In the beginning of April I had opportunity to make some money by acting as a translator and guide for my fellow countrymen visiting Beijing. As I was escorting this couple, used to the best quality and service available in life, it was really interesting to see Beijing again with the tourist’s eyes, and at the same time realize how sinicized I have become during the years living here in China.
A couple of occasions I observed that I had developed some habits that I was not so proud of. I might as well put together a list of them.
1. Eating and speaking
I was so annoyed about myself, as I suddenly noticed this habit. I tried to control it, but I caught myself three times a row during the same dinner speaking with stuff in my mouth. After two days I could control myself again, but I guess I could very easily fall back to this habit as the people around me do it all the time.
2. Yelling to call the waiters
Regarded as rude manners in the West, but as so many people noticed, here you might never get the waiter if not yelling loudly fuwuyuan! I think this manner applies only in China, as I return back to my home country; the waiters will be easier to have my attention.
3. Being prepared for toilets without toilet paper, plus choosing squatting toilets without no hesitation
I noticed the reaction of my female quest, when I quickly provided her with a bag of napkins before entering the toilet. Also I was quick (and happy) to choose the squatting toilet, as there were only two toilets one being sitting model. It was the first time for her to see that kind of toilet, and the look on her face was expected. It didn’t help much for her culture shock as I mentioned the toilet was not without toilet paper, actually it was just outside in a big roller by the hand washing basins.
you are working on the hand bag thing?damn,this guy is in shit.the poor guy won't like it.
Good if you have noticed some changes. Normally I don't yell to the waiters if not necessary. Yet, some waiters seem to get used to the yelling style to such a degree, that they won't have eyes open for the customer unless you make some noice. They might talk to each others or play mobile games. Of course, more expencive places have same standard, or even better than back home. Those places have waiters that are easy to call to the table.
No, I still didn't get used to spitting, and think never will. But crossing street on red light, I actually did once back home. I noticed it just as I realized being stared by the people waiting on the opposite side. Oops!
For the handbag thing... I'm working on it!
In deed, back home, I suddenly realize I was passing all the lines so fast... just by "filling the gaps" as the Chinese do. I felt very funny passing other people unintentionally, almost like without effort.
OMG，no tissue is common in the majority of Chinese toilet ，I will never use the toilet tissue in any public WC
Yelling to the waiters, this is very impolite in China now. Waving hands is the most attracting method. While the foreigners use the rude method, the Chinese are changing their way. So, hey, guys, could you pls notice the world around you more clearly?
Yeah, it's hard to be a female in China, with all those dirty squatting toilets. We, men, just need to find a bush and there we go =)
you might try adding spitting any where,"hacking" to clear your throat.loud sipps,ripping farts without caring if there is any one next to you,don't mind what the road signs and traffic lights are for.finally let your boy friend or husband know that carrying your hand bag is his duty.
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