After living in Florida, land of sun tans and beaches, this came as quite a shock to me! We have to be careful when we are buying body wash and lotion, because some have whitening elements in them. On any given day, sunny or rainy, it is normal to see men and women carrying around parasols (some are quite lacy) of all colors. And women wear these weird semi-sleeve things (think leg warmers, for arms) to try to ward off a little more sun. I saw a lady yesterday using some vegetables she had just purchased as a visor!

#2 Milk does not need to be refrigerated here.

Somehow, this is true. Milk is often sold in things that can most easily be described as cardboard bags. And they sell them right on the streets. Very strange.

#3 Fireworks are set off day and night.

I mean, come on China, how stereotypical can we get?! Just cause you invented gunpowder doesn't mean that at 2 am on a random day you need to set em off! Hearing random "pop pop pops" at all hours is quite normal here.

#4 Prepare for the stare.

Westerners get stared at. All the time. Everywhere. At the stop lights, people turn around on their bikes, and gawk. In the gym locker rooms, ladies will stand at watch you- while they are completely naked! At the supermarket, they follow you up and down every aisle. Yeah. It is quite awkward.