some random & interesting observations

WATER: They typically serve room temperature water here. It's rare to get iced water. Also, sometimes restaurants don't serve you water unless you ask. I HIGHLY recommend taking a water bottle whenever leaving the Jia.

​CHOPSTICKS: I have been impressed with how all of our students can use chopsticks! We use chopsticks at practically every meal, so if you are thinking of coming to Shanghai, I strongly recommend practicing using chopsticks -- and not just the wooden ones, but the long, waxy ones! Those are more challenging!

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NAPKINS: I have found that most restaurants do not give you napkins. It's really odd! Usually we have to ask for them. Many restaurants have given us a wet wipe to clean our hands before the meal, but no napkins!

​SQUATTY: I have encountered two squatty potties now at nice restaurants! These are toilets that don't have a seat! There is basically a hole in the ground and you have to squat and pee. I was surprised to find them at some of the more elegant restaurants. This is definitely something different! :)  In Shanghai, they also ask that you put the toilet paper in the trash and not in the toilet so it doesn't clog up the pipes - also something new! Our program director has encouraged the students to EMBRACE DISCOMFORT this year! I guess this is one way to do it! Ha!

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