今天下午正準備離開公司趕飛機，開著一部黑色林肯轎車來公司接我去機場的，是一個身長6呎3吋，約190公分的黑人 Michael 。在前往芝加哥機場的途中，Michael 興味盎然，天南地北的跟我聊起天來。

「我會說一點中文。」當他知道我是從香港來Chicago 出差之後，竟然跟我說起中文來了。

“ Wow ! It's amazing ! Your Chinese is really good. Have you been to Asia or China before ? "  我問。

“ No，Actually I learn Chinese by myself. I have some video tapes and often make practice. I spent lots of time on Chinese language. But I have been put in this country inside and never ...go outside before."

" Not too many people will do this self learning. I believe most people will absolutely feel amazing when they see you speaking such good Chinese. ...."  我由衷欽佩地說。

“ Yap. I am proud of that. You know, in Chicago I often drive Chinese customers. And I also go to Chinese restaurant sometimes. .... 你叫做什麼名字？ ... 我要吃炒飯 .... 飯 is rice, right ? 還有叉燒包跟牛肉 . 麵 .... When they see a big Black guy speaking fluent Chinese, they usually will show a big smile on their face. I like that.... " 

只見Michael 臉上充滿了自豪與成就感。

「你真的很努力，也很厲害！」 我對這位從未出過國，努力自學中文，臉上充滿著友善笑容的非裔美國人，內心感到由衷的敬佩。

聊著聊著，轉眼間機場到了，「再見！」 Michael 幫我提行李下車，笑著跟我說。「謝謝。」 我也與他握手道別。