| Monday, October 22, 2007 |
| The Little Things |
Sometimes it's the little things that make life grand. For example, a few weeks ago one of our teammates decided to stop by our local mall for a quick trip to the bathroom. A little construction made her take an abnormal path, leading her past one of Chinatown's newest imported treasures. That's right, we have Cold Stone Ice Cream, right here in my town in the Middle Kingdom. If you don't know what Cold Stone is, that's your bad; but if you've had the pleasure of tasting the mixed goodness of the now-international franchise, you can understand the great joy with which we received the news.
Our first visit was quite the experience. I don't know how the communication happened between given American business executive from Cold Stone and given Chinese Cold Stone employee, but somewhere along the communication line the trademark "singing while you make ice cream" was taken to a whole new level. From the moment you step on the escalators leading down to the store, you can hear the strained songs familiar to home, but with some phonetic twists. "Cord Stone, Cord Stone, let's heal it for Cord Stone! Cord Stone, Cord Stone, one two sree Cord Stone!"
Despite some pronunciation issues, we were happy to realize that the ice cream with mix-ins itself was as good as ever. Our biggest shock, however, came at the cash register. Getting out my wallet, the clerk's eyes grew wide as she said, "Sir, um, we're not actually in business right now. We're just training. So, um, you don't have to pay. We won't officially open for another four weeks" Excuse me? Did I catch that right? Did you just tell me that not only do we have the greatest ice cream on earth within two bus stops of my apartment, but for the next month, I can have it anytime I want for FREE? Yes, as it turns out, that's exactly what she said. Then she gave a sly smile, "But of course you can tip." Ah, those Chinese never miss out on a good deal.
Our tip started another rousing song. "We sank you for your dough. We sank you for your dough. High ho de melly oh, we sank you for your dough."
I'll refrain from saying how many times I've been to Cold Stone in the last three weeks. Such information is unnecessary. What's important is that little blessings like this on the other side of the world never cease to bring joy, especially if they involve mint ice cream mixed with brownies, chocolate chips, and fudge. |
posted by Aaron @ 7:50 PM  |
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| 4 Comments: |
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Dude...one in Taylor and one in Dearborn....Cold Stone Rocks! Founder's Favorite..Mud Pie Mojo...and on and on and on.....It may be wise to make it one bus stop and a brisk walk! At least throw in a Berry Berry Good (it has a seving or two of fruit)Although, Danielle is eating for two....ahhh...just live it up! Your American roots insist you indulge!
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I am so on a plane to Beijing! My flight alone would be recovered by eating at Cold Stone for a few days free (at least at our cost here). Enjoy it while you can! Great story.
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Does it get any better? Cold Stone and even songs with a Chinese accent! Can't wait to come back over!!!
Mom
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The Chinese and the East Africans have something in common, switching R's and L's...so I am hearing this story, and trying NOT to place it in an African context! That is too funny! I laughed out loud, especially when they sang about the "dough" part! Oh my goodness....
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Dude...one in Taylor and one in Dearborn....Cold Stone Rocks! Founder's Favorite..Mud Pie Mojo...and on and on and on.....It may be wise to make it one bus stop and a brisk walk! At least throw in a Berry Berry Good (it has a seving or two of fruit)Although, Danielle is eating for two....ahhh...just live it up! Your American roots insist you indulge!