seekingmygreaterperhaps

On my last night in China, I thought it would be nice to let you peek into my reactions about my experience here in the land where pandas roam and noodles and dumplings are had. I’ve been in China for about 1 month, so I cannot say with certainty that any of these are true of the culture as a whole. Just keep in mind, my experience is singular. There are awesome parts of China, just like there are bad parts too, as with any country. So here’s my list of 10 things I’ve learned:

1. China has fantastic scenery.
Whether it’s the mountains in Zhangjiajie, palaces in Beijing, or giant Buddhas in Leshan, China has a lot of offer. I have yet to be disappointed in sightseeing here, as there are so many things to see. China is OLD man, so there is a lot of history to soak in. I’ve only seen a few cities too, and every stop I learn about more things I could see. It appears that China never runs out of exciting new things to offer.

2. Air pollution is real and everyone smokes. 
When a population has to buy masks to wear when walking outside, I think it’s time to take a look at that whole air pollution thing. My allergies have been killer while I’m here, and I look like Frankenstein went on a bender because my eyes have absorbed all the smoke. And people smoke everywhere. Inside restaurants, cabs, hostels, everywhere- so you never really get a break.

3. China tries hard to make things pretty.
In every pocket of space where there could be something planted, there normally is. I wonder who takes care of it, but that’s job creation right? It makes being in dirty cities a little bit better. In Chengdu especially I have seen lots of workers sweeping cigarette butts off the street and making it all clean, which I appreciate. It’s quite lovely to walk through trees and flowers too.

4. Chinese people are gross… sorry, not sorry. 
If you’ve never been to China, let me explain this statement. It is perfectly acceptable to hock a big loogey and spit it out. On the street. On trains. Out the window of a bus. Inside restaurants. It’s not a subtle thing either- people are upfront about it. Everytime I hear it I squirm a little, or physically convulse is more accurate. Additionally, Chinese people do not cover their mouth or nose when they cough or sneeze. I’ve had plenty of people sneeze near my food before, which upsets me. Also, I don’t want to be walking through your sneeze cloud in public. Parents, teach your children to cover their mouths when they cough. No wonder 80% of the population has Hep B.

5. I am more aware of my toilet paper usage when I have to unravel the amount I need in public. 
It is a luxury in China if the bathroom has toilet paper. Also, bathrooms are not sanitary here… because squatty potty. I am embarassed, but I will admit that I have not mastered the squat and ALWAYS manage to get pee somewhere outside of the hole. Whether that is on the floor beyond it (most times) or my shoe (one time), it never quite goes where it’s supposed to. That would be fine, except for there is never soap in the bathroom. So you just wash your hands with water. I suggest bringing hand santizer, as well as your own TP.

6. I could never be a celebrity.
The staring bothers me. That part is pretty clear. It’s not nice staring, and no one smiles when you catch them… they just keep staring. Sometimes it’s a scowl too, like I’m disturbing them by being different. People, I know you’ve seen Taylor Swift. She’s tall, blonde, and blue eyed too. Yahoo search her and move on. Also, I see no point in strangers taking pictures of me or with me. What are you doing with those pictures? Why is this so exciting for you? Are you making fun of me, like how people take pictures of the weirdos in WalMart? The worst part is that is never lets up. It happens all the time, everywhere you go. I was trying to buy batteries and someone came up and said, “Hello, hello, you tall.” Yes sir, I am buying batteries, thank you for that astute observation, you don’t need to stare at me.

7. I can’t handle the lack of manners.
I have misophonia (Google it, it’s real), which is when the sound of people’s eating sounds makes you want to crawl out of your skin. If there is background noise it’s not as bad. In China, everyone slurps and chews their food with their mouth wide open. Everyone, all the time. On the trains is the worst, because I was stuck with people chewing and couldn’t leave. My school mates knew I couldn’t sit next to our Chinese guides because it was painful for me to eat near them. So that part isn’t the best. Additionally, Chinese people shove all the time. They don’t believe in lines, but rather just push the hardest to get to the front of the window. It’s all about numero uno in China.

8. Chinese people are actually really skilled drivers.
The traffic in China is unreal. The rules of the road are that there are no rules. The yellow line separating oncoming traffic from the opposite direction is also flexible. Pedestrians do not have the right of way, even when the walk sign is green. Bikes and motorcycles get the free for all pass. So yes, while driving in China is utter madness, people have to drive without rules because literally everyone drives without rules. I’m amazed more people don’t get into accidents. But drivers have to anticipate other people not following the rules, so they are quick and sharp when it comes to driving.

9. Oppressed people will exert power when they are handed authority. 
I’ve been given the white girl price plenty of times, taxi drivers have gone out of the way (or stopped to get their gas filled, and charge me for the time), people have skimped on change, and air conditioning has been withheld in a subconscious exertion of power. It angers me, but I totally get it. People in this country are oppressed at times. The government controls most things, and it’s hard for individuals to gain control over things in their life. So they flex those power mucles a little bit towards me when they can. I think this is probably true in most societies, but I’ve felt it firsthand here.

10. About a billion people still call this home.
As much as I complain because things are different than what I’m used to, a billion people still call this country home. Chinese people take incredible pride in their country and their hometowns. This is the place they turn when they are sick and seeking out their parent’s comfort. This is place where all their childhood memories are rooted. This is the place where thousands of families are raised. This is the place where laughter is shared. As weird as some of the food has been, as uncomfortable as I have been on public transportation, and as much of an outsider as I have felt, this is still a pretty incredible country.

I am thankful for my journey here, but most notably, I am thankful for the people I have met. Every single Chinese person that has taken the time to talk to me has been a wonderful human being. Today, one of the women who works at my hostel accompanied to the mall so I could find a shirt, and then bought me a milk tea. She didn’t have to do that, but she is kind. Summer, who still WeChats me, fed me multiple times and always smiled at me. The kids at her daycare brought me their English books so I could read with them. There have been just as many kind people as there have been deliberately rude people. It’s important for me to remember those beautiful souls as the trademark of China, rather than the reverse, and I hope that is the message you leave with.

China, you have challenged me and given me (another) experience of a lifetime. But America, I am ready to come home.