That will take some getting used to

Obviously certain things are done differently here in China from we are used to at home. But there are some that will take a little longer to get used to than others.

For instance here, you can smoke cigarettes almost anywhere. Most restaurants allow it and don't typically have a secluded section. So you can be enjoying your meal and the guy next to you lights up. I was at the hair salon yesterday (my hair turned out fine by the way) and a woman 2 chairs over from me was smoking while having her hair colored. I might be wrong, but I can't imagine all those chemicals near an open flame can be too safe.

I have seen more men relieving themselves on the side of the road here in China than I ever saw at any college party/tailgate/fraternity house. It is so common for a vehicle to just pull over to the side of the road and the driver just gets out and lets it hang out. Luckily not our driver....yet. Parents will also let their children use the nearest sewer drain as their potty. I have yet to see any woman doing this, but I would not be surprised if I do someday.

Speaking of bathrooms....anything goes here in China. Whenever I walk into a public bathroom I am always prepared for the worst. In less than modern restaurants and shops you may find simply a hole in the floor. Even when you are in a very modern, new, public establishment you need to be prepared. Our nice, upscale mall does not have toilet paper available. Not only is there no toilet paper, but no dispenser either. They didn't just run out. And not all places have soap. So I always have tissue and hand sanitizer with me at all times.

Shanghai is not very baby (or handicap) friendly. Don't get me wrong, they love their children (and ours) and dote on them every chance they get. But there are stairs everywhere. Impossible to manage with a stroller (or wheelchair). I've been using my baby carrier a ton here. Well worth the investment, not so good on my back and shoulders. In all of the restaurants and shops we have been to, I have seen a changing table in only 1 of them. Good thing we have the minivan and I am able to change Molls on the back bench when necessary.

I am certainly not complaining about these things. Just mentioning the fact that things are done differently here is all, and that it will take time and patience to get used to that.