Two Months in China
An American’s quick word on cultural differences in food, drink and life.
In four days I will have been living and working in Beijing for two months. These are my initial thoughts and ramblings on cultural differences, that I think are more unique that what you’ll find on TripAdvisor or some other blog. Please forgive me for my crass generalization of cultures. I know it is not this simple, but for the sake of jotting down my words I have summarized my cultural digestion into three parts; food, drink and life.
FOOD — Eating on a budget in China is easier than the United States. My first hint at this was when I found out my roommate doesn’t cook food. Like, literally does not cook food. Ever. As I am not yet making my 6 figure income, I was prepared to bring my own lunch to work every day and eat all other meals at home, assuming that meals are cheaper when you make them yourself. With great happiness I realized this was not the case; as I purchased a delicious egg, shallot, cilantro, spicy, crispy “sandwich thing” (AKA Jian Bing — see above) for $1. One dollar!! This is so much better than the daily Starbucks drink for $5. However, as I have learned, not all cheap food is prepared to the standard of an American stomach. If it smells funky, don’t eat it. Don’t try to be nice, or brave, or whatever…don’t eat it. Just because the locals can, does NOT mean you will be able to (unless you want to spend a few days on the porcelain throne). But overall, the great thing about living here is that during the week you can mix a few home made meals with a few expensive nights out and while still saving money!
DRINK — This cultural difference has been hard to get used to. I am constantly thirsty in Beijing — like, I’m always in search of my next beverage. To my dismay, I have found it is rare to have a drink with every meal. I will never again take for granted the free cup of ice cold water that you get in the U.S. It could be the thing I miss most about home! Usually, the only free drink you can expect to get in China is a shot glass worth of hot water. And if you want beer, be sure to learn the phrase “bing de pi jiu” — as in iced beer. Unless you like your beer lukewarm — does anyone?? Lastly, don’t be surprised if you’re delivered beer with ice cubes, wine with ice cubes, OR wine mixed with sprite (I think I just heard the entire state of California gasp).
LIFE — The hustle of Beijing streets will surprise you; its a “cluster-fuck” of pedi-cabs, bicycles, mopeds, cars, AND busses sharing the road. But you will get used to it. However if I had to pick one cultural difference that I really laugh at on the daily, it has to be selfies.
If you thing Americans use their cell phones too much, you have not had dinner with a group of young Chinese. There seems to be no concern over putting your nose into your phone when you’re out with friends. But most importantly to the story, there is no shame in taking selfies (as a female).
In the U.S. most people take selfies covertly; either in secret or by sneaking one in while pretending to look at their phone. In China, girls freely snap the “duck face” “sexy look” or “emo kid” selfie all day long, no mater the occasion. For example, on my 5 minute walk to work this morning I witnessed a girl with her arm outstretched like a selfie stick taking pics — the entire walk. This one really tickles me, and because of the daily chuckles it has to be my favorite cultural difference.
