What can I expect when I get there?

[SingleDad318]

Since I have never been out of the US (i don't count canada), what should I expect the conditions of Beijing to be like? I know I can expect a totally different world than I am accustomed to but I am trying to get a mental picture of what I will run across (other than chinese). Is it fairly easy to navigate in Beijing (i.e. are the signs in chinese and english?

Any experiences firsthand?

[MsDuong]

... in response to What can I expect when I get there?, posted by SingleDad318 on Jun 1, 2002

When I went to Vietnam, I had never been out of the country either. I wanted to know everything. I did tons of research on the net and read countless books.I even got lucky and came across a few videos.

One thing I found that really let me enjoy my trip was to have a totally open mind about things I would experience and see. I think sometimes us Americans think if it is not our way, it's the wrong way.

So just have an opened mind and experience everything. I did, from buddahist temples to sucking snails. I had the time of my life!! Sheeesh..I want to go back SOON

[The Walker]

... in response to I know what you are going through, posted by MsDuong on Jun 2, 2002

I have found that travel is very broadening to the mind. I recommend it to everyone. For one thing, you do get to see different ways of doing things, and it can also make you appreciate the US more as well. Someone who has not travelled beyond their own borders does not know their own country well, as they have no comparison.

I am sure Viet Nam is a great place to be, now, but I think I'll skip that one. Bad memories. One the one hand, I want to see it at peace, I really do, but on the other, well, you know. Viet Nam vet. I lost my youth there. Maybe one day.

But travel in itself is wonderful. You begin to see that people are pretty much the same all over, pretty much, that is. So you lose a lot of your prejudices, stereotypes and misconceptions. You can taste REAL Chinese food, or Thai or Mexican or Japanese Sushi or....you get the point. You can taste, smell, feel, hear and see their culture first-hand. If you are lucky enough to speak tha language, or find someone with whom you have a language in common, you can have fascinating talks. And I always try to get off the beaten path, away from the tourist areas. If you stayed in your resort towns in Mexico, you would have a pretty skewed view of the nation. Sometimes this is a little dangerous, but it is always rewarding. My favorite thing is to find a small, open-air cafe, and sit and sip and nibble and watch the other customers and the people as they pass by. Fascinating. Especially on a busy, open-air  market street.

Vicky likes to play "find the spy". She sits and watches people and tries to figure out which ones are spies or undercover government employees, like cops. Personally, I keep an eye out for people carrying concealed weapons, as a matter of prefessional curiosity and keeping my eye sharp. And for "just in case". This is especially useful in airports. And Vicky has a ball at airports, because you know there is ALWAYS a spy at the airport. There has to be at least one. Sometimes her game and mine overlap, and we decide to keep an especial eye on them.

But besides games, travel is good for you. It makes you pare down your stuff to what you really need. Especially after a couple of trips. You learn what to take and what to leave at home. What you really need to get along. I always take a Katadyn personal water filter, a small flashlight with extra batteries and bulb (the new LED flashlights are wonderful), Immodium tablets, emergency cash & bribe money (the second and third world is a wonderful place if you have money, you can get a lot of things done if there is an emergency or trouble if you have cash), cell phones that work locally, a compass, a Swiss Army Swisschamp Knife, a magnifying glass, my reading glasses plus a spare pair, comfortable shoes and a local phrasebook if I don't know the language. And a few clothes. Most of the rest I buy as needed wherever I am. I buy underwear and socks and stuff on the spot. But a pair of good-fitting, really comfortable and durable shoes are worth their weight in 20 carat Burmese rubies. Sometimes you can get lucky and find them locally, but outside of European countries don't count on it if you have large and/or wide feet. You get used to getting along with a lot less, and it can help you pare down your personal life back home, too.

-Don

[SingleDad318]

... in response to Re: I know what you are going through, posted by The Walker on Jun 2, 2002

Once again, fantastic advise.
Thanks to all who have given me these pointers, I look forward to the day that I can help someone the way you folks have helped me.
At this point, the trip is planned for August 7-21 but may change if I can save a few hundred on airfare.

Once again, thanks to all!

Sincerly, Jody

[MsDuong]

... in response to Re: I know what you are going through, posted by The Walker on Jun 2, 2002

I have heard that many vietnam vets are going back as sort of a healing process. The country is beautiful. My Father is a vet and I can say that I totally respect the feelings of the men who served there.
Someday i want to backpack through southeast asia. I just hope I can do it before I am too old.

[Tim]

... in response to What can I expect when I get there?, posted by SingleDad318 on Jun 1, 2002

I've been to Beijing a few years ago, my travel report may even be deep deep in the archives here.

Don't expect to find anything in English. You will get lost if you don't have a guide; you can try the tourist maps but they don't work well because you have to navigate by landmarks. Basically, you should resign yourself to putting all your trust in your guide (girlfriend).

Don't expect your credit card to be accepted everywhere, they are not as widely accepted as they are here. You can use it for your hotel and meals at bigger restaurants, but forget it for sightseeing fees, taxis, and the like. This tip goes for travellers checks too. Leave them at home, they are a hassle to get cashed in China. Most people want to be paid in cash there.

The air may seem polluted to you, depending on where you live in the USA. If you are a city dweller, it will probably seem ok.

You will get stared at. Alot. Be prepared for it. Take dark sunglasses if this bothers you, some people feel more at ease "hiding" behind their sunglasses. When you walk with your Chinese girlfriend you will receive the most stares, and maybe a few dirty looks. Just ignore them. I think you will find most people nice. Especially in the stores and restaurants.

If you want more feedback, ask these type questions in emails to the China-USA-Couples group. We have many Beijingers and their spouses in the group. This board is nice, but not for finding out information about China.

Regards, Tim

[Jimbo]

... in response to What can I expect when I get there?, posted by SingleDad318 on Jun 1, 2002

Hi Jody,

I've been to HongKong several times and loved it.  Navigation was easy with the Metro system and a map, and someone to guide you makes it even easier.  But 90 percent of the signs were in Chinese (even though it was a British Colony) and finding people who spoke English was very spotty.  Most cab drivers didn't know ANY English; they didn't understand "YMCA Hotel, Mon Kok."  Public restrooms can be an adventure too, just a ceramic fixture in the cement floor.

Watch out for the street vendor fishballs in the dark liquid - they can be VERY HOT!  I hope you like rice )))

Jim

[Jimbo]

... in response to Total culture shock, posted by Jimbo on Jun 1, 2002

This info is true for HongKong, provided as a means to illustrate some culture shock areas.  I didn't mean to imply that Beijing would be exactly the same.

Jim

[joemc]

... in response to Re: HK, posted by Jimbo on Jun 1, 2002

Gee Jimbo
   I myself spent time in H.K.. I was wondering if
   your Sally has a British accent. A great city and
   alot of fun.              

                           joemcseaman