So I’ve been in Dalian for a few days and here are some of the observations I have made:
– Chinese is CONFUSING! Pointing and gesturing get you by well. : ) That said, make sure to learn some phrases when you arrive. Even knowing how to say thank you, hello, and other phrases will make people in China warm up to you more because you will show you care about their culture.
– Staring at foreigners is a common practice in China. I was on a bus my third day in China and a little boy’s father pointed at me and they stared. I knew about this before I left, and it was interesting to see it in practice. I almost feel like a monkey in a zoo here – maybe I should eat a banana and swing around the bus next time, really put on a show. Kidding!
– Traffic in China is interesting to see as a Westerner. I like to see it more as organized chaos because most people weave in and out of traffic with ease. I imagine I would be a terrible driver here. In addition to stoplights, there are also what I would assume to be police officers directing traffic. Most Chinese citizens use public transportation (which is great) because owning a car is expensive and trying to find a parking spot is almost impossible.
– The provinces in China operate like their own little countries. For instance, if you have a cell phone plan in one province, you will not be able to pay it in another. It’s the same with banks.
– Chinese people like to wear clothing with English on them. I liken most of the women’s clothing to something one would find in a Forever 21 store with phrases such as, “I Woke up Like This.” I have found myself starting at people’s clothing to see what is written on them, more for my own curiosity than anything.
This awesome pictogram is from ShaoLan Hsueh and Noma Bar’s “Chineasy” book. Such great graphics!
– Chinese women use umbrellas in the sun. Apparently this is because it is popular to try and stay as pale as possible. The social justice person in me thinks this is because of the influence of U.S. fashion in the world and out lack of overall diversity in modeling and fashion.
– Most toilets are a porcelain hole in the ground, where an individual will squat whilst doing their business. I call these “Squat Pots.” Luckily for me, my bathroom has a Western toilet because with my balance or lack thereof would mean a most unfortunate situation. Also, if you go to China, make sure to take note of the shoes you wear in the bathroom, you do NOT want to wear those around an apartment or living area with bodily fluids on them. Bring some toilet paper and hand sanitizer with you because TP and soap are NOT common in public bathrooms in China.
Hope you enjoyed these initial observations!
Stephanie is teaching abroad with API in China.
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