Some things are easier in America
There are many problems that are easier to solve in China. Heels replaced? Zipper repaired? Pants taken in? Pants hemmed? Key copied? All among the many things that are much simpler to take care of in China. However, there are some things that are quite a bit more of a headache than in America.
For instance, when the cross that hangs above your computer falls off the wall, lands on your computer keyboard before ricocheting to the floor, and in the process dents your “V” key. It looks like such minor damage.
And yet that small ding has the power to render an entire keyboard completely useless (in case you are wondering how this post is materializing through a broken keyboard, my teammate has loaned me his wireless keyboard for the time being).
In America, this problem would simply mean a quick drive over to the Apple store. Repairs would either be made right then and there, or you may have to make a quick jaunt back over a few days later.
In small town China, this damage means an 8 hour overnight train to Beijing. And then a long taxi drive through the headaches of Beijing traffic. And then a visit in the Apple store where you hope and pray someone will speak English. And then you likely leave your computer. Back in the taxi. Back on the overnight train. Repeat said process again after some undetermined period of time to pick up the computer.
There is a tiny bit of hope, although likely it is entirely a fool’s hope, that the repair might happen the same day I drop it off. At least I’d like to believe right now there’s that hope. The good news is I was already planning a trip to Beijing with a teammate this coming week, so while in all other aspects this is a rather inconvenient development, it has happened at a convenient time.
And also, I still have something to be excited about. What, you ask? Go ahead and put your guess on the last post. I’m keeping you in suspense a bit longer!
The Apple store is near a subway, so you don’t have to take a long taxi ride through Beijing traffic! I can give you detailed directions if you want. Send me an email or message me via FB.
There’s also a lot of cool things around the Apple store. 🙂