lets it rip. Emily is deeply hurt and offended. By not going back on stage, the band humiliated her in front of the festival officials. The band is obligated to perform for the length of time specified. Emily has contacts here and she's known as a trustworthy person who always delivers.
Furthermore, when I told Emily to talk to Haonan I was insulting her by suggesting she consult with a subordinate. Emily is the boss. Haonan is just a hired hand. We haven't been appreciative enough of Emily's efforts. John and I are arrogant and condescending (stop smirking, Bill). That we're way too demanding. Rod has to protect his girl, who is more important to him than anything.
John points out that the set length kept changing and that he did the best he could to time the set list. We say that the chain of command hadn't been clear. That we thought Emily had facilitated getting the band to the festival but that Haonan was the coordinator once we were here. That at any given point five people are ordering the band around. That Emily has a strong accent and is very difficult to understand, especially in chaotic situations.
Somehow John manages to mollify Rod. Now that we know what the situation is we'll certainly respect Emily's authority, he says. There's one more show, and the band will get it right. We're very grateful to Emily, and this is the opportunity of a lifetime. Please apologize to Emily for us.
After Rod leaves, John and I collect Kevin Cain and walk over to a local department store. John wants to buy a day-pack. Kevin wants to replace his digital camera. I want to see if there's goofy stationery. I feel very ashamed. But I also feel pissed off, frankly. Sure we needed an attitude readjustment. But, selfishly, I was having a good time until this fracas made me feel like a bug.
But you know? I get over it. We hunt and hunt and finally find some sad little roses. They're actually fragrant, though, and it's the best we can do. We buy them and give them to Emily.
Peace.
posted by Kat at 4:18 PM
3 Comments:
Maybe that's why they call it rock and roll. At least you were not arrested for inciting a riot.
Well, you wouldn't have anything to write about if there wasn't little drama. Third time's a charm.
Did you find any stationery? That's the first thing I hunt for when I'm traveling, too.
On May 4, a special activity titled "Our Culture" sponsored by the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League and the Chinese Musicians' Association etc., namely "Taking an Oath for Love" as the inaugural ceremony of China marriage celebration song—Extremely Good Fortune, was held at Juyongguan Pass of the Great Wall of China. Together 5,000 youth declared their oath of "Love Motherland, Love the People and Love Labor" for the country and the people, which the solemn ceremony moved every tourist passing by.
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