They say you look at the world differently when you come home after studying abroad and it's true. My outlook on Western and Eastern ideologies is finally complete since I had the opportunity to live in China for two weeks this winter break. China dismissed any negative preconceived notions I had and it was refreshing to know how advanced, creative and beautiful the country is. This was one of the most eye-opening experiences this winter break. I couldn't believe that I had the chance to explore and live in Shanghai and Beijing two distinct cities with rich history and culture. However, my best memory of China was visiting one of the Seven Wonders of the World: The Great Wall of China.
This was my first time abroad and I can attest that the travel bug has bitten me because I want to travel again and again and again. I think after you see what's out there your instincts kick in and you want to know more. It's in our nature to explore. Living in a foreign country exposes you to a different language, culture, food, religion, nightlife and so much more. China is uniquely Chinese and that is OK because I would have been disappointed if it weren't.
However, the American in me did miss a lot of the perks that come from living in a Western and democratic nation. We are truly lucky to live in the US, but I urge you to explore beyond the comforts of home because there is nothing worse than being ethnocentric in a world that is ever global and universal.
1. Western toilets.
You don't understand how lucky we are to have a Western toilet because in China all you will find is squat toilets and let me tell you, it takes some getting used to.
2. Tapatio.
Don't get me wrong Chinese spices were great, but I was eating chips in China and they didn't taste the same without Tapatio. Out of all the imported hot sauces, they only had Tabasco, which isn't hot sauce in my eyes.
3. Cold glasses of water at restaurants.
In China, believe it or not, people receive hot water at restaurants.
4. Toilet paper.
In China, the restrooms or toilets rarely provide people with toilet paper. Everyone instead brings their own set of toilet napkins like these.
5. People smiling back at you for no reason.
In America, we smile at each other even if we don't know each other. In China, no one smiles at a stranger -- it was quite odd.
6. San Diego weather in the winter.
China was extremely cold in the winter. We were experiencing 30-degree celsius weather every day.
7. Access to Facebook, Twitter and YouTube without a VPN.
The only way that I could use all these sites was through Express VPN, which I had to buy in the US so that it would work properly in China since they don't allow Facebook and any other Google services that we love.
8. The gym.
Don't get me wrong, there are gyms in China, but the gym isn't a huge craze as it is in the U.S.
9. Classic American food such as Mac and Cheese and treats that you will only find in the U.S.
Those cravings hit me hard sometimes while I was abroad.
10. Phone access to call my family.
Yes, you can message them or text, but there is something more personal about calling and hearing your loved ones voices and I missed that.
