Last week when we had visitors we went to a Tibetan restaurant here in town called the Black Tent.  We’ve been there a few times and enjoy the food and atmosphere.  The servers there are very friendly. But when foreigners come they usually seem unsure of what language to use.  They often start in English, but usually ask right away if you can speak Tibetan.  Chinese is usually the best compromise for us. 

This last time we ate there, I wanted to order a Sprite.  I wasn’t sure what the word for Sprite was in Chinese so I tried a few things (in Chinese and in English).  The server just looked confused.  So, I got up from the table and went to the fridge where they keep the soft drinks (having canned/bottled drinks in Xining is quite common).

I found a Sprite behind the glass door of the fridge and pointed it out to a nearby server. 

I asked her in Chinese, "Zenme shuo zhe ge?"  (How do you say this?)

Without blinking or cracking a grin, totally straight faced, she enunciated the word for me:

"Spuuh-riiiight."

I could have smacked that nice woman.  English words are not the problem, miss.  It’s Chinese that I’m finding difficult.  I re-phrased my question to her to specify that I wanted to know the word in Chinese and she told me.  The bad thing is that I’ve already forgotten it again.  I guess next time I’ll just stick with  Coca-cola (ke-ke ke-la) or just say, "Spuh-rite."

Sheesh.