JuanPabloC

I've been in Xiamen for about a month now, and I'm really struggling with the language barrier. I thought I could get by with just English and some basic phrases, but everyday things like ordering at a restaurant near Zhongshan Road or asking for directions to Gulangyu have been way harder than I expected. Yesterday, I tried to buy a train ticket to Shanghai at the station, and the lady just kept repeating something I couldn't understand. I ended up missing the train. It's frustrating because people are super helpful, but I feel like a burden. I've been using translation apps, but they miss context. Any advice on how to handle these situations? Like, specific phrases that work? I'm trying to learn, but it's slow. Is there a local expat group or language exchange in Xiamen? Thanks!