Me Ol' China in Europe

This week my Blog gets published with a few days delay due to jetlag. As you know I was away from China and had a quick break in Europe. I was in Italy and France. With the pleasant exception of seeing my family after 3 months of no seeing them, all the rest can be defined dull. The more I live in China the more I wonder how I can possibly go back to Europe one day.

Europe... The Old continent is not only old, is grumpy! I am a bloody grump, always been and I admit it, but nevertheless I smile a lot to people I do not know and smile back to people that smile at me. I have never faced so many unfriendly people in the last 3 months like I have during the past week in Europe. All the way, from Italy to France an ocean of unfriendliness. Sad people!

Hospitality... You know I do not normally talk about business but this time I have to mention. When our Big Nosed colleagues come from Europe we normally sacrifice our free time and finances to take them out. I was in Paris last week and added to the fact that, apparently, "food in China was rubbish" (this was the thank you for being nice to them) I was invited to a canteen meal worth Euro 2.84 and the only reason I didn't pay is because they changed the rule and I could not pay cash. Otherwise that would have been the French hospitality. I made very clear on the way back that I will never go out again with Big Noses coming to visit us. My Chinese colleague can continue doing it and set the example but being myself an arrogant bastard, from now on, no more Mr. Nice man to our visitors!

It was so nice to be back. If it were not for my family I don't think I would have planned any trip back to Europe. Unfortunately, very soon, I will be travelling to Europe again but this time for 3 weeks! it's going to be a nightmare... Anyway, let's enjoy these 2 weeks coming before getting sad about 3 weeks without Chinese food, 3 weeks feeling sick with food that, is now proved, doesn't become mine. I put on 8 pounds in 6 days and my carbohydrate intake has been huge. Anyway still feeling sick and I hope to recover soon from that.

Nice to find you here pals.