How I Have Become More Chinese

I thought I'd take a break writing about my travels over the last month and tell you how I have become more Chinese.

- One of the first things you notice once you go to a restaurant here is that they only serve hot water. Cold water is only available from water bottles. I prefer my water colder when I'm working out, but I definitely enjoy my hot water as well.

- When and where you would expect lines to be formed (train stations, ticket offices, waiting for the treadmills at the gym to open up, etc.) they are not. Instead, there is a tumorous lump of people surrounding the front. Admittingly, I have pushed my way to the front on a few occasions. Once, when we were putting our luggage through security, this woman who was behind me tried to push her way ahead to get her luggage as it was coming out. Having full knowledge that I put my luggage on the conveyor belt before she did, I firmly stuck my elbow and arm out in front of her.

- I absolutely adore getting drunk and doing karaoke...but I did that in the states so that doesn't really count.

- In the States I almost never drank tea. Now I drink at least four cups of day. It's great and has several wonderful health benefits!

- One thing I really do like about China over America is that Chinese men love offering cigarettes to friends and acquaintances. When I have been on nic kicks here I have offered cigarettes to a lot of different people-primarily taxi cab drivers.

This will be an ongoing list...