Monday, June 7, 2010

Getting Ready Question 4

How will I deal with differences between my culture and the Chinese culture?  What about differences between my opinions and those of my travel companions?
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8 comments:

  1. VJJune 7, 2010 at 8:39 PM

    The best thing to do is to realize that the China Trip is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and that all of the minor discomforts of the trip are FAR outweighed by the cultural experiences that we will undergo in China. For example, although I might not get my daily Starbucks® (it's not just coffee, it's Starbucks®!) every morning, I will get to hike the Great Wall! And that, my friends, is a trade that I am willing to make with gusto!

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  2. Kristen TsiaJune 8, 2010 at 11:35 AM

    Well, there's very little difference between my culture and "the Chinese culture." ^_^ I think the previous "Getting Ready Question 3" responses helped to answer this question (omgosh! it's PSYCHIC!!!) in that our opinions will differ more than if we all work together as a whole, bring loads of positive energy, etc. Make it enjoyable for everyone; make sure everyone's having fun and no ones left out. I would still make sure I keep in mind that an opinion is still an opinion and therefore should be weighed as equally as any other opinion, including mine. So, I'll try to see others' perspectives and why they feel that way; that should help with differences between my opinions and those of my travel companions.

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  3. Shayaan M. HawkJune 9, 2010 at 6:31 PM

    I think that to adapt and be the uncarved block here is what we all aspire to do. Liberate your mind from the ties they keep, do not be in doubt. We only have one opportunity to plant our feet in the ever-giving earth of China, warm and unfamiliar, for the next time we do that it will not be our first time. There is only ONE first time in doing anything and everything; cherish it as it will pass by quickly. Good luck in your journey, my friends.

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  4. michelleJune 9, 2010 at 11:48 PM

    i think everyone should just soak everything in about the chinese culture. we should all be considerate of the differences. if there is something that seems strange to us, we shouldn't make a big deal out of it and flip out or anything. the whole thing about being considerate of the differences between cultures ties into the opinions of ourselves and our friends. we should be considerate of other opinions and respect each other as we would want others to do to ourselves.

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  5. CarolineJune 11, 2010 at 10:26 AM

    I think that just keeping an open mind, and like VJ said, remember the "big picture" - when we look back we are going to remember the overall awesome"ness" of it all, not that we didn't get our Starbucks :)

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  6. Sasha_AnneJune 11, 2010 at 5:23 PM

    Be open about your opinions with the group, but don't push them on anyone or force anyone to agree with you. Also, don't be open and loud about it, if you see something that you think is gross, then don't eat it or continue to stare at it, other people from that culture may often eat that food and feel bad when you look down on it and reflect it upon themselves. In differences with opinions in your group, maybe talk to to toher people who share the smae opinion as you but you don't talk to as often, see it as an ice breaker.

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  7. Joel KohnJune 12, 2010 at 9:27 AM

    If you're ever in doubt, ask Mr. Kwong or Kristen. They've been to China before and are far more experienced with Chinese culture.

    Also, try to observe what the people around are doing. Naturally don't try to completely parrot them, but try to observe how the Chinese greet, talk to, and view eachother.

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  8. NateJune 13, 2010 at 8:57 PM

    Obviously, be flexible, and be able to try new things, and to extend outside of ones comfort zone. However, if there is something that is confusing or strange, do like joel says and ask Mr. Kwong or Kristen. Also, try to interact as much as possible with the local and follow the customs.

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