How China learns....

Recently, I was staying at a very nice hotel in Guangzhou. It is fair to say that the Chinese, although Communist, have come a long way in customer service. It is also fair to say that they still have a way to go.

I was suffering jetlag and decided to have a nap before my evening dinner. So I put the “Do not Disturb” sign on my door handle and flipped the switch that also lights up a sign outside my door, which also says “Do not Disturb.” I then lay down in my bed, which was very comfortable, and set an alarm clock so I did not sleep too long. I was so tired I did not even remember rolling over and falling asleep.

Suddenly, I was awoken by my hotel room telephone ringing, loudly. Sleepily I reached over and grabbed the phone. This was the conversation that ensued with a Chinese lady from reception.

Me: Hello.

Lady: Hello sir.

Me: Can I help you?

Lady: Hello sir, you have do not disturb on your door.

Me: Yes, I am trying to sleep.

Lady: Sorry for disturb.

Then she hung up. I was that dumbfounded I could not sleep anymore.