We wanted to have lunch at a place where we could get dim sum, and the concierge at our hotel recommended this restaurant which was run by primarily Chinese-only speakers. Because most of us were not familiar with dim sum menus, we relied on the expertise of one couple because no one else could help us. First the couple told us to look closely at the menu. David and Tom followed directions:
That started the hilarity that ensued throughout the entire meal. The three you see below are merely attempting to look like serious and normal Americans-in-a-strange-land. From left to right they are Lori, Dave, and Inge. There will be a test later.
This couple has been our bonsai-couple-friends-of-longest-standing since we joined the bonsai club 15 to 20 years ago (D is wrong; it's closer to 20 but I'm being diplomatic). Tom was behind David in the "taking a close look" photo. Sandy is very smart and didn't bother.
Then there is this couple who tagged along. Oh yes, one is the closer-look guy.
Okay, now Sandy is perplexed. We ordered as instructed by the members-of-our-group-who-will-remain-nameless but are probably in witness protection by now. They told us that in the US when one orders in this kind of a restaurant, one places an order for ONE and receives ONE dumpling.
So each person went through the menu and ordered ONE of whatever struck her/his fancy. Keep that in mind. Sandy is perplexed because we seem to have SEVERAL baskets of MANY items, and this is only the first part of our order.
Notice the table behind us. They were having a great celebration of some kind and were full of laughter although they may look quiet and subdued in this photo. Remember the test.
The baskets kept coming and coming and coming. There would be a pause but then more baskets would come. By the time this next photo was taken we had realized that ONE order meant we received ONE tower of baskets for that particular item. We had ordered enough to feed the entire bonsai club had they gone with us to this restaurant as well as those members who didn't take the trip! Finally, one of the smart members of our dinner party got an idea (someone had to - the rest of us were crippled by laughter), grabbed piles of the baskets and took them to the party goers at the table behind us. One of that party spoke English well enough that he was able to explain to the rest what had happened, and they immediately joined our hilarity while graciously accepting the extra food. They thanked us profusely and laughed and laughed and eventually came over to join us for various photo opportunities.
By this time, everyone in the restaurant was aware that the crazy Americans had done something singularly foolish but were having such a good time about it that they could also share the joke without being rude.
It's hard to write this so you can understand what was so funny so the test is:
Who was with us at the restaurant?
How much did we think we were ordering?
How much did we actually get?
Who ate the food?
Did we have a good time in Asia?
I'm not even going to try to pass the test -- but that sure was funny. It's great that everyone could laugh about the crazy American's! Much better than the cranky or rude Americans!!
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