Topic: Best places to meet people and talk

The hardest part about making real progress in learning a foreign language has to be the opening up to strangers part. People are naturally hesitant and reserved when talking to people they don't know. It is even more difficult if their confidence with the language is shaky. I have found a few ideal spots around Sanya that are great for talking with people. Here is where and why:

Walking Street - there are many shops with eager salespeople, many tourists, and a generally open atmostphere. The best place to meet females to talk to is probably Watson's. There are a lot of happy shoppers passing through that store every 15 minutes or so. Strike up a chat in the shampoo aisle about fragrances!

Late Night Food Stalls - after consuming alcohol, most people are more open to chat. Shangpin Jie and others provide a great place to ask questions of other people, find out where they came from, and other small talk. A little "Ganbei" goes a long way.

Beach Sports - it may not seem like a place for talking a lot, but joining in on a game of beach volleyball, football, or other sports is an easy ice breaker that leads to chat during the breaks. Be polite asking to join the game and inquisitive when a pause in the action occures.

Having fun with learning is important. Do you have suggestions for places to talk?

2012-01-31