Culture: Pajamas and Spitting – The Little Things In China

by maltzajava on March 14, 2009

While I was taking a stroll around Shanghai, I started to recall all of the little things (for lack of a better word) about China that really amuse me. I came up with a short post about four aspects of daily life in China:

Night Time Walks in Pajamas

Every night I see a few people shopping or eating in their pajamas. My colleague is especially amused by this, and wants us all to wear pajamas one night when we go out (though is concerned it might be offensive…). There is something deeper that can be said – especially when comparing Singapore to China – which is an effectiveness/efficiency over status in China (opposite in Singapore).

The Cleaning Ladies

The uniforms, and the fact that they will sweep the floor when you are standing in front of the broom.

Spitting

This has been written about a lot, so I will be brief. The spitting can be really gross, especially after living in Singapore where it is a crime to do so in public (you will be fined).

Little Kids’ Toilets

Little kids go to the bathroom whenever and wherever they please. Their pants usually have a slit to make it more convenient.

The Greetings

I love how everyone is so friendly! They always greet you in a way that somehow seems less superficial than in the US.

I am sure I will think of more. For now, just glad to be back in the Middle Kingdom.

Related Posts

Comments on this entry are closed.

Previous post:

Next post: