Observations-
Hope all are well,
Work has really been heating up-today was Sunday, but we had all day session, and it may be getting even more hectic. So I may be slowing down a little on posts, just didn't want anyone to get concerned. I will still look to post a couple of times a week.
Today we were in Guanzhou for most of the day.
Since I'm getting similar questions from some of you, thought it might be a good time to share some general observations regarding China in general, and they are of course skewed by my own warped perspective.
Here's a few top of mind-
1. The Chinese are extremely literal people. I can give many examples, but here's a good one. I have met several other English speaking people, and one told me the story of trying to get something printed and asked "I need it printed just like the sample I gave you". After a week, the printer called back and stated they were unable to complete job, and they were very sorry.
When asked why, they responded and acted embarrassed that they had failed. As much as they tried, they could not reproduce the poor print quality from the sample from the US...True story. They tend to translate everything extremely literally-I can't even begin to capture the beauty of the stories when I've worn some of my favorite t-shirt...They loved "who's driving this crazy train" but were really concerned on where the train was, and when I was able to drive it.
2. It seems to be ok to spit in public (some people only), but it is an offense to show your teeth as you use a toothpick after a meal-
3. Chopstick etiquette: Much more to come on this one, but never reach into the serving tray with your chopsticks (learned that one the hard way)-most meals are served family style, and everyone shares.
4. There is no limit to the number of occupants on a given motorcycle, moped, or bike-or age requirement.
5. I think I've figured out that honking when approaching from the left ensures your right of way no matter what-
6. If you are a pedestrian, you never have right of way no matter what...
7. Lots of holding hands, and walking arm in arms-families do seem close.
8. Saving face is a huge deal-never publicly question and or challenge-counterintuitive to west, you will get answer you want regardless of actual facts.
9. Fascination with West-even though people can't speak English, they will often listen to western music. In fact several bands have been playing English songs, and when I've approached them to talk, they can speak no English...wild...because I can tell you there is no way I could sing a Chinese song right now...
Not that any of you could stand that much pain to your ears anyway -have a great one.
Work has really been heating up-today was Sunday, but we had all day session, and it may be getting even more hectic. So I may be slowing down a little on posts, just didn't want anyone to get concerned. I will still look to post a couple of times a week.
Today we were in Guanzhou for most of the day.
Since I'm getting similar questions from some of you, thought it might be a good time to share some general observations regarding China in general, and they are of course skewed by my own warped perspective.
Here's a few top of mind-
1. The Chinese are extremely literal people. I can give many examples, but here's a good one. I have met several other English speaking people, and one told me the story of trying to get something printed and asked "I need it printed just like the sample I gave you". After a week, the printer called back and stated they were unable to complete job, and they were very sorry.
When asked why, they responded and acted embarrassed that they had failed. As much as they tried, they could not reproduce the poor print quality from the sample from the US...True story. They tend to translate everything extremely literally-I can't even begin to capture the beauty of the stories when I've worn some of my favorite t-shirt...They loved "who's driving this crazy train" but were really concerned on where the train was, and when I was able to drive it.
2. It seems to be ok to spit in public (some people only), but it is an offense to show your teeth as you use a toothpick after a meal-
3. Chopstick etiquette: Much more to come on this one, but never reach into the serving tray with your chopsticks (learned that one the hard way)-most meals are served family style, and everyone shares.
4. There is no limit to the number of occupants on a given motorcycle, moped, or bike-or age requirement.
5. I think I've figured out that honking when approaching from the left ensures your right of way no matter what-
6. If you are a pedestrian, you never have right of way no matter what...
7. Lots of holding hands, and walking arm in arms-families do seem close.
8. Saving face is a huge deal-never publicly question and or challenge-counterintuitive to west, you will get answer you want regardless of actual facts.
9. Fascination with West-even though people can't speak English, they will often listen to western music. In fact several bands have been playing English songs, and when I've approached them to talk, they can speak no English...wild...because I can tell you there is no way I could sing a Chinese song right now...
Not that any of you could stand that much pain to your ears anyway -have a great one.
posted by Curt at 5:49 AM
1 Comments:
I have only seen 4-but they really aren't motorcycles-they are mopeds-even getting 4 is impressive.
I have seen this hybrid looking tractor-still trying to get a pic-like a 3 wheel extended with huge exposed motor on front-i have been told it used to be used for farming, and now just hauls a ton of crud...
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