August 10, 2011

On being home

Many people have asked us about the biggest difference between China and America. While these may not be the biggest differences (language, culture, and lifestyle that those honors, these are some things we've noticed this summer.

- It takes some time to get used to the fact that you can drink the tap water and not get sick. I often hesitate a little as I reach for the faucet to rinse my mouth after brushing my teeth. In China the tap water is not drinkable.

- Another bathroom experience, in the states you can flush the toilet paper. Don't try this in China unless you want a backed up toilet.

- I don't have to squeegee the shower floor when I finish taking a shower.

- I must wear a seat belt every time I'm in a car. I've gotten used to not wearing a seat belt as we drive around in taxis in China. not to mention that kids have to be buckled up in a car seat which I admit is better then trying to hold a screaming child in the back seat of a taxi.

- I have to remember to tip the waiter/waitress at restaurants. This is not practiced in China. And it’s impolite to spit or leave unwanted food on the table.

- Don’t forget to add tax to the list prices. And while we're at it, don’t convert the prices to RMB, it’ll make you cry. Especially bottled water with costs 1 RMB ($0.15) per bottle in China.

Other then these occasional reminders of the differences, we're enjoying our America time.

1 comment:

M'Lynn said...

As a social experiment, I once tried tipping the waitress in our campus coffee shop in China. Upon discovering the cash under my empty coffee cup, she sprinted out the door after me to return it and refused to keep it even after I tried offering it again. I guess I'm going to have to run out faster next time I try.

Post a Comment

Remember the CG's in all comments. Thanks for checking in on the work in China!