Where in China are you again?

Okay, so I've done some updates recently but none really having to do with China. I think that a list of differences between China and everywhere else in the world the States is in order. After being here just shy of six months I feel like I can now properly start having opinions on this incredible country's culture. Some things great, some things bad, and a lot - very strange (at first glance) :::

1) Baby Slit Pants. As weird as this sounds, it is even weirder in

person. The Chinese have come up with a very practical, although cold in winter, solution to their children having to go to the bathroom frequently and unexpectedly. Instead of diapers, baby clothing just comes with a well formed opening from the front to the back of a child's groin. This is an easy way for kids to 'do their business' without the hassle of pulling clothing down/off or traipsing around in a dirty diaper for an unforseen amount of time. Parents carry around items that aren't too different from doggie 'pooper-scoopers' to help maintain the sidewalks, streets, alleyways, gardens, fountains, and any other public areas. At first I was pretty appalled and confused with this infant fashion statement. But honestly, now I just feel bad for these baby's bottoms. They must be quite chilly when the temperatures drop. I even whipped out my creativity in November and fashioned a set of PJs for the same purposes for my friend's birthday. He was turning 37 and they are, obviously, to be worn for his own private use.

2) Slurping / Burping / Spitting / Hawking / Gargling / Snotting /

Coughing / Sneezing. Yep, all of the above are completely normal,

expected, and accepted parts of this culture. Why would you blow your nose if you can just make gutteral animal noises and spit on the street? If you cough or sneeze in someone's face it's their fault that they are standing so close to you. If you slurp or burp it is a

compliment to the chef. Duh, why did the Western world ever make these actions taboo? I vote for the bring back of all of these. 

A-ttractive!

3) Traffic. There is nothing in the world like Chinese traffic.

Thousands of people get killed every day in this gargantuan cluster f* of cars, trucks, pedestrians, bikes, scooters, motorcycles, tuk tuks, and the massive amount of (for no better word) crap that comes strapped to the back of said automobiles. I've seen men peddling their bikes (normal bikes - not motorized) with at least TEN times the amount of their own weight on the back. Where they are going with that amount of stuff I have no idea. I just hope it's not far, for their sake. It's normal to get into a cab and the gas be on empty and the cabbie not to notice (or not to care). Trying to get to the airport one time, my cab broke down twice and he stopped on the side of the highway to pick up a hitchhiker. Everytime we get into a cab it's comparable to a rollercoaster - whether it's 5 minutes away or 45 you'll most likely almost get into multiple accidents and get close to running over a fair amount of people. Oh, and they don't have seat belts in cabs here. Safety first! But for the cabbie's reputation, I would like to point out that many times when I get into the car I am greeted with "Welcome to China". But yeah, that's usually the extent of our conversation.

4) Hot / Luke Warm Drinks. It is a rarity in China to get served a

cold drink. Especially in the summer time. When I arrived in August I was pretty dismayed at the warm beer on the hot, sweltering nights. There are the few gems out there with cold fridges / freezers but the rest just use them as storage. Hot water is the drink of choice for EVERYONE. Cold water is seen as almost unhealthy... why drink it? Whenever I have been sick I've been told to drink hot water, and lots of it. I actually have come to enjoy it now, but it is wintertime. It's nice in the cold months because the street vendor's soft drinks, juices, beer, and water are naturally chilly. But as the weather gets warmer the drinks will start to do the same. However, even though I don't have gas at my apartment I do have a cold fridge. Thank the gods of cold beer for that!

5) Tradition. Although the last 4 differences can be seen as pretty

brutal, China has so many things that are absolutely amazing about it. The day-in-and-day-out traditions and values that are seen wherever you look are overwhelming. In a good way. Everyday I pass walls that are sculpted with stories about tea. I live on Tea Street (Jinkang Lu) and I pass dozons of tea shops to get to the end. I've made friends with a couple of owners and stop in from time to time. I was able to get my parents a beautiful green tea set for Christmas with Chinese tea. It's tradition here to drink tea with strangers, friends, and family to socialize. Tea is a staple in the lives of the Chinese. I've started to crave it when I'm sick, thirsty, or cracking down on my lesson plans. It's amazing. There are so many different types and relaxes you immediately. Back home I was never a tea drinker, and my taste for coffee has definitely taken a toll over here. Sorry Starbucks!

I know this lady doesn't really have anything to do with tea, but she's as traditional as it gets. I took this picture in a Dai Village in Yunnan Provence on a 4 day trek. She has stained her teeth black to prevent decay and because it is seen as beautiful to the locals. Plus, I bet she's had many glasses of tea in her time.

Look out for the next 5 differences soon to come! Am I making you want to come visit me yet? You should, there is an unexpected adventure around every street corner here. Seriously.

...to realizing the differences all around us, and embracing them for what they are. 

Slit pants or not.

xo

Em