I met a nice girl from Taiwan a few weeks ago, and have had a few dates. Problem is, I can't seem to find a way to convert, maybe because my hints are too subtle/wimpy or because Taiwan/Asian culture is more nuanced or conservative or something. Usually I don't have to work too hard, girls just throw themselves at me. Ok, now that you all have had a laugh... (I didn't say that girls I am attracted to throw themselves at me...)
So for last night's date, I thought, let's go roller skating! It will be fun, carefree and of course, an excuse to hold hands or something while I gallantly keep her from breaking her hips.
We roll up to the rink (pun intended) and it kinda looks shady. It's in the middle of nowhere, kind of off on a side road. Pretty dark. We get inside, and it's 99% African-American. Ok-- now, there is nothing wrong with this, and I am certainly used to it as a former inner city schoolteacher. However, I can only imagine what is going on through my date's mind. 1st, she's from Taiwan, and Black people are so few and far between there that when you see someone, you ask to have your picture taken with them. 2nd, it's all kids and teenagers.
So it's hormones flying, boys trying to be tough, girls trying to be cool/sexy. Also a lot of showing off going on, so there are bodies flying and sliding all over the floor. Not to mention, little toddlers just learning how to skate going every which way (fortunately, you can avoid them by them going through your legs). And not only that, but everyone is skating in groups of 10-20, entering and exiting the floor in a pack. If you can imagine this, then you can see how dangerous this might be for someone who is not good at roller skating. Which describes my date perfectly.
We spent about an hour, hour and a half there. I think mostly to be polite. How would it have looked if we just turned tail and left? Personally, I was comfortable, but I felt uncomfortable for her. She was adamant about staying, so we did. But in the end, I think it was a decent time and she probably learned how to skate a lot better due to all the flying obstacles. Plus, I made up for it later, if you know what I mean. With Cookout. Supposed to be the In-n-Out of the South. You can judge for yourself next time you all visit.
Oh, and "roll bounce"? Yes-- we saw some guys who worked at the rink do backflips and kip-ups in their skates. Daaaaamn.
