Cultural Training 101

Life in China is not crazy different, but here are a few pointers for those of you who may visit in the near future.

1.  Carry a shopping bag with you, or your backpack.  Bags are not free.  As the cashier checks out your items shake your head twice.  I just keep shaking "no" at any question, until they show me the total.

2.  Find an English website for the bus routes before you come.

3.  Carry tissue with you at all times, or you will have to become very creative with your hygiene, because tissue is not provided either.

4.  Don't be afraid to wear your clothes multiple days.  Everyone does it.  When you do wash, the best places to dry, are near the radiators, at least in the winter time.

5.  The drain in the middle of the bathroom is an all inclusive drain for shower, washer, and spills that goes directly to sewer.

6.  I have not found anything about bus frequency on routes.  So, just wait until one shows up for you.

7.  There is no pedestrian right of way.  Very important!  If the cross walk says "green", it just means this is a better time to cross without being hit...proceed cautiously.  Cars are King.  They will not stop for you.  They may honk, but don't expect them to stop.

8.  Fireworks are more than for New Years.  They are for Wedding Days, opening businesses, and in general anything.   Get used to hearing them at anytime of day.

9.  Your favorite American brands, if you can find them are usually twice the cost, or even more.

10. Laughs, giggles and conversations are probably not about you.  But could be, just smile and relax.

11. Anything bigger than a 34 inch waist is called "Fat man's pants".  They need some marketing skills here.

12. Body language is key.  Become good at Charades.  The local ladies at the supermarket get a kick at trying to figure out what I am trying to buy or find.  Ajax, and Picnic were two recent examples that seemed lost on the locals.

13. There are employees everywhere in the stores.  It seems like one for every aisle.  They will restock an item as soon as you select it and put it in your cart.

14. Get used to strange sights:  swimmers walking out of the ocean, beet red smiling.  Small trucks carrying loads 4x as big as the vehicle.  Every animal part hanging from the posts in the meat section.

15.  Almost all denominations of money have Chairman Mao's face on it.

16. Get used to walking.

17.  Hope you like soy sauce and oil.  There are aisles of different varieties.

Well, this is usually the place I'd put a scripture.  There are many that apply.  Do not complain, Rejoice always, Be humble, Do not have haughty eyes, Accept weaker, or stronger brothers.  You may know them.  They all speak to me at one point or another.

Lastly, smile and enjoy and look for God's presence while you are there.