what we have seen/learned in China

So, China is done, onto other countries. In summary, it has been exciting and wonderful and full of many good friends and experiences. But, there were definitely times when we had to look at each other and ask "is this really okay? can people seriously do that here?" I thought i would write a small list of those things.

I appologize (Mom) if any of them are inappropriate for discussion-- but you have to keep in mind that THESE events ACTUALLY happened, so imagine how much worse it was to see them in real life.

WHAT I HAVE SEEN OR LEARNED IN CHINA:

1. It is fully acceptable to HORK and SPIT anywhere you feel the need. This includes; inside buildings, on buses, or on someone elses pants (i think that last one was an accident- but still..)

2. Children (with the aid of a parent or grandparent) may urinate anywhere. This includes; busy downtown streets, or in wal-mart on the floor in the glasses section.

3. (this one goes with the previous) When on a public bus, your small child informs you that he must poop (for lack of a better term) It is completely acceptable to retrieve a small chip/crisp bag (bugles to be specific) from the cardboard box of a garbage can (in the isle)-- allow him to do his business and promptly return the now full sack from whense it came. (about an hour left of the bus ride after this--and they were in the ROW in front of me).

4. When someone is in your way (us- rather), it is acceptable to just push us out of the way without saying anything at all.

5. Ligning up does NOT exist. If you want to get somewhere just go there. If people are in the way..(see previous). If you are attempting to get through a turnstyle (on the metro for example) pushing (especially if you have suitcases) is the best way to get through (then just hit the back of our legs with your baggage).

6. ALWAYS continue to talk to us in Mandarin. If we've told you we dont understand, and have the blank look on our faces, just keep repeating what you've said 5 times already. Perhaps try to say it LOUDER (that usually helps).

7. On a public holiday, (with millions of people in tiananmen square) if your 7 year old child acts up (or you think she is) it is acceptable to kick her repeatedly like a soccer ball until she falls down crying-- then keep kicking. And when she gets up REPEAT it all again.

8. All chinese food (espeically vegetables) MUST be drowning in thick clear goo (which we have been calling gravy). It is mandatory that it be super greasy as well-- of course.

9. When serving meat at a meal one must always include ALL the BONES, and eyeballs are an added bonus.

10. ALL bread or bread products MUST contain bean paste. There is no way anyone would want just plain bread.

11. If you are a cab driver, and we have given you the place we want to go (written in chinese) it is fully acceptable NOT to take us there, and to just drop whenever you get annoyed. ("No, no thats fine..we'll find our way..thanks for the ride, here's your money")

12. you can smoke ANYWHERE YOU LIKE. This includes; buses, trains, restaurants, elevators...anywhere at all. When in doubt, just light up.
oh it has been fun!