Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Happy!
I feel so happy to go to a land that we forget was not open to the world not that long ago. To visit China, one had to be part of a group tour organized by China International Travel Service, the state tourism agency! I remember as a kid, that land was far away and unknown and very "foreign". I remember reading about the colonial era of the 1920 and 1930, the European concessions and so on. Now I get to see it myself with my own eyes! I am happy to go to China with a group of people, who like myself , love nature, plants and flowers; and to visit those gardens that we kept reading, and learning about. We studied the symbolism and significance, now we will see and experience .... not an image anymore, not a dream but reality.
Etiquette
I researched proper social etiquette to display while traveling in China. Here are a few helpful tips:
1. When sightseeing, be sure to ask permission before taking photographs of people or the inside of a temple.
2. Large hand movements should be avoided. Besides, never point while speaking to anyone. If it is necessary, use an open palm to do so.
3. Punctuality is very important. Make it a point to arrive on time or early if you are the guest. Also remember not to start eating or drinking before the host initiates the proceedings.
4. In China people normally greet each other by bowing or nodding. For a handshake, always wait for the other person to offer his/her hand first.
5. Never drop the chopsticks during the meal as it is considered to a bad omen.
6. This may sound silly but social behavior in China is highly ethical, so it is not acceptable that any people take towels, ashtrays and so on from hotels, trains or other places as souvenirs.
1. When sightseeing, be sure to ask permission before taking photographs of people or the inside of a temple.
2. Large hand movements should be avoided. Besides, never point while speaking to anyone. If it is necessary, use an open palm to do so.
3. Punctuality is very important. Make it a point to arrive on time or early if you are the guest. Also remember not to start eating or drinking before the host initiates the proceedings.
4. In China people normally greet each other by bowing or nodding. For a handshake, always wait for the other person to offer his/her hand first.
5. Never drop the chopsticks during the meal as it is considered to a bad omen.
6. This may sound silly but social behavior in China is highly ethical, so it is not acceptable that any people take towels, ashtrays and so on from hotels, trains or other places as souvenirs.
Three Days Left!
What I am most excited about is being in a place I have never been to. I can't wait to try the food, see the history, and learn more about the culture. I am excited to see Jade Buddha, a silk factory and buying fabric! The West Garden looks amazing as well. Pictures never do a place justice and I can't wait to get there!
I am also apprehensive when it comes to the language. However, not knowing the language is part of the adventure of the trip and often makes the place more memorable.
I am also apprehensive when it comes to the language. However, not knowing the language is part of the adventure of the trip and often makes the place more memorable.
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