Hi all,
I know that Alan has posted some good serious posts with updates about life with our new boy. It is fine so far; he is a good boy in general, but like any 2 year old, is not afraid to pout and fuss when he is unsatisfied.
Some things we've noticed about China:
"If there is room for 5".... Chinese people are not afraid to move in on one's personal space. In our hotel in Hong Kong, where we stayed on the 11th floor, we had countless opportunities to shove with many people in the elevator... if there is room for 5 more, don't doubt that 10 more will get on, without hesitation, and bring their suitcases as well. My last ride down before we checked out, we stopped on every floor and picked up 2 people at least; and I thought it was full when I got on!!
"No more 5 second rule..." We were told ahead of time that it is culturally allowed, if not downright savvy, to spit on the sidewalk, nay, to clean out one's nose on the sidewalk if need be. We were prepared for that and have taken it in stride. (sidenote: in Hong Kong there is a strict 'no spitting' policy, complete with cartoon pictures posted everywhere depicting what is NOT allowed) However, last night, while eating at the hotel's restaurant, we noticed a man at the next table decide to clean out his nose ON THE CARPET, without hesitation. Alan looked at me and said "No more 5 second rule!!"
"2 or 1?".... I think because we are Westerners, and many Westerners are overweight, the Chinese expect us to eat a lot. Our first night in Nanjing (there is a side story here that is too long to tell, and MUCH funnier in person, so ask when we get home about the "Hibachi Restaurant Debacle") we were eating at a Japanese noodle bowl restaurant, and the young waitress (17 or younger) kept on standing there as we pointed out what we wanted, and asking "1 or 2?", like we should be ordering more food. And note, from the post above, that when the waitresses stand and await your order, they stand VERY close to you and look over your shoulder, as if to make suggestions of how much you should be eating. Ahh, that poor girl... we were sure that when we walked in they argued about who had to wait on the Caucasian couple. "you do it"..."no, you do it..."
Baked Bean Count: 4 (mornings I have seen baked beans offered on the breakfast buffet)
Decorative Posters: The hotel's main restaurant here is called Humphreys, an homage to Golden Age American film. There are posters of Audrey Hepburn, James Dean, and of course, Humphrey Bogart. The two that stand out: one is a cartoon of a man holding a frosty mug and reads, "Beer: helping ugly people have s%% since 1862". Another gem.... a nude picture of an extremely overweight woman... decoratively placed next to the table for your eating enjoyment.
If you're interested, when I get home, ask about the Marco Polo tour, the British Redneck, and the Chinese PBS channel. All are too long to post.
Love to all
mb