你好!

Back from China! Jet-lagged and I can't sleep right now (it would be 4:00 in the afternoon in Shanghai), I think I should head off soon to try to beat it. Here's a few things I've learned on my precious trip:

• Don't bother being polite. Normal customs here such as "Oh, excuse me"; "I'm sorry"; and "Thank you" are rarely used. And if used, you would get a weird glare as a response.
• People in China are hardworking by nature. Their wages are next to nothing yet they pull in a full working week plus more. They pride themselves of their work ethic.
• No need to learn Mandrain; bargaining can be done in English
• People in China also emphasize the full spelling of their name, in relation to characters. Unlike here "My name is Bob", they would tell you which character is used and specifically what is sounds like. Picky, I know, but to me, it's seems like they are proud of their family name (so get it right, kinda deal)
• Carry toilet paper everywhere you go. Porcelain potty holes in the ground are very common. So as ladies peeing with the door open with no hesititation at all.
• Although China seems very green and clean, it really isn't; the government hires city cleaners to come out every other hour or so and clean the city. Hence you see no garbage, but it's really all there
• The men in china are brash and rude, and have no courtesy to anyone else. Treat them the same way.
• If using an umbrella, always close it before you enter a store. It's considered bringing ghosts and spirits in if you don't, and they will kick you out
• People in China also relate many things back to their anicent dynasties. They have a long and great history, and are not afraid to show it off.
• I cannot describe how crazy the drivers are in China. There are no words to emphasize how scary it is when crossing the street. People do not yield to drivers. Drivers do not yield to pedestrians. Bikes don't yield to anyone, and no one yields to them. So in the end what happens? Just close your eyes and hope that you get there in one piece. Everyone sort of does this "go one lane at a time" deal. But what is impressive, is that cutting is very normal. They will only honk if you brake (unless it's red) or to let you know that you are around them.
• In China, bargaining is a given. Always start the bargain at half price of the asking price, or less. If they refuse, walk away. They'll probably call you back and give into your deal. 98% of the time, you'll win (at least I did).
• The more south you go, the more mean and fierce the ladies get. It's very scary how they put up a arguement. You'll rather them start to pull hair (I've seen it, the arguements at least)
• Coke is life, Pepsi does not exist. Beer is also cheaper than pop, surprisingly.

And now, for my favorite picture (so far):

Can't think of anything else...getting tired now, so I'm off..!

Karen