Guangzhou – Moments to Remember

Guangzhou – Moments to Remember

By Cheryl Ng

One of the most memorable moments of our stay in Guangzhou was undoubtedly the dim-sum supper with several of our Chinese friends on our final night there. Needless to say, the food was good (and cheap!), and the company, even better. Although “good company should complement good food” is oft-used and somewhat clichéd, I never realised the full value of its truth till that night. Our spirits were lifted by the sumptuous food and the friendships between us, sealed with hearty conversations and jubilant laughter. Sitting together at a round table felt like being an integral part of a circle of friendship – remove any part of it and this circle is never whole anymore.

Dining with our fellow Chinese friends also became a platform for cultural exchange. I remember them telling us about how, after a waiter or waitress pours tea into our cups, we could, instead of saying “谢谢 (xiè xie – Mandarin for ‘Thank you’)”, bend our index and third fingers into a ‘kneeling’ position and tap on the table twice to express our thanks. It was indeed interesting how cultural knowledge could be brought to new levels over a seemingly simple meal – it was not merely the consumption of food anymore, but the ‘consumption’ of culture!

In that one meal alone, my friendships with others were strengthened and cultural intelligence heightened. Indeed, it was, to me, the most fulfilling meal ever – in all senses of the word!
Sharing a meal around a table will never be the same again.