I bought a new pair of sports shoes yesterday. I found a pair of shoes with a hefty 70% discount and was so glad. I told the lady I wanted a new pair and not the pair on display. The sweet young thing smiled and nodded. The smile brightened my day. I was so happy. If she had asked me to buy another pair, I might have bought another pair just to spend more time with her. I came home and found two left shoes. 
I went back and she was so relieved to see me because as she said she couldn’t sell two right shoes either. When I met her, I greeted her sweetly with, “How are you?” She said.”I am here.” I suggested she reply with, “I am fine, thank you.” I thought it would be the appropriate thing to do to teach her this basic reply as she has to deal with customers who don’t speak Mandarin or English occasionally. Gushing with appreciation, she said sweetly, ” I am here, thank you.
I think she is not the one with the problem. I am the one. I must pick up Foochow fast if I am to survive in Sibu.
English has not much use in Sibu, Foochow is more useful! If you speak foochow, people will treat you better in Sibu
Foochow? Hmm..Hokkien?
Based on the joke I read ages ago, you only get two left shoes if you told her, “I forgot to bring my wallet.”
Foochow? Long time ago I learned to say “You’re beautiful” in Foochow – something like “nue san ka chun” – but just couldn’t get it right >.<
Many chinese most esp in China won’t even speak a word in english