If the second child is a son, the parents might change their tune. Full Comment>>

because there were only 7 of them. Full Comment>>

did anyone think to advise the Chinese of the same etiquette when visiting a Buddhist temple? Or is it one set of rules for the Chinese, and another for foreigners? Full Comment>>

if you are in communication with your school at all about anything, be clear, use short sentences and always also communicate by email. Be wary in your dealings until the person has proven to be reliable and trustworthy: believing someone saying "you can trust me" is a basic thing to avoid. Don't be put ... Full Comment>>

any time i have asked a Chinese person 'do you understand?', they always say 'Yes, yes, yes'. So if i want to check their understating, i ask them to repeat in their own words what i have just said Full Comment>>

First of all good luck with your adventure, because that is what living and working in China is, with both positive and negative experiences. The fact that you have probably already traveled independently before arriving in China is good experience to have a degree of self-reliance that you will need. Yes, it will ... Full Comment>>

I can understand the challenge of finding like-minded friends in Beijing, especially if you don't conform to the expected norm of an expat. Finding you groove can be challenging. My first contract was in Beijing and like yourself a Monday and Tuesday off. I spent the time visiting tourist sights, which are a lot ... Full Comment>>

I would not say 'culture shock' as much as 'cultural adjustment'. While there are many differences, I just accept what they are Full Comment>>

I suggest you connect with Hadley. Full Comment>>

LOL. you thought i was serious ??? Full Comment>>

all is harmonious in HK. it is only the foreign troublemakers causing any problems - as usual. Full Comment>>

both people come off as superficial childish asses. They will probably end up marrying each other ;o) Full Comment>>

like the Emperors New Clothes, no one would probably be honest about their taste. As regards the alleged 'health' benefits, there are many more cheap foods with the same, if not better nutritional value. As with many things in China, i suspect they are all about 'face' Full Comment>>

thanks 'gailored'. Keeping it classy as usual with your anonymous comments. LOL Full Comment>>

I would not want to be on the receiving end of a blood transfusion from a forced donor. Once force enters into the donor equation, who knows WHERE it came from? Full Comment>>

It must depend on the city. When I have bought train tickets in Beijing, Tianjin, Gunagzhou and other Tier 1 cities I have always been asked for ID. The ID number is printed on the ticket and both have been checked on entrance to the station and again prior to boarding. Full Comment>>

For most foreigners their passport is the only form of ID we have. ID is required for trains, hotels and some museums. In some provinces, also for buses Full Comment>>

Is inappropriate prescribing of medication also included in these numbers? Full Comment>>

Such sensitive flowers should put as much effort into customer service as they do to pursuing dissatisfied customers. Full Comment>>

there is exercise equipment in a Beijing park that invites you to 'violate' yourself on it in numerous ways. Full Comment>>

BAD foreigner. BAAAAAD foreigner. We will all have to leave China now. It is well known that all foreigners want to do this because we are all bad people who have no self-control, and are deluded that we are GODS who should be obeyed. Of course Chinese people are paragons of behaviour and are being corrupted by our ... Full Comment>>

So a government backed IT company has cracked the source code for Windows and Apple products and are ready to release 'new' software OS's. I am waiting to see the similarities on their release. Full Comment>>

Just like not asking why someone is in China (through divorce, bereavement, break-up, adventure, work opportunity, business etc.), i would never ask someone why they don't drink (recovering alcoholic, medical reason, personal choice etc.). I would accept if they say "no thanks" to alcohol and move on. By ... Full Comment>>

I would agree. I know many foreigners in China don't drink and HATE being pressured. It is bad manners at home put a guest under such pressure, especially when they have said particularly that they don't. Who is to know the reason why they don't AND it is not anyone's business. Full Comment>>

Why do mainly Chinese people assume families outside of China don't eat together? Any family at home i know all dine together at least once a day as they are important times for the family. No business meeting i have attended has ever taken place in a bar or restaurant as it is unprofessional to mix business with ... Full Comment>>