I went to visit the Leshan Giant Buddha (乐山大佛) with a friend in January 2011. When we were at the top by the head, we asked a couple nearby to take our picture. They did, and asked us where we were from. My friend explained that she was a local from the same province, while I was from America. They were very surprised and said that I didn't look American. Haha! Well, my friend explained, she's 华侨--an ethnically Chinese person who lives outside of China.
"Can you speak English?"
"Yes.... hello!"
"H-hello...."
And they shook my hand and asked to take a picture with me. I hope their friends and family don't disbelieve them because I am not white.
I wish I had gotten a picture with them too.
