After a couple days in this country, I wanted to post a "Need to Know" list for those who might be traveling here in the near future-interesting things that I have gleaned from my brief stay here in China.
1. Bring toilet paper with you everywhere you go. We had a theory that maybe there was a shortage on paper products, mainly TP, but having just come from Wal****, I don't think that is the case. Also-there are no paper towels, and the dryers are barely the force of a exhale. So, while you're at it, bring paper towels.
2. Be alert while crossing the street. The fact that you are a pedestrian does make you a walking target. And the 5-7 street intersections are a bit of a hazard if you are not "on your game" while crossing the street.
3. The people here are genuinely nice and pretty friendly. If you make eye contact, people smile. They also think that Americans are celebrities. Jenna and I had many pictures and videos taken of us as we climbed up and down the Great Wall. Sometimes people asked if they could take our picture or if we would join in their video, and others we simply noticed the camera pointed at us (not very discreetly, I might add).
4. Spitting and "hocking a loogie" are socially acceptable, no matter where you may be and no matter where your target is.
5. You NEED a VPN to access the internet-let me clarify-the important parts of the internet (Facebook, blogs, Netflix and other social media sites).
6. There are 50+ kinds of ramen noodles here.
7. You can spend $70 for a child's size pair of Crocs, or $5 for the knock-offs.
8. There are many different kinds of rice, and they sell them in huge vats by the pound at the grocery stores.
9. I am sure they are posted somewhere, but we have not seen a speed limit sign.
10. The beds are very firm. Like sleeping on a cement block with a feather bed on top. Jenna and I love them-but others, not so much. We have had no problems with the sleeping here. Part of that is because I don't have a dog trying to steal my space (but I do miss my pups).
Off to unpack and get ready for tomorrow-only about 15 more hours!
No comments:
Post a Comment