Tuesday, June 28, 2011

What Did We Learn?; or, China in a 250 ml. Red Bull Can


1) In America, Red Bull gives you wings. In China, Red Bull can give a boost to your badminton skills, just ask Lin Dan, a star player of the China National Badminton Team (above).


Driving in China:

2.1) If you have the chance to drive in China, and you've never done it before, decline the offer immediately because:

2.2) In China, there are rarely any traffic laws (they are obeyed when there are, though), and even if there is a traffic light -- usually at major intersections -- expect for the motorized scooters to keep coming and, in some instances, vehicles to keep coming as well.

2.3) Basic rule of the road: In America, pedestrians have the right of way. In China, the biggest thing on the road has the right of way, and it will honk while driving at ridiculous speeds to make itself known (basically, if you don't pay attention and a large vehicle is coming and you notice last second, you can either run like hell or face the threat of... well, you know, as with scooters or anyone else in a big hurry as well).


3) In America, the predominant language is English, and some people here think a majority of other people around the world learn English to keep up with us (especially in big cities). In China, the majority of people don't speak English, including university students (if they do, its usually broken and don't expect them to understand what your saying). As in the picture above, also expect street signs, most shops (unless they're a European or American brand/company), restaurants and other things to have things in Chinese and (sometimes) Pinyin without the tones, and if there is English its usually not that great anyways.  Plus the restaurants have photo menus (in most cases) so if you have to point to what you want its ok.  Advice: Learn the language, because in the end you won't embarrass yourself (mostly) and you won't come off as disrespectful.

4) In America, every once in awhile you may see an armored truck stop at a bank and see one person get out to deliver the money without hastle.  In China, the armored trucks aren't as, well, armored, (actually its usually a black older model of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter) and require at least four or five guards decked out in SWAT-like gear and shotguns to get out of the truck and wait for the package to be safely delievered (picture unavailable).


5) In America, most mannequins are usually serious (save for at Old Navy, perhaps). In China, mannequins like the one above seem pretty overjoyed to be wearing the clothes they're in.



6) In America, a can or bottle of Coca-Cola, when opened, usually lasts a day or less.  In China, a can or bottle of Coca-Cola (可口可乐; Kekoukele), when opened, usually lasts about a week or more.


7) In America, you know the water (including whats used in tea, ice and to wash lettuce/fruit) is safe to consume.  In China, since the quality of tap water is so poor, you should think twice before drinking unheated tap water (or ice water), getting it in your eyes or swollowing it while bathing/brushing your teeth, or eating any dish that hasn't been cooked but has been washed in water.  Advice: drink bottled water. If a restaurant doesn't have any bottled or serves water unheated, stick to the 可乐 or beer (啤酒; Pijiu).

7.1) In America, dishes in all restaurants are cleaned and washed properly. In China, use a napkin with some hot water or tea (whatever is on the table) to clean any dishes before eating (even if they came in a sealed package).

7.2) Meat dishes: In America, bones are removed long before they reach a kitchen (or in the kitchen). In China, none of the bones are removed from such dishes.  Side note: Think twice before ordering a plate of fish that doesn't look like seafood, freshwater fish are often highly contaminated.

*This post will be later updated if more pointers are later remembered, but for the time being this is about it.

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