You guessed it...

more randoms:

1. I am yet to see a Chinese person use a Kleenex to blow their nose. I have talked about how people do snot rockets while they walk along the sidewalks, but yesterday I came across a woman blowing her nose into her hands. She was in the bathroom with the water running. She would blow, blow, blow and then put her hands under the water. Note to self: touch nothing.

2. Chinese hold things differently than Americans. Chopsticks aren't maneuvered with the pointer finger. Ping pong paddles are held underhand.

3. It is rare to see ice in drinks. From what I have been told, Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM, believes that because the body is warm, we should put warm things in it. We get sick if we try to cool our insides down- hence the mass consumption of tea.

When I try to go out to eat with my Chinese friends and order fruit juice or water with ice, I am often told, "No, no. That is no good for you. You need warm. Here- have some tea." And so I concede. It is just easier that way.

There are some restaurants that will give you a glass of ice but they are mostly Western. Just something to keep in mind when you come visit me!!

4. There are also foods which are considered "warm" or "cold" foods. I found this out while eating dinner with a colleague. I offered him some of my vegetable but he said it was not good for males. When I asked him why, he said men are like the sun- women, the moon.

Because the sun is hot men should eat foods with "warm" elements to increase their masculinity. Women should eat "cool" foods to increase femininity. Me? I just like to eat it all, so what does that make me?

5. Some races have genes which impact their ability to consume alcohol. Several of my Chinese friends fall in to this category, and yes, it is scientifically proven.

According to the BBC, as many as 50% of Chinese lack the gene to metabolize beer and hard liquor. This means, after consuming just one drink, they are completely drunk. It is very weird to witness. They become really flushed, dizzy and even nauseous.

That means when they see me drink, they are amazed. I always get asked, how many of those can you have? WOW! is always the answer. At least I am admired for something! Mom would be so proud.

6. Weight issues. They are universal. Chinese women, yes- tiny, tiny Chinese women worry about their weight just like the rest of us. Stores sell weight loss pills and potions. I often see women grabbing non-existent love handles or poking their bellies. WTF?! These women are the most petite, skinny little things I have ever seen. If I sat on one, she would get lost for who knows how long.

7. I get my first American visitor in one week. I am excited and nervous and even more excited. Not only will it be nice to see a familiar face, but it will be great to hug him. Living on my own and being around new friends, you really miss out on human contact. Besides shaking hand's, I could go a week or more without touching anyone. I know this sounds odd, but it is an odd feeling. Of all the things I thought I would miss, touch wasn't one of them.

8. My new apartment overlooks a track and field of an elementary school. Every morning at 9:30 the entire school goes outside, forms lines and conducts a choreographed dance to nationalist music. I plan on taping it for you all to see soon.

My friend said she saw the same phenomenon, however, the entire school was dancing/ doing their exercises to a Britney Spears song. I would have paid money to see that.