My Brush with Prostitution

After my orgasmic dinner at the Oasis, the WorldTeachers decided to go out. It was a Saturday and we had Sunday off so everyone was ready to party. Sarah, Frank and I were already feeling pretty good so we got dressed and left with 2 other people. We went to Walking Street which is Changsha’s Times Square. Everyone (all 60 WorldTeachers) decided to meet at this bar called Folk Bar. If you know me at all you know my sense of direction is absolute crap. So, naturally our little group of 5 was the only group that couldn’t find the bar. After 20 minutes of walking around we opted for a hotel with KTV (Karaoke). Karaoke is HUGE here. My friend Diane speaks a far amount of Mandarin so she was able to communicate with the people at the hotel about prices and beer. We each paid 100 Yuan (about 15 USD) for 5 hours of singing and 18 beers. We agree. What I didn’t realize was that KTV in China is COMPLETELY different from KTV in the US. In the US you go to a karaoke bar and sing in front of everyone at the bar. In China you are escorted to a private room equipped with a flat screen tv, a computer, 2 microphones, and a huge couch. One the table is fresh fruit, beer, and popcorn. You sing to your friends.

After a few hours of singing Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, and Backstreet Boys we “rehearsed” Living La Vida Loca and invaded a room of young Chinese people where Rob, Frank and I performed. Karlene – such the diva! At this point it was about 3 am and the girls were ready to go so they take a taxi home and me and the 2 guys stayed for a few more rounds.
We eventually left (although I don’t quite remember) and made it back to the hotel. Now, here comes the entertaining part. Our hotel also has a KTV on the 3rd floor. We were told specifically not to go to any other floors besides the 1st, 9th, and 11th. When we get out of the taxi there is an older gentleman standing on the sidewalk. He began to talk to us and Rob, who speaks a little Mandarin told Frank and I that the man wants us to go to the 3rd floor with him. We were all…what’s a nice way to put it….a few drinks in… so naturally we did the smart responsible thing and politely declined. Yeah, right…I wish! Let me try to describe the picture of the private room we walked into. On the couch were 3 couples. The men were all older and the women were young and very attractive. One man actually had 2 women. Ok, so my first thought was, “This is why we aren’t allowed to come to the 3rd floor – it’s a freaking brothel.” Well, whatever, we’ll sing one song and leave. While the 3 of us are looking for a song, the older man who invited us in comes and puts his hands on my hips and tries to get me to sit with him. OMG he thinks I’m a freaking prostitute!!!!!! I guess Frank and Rob were my pimps??????? I’m still a bit unclear about that… I slipped in between the 2 guys I’m with and the man backs of. Now, you may be thinking this is the perfect time for me to leave. Nooooo…We’ve just decided on a Michael Jackson song! Frank takes center stage singing and breakdancing while I stand on the side with Rob – my bodyguard. The song concludes and we abruptly leave.