Happy Chinese New Year! It's the Year of the Snake

Chinese New Year is Finally here! 2013 is the Year of the Snake! This means anyone born in the year of the snake will wear something red (bracelet, necklace, underwear and whatnot) all year round to attract good luck.

This festival will be celebrated over 15days and will be concluded with the lantern festival. I will be taking part in the festivities in Toronto. Hmm I if the shops in China town will be closed during the entire celebration.

If you happen to be in China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea and other countries where the Lunar New Year is celebrated, please do make sure you take in as much of the festivities as you can!

Congratulations! Gōngxǐ gōngxǐ (恭喜恭喜)

Happy New Year! Xīnnián kuàilè (新年快乐)

To read about what I wrote last year about the few things I learned about Chinese New Year, please visit my blog post here

Myth #5: Staple food in China is Rice

This is well, partially a MYTH!, Although if you live in a city where rice is consumed during practically every meal, you might be led to think this is true for everywhere else in the country. For some parts of the country, the staple food can be steamed buns, noodles or a flat bread (sort of like Indian Nan).

  *Source* 

Though i'll have to say that rice is eaten more frequently than other types of food since since it is consumed in many different forms and variations. And so it's not uncommon for an average Chinese to eat rice 3X a day, 7 days a week. For example, at a summer camp I worked at, we were served rice three times a day! Our typical meal schedule was something like this ...

Breakfast: Congee (rice porridge) with boiled eggs and toasted steamed buns

Lunch: A bowl of white rice with veggies and meat side dishes along with a bowl of soup

Dinner: A bowl of white rice with different varieties of veggies and meat combo, and a bowl of soup to drink

I believe this was my last bowl of rice noodles in the country. 

I for one like eating rice in any different form, color and preparation method. But when i'm constantly served the SAME thing three times a day, every single day, then it's easy to get bored of it.
I guess this is why many Chinese children don't consider rice to be their favorite food. Many often tell me their favorite food is noodles or dumplings.

Also, I've dined with many Chinese who never seemed to finish their small bowl of rice because rice isn't widely consumed in their hometown; and so, they're not used to eating it.


                                    *Source*

So in conclusion, not EVERY single Chinese likes to eat rice every single day and with practically every meal. And so for them, rice wouldn't be considered a staple, perhaps, another type of food would. 

Myth #4: With 5,000 years civilization history, The Chinese must be Highly civilized

Well, it depends on what your definition of a highly civilized person is.
And no, I'm not saying that they act like cave men and women, but sometimes I've been led to think this based on the way locals present themselves sometimes.

*Source*

 I mean I don't think a country with 5,000 years civilization history need these posters posted across the city.

There are several reasons why I think the nation as a whole still needs a few more years, perhaps decades to fully reflect their highly claimed "Ancient" civilization. One of these reasons is the ubiquitous snorting and spitting in the bus, trains and public building. And don't even get me started on littering, especially when there's a garbage can just few meters away.
How about the pointing and name calling each time they see a foreigner, a black foreigner to be specific. Hello, I'm already aware of my skin color and my origin, I don't need you or your child pointing and calling me a black person (hei ren), African (fei zhou ren), foreigner (wai guo ren) or any other names you wish to call me. And oh, it's not necessary for you to get the attention of your child or friend, so you can both point and laugh together.

Me with a Tourist from I believe South West China

And last but not the least, I don't need your greetings, even if it's just an "innocent' way for you to show off your English skills. It's very common for Men to Scream "Hello" each time they see me walk by. And they will continue to scream it out loud until I reply with a Hello or just quickly walk out of their sight. Excuse me, I don't scream "Hello" at every Chinese person I see walking the streets of Toronto, so you have no reason to greet me, unless I know you.
I often excuse these "foreign" behavior when I think of what the country has gone through in the past few decades.

Personally, I was just completely shocked by local customs because I had gone into the country with an outdated and completely false preconception about the country. I had thought the Chinese would be the most highly-behaved people on the planet due to their history and a long list of superstition which are meant to encourage good living practices.

But then again, I guess this is why it's important to travel. Travelling definitely broadens our mind and opens our eyes to see the way the other part of the world REALLY is.

Fact #1: They eat with chopsticks in China

They sure do! Including kids, and they drink soups with spoons. The only time they will eat with forks and knives would be when they dine at western restaurants such as Pizza Hut, which by the way is a fancy, family restaurant in Beijing.

*Source*

Will they ever merge with the rest of the world and use "regular" cutlery?
NOPE! Because this means they would have to change how they prepare their meal, the type of food and rice they eat as well as the small dishes they eat with. This also means that they will need to change their communal eating style where everyone eats from the same dish. In case you're wondering, chopsticks are lighter and easier to use than metal forks and knives.
although they can be annoying when eating noodles, I sometimes carry around a plastic fork and knife set for days when I don't feel like splashing soups all over my face trying to get my noodles to stay on my chopsticks.

*Green Noodles* don't know what it was particularly made out of to give its green color, but it was delish ;)

What if I can't eat with chopsticks? Can I ask for a fork and knife?
Well, I've never had to request for one neither have I seen any of my expat friends request for them, since most of us already knew how to use chopsticks before coming to China. However I've heard certain restaurants which are frequented by foreigners carry western cutlery so you can request for one if you're just not feeling cultural at the moment.

But I will advice you to practice your chopsticks skills because chances are most restaurants WON'T carry  the type of utensils you're used to eating with, unless you don't mind carrying a back up fork and knife set with you like I sometimes. Not only this, you will also impress locals with your attempt.

A  huge bowl of rice noodles (noodles made out of rice). It took me a few tries to master how to use Chinese spoons

Myth #3: Chinese live in traditional homes, like the ones you see on Kung Fu Panda?

For most residents living in cities, small or large; this is far from the truth. Most are crammed in multi-story apartments, which allows the government to fit the most number of people in a small area.

*Source*

So where were these people living before they were all stacked in apartment buildings?

They lived in Hutongs or other types of traditional homes which can house up to three generations. These are traditional homes you see in Kung Fu Panda and other traditional Chinese movies

*Source*

What happens to the spaces after these homes have been demolished?

They are simply replaced with office buildings, shopping malls and what not

Sky piercing towers of Hong Kong. I call them sky-piercers instead of the commonly known name - skyscrapers because I've never seen such tall and skinny buildings in my entire life! And some of these buildings look like they are swords piercing into the sky

Are local citizens unhappy about their new living standard?

Personally, I'm not sure really. But I expect they'll be happy since newly built apartment buildings are equipped with modern home appliances, private bathrooms and better sewage systems. Hutong residents often have to use the public washroom which is share with the entire neighbourhood. Although I don't know how they shower since these public washrooms only have toilets and a sink, with no showering facilities. These multi-storey homes are also able to withstand a flood. Something traditional courtyard homes was lacking. Also, did I mention local residents are given a relocation compensation to go purchase a home elsewhere. 

Talk about maximizing space!. one of the many housing community in Beijing. This is why it can take up to an hour locating a building since there are sooo many of them in one tiny space!

Does everyone live in Apartment buildings?

Oh no! Some are still living in these traditional homes. However, it's only a matter of time until the urban planning "team" gets to them. the only exception would be homes located in protected areas, which means residents can have a peace of mind and be assured that their homes will still stand many years to come. 

                                    Downtown Xian, China's capital city before Beijing

So, they either live in old homes or more modern apartment buildings?

Oh no, some also live in villas, American or European style homes which are stand alone 2-3 storey homes with a basement, garage, drive way and all those good stuff. These homes are only occupied by Diplomats and wealthy locals. It's also common for these type of homes to be built OUTSIDE the city where there are more trees, fewer people, less noises and partially cleaner air. So depending on how far a purchased villa is from the city, a family might purchase an apartment in the city for conveniences purposes and choose to spend the weekend and holidays in their spacious homes. 

Taken from the "Centre" of the city, from the bell tower

So do Chinese people live in one-storey traditional homes or not?

Only very few of them do, at least in Beijing and other big cities. While most of the population live in apartment buildings.

Myth #2: They still practice foot binding

This is mostly a myth, mostly because I once read that such practice still exists in little isolated villages where villagers are uneducated and are still living in ancient times. I didn't see anyone personally with tiny feet while I was living there, neither did I hear someone talk about the topic.

*Source*

Foot binding is an Illegal practice in Modern China as it is a painful beauty practice which limits the "victim's" mobility. And so this is why it was SERIOUSLY banned in the 1950s after the Communist came to power. They SERIOUSLY forbade the practice because it had been previously abolished few times in the past with no success.
But then I guess parents finally stopped crushing their daughters feet when they realized a full stomach was more important than a prized 3-inch golden lotuses. Huh? how does a full stomach relate to foot binding? Well you see when China was going through it's Economy Reform, people's lives were put on hold so they could 'build" the country. Both professional working class and lower income class ALL had to go work really hard on farms and factories, or else, no food! But when you have such tiny feet which limits you from doing such hard labor, then you're in BIG trouble! 

*Source*

So what is the punishment if caught? I don't know really, I guess they get fined, but I don't know by how much.

For a quick history and more info on foot binding in China, please read this great npr article.

Fact or Myth about China, You Decide!

Before I set my feet in China two years ago, I tried to do a lot of research on just about anything I could possibly find useful upon my arrival in the foreign land. Unfortunately, I came up with nothing, perhaps I didn't do a thorough research. And so, I decided to just go with an open mind and well, with the background knowledge I already had about the country. But I made sure I left some room to take in the experience the country had in store for me.

*source*

So, what were the knowledge I had about the country before going and what did I come across during my research? I have listed below most of my findings from what I can remember. While most of them turned out to be a myth, but many of these findings turned out to be facts.

1. Fortune Cookies are commonly eaten after a meal in China

2. They still practice foot binding

3. They live in Traditional Chinese Hutongs, you know, the ones you see in movies?

4. Because China has a 5,000 year civilization history, it's people must be well civilized and well-mannered

5. They eat with chopsticks

6. Everyone is so skinny and fair skin

7. There is no religious freedom, Christians are still being persecuted

8. Main religion is Buddihism

9. The only food they eat is rice

10. Everyone rides a bicycle

11. The national language and only language is Chinese

12. Chinese are very smart and innovative individual

13. Since China is thought to be "The Factory of the World", brand name and electronics must be realy cheap over there

14. They eat dogs

15. They are so short and petite

16. Everyone fights kung fu

17. It must be crowded in China since it's the world's most populous country

18. There is a disporportionate ratio of Boys and Girls

19. Every family has only one child

20. Since there are so many ESL teachers in China, they must be able to speak basic English.

21. They are racist and close minded

22. Chinese are cheap, they like to save money and overcharge customers

Now which ones do you think are actually true or just a myth? You can simply identify the facts and post them in the comment box. Later, I'll differentiate between the facts and myth and talk about them in a later blog post or may be a series of them since it's quite a long list. Also, i'd like to hear some of your facts vs. myths if you've ever lived in a foreign land.

What I'll Miss & Sending Postcards

So what are some of the things I'll miss about China? To prevent this post from becoming a book, I will only briefly list some of the things i'll miss along with some personal pics. Drum roll please...............

1. Cheap food, as long as it's in a Chinese restaurant. Foreign owned restaurants are very expensive.

Gong pao chicken, tofu, rice, tea and cold water for less than $3

2. Hospitality of locals. People dine out very often here and so it's very common for them to treat each other or a guest at one of their favorite restaurants. Since a lot of business deals are done in restaurants, most of my first meetings with a potential student or employer are often in a restaurant. And because I leave soon, many friends have been "treating" me lately :) 

Hot Pot in Xi'an with Aiesecers

3. Having fun can be free or cheap!

African Village at World Park Beijing

4. Interesting people you meet. Expat community in Beijing gives you the opportunity to meet professionals in different fields from all parts of the world. You also meet people from countries you didn't know existed.

5. BIG multi-floor restaurants with creative (traditional or modern) interior design. I also like the fact that you can try different kind of restaurants from all parts of the country.

4 storey traditional restaurant. I never ate here, so I don't know the kind of food served there.

6. Cheap phone cards. a $9 phone card can last me about 1month if I don't send international text or talk for too long.

7. Cheap public transportation (buses, subways, trains and taxis). Cost of buses 40cents, subways-2RMB.  Also, China's extensive and cheap railway system makes it convenient and economical to travel across the country on land.And so it's common for travelers to take a weekend trip to a nearby city and be back by Monday morning. Also, the bullet trains travelling between major cities makes a long trip such as Beijing to Shanghai just as fast as taking the plane.

China's railroad map

8. My churches. I go to two  international churches for different fellowships, I have met christian friends from across the world at these churches. 

A  Chinese church which I only attended once or twice.

9. My two favourite shopping websites; amazon.cn and vancl.cn

10. Funny things the locals do and say here

"The Beijing Belly", only visible in the summer

11. Novel foods, fruit, vegetables and spices. I only try "interesting looking" foods at the restaurants as I wouldn't know how to cook them if I were to buy them raw at the supermarkets.

Dried goods

12. Teaching English to my students, both young and old as well as cultural exchanges through class discussions and talking to parents.

Kids with their moms and grandmas learning their ABCs before preschool!

***

From China with love, Postcards giveaway: To thank my readers over these past few months, I have decided to send postcards to 10 lucky readers or less.

How to enter

1. Be a follower, I currently have 15 followers, so chances of receiving a postcard is quite high

2. Leave a comment below about this post 

3. Comment by Tuesday, July 17th (China Time +8GMT)

I will contact randomly selected winners by Wednesday to ask for the address you would like the postcards to be sent, I'll then send the cards by Thursday.   

I look forward to reading your beautiful comments.

Culture Shock 3: Chinese Food is Healthy...NOT

A common explanation as to why Chinese and other Asians are skinny is because their food is healthy.
Although this might be partially true, I think it is more false than true. Because I believe there are many biological and social explanations as to why most are skinny.

There are no fortune cookies in China BTW

Below are some of the reasons why I think Chinese food is NOT as healthy as it is thought to be and eating it can make you FAT.

1. Practically Everything is stir-fried and often with too much oil. I've had to pour out as much as 1/2 a cup (125ML) of oil out of my food.

2. They eat fat, because it's believed to be good for the skin. I guess this explains why many don't use lotion. I usually have to remove fat off my meat which often times leaves not much meat, so I end up eating the fat, and then feel fat after eating it. :(

3. Primary meat is pork: Most dishes are served with pork, which explains "why they walk so slow" according to a Nigerian friend of mine. lol!

4. Portion sizes are HUGE! This was a big culture shock to me because I have never seen serving bowls that huge on dinning tables, unless its at a big event. Also, I would expect portion sizes to be smaller since there are more mouth to feed. These excess food often goes to waste because it is just impossible for people to finish them. Especially if they are served to a group of girls who are "watching" their weight because they think they are fat. So it makes me wonder why they don't reduce food portion to reasonable sizes, also since people often order multiple dishes

5. Staple food is Starch: depending on what part of the country you are from, your main food will be either rice, noodles or bread. It's not uncommon for many Chinese to eat rice three times a day everyday. Although they eat a very small portion of it with lots of meat and veggies as side dishes

6. Food is cheap and abundant: Thanks to advancement in science and technology, most Chinese can now enjoy a variety of food from all parts of the country and globe, and they can have it in abundance. Just about 30years ago, China was like North Korea where many thousands were dying of starvation. May be this is why portion sizes are so large, because the older generations are trying to catch up on eating???

7. They eat too much: Because many can still remember what it feels like to be Hungry, they will often go all out at restaurants to show how far they've come and also to ensure everyone has enough to eat. See Chinese eat in a communal style where several dishes of foods are shared amongst many people.But back in the day where people didn't have enough to eat, this means siblings had to have a "eating race" during every meal. This is when the older and often faster eater with a bigger appetite will "out eat" the younger and slower ones. I guess this explains why many Chinese can eat while the food is hot and also eat fast.

I think this communal eating style is a huge sabotage to one's weight. Depending on how big a group is and what the occassion is, one can have about 15 different dishes on the table for. These 15 dishes can include pork, chicken, beef, lamb, fish, potatoes, noodles, bread, rice, sweet potatoes, and assorted veggies. It's only in China that I started eating all these foods together in one meal.  Also because you just eat a little bit from each plate, you don't really know how much you've eaten until you suddenly realize you've had too much.

It's common for girls to gain weight when they come to China while the men loose weight (mostly muscle mass). I was one of these girls, but I lost all these weight when I stopped eating like the Chinese and started cooking my own food. Because, I realized I would need the special gene they have that allows them to eat a lot and stay skinny.

Culture Shock 2: Women's handbags, a fashion accessory or a burden?

I guess handbags are thought to be a burden for a woman here in China. And so since Men (the strong one) are suppose to help relieve a woman's (the weak one) burden, they will often offer to help carry any heavy item that she is carrying, including her purse.  

It doesn't matter how long I have lived here, I still consider this to be weird and funny at the same time. Sometimes I will look at a woman and admire her outfit, but then I'll immediately notice that there is something missing in her outfit - her purse! Then, I look to her left or right and notice someone else is carrying her purse, and it looks out of place on him.

What's even weird is that the men will carry the woman's purse on top of his own bag, so he now has two purses on him. The men carry a shoulder bag because they wear fitted clothes which leaves no room for thier   cell phones, wallets and what not. This is also for security purposes as there are pick pockets everywhere, especially in the subway stations, so a secured bag keep thieves away. Infact many foreigners find themselves carrying men purses after coming here. 

Most times I just wonder, "Why carry a purse at all if you know it will be too heavy to carry?" Perhaps Chinese girls are yet to understand the importance of purses in the completion of a woman's outfit. 

Culture Shock 1: Spitting

Anyone who has ever been to China can agree with me when I say that one of the most unpleasant behavior of many locals here is the spitting. I mean, it is completely gross! No "civilized" human being spits in the subways (stations and trains), buses, classrooms, offices, hallways, streets and EVERYWHERE! I quoted civilized because the Chinese like to boast about having a LONG history with many thousands years of civilization. However, I don't see any sign of these in the people (more on this later).

Back to the subject, it's not just the spitting that grosses people (mostly foreigners) out, but it's the forceful expulsion of the mucous that completely grosses ME out. I mean, weren't they taught in Bio class that their system needs those mucous for the proper movement of materials in their body?
And then what annoys me the most is that they don't look around them for any passerby before spitting. So, you could get spit on while walking past someone. Fortunately I have never seen this happen, but I've come really close few times in the past. 

I remember walking across the bridge behind a man on a windy day, who then decided to spit over the bridge, only for the wind to blow the spit back in tiny mists on the faces of the unfortunate people behind him. Gosh I was ANGRY, I wanted to throw him and the rest of the spit inside him over the bridge! Just kidding, but indeed I was angry.


So what do I do to avoid being spit on?
I just simply say a quick prayer before I walk past a guy or I will tap him on the back to let him know I am about to walk past him so that he can hold his spit while I walk by.
Mind you, it's mostly the men who do this, along with many other gross and questionable behavior.And of course, the kids do it too. I always pause teaching a class whenever I catch a kid spit in my classroom, I make sure he cleans his spit before I can resume teaching the class.

I guess the only positive experience that has come out of this culture shock is the fact that I am more tolerant of gross habits, and I can even continue to eat while someone or millions of people are snorting and spitting all around me :)

On to the next chapter

As I  prepare for my exit from the factory of the world, the orient, China, or whatever name you want to call it. I will be launching a new series on culture shock. These blog series will also talk about some of the things I will definitely not miss about living in the country. And because I like being fair and not bias, I will also be posting on some of the things I will definitely miss about China. I purposely mentioned "some" because there are just too many things that I will miss about this country that I might be unaware of.

So, hope you enjoy the series.

The Chinese evolutionary explanation as to why we are Black

Few nights ago, as I was sitting at the bus stop, waiting for the bus; a curious Chinese man who noticed me sitting by myself came to take a seat next to me. He, like every other Chinese asked me the usual questions about my background, including my marital status and age. After "testing" my language skills, he then proceeded to a general discussion about life in China and if I like China and Chinese people? Like Duh, what else am I suppose to say? Then he said he especially likes the variety of seasons in china where its cold in the winter, wet in the spring, hot in the summer and breezy in the fall. I nodded in agreement. He then continued by saying "Unlike AFRICA where the only season is summer, and so this is why Africans are black, because they are exposed to too much sun! Simply Hilarious! I just laughed, and again, agreed with him!

I mean, what else am I suppose to say? If so called evolutionary scientists can claim that  human being evolved from Apes, then I guess a less educated Chinese man's explanation as to how black people are black is not so far fetched.

Now, since most Chinese share same/similar views and are exposed to the same quantity and quality of information about the outside world, I can only assume that every other Adult Chinese would have the same "evolutionary" explanation as to why I am black. Kids are exempted of course, a lot of them just think I didn't wash up after playing in the dirt!

Sunny Africa
*source* 

Apparently, based on a quick google search, this curious Chinese man is not the only one with the opinion! I wonder how they explain the skin color of North Africans or the hair texture of BLACK people.

Because there are too many lions and giraffes in Africa? haha!

What? Nigeria has city buses?

Few weeks ago, on a bus ride home from church with a friend, a bus driver who seemed to be going to work or coming from it took a seat next to us. After a long staring session, he decided to interrupt us so he could "get to know us". He first asked about our nationality, which we answered Nigerian. Immediately, his face lit up as he said "WOW! Nigeria is such a rich country!" I looked at him and thought huh? Then he went on to say that it is rich in oil, so it must be a rich country. I was surprised by his "knowledge" about Nigeria because many Chinese don't think much of Africa. And so I was even more impressed that he didn't have anything negative or ignorant to say about Nigeria or Africa.

*source* 

Anyway, we later carried on with our conversation, only to be interrupted again by the curious bus driver. This time, he asked, "Do they have public buses in Nigeria too?"  I answered, "YES! of course!. He was surprised and said "really? do they look like this one?"  Again, I answered YES! (but with a smile :) and went back to my conversation.

I was a bit confused by this man's set of questions because earlier he mentioned about Nigeria's main rich resource and now he's surprised they have nice and comfortable city buses to take people around town?

So it got me thinking, "was he surprised that Nigeria has city buses because he wouldn't expect anyone to take public transportation since they are all too rich to ride in a bus; and would rather drive their own private cars? Or was he surprised due to his preconception about Africa as a poor continent?
Whatever the case might be, I just look forward to the day when people would stop asking ignorant questions about Africa and may be go out there and see for themselves!.

China's Confusing Holiday Schedule

The upcoming May Day holiday has many workers and students in the country jumping for joy. It also has many foreigners like myself shake our their heads in confusion as we try to understand why we have to work on the weekend to make up for the holiday. I mean it is a holiday after all.

*source* 

It is not unusual to work 6-7days in the week leading up to a holiday to make up for holiday "lost" time. Sometimes the time is made up for the weekend before or after a holiday. Whatever the case is, it is the responsibility of the employer to inform its staff of any changes in the work schedule for that week well in advance. Sometimes employers will "forget" to inform their foreign staff and instead, choose to harass them with a phone call on the Saturday or Sunday they don't show up for work.

So, how does the holiday schedule work?
Alright, so say there's a 3-day holiday coming up, people would have to make up one or two days on the weekend. For example, this May holiday which is from Sunday (April 29th) to Tuesday (May 1st), required people to work on Saturday (April 28th) to make up for Monday's work. And what should have been the third day (Wednesday) is bumped up to Sunday. So really, this "3-day" holiday is ONLY one day!  Very confusing right?

It's Soo Cccold! On Heating Schedule in China

November 15th and March 15th are perhaps two significant dates in Beijing. This is because the heating system is turned on on November 15 and turned off on March 15. For some residents, the dates can be a few days earlier or later. The heating system for my apartment went on exactly on November 15th and  was turned off on Mach 18th! The reason for this central date is because the heating system in the country is powered with coal, an expensive and pollution generating resource.

In some buildings such as my apartment building and my old school, the heat is barely enough. So, I have to wear a full winter gear (jacket, hat, snow boots and sometimes gloves) while teaching. The students also keep their jackets on, on top of the multiple layers they already have on. And then when I get home, I have to keep these layers on and sometimes turn my electric heater on for added comfort.

Radiators, a common heating tool in the country.

People always ask me why I complain about the cold so much since it is much colder in Canada. I always answer them with two reasons. The first being that our buildings are well insulated, so the heat stays inside, keeping you warm and toasty while indoor. And the second being that we have clear blue skies with sunshine and it sometimes snow, keeping the air moist. Winter in Beijing can feel colder that it actually is because it doesn't snow or rain much, and the skies are heavily polluted with smog, which often blocks any sunshine we could be getting. And so because of this, I am always cold, both indoor and outdoor.

Picture on the right is a typical day in the city.

Although in some apartments and buildings, the heat is turned on too high that the space feels like a sauna, so people have to open the door or window to let some heat out. Since buildings are centrally heated, many apartments don't have thermostats which allows you to control the temperature in the apartment. So while some residents have to bundle up to stay warm, others can pretend like it's summer as they lounge in their t-shirts and shorts!

So to keep warm, I will often wear up to 3layers, sleep with 2 blankets and a heating disc. Or I will drink a warm cup of tea for a temporary relief.

Now that the heat has been turned off, we all can't wait until the weather starts to warm up! But in the meantime, residents can resort to creative ways to keep warm. These includes sitting on heated pads, sleeping in electric blankets, heated mattress pads and discs, drinking hot soups and tea, wearing multiple layers even when indoor, doing jumping jacks every once in a while and for many locals, taking a shower only once or twice in a week! Yikes!

And if you have the extra cash, just turn on the "heat" function of your AC to warm up the place up!

Why I Hate Shopping in China

Some blog posts ago, I blogged about how I get some hard to find or heavy items in the easiest and most convenient way possible. I also mentioned I will be posting on why I hate shopping in the PRC (People's Republic of China). So here it goes.

1. Things are EXPENSIVE. Yes, capitalized and bolded. The assumption abroad is that "everything is cheap" in China because everything is "Made in China". But the reality is, if it's made in China by a Foreign company, it is automatically considered "luxury" goods, which is then heavily taxed. Although, you can get locally made knock out version of these items for a fraction of the real item's price but do not expect the item to last long.

$627CAD iPhone

2. Everything is in Chinese. You will be lucky to find a China-made product with English on it. I can't even remember how many times I've picked up the wrong products thinking they were something else. Now, I try to seek out the few products with some English on it or simply order the specific item online with the help of a translator.

There is a Chinese brand Oreo as well, so you have to look really closely to make sure you pick up the right one

3. Food Safety is very low. Due to the demand to meet the needs of such large population, coupled with corruption, this means many products often go unchecked. Some food companies have been caught selling expired products, tainted baby foods, glow in the dark porks, exploding watermelons, as well as foods mixed with inks, hormones, dyes, wax, bleaches and other crap! So because of this, I often opt for the more expensive imported food items when I can. I buy imported Milk exclusively and I wish I could buy imported Chicken too because I have been noticing a taste difference in the Chicken I've been buying as of late. 

Explosive melons anyone?

How about expired milk?

4. It can be hard to find stuff. I have been shopping online more often lately, to save myself the headache of trying to find items such as women's hair removal cream in stores. And when you do find these hard to find items in stores, you might not be given a choice.