How to make local friends who could protect you.

The school where I live and work has one main gate in and out which is patrolled by guards. For the most part, these guards open and close the gate and make sure that students only leave campus for the 6 hours a week that they are allowed to. Everyday they sit in a little guard house by the gate as we pass through.

One day a friend suggested greeting the guards when I pass through. How simple and obvious. It can be so easy to forget about the people you see all the time and who blend in to your surroundings. Why not smile, appreciate people and plant a seed. So thus began my little side mission of fun.

I mentioned before that I bought a bike that I enjoy riding down by the ocean. But to go to the ocean, I must go through the gate. The pedestrian path past the gate is somewhat narrow so I started ringing my bell - but better yet I would just shout "beep beep" when I'm coming through and then throw the guards a little smile. Then we'd all have a little laugh.

Most simple for those of you who do not know, is saying a little hello or Ni Hao! It works quite well, as does a little smile.

But my most recent fun has been teaching one of the guards how to do a High-5. I went past one day and stuck out my hand and he was so confused and totally left me hanging, so I grabbed his hand and made him give me High-5. Then I tried again by putting up my hand and he started to back away, so again I grabbed his hand and forced him to give me a High-5. hehehe. Anyways, lately we have been having more success and he is improving at High-5s.

Moments like these just made me smile and giggle inside and outside. It's lovely.

The people here are fantastic. I love it!