[KarenInCa]

Someone had mentioned earlier about money, and this reminded me of some cultural differences to consider while in China.

- When paying for something, even in a supermarket, offer your money with both hands. It's considered the polite thing to do.

-If you bring items for the nannies, know that they will not open the presents in front of you. opening presents is a personal thing in China. It allows the recipient to feel emotional about it in private, as well allows them to not like it without offending the gift giver.

-Elevators become squishy. People pack in to elevators as much as possible. Do not be alarmed if you're standing in the front, and someone walks in toward you, and does not turn around to face the elevator door. It feels strange but it happens. Ride it out. :-)

-While in your child's province, walk out a bit to see the town your child is from. This might feel odd to you and to the people. Our daughter's town had NO white people that visted regularly. This might make you feel a bit uncomfortable at first, but it felt extremely safe. Let them stare at you. This may be the only chance you have to remember your daughter's birthplace for her. And take lots of pictures of the 'everyday' things happening, not just the overpowering GreatWall and exhibits in other places.

-Take a hotel business card with you when you leave the hotel, just in case you wander too far out and need to hail a taxi. You can show the driver the card and not have to worry that he knows where to take you.

-The night before you plan to go somewhere, exchange American Express CC's for Yuen at the front desk of your hotel. They won't exchange money for you while the banks are open (before 5pm), and the banks have long lines. Only take as much money with you on daily outings that you think you will need, and bring your credit card too. Keep them in your fanny pack. Keep the rest of your important items in the locked safe in your hotel room.

-There really ARE clothing police. These are not real police, but usually elderly people that hang out in parks or restaurants. When they see your child they will look her over. They are interested in knowing that you've dressed your child in 3 layers. Even though it might seem odd or too humid, do it for your childs sake and for respect for the people she will be leaving. We were told by some very good friends who lived in China, that the Chinese government controls the heat. Because the heat is government run, it costs nothing to the people, but it's also turned completely OFF in the southern provinces on March 15, and then turned completely off in the northern provinces on April 15. These are set dates, regardless of the weather conditions, so every year, the people in China have to consider keeping their young children warm by other means.
So, even though these clothing police seem more like gnats around fruit, they believe they are trying to help keep your child healthy. And perhaps they are. Your child will be used to being dressed in 3 or more layers in the orphanage. While in China, why not keep your child feeling comfortable, and familiar? And at the same time, you will get smiles from the clothing police as they do a quick eye exam over your child, and smile and nod as they walk by.
It doesn't have to be heavy layers either. t-shirt, regular shirt, thin jacket, pants, socks....this should do the trick for the warmer humid months. If you plan to visit the orphanage, do that plus tights under the pants, so that when the pants are pulled up slightly from the child sitting, the leg is not exposed from the sock to the pants. You will get a lot of approval for being a good parent. Play the game, and realize that they are culturally in a different mind set than you are, and although it might feel intrusive, they really do want to think your child is/will be healthy in your care.