Date: Mon, 15 Nov 1993 21:08:45 PST Reply-To: ccf-editor@ifcss.org Sender: China-Net From: ccf-editor@ifcss.org Subject: CCF #9317, Nov 16: "The 1.5 Cultural Shock (I)" To: Multiple recipients of list CHINA-NT ==+==+==+== C h i n e s e C o m m u n i t y F o r u m ==+==+==+=== Tuesday, November 16, 1993 (Issue No. 9317) Special Edition: The 1.5th Culture Shock (I) +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+= Chinese Community Forum (CCF) is a journal published on China-Net. CCF is dedicated to the discussion and debate on the issues related to the Chinese community. The opinions expressed here do not necessarily represent the views of the Editorial Board of CCF. Contributions to the discussions and suggestions of new topics are very much appreciated. +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+= Table of Contents Author | # of Lines ============================================================================ The 1.5th Culture Shock - China Stories from a "Detective" for the Green Card Home-Visit-Army Jinghong Li Part. I 0. Introduction: The First Thing After Green-Card...................... 44 1. Talks with 2 Returned US Ph.D. Holders............................... 134 2. TV Shows, Most Wanted Books and Pop Music............................ 124 3. The Olympic Bid: Who Wanted It Anyway................................107 4. First 5 of the Most Frequently Asked Questions....................... 68 5. Gift Ideas and Travel Concerns....................................... 104 ===========***==========***==========**==========***==========***=========== 0. Introduction: The First Thing After Green-Card...................... 44 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- July 1, 1993, USA, Chinese students by the thousands rushed to the Post Offices across the nation. Everyone had only one thing on mind: to send in the application forms for the so called "6.4 Green Card" as early as possible. But, this is just the beginning of another march. The first thing, if not the only thing, on the agenda of all members of this Green-Card-Army who have been waiting for this moment for so long, is to pay an over due HOME VISIT. This time, they will march with not only tears, but also joy; they will march with not only home-sick, but also love; they will march with not only suspicious, but also very very high expectations. The big show-down of this home-visiting-army will be performed from early December through the Chinese Spring Festive of 1994, and thereafter ... With all of these in mind, I stepped on the Motherland in August, the first time in more than 6 years. Starting from this article, the first in a series of stories, I'd like to share with you, who have been suffering from the torments of home-sick anxiety, stories of another kind culture shock. The so called "reversed or 2nd culture shock" is supposed to happen after 3-6 months of return. My shocks, which came immediately, may be better described as "The 1.5th Culture Shock". Felt like a "detective" for fellow CSS who left for too long, I explored many areas interesting to overseas. An intended story topics are listed as following. However, there is no guarantee they will be really interesting to you, or complete them in a specific time frame. Please also be advised that these stories are not reports nor highly sophisticated analyzing studies. List of Intended Story Topics (preliminary) - Talks with 2 returned US Ph.D. holders, thinking of settle down in China? - The first 5 of the most frequently asked questions, how do you answer ? - The Olympic Bid, who wanted to host the 2000 game in China anyway ? - Visit to 2 US-based Overseas Student Biz Offices in Beijing, who are they? - The 2 most popular songs, 5 most wanted books and 1 TV show, do you know all ? - The elementary/mid/high school teachers and students, where is the "hope"? - Small talks on university campus, want to meet someone special? - The 6 "big" of today's China, the general situation for ordinary people - A street walk in the night life of Zhuo-Hai Special Zone, girls ...? - Before you leave - gift ideas and travel advises, maybe you know more? ===========***==========***==========**==========***==========***=========== 1. Talks with 2 Returned US Ph.D. Holders............................... 134 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- With the rapid changes in China and now with the Green Card (CG) on its way, has there been a moment you thought about going back to China - not just for a short visit, but to stay, to work and to make a living ? At least two not only thought but went back to China without waiting for the GCs. I visited them, well, digged them out, separately during September: Xiao XiaoYue, Ph.D. of Purdue, now at Qinghua University, Beijing and Zhong ShiJie, Ph.D., U Il at Champaign, now at Xi'an Jiaotong University. Xiao XiaoYue is about 30+, younger than I expected. When I requested to meet the only returned US Ph.D. holder at Qinghua University, a phone call was made and Xiao Xiaoyue arrived at the Director's Office of Personnel Department within 20 minutes. He dressed like a student: wearing a yellow sweater which attracted only my special attention with the big English sigh of "PURDUE". After introductions, the officers left for two of us to have a more comfortable "old-friends talk". Indeed, although we have never met before, our conversation started from the US. When he recognized every name which I remember were Purdue students, we smiled. "So, what made you to come back?" I start with a key point. "How to say, I am a person who's always eager to do well in everything. Although in the States there's better conditions and higher living standards, there's also the missing of the feeling of personal achievements. I felt, frankly speaking, of being a guest living under other people's roof. I wanted to do something for my own development. As a matter of fact, our researches' quality at Qinghua are not below the world level." Xiaoyue left Purdue by the end of last year, and started to formally work at Qinghua in April. He's current and temporary title is Lecturer. According to the university's special rules, which were designed to attract overseas graduates, a returned Ph.D. would be qualified as assistant professor after a 3-6 months trial period with a 1-bedroom apartment; a Post-Dr. holder will be considered for the professor position after a period of time with a 2-bedroom apartment. To Dr. Xiao's case, he has been promised the Assistant Professor title as a special offer directly from the university President - mainly because he's the first new generation to return from the US and also to avoid cutting the limited quotas from his Department. But he has to wait for the next semi-annual promotion session to be officially named. With another special arrangement, he's got a 1.5-bedroom apartment. An Initial Research Fund, well another specials for returned Ph.Ds, is granted: 50,000 Yuan money for his research which he told me could support his project for two years. "How come it cost so little? and what can you do with it?" "My research in this Material area doesn't require a lot of special equipment. Currently the department Labs offer most of what needed. Two assistants are assigned to me, and I can use some students also. I have the authority to use the money." "How do they treat you here ?" "Honestly, pretty well. I feel people are paying attention." There have been about 30 returned scholars and Ph.Ds at Qinghua since January. Most of them came from other areas like Japan and Europe, it was somehow obvious that Xiao got special treatments partially due to the fact that he came back from US at a time the almost certain Green card was waving. While many felt hard to understand what he's doing, more come to respect his choice. Needless to say, the government felt grateful, too. We walked out of the Personnel Office and continued our conversation to the campus. "Do you have any regrets, so far?" I asked with uncertainty. He powls and answered: "No, I think I made a right choice. I might regret later, but so far so good." "Well, I plan to write about my trip when get back to the States. And I want to tell them about this talk as well. As you know, the computer networks may spread your story to many many Chinese. Can I mention your name? " "Sure", he smiled, he used to read the news and watch the net "fights" day to day. "But, please be objective. Please tell them everything, both good and bad." "Tell me one thing, if there is a friend of yours or mine want your opinion on decide whether or not to join you in return, what is your suggestion?" "I'd say, everyone has to make a decision for him/herself. You have to consider about everything. But in case you want to do it, it's better early than late." We smiled. He then reminded me to look into the daily life. One has to remember that the conditions there are far less comfortable. For people who have lived in the US for a long time, the transition period of getting used to the "backward" livings could be very difficult. And one has to take into account of the government bureaucracy and financial problems. Although he's been offered the impressive salary of around 300 Yuan, plus about 70% of the extra-bonus and his wife's income, 1,000 Yuan a month in Beijing today doesn't allow them to enjoy too much. I was surprised to learn that Dr. Xiao has began to use his "old savings" from US. "Well, you have to" he sounded naturally. He mentioned some of his unhappy experiences in daily life. "You have to live day-by-day, so don't have too much of an expectation, then you might be able to better adjust to the new life." We didn't talk about the political issues. Regardless the changes, that topic is still sensitive. I didn't ask, he seemed felt better not having to answer them. Before leaving, we took pictures together and promised to keep in touch. ... Zhong ShiJie, Ph.D., U Il at Champaign. Most CSS at Champaign probably won't recognize his name. That's because he is really not one of "us" - he is a native of Hong Knog. Actually, I won't be surprised to learn that not many HK students in Champaign know him well. After spent about an hour to locate his newly assigned apartment, I met a man in his mid 30s who reminded me so much of the once famous Mathematician in China - Chen Jinrang. He is not only also majored in Math, but really looked like him a lot. Dr. Zhong has just got in Xian for 7 days by the time I met him in late Sept. We sat in his 5th floor 1-bedroom apartment talked for about an hour. His colleagues have just helped him to buy and moved in some basic furniture in the morning. He has always wanted to come China since a long time ago. The current changes and growth seemed played very small role in his choice. As a matter of fact, it might have made more difficult for him. He contacted the State run organization for overseas returned students a year ago. His first three choices were told unable to arrange for him. He left for Xian in just a few days after received the invitation. Zhong's knowledge about the mainland were from the tourist trips and newspapers. One can tell him as being a "outsider" by talking to him for 5 minutes. He is a honest and quite person. For the reasons to come, he simply put "want to do something useful." He seemed didn't even ask or negotiate about the conditions and salary. I was moved by his action, yet somehow worried as I was leaving. I don't really know what was bothering me, maybe his lack of "survival skills" in a complex and rapidly changing new world ? ...... Not all universities and/or institutes are eager to accept overseas students yet. Despite the public announcements and governmental special policies, the officials in a particular unit have other things to worry. Housing for one, it is probably the first and most important issue on hand. Except the QingHua University, all the others including Beijing U. seemed hesitate to make a strong gesture. They don't know how to treat you while keep those others who having on the waiting list for too long, not to mention the returned Ph.Ds can never be really satisfied with the living conditions. Most officers, however, pointed out an alternative: short period exchanges. In these ways, both sides would feel much less pressure from all around. Well, last but not least, one has to make a decision for him/herself. ===========***==========***==========**==========***==========***=========== 2. TV Shows, Most Wanted Books and Pop Music............................ 124 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- On the Evening Screen By now, everyone on the networks probably have learned about the newest Chinese TV show "A Native of Beijing in New York". Besides its popularity in mainland China, people here more concerned this question: how are we described in it, and how do fellows back home think of us? If you haven't seen it, or particularly seen it in China, you are lucky. Because you didn't have to explain to everyone around how did you feel and why they should not take the show too seriously. But, I had to. Actually, I was the one more eager to watch than my friends. Not only that, I taped and converted to US version the first 9 shows before leaving for US. However, I did not say it was a good program. To be frank, none as I know said it was a good one. The only nice part about it was its high viewer turn-ups, so the producing organization is not likely to lose big on their more than one million US$ investment. I am not able to give a full and detailed description of the stories. Some may have read the book before. The producers and directors, or maybe others in charge have changed the story to a total money-love-affair-fiction. They pulled all the "strange" and surprise stories together for 2 pairs of men- women to suffer. The 4 would marry, divorce, fight, love and hate among themselves in a big cycle. It was still showing when I left, so do not know the final result - cannot count on the book anyway. But the already twisted human natures hurt till now. I was disappointed because the show's unfaithful advertising. It portraied itself as a true account of life of oversea students and immigrates while the show at best could be called a secondary fiction, with the main objective to make money. Yes, not even for propaganda. Ordinary viewers were confused. They turned on TV to see those oversea students live and struggle, instead, they see the endless love affairs or fights among four very ugly human beings, three of them were Chinese; They were told to expect the hardships of study, instead, they see the "supper human" to become rich in a glorious speed - although they fail at the end (as was told). For oversea students need not to worry too much because the show had nothing to do with the real student's life which is much more difficult and requires much harder effort. Well, that was not the only show on Chinese TV nowadays. There were HK comedy, Taiwan Pop Musics, and most of all the Soup Ops made in USA. The Most Wanted Books It was not "Fei Du" the so called modern Jin-ping-mei, nor the best advertised "My Father DXP". Instead, a fiction called "Bai Lu Yuan" (White Dear Land - the location name) received the best remarks among readers. It is about a place in Shaanxi called Bai-Lu-Yuan, in the 20-50s, a man and two families. One has to read the books to realize why people say it as one of the best books since 1949. Fei Du, while people were surprised and excited by its sexy contents and those famous empty squares, many disliked it. It was especially interesting when I read the book in Xi'an where the story supposedly based on. People who know the author described this as a failed attempt by Jia Ping-wua to cross the line from farmer-story teller to a city-story writer. It would be a pity if the above were correct, nonetherless, he was a really good countryside-story-teller. Two Pop Songs Made Their Way Chinese People like to sing. The best evidents would be the Kara-OK, K-TV houses all around the city - every city. But, I would not ever imaged one song could become so popular that its terms quoted by all people I met. Not only young people, but mid-aged intellectuals, respectable leaders and newly riched "Da Kung"s (big money). Everyone wants to be "Xiao1 Sa3" (natural and unrestrained) in almost everything. It came from the Taiwan Pop Song "Xiao Sa Zou Yi Hui" (naturally and unrestrainedly walk once). By its true meaning, people are spending hundreds of Yuan for a special dinner; Thousands of Yuan for a piece of cloth; Thousand Yuan for a "mountain bicycle" in city; 49 inch color TV in a 15 square meter room ... Some do have the money, but most don't. The only reason they give to me was: want to be "Xiao Sa", even just for one time. A good friend of mine said, my whole life have been in a deep dark hole. Why should I save the money for it might worth only half of what today? Why cannot I do something which make other's eyes turn red instead of mine? We have been living in filthy for too long. Let me "Xiao Sa" once. Can anyone blame him, I can't. However, the "naturally walking" didn't just stop here. Everyone is doing it - including those officials in power. They spend the state, or company, or institute's money (well, eventually all come from the "government") with "Xiao Sa" on mind. Several friends had complained to me that they would not be able to continue the free lunches and dinners. Those were all too much, too rich and too hard to digest. But they had to - for the sake of business, for the sake of being able to bring money home so they can be Xiao Sa another time. Fortunately, there is one more popular pop song "Xiao Fang" (a girl's name). It was 25 years ago, millions of young mid/high school graduates were sent to countryside, the bigger world. So many sad/love stories were made, so much were told. This Xiao Fang tells more such story. It says: A girl in the village was called Xiao Fang, She was kindhearted and pretty, A pair of beautiful eyes, the long and thick plaits; In the eve of returning to City, You and I came to the small river, Tears which you never shed, Endlessly trickling with the river; Thank you for giving me love, I will never forget it in my life, Thank you for giving me warm, Companying me through those years; Again and again, I turned around and looked at past journey, Whole heartly thank you, a kindhearted girl; Again and again, I turned around and looked at past journey, You were still standing in front of the village. I tried hard to hold my tears first heard it. No matter what changes, love, in people's hearts, will remain the same. ===========***==========***==========**==========***==========***=========== 3. The Olympic Bid: Who Wanted It Anyway................................107 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Being on a home visit trip, you will always be busy to answer endless interesting questions. There won't be much time left for you to ask them. But, I managed to ask everyone I met the question: "How do you think of the Olympic bid?" On Sept. 23, 1993, I, like many people in China, waited till 2:38am the next morning for the IOC's final choice of 2000 year's Olympic host city. To Chinese watching live TV, it was indeed confusing when the IOC President started his speech by thanking the five competing cities. "Beijing" - for those who don't understand much English, this was the only word they did recognize. No wonder people in Beijing felt much more disappointed when realizing the reality, despite the fact that not many people really expected to win. There were a lot of discussions here on computer networks before I left for China. Through some public opinion polls, it appeared that the majority of CSS (cnd poll 2/3) were either for or not against Beijing's bid. Of course, some went further to lobby for it. Personally, I didn't have a strong tendency either way because of the obvious both good and bad things associated with the bid. However, the funny thing for me was to see some of the oversea orgs declaring neutral while they really wanted to oppose it. They didn't want to be on the opposite side of the majority CSS here. I asked each and everyone the same question because I really wanted to know how people in China think about it. After all, if the bid got through, it is China and the people who live there have to host the game - not we the overseas. Of course, another reason was those heavily publicized official poll results: 99.8% support rate by the Chinese people. For anyone who has been in the outside world, such kind of figures are simply too good. Combining the information I collected so far, it appears that the major support forces for Beijing's 2000 year bid came from three sources, though they all have their own different reasons: 1. The CCP leaders. Many may say it was understandable. But people maybe be surprised to learn that the government wasn't really doing anything until this year. Consider this fact: when the initial official bid was filed in early 1991, how many people including the CCP leaders took it seriously? The answer probably would be "none". It was clearly one of the attempts to attract the world's attention away from China's political and human rights issues. However, two years later, situation has changed. 2. The oversea Chinese - including the so called motherland-loving-people and most of the CSS. For anyone who lived far away from home, this is really not that difficult to understand. 3. The third source was no surprise either: Beijing Ren (people). Many CSS probably have imaged about this, too. But, but the surprising part, at least to me, was that the figure of "99.8% support rate" of Beijing people was mostly likely TRUE. "Why ?" was my universal follow up in China. People may or may not for the bid, their reasonings were interestingly linked to a single point: the issue of money. In Beijing, almost everyone quoted the 1990 Asian Game as their foundation: how many new buildings were built, how much longer road were set in use, how many more taxis are running with lower prices, how much more clear the city has become, how much easier to find things never saw before, how quick the salary and bonus had risen, how fast the City is catching up with advanced Asian Capitals, ... etc. and all in all, these would never be possible if there were no Asian Game in 1990. Looking at a future with the 2000 Olympic in it, how can a Beijingness not to be excited. If a Asian Game did so much, what limit can be put to restrain a Beijing resident's hope and imagination? Listen to their reasonable analysis and hope, I didn't know how to say no. "No," was 1 of the 2 answers I got from people 50 miles and further away from Beijing. "Who cares?" was the other. A taxi driver in Tianjin was concerned about how much money he would have to "donate" if the bid win. Of course, he was happy that the next World Pin-pong Cup will be in town the coming year. "At least we people in Tianjin can get something out of it". Political problems was not an issue for people to against the game, well, at least no one quoted it as a reason. The concerns were all economical and how will a Beijing Olympic affect their own life. Many people described the unhappy experiences during the 1990 Asian Game. Unlike we overseas who have only heard about it, they had to live with the forced donation and extra restrains on their already limited resources. Several thoughtful scholars and business men pointed out that it is really not the right time to pull money into something other than the fundamental social and economy development. Olympic can be beneficial only if the Country or the city has reached a certain level of economic power. Many things specifically required by the game may become disasters when the Olympic is over. People saw the glorious nationalism displayed by the 1992 game in Spain, how many cared to help the city solving their countless problems thereafter, such as the immediately thousands of unemployeed taxi drivers, and out of business associated services? People were also interested to know how the oversea CSS see the Olympics. The truth was told, the figure of 60%+ was quoted, and then I was criticized as if I was the one who "forgot everything about home, and cared only being a more 'proud Chinese' in front of those foreign devils". Well, I didn't try to persuade anyone. After all, an Olympic game in Beijing or in any other Chinese city is not just the business of the city itself. The government will always make a big deal out of it, make it into a political propaganda, and make it a business to all. What more unfair to people cross the nation is, they only have the duty to pay, not the right to benefit. All ownings and "left-overs" will stay at the Capital for the world to enjoy. To those who opposed the idea, don't be too excited about my story. People there cared about daily life more than politics. To those who supported the bid, please don't be disappointed. Your concerns maybe well founded, just not what the people there needed right now. ===========***==========***==========**==========***==========***=========== 4. First 5 of the Most Frequently Asked Questions....................... 68 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Everybody here can make a long list of the questions one expects to be asked when going back to China. As you think about your own, here are some which people back home did want to know. "Are you married ?" Though this question could mean something different (such as in Montreal or L.A.), Chinese kept its traditional meaning for you to answer. If you did a long time ago, you will miss a lot of fun. If the answer is negative, two things to follow - one is indeed what you think you know, the other probably give you a little shock. Some people will warmly and immediately check into their "beauty bank" to find specials for you :-) . Unless you refuse, there will be plenty to choose - just like what you have dreamed about during those long nights in your simple study/living/bed room staring at the TV screen. Others often have a suggestion to offer: what are you waiting for - marry a Mei-Guo-Niou (American girl) ! No, they are not kidding. Most people, if not all, would treat you even better if the mission was carried out as they suggested. And, the government may also offer more help than troubles. Still, there is a catch - the above may not apply to returned ladies. No matter what you call it, discrimination or not, most Chinese is yet to have time to care about the other half-sky's liberation. "Have you got the Lu'-Ka yet ?" As if everyone on earth has learned this Green-Card thing, fellows want to know. Have you ? Yes: you will see the deep release from loved ones, the envy or admire from friends and people around, the happiness and pride from your parents. No: the surprises, the questioning eyes probably make you feel like a child guilty of some wrongs. "How much money do you make, now ?" Yes, how much do you make - you must have been a Da-Kuan(big money) already? Tell them the truth or not, you will not meet their expectation by the way you spend your money around. Most people are not "rich" by any means. But they won't mind you acted like one who "got richer first" and still remember them, the "old folks". Don't blame them, don't even blame those who visited home earlier but did not leave a good impression. Suggested answers: give a general account on level of salaries, such as how much a beginning MS or PhD make, and so on. In any case, if you feel comfortable enough, go ahead tell them your really income but make sure they understand that you did not bring it with you. "Are you interested in starting a joint venture ?" Just like what you learned from the TV and email news, people are mostly interested in making money, well making money out of no-money. There are plenty of live examples people who made fortune through this way. As ordinary as we all are, a joint-venture normally meant to us 1 of the 2: your status (say GC) plus a "briefcase company" and their money - in this case, you need only to wait for the pay check to come; or, your or a US company's money and their status and name, in this case, you'd better be really rich or capable of pursuiting Lao-Mei (Americans) to pool money. "Would you help me to go abroad, please ?" Not only those "poor", who are normal people, or those have "eaten" too many books, who are normally not-normal, but also the newly rise richer "race", they want to leave. For those who are thinking of a Glorious return to China, there is little to worry or be surprised about. These people may join you to return in the future, only if they also get the chance to "elevate" their value and position in the outside Golden world first. I understood and am trying not to let them down. ===========***==========***==========**==========***==========***=========== 5. Gift Ideas and Travel Concerns....................................... 104 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gift Ideas - make your friends happy without being "bankrupt" One doesn't have to be currently preparing the home visit in order to understand the troubles in selecting Gifts. As a matter of fact, it could be more time consuming than choosing the right date and airline, or find the best priced plane tickets. While preparing my trip, I reminded myself again and again the concept differences on gifts between the Western and Chinese culture, went quite some length to find out what would be a "good" gift to today's people in China. With many friends' ideas also, I brought back with me two suitcases of gifts. Some of them were quite welcomed and still some weren't. "A good gift" normally should have at least one or two of the following characteristics: famous, expensive, new with style, different - never saw before, useful and foreign. First, one can always go with the safe way - famous and expensive. Say buying the "10 big items plus the 5 small items" for family members from the special shopping centers setup to collect your Mei Yuan $. Actually, these shops now are very expensive due to "reform" which meant everyone can and have to make money using the power on hand. On the other hand, they are still cheaper than in other stores because of duty free. That's probably why there are people waiting outside these shops for buying your extra quota. The recent hot item is Color TV. Its quota could worth about 500-1000 Yuan. Motorcycles are in decline due to traffic problems and difficulty in registering a permit from the police. Of course, no one can afford to give everyone a big or even a small "item". You need to find some special yet cheaper stuffs to throw around. The best would be something which can be recognized as Mei Guo (American) Stuff immediately. One of my "popular sellers" was a pen dressed in the American Flag. I had some doubts when I was buying such a pen since it seemed waving and yelling at anyone who happens to look it by saying "Hi, look, I am really from America." During a visit to a College, the President was very pleased to receive the pen and put it on the most visible place of his desk. I didn't realize its true meaning until his secretary walked in with a similar pen in hand. Here are some very inexpensive yet welcomed items for your reference. To students, teachers and office staffs, the Color Reference Remark Pens can be something new and useful. Your school T-shirts, Sweaters, Hats, Glass Cups and other souvenirs are also good examples. The school shop probably put the leftovers on sale twice a year. For daily life useful stuffs, Laundry Stain Remover, Perfume, Lipsticks, makeup boxes, instant coffee, and so on. Please note, these are small, light and easy to carry. Foreign hard liquor can be good when you have dinner with friends. You can bring 4 bottles in your carry on luggage (by regulation) - don't hide in the suitcases. As a reminder, learn how to make/combine real American drinks before you leave. Potato-chips (in cans), bubble gum rolls, chocolates, etc. can be considered as well. Also, the American money - coins are nice gifts too, just remember to bring more cents than dollars:-). However, do NOT buy cigarettes from US - people now like famous Chinese made better than foreign made which are also much cheaper in China. Do not buy fake stuffs from HK or other free markets. Well, the above are just some ideas. You certainly can find other interesting items. Of course, let me know if you do have better ideas. Travel - safety concerns, hotels and hidden costs Travel safely could mean many things. First of first, you got to be very careful about the money you carry since you will have to use cash in most cases as soon as you leave the US. Keep money in a safe place. You should be able to find a Chinese invention easily - special underwear with a money pocket, well, get used to it. Be careful not to wash it with your other clothes - mine have been ruin by its color. Unless necessary, don't declare that you are a member of the GCHVA (green card home visit army :-). If you stop by Hong Kong, or Japan, don't change money at the airport if possible, it charges more. And of course, you don't change $ at the official place anywhere in China. You will pay a charge when use Traveller's Checks in most places. HIV Test. This is the most confusing safety issue. If you pass the Custom at the big airports, such as Shanghai and Beijing, the chances are you will be "selected" to spend the 100+ Yuan simply because they have enough manpower and equipment for the process. For other entrance places, say if you transfer from Hong Kong to inner cities such as Chengdu, Xi'an, this senseless, stupid and discriminate requirement is more likely to be forgotten. Over night stop at HK or Japan could be very expensive unless the airline provides hotel rooms. My first night in HK cost me about US$120. So, please always arrange in advance if you plan to go. Local people might be able to find a hotel in HK around $50 while travel agencies offer around $80 a night. BTW, I have been trying on an arrangement between IFCSS and the HK Student Union so that IFCSS members can get a special hotel rate in the future. If you need to transfer in China, plane, train or buses, be prepared to pay extra charges added on by the local authorities. Your luggage will be "over weight", your tickets only show part of what you paid. Take a taxi - don't save money on buses, - don't negotiate about the price and always insist on the driver to use the meter. In case of any suspicious, write down the taxi driver's permit number. If you have a Chinese ID card, you can expect to save money when traveling inside China, say airplane and trains. Well, the concept is to avoid using the passport in there. I am not teaching anyone to do anything illegal here :-). As the Chinese saying goes: "you have a policy, I have a countermove." It is needed when the system is not fair. Good luck. +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=++ + Executive Editor: Shusheng Luan Executive Moderator: Tong Shen + +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ + For subscription: mail "SUB CHINA-NT Your-First-Name Your-Last-Name" + + to LISTSERV@UGA (bitnet) or listserv@uga.cc.uga.edu (internet) + + For back issues of CCF: + + anonymous ftp to cnd.org[132.249.229.100]:pub/community/CCF + + For contribution and inquiry: mail to ccf-editor@ifcss.org + +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=++