9 Things Chinese Do

Chinese don’t sit, they squat. I guess there are more people than seats in China, so folks got used to squatting anywhere: in the street, in the subway, in restaurants…

Chinese mastered eating take-out cup noodles while walking. I truly admire this skill, considering noodles are often oily and very hot. How? How do they do it?

Chinese women don’t shut the bathroom door. Seriously, why don’t they? I’m getting tired of walking past people doing their business the door wide open, smiling and nodding as I’m looking for a free stall!

Chinese always seem to carry tissues with them. They use them to clean their chopsticks, their hands, and as toilet paper as it is rarely supplied.

Chinese women carry umbrellas even when it doesn’t rain, to protect their skin from the sun. They also like to blind tall Westerners like me with their umbrellas.

Chinese love meat. There is a popular franchise here (think Tim Hortons popular) called Zhou Hei Ya that sells smoked duck meat: feet, neck, etc. When we flew from Wuhan to Shanghai, two passengers beside us where busy trading a duck foot for a neck. It was a very serious matter too.

Chinese are crazy about certain foods. The other night, in Shanghai, there was a mini fight over some kind of Moon Cake. I don’t even understand why, since they can be found anywhere!

Chinese speak loudly. I can see why, though, I find myself shouting as well: the streets are crowded and well, other people are noisy. When they speak on the phone, I can hear the entire conversation.

Chinese can apparently nap anywhere, anytime. I see people passed out in their cars, on benches, etc. I envy them. I wish they would write the secret recipe, I could use it for Mark!