10 Little China Lessons

Well I've been here for 6 short weeks but I feel I've already learned some valuable China lessons and bits of advice.... I thought I'd share.

1. Even if a menu is in English, do not assume that the servers know any English at all. At all. And that while you think you ordered some hot noodle soup, you actually ordered cold spicy cucumber. 

2. Figuring out how to put money on the electricity card is one step. Go to the bank, find the machine, great. There is, however, a second step of actually putting the filled card into your electricity meter. Don't forget that step until it's too late and you are in darkness, confused, fumbling, and terrified. 

3. Sweet potato chips from the street vendor are definitely a complete well rounded meal. Or at least should be.

4. If you set up taobao wrong, you are screwed. (ah someone help me fix it!! seriously folks. i need help)

5. When you come home during lunch and your entire kitchen is in disarray because of a leak, your sink is in your shower and your pots and pans are on your couch, just pick your bag right back up and head to the nearest coffee shop. Somehow it will all get sorted by the evening.

6. If your landlady brings her old man adorable super Chinese father over while she fixes something, hang out with him on the couch and watch basketball. He will smile and grunt happiness. And your heart will melt inside.

7. Bills don't come in anything higher than 100 rmb (that's 15 dollars!) Be prepared for giant wads of cash.  It's ok to feel like a baller. 

8. When you buy a stolen used bike, just remember in karma. It will be stolen from you. So get over it and buy another. And another.

9. The grey sky does not mean rain is coming. It is merely just some lovely pollution covering. You don't need an umbrella, just a mask.

10. If all else fails, remember that there are ups and downs, after a bad China day there will be a good China day. Know that whatever is annoying you will pass soon, that the overcrowded train will empty out at the next stop, that the vegetable man will remember exactly what you bought last week, that your friends near and far will support you when you get locked out of your apartment, that you can still exercise inside when the AQI is over 300, that when the snack you thought was chocolate flavored was actually shrimp flavored, you only wasted a dollar. There is so much to learn and so much to appreciate in this place. I can't wait to see what happens next.