User Comments - RJ
RJ
Posted on: The Non-Chinese Speaking Tourist and Toilets
January 12, 2008 at 2:34 AMSebire, I think you are correct. I used to have a Fillipino doctor that always told me that squatting was definitely healthier and prevented hemorrhoids. He suggested that everyone place their feet up on the toilet seat and squat. I never had any problem finding western toilets in SH. Its a non issue. Sparechange, no need to cancel your trip.
Posted on: The Non-Chinese Speaking Tourist and Toilets
January 11, 2008 at 3:39 PMLast trip I gave in in a weak moment to a cab driver soliciting inside the airport because I didnt want to stand in line. It ususally costs me 160 - 200 RMB. As we pulled out of the airport I noticed the meter was spinning like crazy and was already over 200. They saw me watching it so they slowed it back to normal. I kept an eye on it the rest of the trip and they didnt accelerate it again. It ended up costing me 400 RMB. I suspect it may have been more had I not made my meter watching obvious. Its not worth the fight and I was very tired so I paid. Live and learn.
Posted on: The Non-Chinese Speaking Tourist and Toilets
January 11, 2008 at 3:32 PMMy buddy walked a block and a half with a kid hanging from his shirt tail. Finally mom signaled and he let go. A spray bottle may just be the trick that works. I dont have much confindence in words. Its heartbreaking but once you donate you are doomed.
Posted on: The Non-Chinese Speaking Tourist and Toilets
January 11, 2008 at 2:10 PMbbjt youre right. Makes it much easier. basic physics. Now if I lock my arms around my knees I am stable, but my back side doesnt seem to quite reach my ankles. I guess I would stretch out over time :-) Thanks for the tip, - now I wont tip.
Posted on: The Non-Chinese Speaking Tourist and Toilets
January 11, 2008 at 12:10 PMYea, I see people at bus stops basically sitting on their own ankles, feet flat on the ground, comfortably waiting for the bus. How in the Hell do they do this? Whenever I try this, I promptly start to fall over backwards. I don't even come close to being able to manage this "Shanghai squat." I think it would take some serious "training" to develop these muscles. They make it look not only easy but very comfortable. I also noticed that the locals seem to prefer and seek out the asian toilets just as we search for western "comfort" when the need arises.
Posted on: Asking for a Phone Number
January 10, 2008 at 6:17 PMsee help at chinesepod http://chinesepod.com/help#
Posted on: The Double 了 (le) phenomenon
January 9, 2008 at 1:48 PMMayue - in the mean time: http://www.ctcfl.ox.ac.uk/Chinese/grammarlist.htm
Posted on: Preparing for the Heat
January 8, 2008 at 9:55 AMHey Amber, "thingy" is such a useful word. :-) or non-word.
Posted on: Singapore
January 8, 2008 at 9:37 AMAuntie68, I can really relate to the "Toto, we're not in Kansas any more!" expression you used. These were my exact words the first time I went to China and had to describe it to friends. I mean this in a good way, and It is also one of the things I love so much about being in China. I love that feeling.
Posted on: The Non-Chinese Speaking Tourist and Toilets
January 12, 2008 at 2:38 AMWhen I first traveled to SH, I was told which cabs were the best by color. Basically all were ok except the dreaded "red" cabs. They would always quote a price based on destination rather than use a meter and the price was always very high and way out of line. Different management I guess. Is it still this way? Stick with the white and green ones.