We leave our hotel in less than 24 hours so I thought I would post some thoughts on the Chinese culture. We had another good day with some more progress :)
They have a saying in Guangzhou that goes something like this...the only thing that flies that we don't eat is a plane and the only thing with four legs that we don't eat is a desk. They eat every animal and every part of every animal. It is entertaining to just read the menu.
There are three types of reactions that you get after you eat here. I will list them here in order from good to bad
1.) a dull stomach ache
2.) a mild case of the runs
3.) your day starts with going to front desk asking for more toilet paper
We all have lost some weight and are dreaming of our first American meal.
The Chinese people are very hardworking. Every single person we have interacted with here has been very courteous and hard working. I believe China will continue in their rise as a world power. At McDonald's I attempted to throw away my own trash and our guide said I would take away somebody's job. The have a work force willing to do anything.
Our entire group we traveled with had assumptions about what it would be like here and we were all wrong. They appear to be very open to talk about anything including religion and politics. The daily paper has critiques of the government and its citizens. There continue to be a lot of public works projects starting up to make the country a better place. There is continued talk about opening up and progressing more.
This is a very serious culture. You don't see people acting in a loud and gregarious manner(opposite of the VanOtterloos). The only time I have heard a group burst out in laughing is when I run by a group in my short red running shorts.
They love to imitate American culture. From Christmas, weddings, TV and lots of other stuff.
The have an interesting retirement plan. Women retire by 50 and men by 55. They then hang out in parks everyday singing, dancing, playing hacky sack and other games. It is a cool picture of community. I have included some videos
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7 comments:
You're coming home!!!! YEAH! I know Henry will be thrilled. I love the picture of her leaning out to see you and grinning. She is beautiful. I love that she's so attached to Shelley - that's great news. Good attachment happens one person at a time.
I laughed out loud at the thought of you in your red running shorts in China. I would have loved to see video of people reactions to that.
See you soon - very soon!
I've seen you in those shorts and I don't remember them being that funny - you must have been going too slow :)
We pray for your safe return and a happy reunion with Henry.
I love the leaning and grinning pic, too. What a picture of JOY! I am so excited to see you guys, to hug you and to celebrate God's answer to prayers. That He fought for you the whole way. We miss you, and the joy that bringing Layla into our community will bring could not come at a better time. God is faithful, and we can remember that each time we look at her.
I bet those people are going to talk about seeing the crazy American in those shorts for years -- you are going to be a Chinese urban legend.
As Lia and I were reading today's post we commented that it has seemed like forever that you have been away. I am sure you are excited to be home soon, can't wait to talk to you after everything settles down. Your journey has been so full already, it is wild to realize that it has really just barely begun.
Oh yea, thanks for the shout-out.
Cracking up! My husband got the same reaction in his running shorts! The school kids also got a good chuckle at my boys' expense! It was a great lesson on being different from the masses! So happy to hear you'll be coming home soon! Blessings!
It just occurred to me that you'll celebrate the New Year 12 hours before us so.... Happy New Year to your growing family!!!!
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