I'm slowly realizing some myths and facts about China (well, probably more about Beijing).
Myth: No one knows how to line-up in China.
Fact: Ever since Beijing had to prepare for the Olympics and facing an international community, the government created days focused on teaching citizens how to line-up. So far, many of my Chinese comrades line up very properly. But when they don't, they're usually scoffed at by other Chinese people. Also, beware of old ladies because they are really the ones notorious for cutting (like last night I was cut-off by two old Chinese women in the bathroom line at the Opera).
Myth: People in Beijing/China spit a lot.
Fact: OK, ok, so these Chinese really do spit a lot. Despite having gotten someone's spit on the back of one of my shirts during my 2+ weeks here, I have to admit that the spitting situation is MUCH better than it was when I was last here four years ago. Again, thank the Olympic-preparation for this. Sure, you still see people spitting on the streets and while driving in their car, but at least now they're watching where they spit and not aiming for distant ground.
Myth: Chinese KFC has chicken that are unhealthy because they're genetically mutated to have THREE legs. (I heard this in Taiwan, obviously).
Fact: Um, I don't know about that. But KFC's really popular in Beijing, I've seen more KFCs than McDonald's. Frankly, KFC looks REALLY appealing because they've got french fries and shrimp-based entrées.
Myth: China's really dirty and polluted.
Fact: That's true and not true at the same time. I do see a thin layer of smog every morning and when I'm in the heart of the city, and my skin has never been worse. Never. However, China's much cleaner than it used to be. The streets are not so filthy and if you venture to Tiananmen Square and around those parts, you'll definitely see lots of clean areas....
Myth: Beijing's so under-developed.
Fact: I may have actually said that statement before, and that's only because the last time I was here, it really was under-developed! That's hardly the case now. Those old hu tongs have been taken down (sadly) and new, huge, shiny buildings and sky scrappers take their places. Like anyone should know, China's got a growing middle class now, so that means more businesses, a lot of cars, a lot of new industries that are up-and-coming. Being in the first/second rings of Beijing is almost like being in NYC's wall street or mid-town. Really!
Ta da! Back to Chinese homework.
Myth: No one knows how to line-up in China.
Fact: Ever since Beijing had to prepare for the Olympics and facing an international community, the government created days focused on teaching citizens how to line-up. So far, many of my Chinese comrades line up very properly. But when they don't, they're usually scoffed at by other Chinese people. Also, beware of old ladies because they are really the ones notorious for cutting (like last night I was cut-off by two old Chinese women in the bathroom line at the Opera).
Myth: People in Beijing/China spit a lot.
Fact: OK, ok, so these Chinese really do spit a lot. Despite having gotten someone's spit on the back of one of my shirts during my 2+ weeks here, I have to admit that the spitting situation is MUCH better than it was when I was last here four years ago. Again, thank the Olympic-preparation for this. Sure, you still see people spitting on the streets and while driving in their car, but at least now they're watching where they spit and not aiming for distant ground.
Myth: Chinese KFC has chicken that are unhealthy because they're genetically mutated to have THREE legs. (I heard this in Taiwan, obviously).
Fact: Um, I don't know about that. But KFC's really popular in Beijing, I've seen more KFCs than McDonald's. Frankly, KFC looks REALLY appealing because they've got french fries and shrimp-based entrées.
Myth: China's really dirty and polluted.
Fact: That's true and not true at the same time. I do see a thin layer of smog every morning and when I'm in the heart of the city, and my skin has never been worse. Never. However, China's much cleaner than it used to be. The streets are not so filthy and if you venture to Tiananmen Square and around those parts, you'll definitely see lots of clean areas....
Myth: Beijing's so under-developed.
Fact: I may have actually said that statement before, and that's only because the last time I was here, it really was under-developed! That's hardly the case now. Those old hu tongs have been taken down (sadly) and new, huge, shiny buildings and sky scrappers take their places. Like anyone should know, China's got a growing middle class now, so that means more businesses, a lot of cars, a lot of new industries that are up-and-coming. Being in the first/second rings of Beijing is almost like being in NYC's wall street or mid-town. Really!
Ta da! Back to Chinese homework.
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