My friend, Olllie…
A world business traveler…
Sent me the e-mail below…
About his last business trip!!
I love his perspective…
On life outside of the United States!
Here’s what he said:
“If you’re planning a trip to Suzhou, China…
There are some things you should prepare for!
I traveled with 2 locals…
Don’t expect to master chop sticks…..
It will never happen!
Chicken heads are eaten by the locals…..
They will laugh…
If you even attempt to eat one…
If the temperature outside is 40 degrees…
The temperature at the customers conference room is also 40 degrees…
Locals wear long johns under their suits…
Visitors freeze their butts off!
Don’t be concerned if the locals order a lot of food at a restaurant…
Some of the selections are scary…
And you won’t eat…
And the total cost is $15!
If a local sneezes…
Don’t bother to say ‘God Bless You!’
They don’t get it!
Even if you attempt to serve yourself from the common bowl into your dish…
I doesn’t matter…
Every bowl is communal!
Start each meal by buying napkins…
They are not offered free…
And ‘White Devils’ will make a mess eating with chop sticks!
If you don’t like smoke…
Stay home!
People smoke in restaurants…
Elevators…
And a smoke-free room only means…
There is no smoker in the room with you!
No one speaks English…
Not even the kids serving at McDonald’s!
Don’t expect to see ‘Chinese’ food…
Like at your local ‘Golden Wok’
It’s widely different!
They love their foot massage places…
15 minutes for $1.50…
1 hour for $15…
And yes, they are really foot massages…
And ‘No!’
I didn’t try one!
Watching locals eat corn on the cob…
With chop sticks…
Is a beautiful thing!
Breakfast…
Lunch…
And Dinner…
It’s all the same!!”
I love learning about different cultures!!
But…
God Bless America!! Amen!!
If you’re also a traveler…
Or, live outside the United States…
Let me know about the fun local customs wherever you are!
godssceneryandpromises 