What grinds my gears

This is sort of a two post day.  I'm sitting in a Beijing Hotel, waiting for the appropriate time to move around without bothering my roommate...Why does being in a new place make you a light sleeper...I mean, yeah, I was in bed by 11 last night because I've had a long, work out filled work week...but 6:45 on a Saturday morning is ungodly! 

I digress...I wanted to share major pet peeves I have while adjusting to life in China...and there aren't that many.  Before I say this, I will promise to support any negative comments with a positive so that I don't seem to be....complaining about cultural differences...though I am.

1. When I say something in English to a Chinese customer service person, but they don't understand the phrase, they repeat the last thing they said to me, or completely change the subject instead of address the question I've asked.  This has happened to me in banks, cell phone stores, and, most recently, with my Chinese tutor.  I asked, how old are you (which is not a rude question here...more on that later), and he, not hearing/understanding says:  yes, I've been working for four years.  The response is never immediate; there is always a moment when they are thinking about what you said, and trying to decipher it...yet, they never ask what you said.  They understand that you require some sort of response and anything will do.

2. Spitting everywhere!!!!!!  I was in the train station yesterday and this guy did one of those cough lougie things, and SPIT ON THE FLOOR IN THE TRAIN STATION.  Now, this train station ain't like 5 points in MARTA...it's indoor and sort of nice, with tile floors and all.  But this guy just spit on the floor like it was nothing.   And that's how they role...with this, they smoking everywhere, too.  But I guess when your government controls the cigarette companies, you have that right. 

Now the positives:

1. Most of the Chinese people I've met have been welcoming and kind.  They are accommodating and, despite my Chinese skills, helpful.  They have also been filled with a weird sense of curiosity and wonder about who I am...which makes me feel cool....just don't stare and take pictures of me like I'm a zoo animal.  That drives me crazy.

2. There are fruit vendors everywhere!  And everything is so cheap. Also, spring is here and the weather has been gorgeous! 

So that's it..for now.  I'm tired still, so I think I will sleep for another 30 minutes.  Be sure to comment and share my post.  Send me questions you have and I'll be glad to get back to you!

Ayeshah