You know that saying, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do", well, we are living the Chinese version of that. I think it's worth mentioning some of the not so frequently discussed caveats of the trip...
1. You can't drink the water out of the tap. Not a big deal when there is an ample supply of bottled water available like when we were in Beijing, but here, it seems like it is more work to get bottled water. Housekeeping does provide 2 bottles daily but that's just not enough for the 3 of us. We found out, almost by accident, that if you ask housekeeping for more water the hotel won't charge you. If you ask the front desk they may request room service bring you some and then you are paying $3/bottle. So we are left to raid the housekeeping cart for more schway whenever we see them. Don't worry, we always ask first!
2. Washing bottles in boiling hot water is not for the weak...my fingertips can attest to that. I am however very grateful that we are given a hot pot to boil water in or else we would be taking the entire case of water from the housekeeping cart ;)
3. You cannot flush the toilet paper. Yes, you read that right. In Beijing we could. Here, not so much. They give you one small "sanitary bag" to put it in but yeah, let's just say I am so thankful I packed as many of those little deodorant diaper baggies as I did!
4. Hand washing laundry in a sink or bathtub makes me grateful I was born in the time period and place that I was. Hanging it out to dry, along with waiting impatiently for it to air dry makes me crazy. This Thanksgiving I am thankful for a washing machine and dryer.
5. For future China traveler's...squatty potties in public areas are dirty. There is no way around it. Bring shoes you are willing to throw out once home. BRING TOILET PAPER because it isn't provided for you. Do not put toilet paper in the hole. Throw it to the side with the other stack of used toilet paper wads. Don't puke. Bring a scarf for around your neck to bury your head into during the experience to break away from the smell. Bring more than one pair of pants and have no shame in rolling them high before you get in there. Oh, and do lots and lots and lots of squats before you come here. Your squatty potty form will be much more efficient.
Do not get me wrong, this trip has been a trip of a lifetime. But I have never been more thankful for all of the "simple stuff" we have available at home!
What an experience for all!
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