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New kids in town

　　By Geoff Lemon

　　A conversation between local student Shirley and Ben, an Italian new to the campus.

　　Shirley: Ni Hao.

　　Ben: Er... Ni Hao.

　　Shirley: Do you speak English? You look a little lost?

　　Ben: Sure ...yes. I’m from Italy, but I do speak English... and you are right, I think I am lost.

　　Shirley:An English-speaking Italian? Well, I’m surprised...but I’m glad you speak English, because I don’t have any Italian! Where do you want to go?

　　Ben: Oh, I’m just trying to find my bearings. I am supposed to start a class here on Monday.

　　Shirley:Really? What are you studying?

　　Ben:Hee hee, um... Chinese actually. I will be doing an intensive 1-month course in Mandarin.

　　Shirley: Good for you! Do you know what building you will be in?

　　Ben: Yes, it’s called the Da Wang building, Room 503.

　　Shirley: Aha! That’s easy. Da Wang building is just over there. Do you see the building with the steps, over there on your right?

　　Ben: Great! I was close after all.

　　Shirley:Right you are! And room 503 will be on the 5th floor. You turn to the left after getting out of the lift.

　　Ben: Lift? Oh, you mean the elevator!

　　Shirley:Same thing. Hey, what’s your name? I’m Xie Li — you can call me Shirley.

　　Ben: Nice to meet you, Shirley, and thanks for your help. I’m Benitto. My friends call me Ben.

　　Shirley:So, Ben, I guess this must be your first visit to Renmin University of China?

　　Ben: First visit to Beijing actually. I just arrived yesterday and I’m still a bit jet-lagged.

　　Shirley:Well... now you know where to find your class... would you like to see a bit more of the campus?

　　Ben: You’re very kind, Shirley! but I don’t want to take up so much of your time.

　　Shirley:Mei wen ti! Ben... I just came in today to return some books, and I’m done with studying for the day.

　　Ben: Mei wen ti?

　　Shirley:Yeah, “No problem.”

　　Ben: Ha ha... really? Well, I would be very grateful for your guidance. It’s great to be able to meet someone I can talk to, as well.

　　Shirley:Oh, maybe you would be surprised to know that a lot of people are learning English these days.

　　Ben: Is that so?

　　Shirley:Yeah... but most people are too shy to talk to a stranger from a foreign country.

　　Ben: But not you?

　　Shirley:Well, I was once pretty shy too, but my language skills developed and then I worked as a tourist guide for a few years. Now I am intending to be a volunteer for the 2008 Olympics.

　　Ben: Wow. Well, I can tell you that you are going to meet a lot of people during the Olympic Games, and I’m sure they will be very grateful for your help.

　　Shirley: That’s what I’m hoping. Hey, Ben... it’s nearly lunch-time. Let me point out a few of the main features of the campus. And then I will take you to my favourite eating-house. It’s just a “hole in the wall”, but the cuisine is “out of this world.”

　　Ben: Great! I prefer those small out-of-the-way places.

　　Shirley:Oh, it’s not too far out of the way. But it’s so small, I bet if you blinked when you walked past, you’d miss it.

　　Ben: Then I’ll be sure to keep my eyes open!