Some interesting cultural differences...

In China it is impolite to blow your nose in public, but it is perfectly acceptable for all men to hack up phlegm and spit it on the floor wherever you are. Except in the hotel:

They also don't say anything when someone sneezes. It is as if it never even happened....

The toilets are very different:

And you aren't supposed to put toilet paper in them. I didn't realize this at first and probably clogged up the system at one of the factories. I thought the stuffed trash can in the corner was there for people who were blowing their noses out of sight.

Oh, and they put the napkin under the plate and it hangs onto your lap (instead of directly on the lap) to prevent food from falling onto the floor. Which is a very probable incident for me using chopsticks. I am the sole reason they had to wash the table linens at multiple restaurants :)

Have to run to lunch. More soon....

Items from the Breakfast Buffet in China

Steamed Chicken Claw
Baked Beans
Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
Corn on the Cob
Turnip and Rice Flour Cake with Pork
:)

Music

I am one of those people who forgets to play music. I can forget for months at a time. The longer it lasts, the more introspective I get, and we all know that never leads to anywhere good. I do not want Andy to have the same tendency, so I try to remember to put on some tunes when we are hanging out at home together.


Tonight, I downloaded my first children's album from itunes to play for Andy. It is an album called 'You are My Little Bird' by Elizabeth Mitchell.


They should play this album in prisons, nursing homes, and on battle fields. Although a few people may throw up from the intense cuteness, this album is a reminder of all that is good in the world.