Dear Dad and Mom,
Chinese New Year is just around the corner, but I had almost forgotten about it altogether. It wasn't until I received a New Year's card from a friend in Beijing that I suddenly realized the holiday was approaching. Unfortunately, it's a bit too late and by the time this letter reaches Nanjing, it'll probably be the Lantern Festival
1 already. Still, I'd like to wish everyone in the family a Happy Chinese New Year! There isn't the slightest trace of a festive atmosphere over here. On the other side of the globe, China must be incredibly alive with New Year celebrations right now.
The only excitement we've had lately was a cold snap two weeks ago. Honestly, the temperature only dipped a few degrees below freezing, and the roads were just a little slick, but everyone here treated it like a major event. Every school in Austin, including UT, closed for two days! As a result, we ended up with a four-day weekend with no classes, which felt like an extra winter break.
I've been in the new apartment for a month and a half now, and everything is going great. My American roommate is a very friendly and interesting guy—big and tall, always wearing his worn baseball cap over his medium-length brown hair and constantly sipping from an extra-large soda cup. He knows a bit of Japanese and regularly visits a Chinese video rental store to rent Hong Kong movies. The walls of his living room are covered with Hong Kong movie posters. People always assume I'm the one who put them up! When I tell them it was actually my roommate, they're always shocked. Most of his friends are ethnically Chinese, specifically Taiwanese and Hong Kongers who grew up in the States. He's also a pretty good cook and has a Chinese-style wok, cleaver, and everything. The Chinese food he makes actually smells better than mine!
Having an American roommate definitely helps with my English. It forces me to speak English and, more importantly, think in English. I used to catch myself almost blurting out Chinese in front of Americans, but I've gotten much better now. Living with an American hasn't felt awkward or strange at all; it all feels very natural. Maybe it's because I'm adaptable, or maybe it's just because he's already a little Asian at heart.
I'm doing most of my own cooking these days, and my skills have improved quite a bit. It's a shame you can't taste my cooking! Someday when I see you again, I'll cook for both of you. I've discovered that the secret is to be generous with the oil and not skimp on the scallions, ginger, and garlic—they make everything smell and taste so much better. The apartment kitchen is fully equipped with a microwave, an oven, and a rice cooker, which makes cooking very convenient. The stove, however, is electric rather than gas-powered, so it takes a little getting used to.
The rent is on the expensive side, so I'll have a little less in savings. Honestly, that doesn't concern me too much. Please don't try to send me money! I promise you that, no matter how much I spend, I'll never get into credit card debt. I know credit cards are still uncommon back home, so here's how they work: for me it's simply a convenient way to pay. For example, when I go to the supermarket, I don't need to carry cash or checks. I just use the card, and the credit card company sends me a monthly statement. I can then pay the entire balance with a single check. It's quite convenient—essentially a “buy now, pay later” system.
As for how things are going with Chun, I know you're anxious, but worrying won't change anything. It's not like I don't want a girlfriend. I know I'm expected to take the initiative, but I just can't quite bring myself to do it—something just feels a little off. I'm sure that's disappointing for you to hear. Personally, I think our only real hope is that she manages to come to UT so we can get to know each other better. Long-distance relationships are really tough.
I'll wrap things up here. My handwriting is getting uglier by the second—it's practically unbearable to look at!
Wishing you a wonderful Chinese New Year!
Tong
02/16/96
P.S. My roommate's name is Dave.