July 31, 2006
Last night we met Catherine (her English name) at a Taiwanese fast food chain. She majored in English at university and unlike many of the English majors we've met, is actually fluent. During dinner she offered to show us the beach in Yantai, which is one of several prosperous cities in Shandong province. She was really good with our questions and explained several aspects about China, the Chinese, her family, husband, waxed romantically about the city of Weihei (another port city in Shandong province) and, with refreshing frankness, chatted about the Chinese military (her husband is a solider in the Air Force), international trade and politics.
Catherine works at a somewhat comfortable office job for a garment wholesaler that deals mostly with Korean and UK businesses and has some interesting insights. For example, she noted some customers (American and European) want the seamstresses to be treated fairly, with regards to child labor laws and overtime, but then ignore these requirements if the shipments may be late.
Strolling along the beach front promenade for about an hour, we watched the sun set, and then sat and watched a fountain show. Catherine said these shows with lights and music are increasingly popular in reasonably well off cities throughout China. It was very pleasant and I can't think of a better person to have met on our last full day in China.
Tonight we sail back to Korea, moving east, returning to the West.
