One Year Away

Joseph

As we traveled through China I was often struck by things that to me seemed strange, interesting, amazing, disgusting or wonderful.  For me, more interesting than just site seeing, is observing how people are different and how they are the same in different parts of the world.  I’ve compiled a list of personal observations from my time in China.  These are based only on what I saw in the small part of the country I visited during the short time I was there.  In no particular order:

• People setup card playing circles anywhere, at any time of the day or night.
• Fried egg is considered an excellent side dish for almost any meal.
• If there is a national restaurant chain in China it is KFC.
• Spitting – loudly and often.
• Squeaky brakes almost cause deafness at intersections.
• China has awesome instant noodles.
• I never once felt unsafe, even when walking in poor areas at night.
• Infants and young children wear trousers with a large split down the backside.  You can figure out why.
• Exercise is done outdoors, primarily by older people.  Public “playgrounds” resemble a collection of peculiar exercise equipment more than a place for amusement.
• In a public toilet, finding toilet paper is rare.  Finding hand soap at the sink is as likely as  finding gold.
• Whenever a policeman stops someone a crowd instantly gathers around.
• Plates ordered in a restaurant are brought out as soon as they are ready.  There is no concept of bringing out appetizers before mains.
• Despite heavy littering by people the streets are remarkably clean.  This is because of the near constant presence of street sweepers picking up the trash.
• Children are often encouraged to say “hello” to foreigners.  Parents find it funny when we answer back.
• Outside of the tourism industry very few people speak English.  However, I found that those who do speak English are happy to help and will go out of their way to do so.
• Children play with adults more often than they do with other children. 
• The Chinese love their small dogs; especially Pomeranians, Pekinese and Shih Tzu’s.  They also enjoy larger dogs but that’s more for culinary reasons.
• People take water bottles filled with green tea with them everywhere.
• Elderly people are much more visible than in Canada and are often accompanied by their adult children.
• Eating out is a family affair that happens at large round tables.  Most restaurants have few 2 person tables.
• And most overwhelmingly – life happens in the street.  From eating to washing to personal grooming it all happens out on the sidewalks and streets.