Initial Differences Between China and the US
It’s always strange to return from a foreign country, because, on one hand, it feels like you never left. Everything you did on the other side of the world never happened, and the only reminder you have that you went anywhere is that shelf full of useless souvenirs. But I have been away for a long time, and there are many things about life here that are definitely different from life in China.
Immediately out of the airport, I noticed how much cleaner and quieter the US (or at least Utah) is. That could be because Utah isn’t “big city” like China, but then cars also honk less frequently, and people don’t yell at each other to have a normal conversation. You could have the same number of people in Changzhou’s Walmart or Provo, Utah’s Walmart, and the Changzhou Walmart will always be louder.
What I’m most relieved to get away from, however, is the smoking. I cannot stress enough how physically ill second-hand smoke makes me. Granted, this is a constant battle in the US, too, but at least there are laws to help protect non-smokers. I haven’t had to smell that crap once since I got back. Still, I’m not used to being in a smoke-free restaurant. I keep expecting the guys sitting next to me to start smoking at any second. I hear a “click” and automatically cringe, because it reminds me of the constant clicking of lighters I heard all the time in China.
The weather also feels a lot warmer here, which, at a glance, probably doesn’t make sense. Americans are much better about keeping their buildings heated, though, because we use this crazy technology called insulation, and we don’t open the damn windows during the winter! In China, I had to wear two pairs of pants, a beanie, a jacket, and a coat at all times to stay warm, and that’s suggesting that I actually stayed warm. I didn’t. I was always cold, even in my own apartment. Home again, although there’s snow outside, I’ve been able to shed a layer, because it’s easier to escape the cold.
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Responses to “Initial Differences Between China and the US”
Comments RSS Feed – All CommentsChinamatt — 1 February 2010 @ 10:22 pm
Amusing. Unfortunately, I live in an overpriced tenement in the US that doesn’t have insulation…and people in my city drive about as bad as in China (though with less honking).
cr7cr8 — 2 February 2010 @ 4:29 am
All modern retards’ lives are essential same regardless of your race and location.
What is a modern retard ?
Well Educated, mature, responsible.
How is his life ?
Tried many jobs but none of them works or works well, living with parents or in a low-renting house. Lots of downloaded movies or TV shows, video games, and takeaways (in western countries), or cheap restaurants (in eastern countries). May have a girl friend but definitely not married .
Clark — 2 February 2010 @ 10:35 am
Say what?
Comment: