No place like a 'meet-up' to practice Chinese

I glanced at my "Meet-up Reminder" for the Beginners Chinese Language Meet-up. "A chance to practice, socialize, and gain confidence in conversation! Goal: Make three new friends speaking only in Mandarin."

Sure, I scoffed, stuffing a notebook into my purse. I had RSVP-ed online because I needed to hone my conversational skills. Taking a Mandarin class once a week was not enough. Anyway, it was free, so I had nothing to lose except face.

In Washington's Chinatown, I soon found the venue - Teaism, the tea lovers' answer to Starbucks. A roped-off space was reserved for meet-up members. I felt like I was entering a Forbidden City.