Culture Shock - Squatty Potties

Hey Ya’ll! I love sharing my experiences with you. As I relive these moments I find myself laughing at my reactions to all the new things I encountered upon moving to China. 

When we moved to China we only had one day of cultural training and in hindsight it didn’t really apply much to me. The company doing the training was focusing more on Tractor Man and his job here in China and the things he needed to know. 

So I learned more by getting out and figuring life out on my own. I’m sure you have read all about my experience learning about split pants, so this story should be amusing to you as well. 

Tractor Man knew about the toilets here, but he “must have forgot” to mention the difference to me. Granted, when I think back I remember him talking about some crazy toilets on his journeys around the world, but I didn’t put two and two together. Until........we went out Papa Johns for the first time. 

We were there with a group of people we had recently met and were enjoying a wonderful lunch that made me feel like I was back at home. One of our new friend’s little girl had to go to the bathroom and her mom was busy with their youngest child, so I volunteered to take her. Needless to say, when she and I opened the stall door I about had a heart attack. It was really just a hole in the floor....what on earth do you do with this. The little girl I was assisting impressed me so much, she (unlike me) had seen this already in her time in China and knew exactly what to do. Yes, a 3 year old taught me all about squatty potties! 

This is a squatty potty. Don't you just love them? Ha! 

For the longest time I refused to use one and did my best to not have to use the restroom out in public. I did well for about a year and a half...then I finally succumbed. It is definitely a different experience as you really have to squat (hence the name) very low. 

This is the type of restroom you will find in most everyplace out in public in China. But at times, you can find a western style restroom...and believe me, once you have been in Wuxi for a bit, you can practically find every one of them very easily. 

One thing you do need to know and plan for in advance is that most of the public restrooms in China do not have soap and some do not have toilet paper. Since I have Pickle with me all the time, I always have baby wipes on hand so that solves the toilet paper issue. As for the soap, I have started carrying a travel container with me filled with hand soap. This has made most everything a bit easier and “cleaner” for me. 

This was taken in Hangzhou...the tourism bureau rated this bathroom 3 stars.  So what does that look like? 

This! Ha! This is a 3 star China potty...now you know! 

So come on over and learn to laugh with us all about the many differences over here. It really makes you stronger when you learn to laugh at the days to come. Laughter makes most things easier. 

Always, 

Belle

Culture Shock - Split Pants

Hey Ya’ll, 

Culture is one of the biggest differences in moving to China. At times it can be a challenge, but if you let yourself learn to understand (or at least be aware of) differences, then it can be a fun learning experience. 

In this section of our blog, we want to share some of our stories and how we are slowly (one day at a time) learning to cope and understand.

I thought I would share one of my first interesting Chinese experiences with you. This story shares one of the vastly different parts of culture that I was not prepared for. 

Split Pants! 

An example of a Chinese split pants outfit. Can you see the slit down the center of the crotch?

Yes, you read that correctly...split pants or crack pants...there are many names foreigners have given these. 

So here is my story. 

Our very first day out and about in China we had to go to the Wuxi International Clinic to get my medical exam so I could apply for my residence permit along with Tractor Man. While we were in the waiting room there was this mother with her young son there and they were captivated with Pickle (my son). The little boy was so cute looking at him. At this point I didn’t know any Mandarin other than Ni Hao (hello), so I had no way of really talking to them. But as they turned away I saw the little boys bare bottom...I was extremely surprised by this...then his mom turned him back around to say goodbye and I noticed that the front part of him was sticking out too! I had NO idea what was going on, but I confess my first thought was that they were really poor and couldn’t afford to fix their clothes. I came really close to trying to give her an extra pair of Pickle’s pants that was in our diaper bag. Nothing in my American brain could comprehend at that sleep deprived moment any other reason for this. But I am so thankful that I didn’t! That would have been a major face losing moment for this sweet Chinese mother. 

This is the cute little boy from my story. Notice the "split" in his pants! 

Later I learned that this is their method of potty training and it begins from a very early stage in life. Also, apparently diapers were not very common here in China until the last decade, so for many families this is still a new concept and for the grandparents who are raising the kids its just a totally foreign idea. 

Life in Wuxi will present you with many opportunities to see split pants in real life. I admit, even though I have been here almost 2 years, I still get shocked at times by what I see. Probably because as an American I just can’t wrap my head around this concept. Especially in the winter when the grandma’s have their grandkids completely bundled up in massive snow suit type things, but with the slit down the crotch still. 

To better help us understand the real reason behind this and other cultural differences, I have asked my Chinese instructors to help us understand more from a local’s perspective. 

Enjoy! 

Real Culture Explanation - June from Wisdom International

 The reasons that Chinese parents let children wear split trousers (we call them “ Kai dang ku” is that they are comfortable and convenient. Comfortable meaning that the baby's buttocks do not need to be wrapped the whole day, the red spots (diaper rash) will not come out by the suffocated diaper. On the other hand, the parents don’t need to change the diaper or wash the diaper so often, the baby can squat down and have pee or stool, where it is convenient. It is also much cheaper on the economic side .

Always, 

Belle 

Visiting friends and family: passport/visas

I am Elle Lay's sister, Bucky, and will be making my first trip to Wuxi in April 2013. When my sister left for Wuxi, I decided it was time for me to apply for my very first passport. There are several steps you need to take so you will be allowed into the country which include having a valid passport (with 6 months validity remaining) and a Travel Visa from the Chinese Embassy.

First step : Passport

If you already have a passport, you must have at least one blank page or it will be rejected when you apply for your Travel Visa. If you do not have one or it has expired, you will need to apply for a new one.

I found the passport application (Form DS-11) online at: http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/ds11/ds11_842.html

If you do not have a printer you can go to the US Post Office (USPS) and pick up the form from a mail clerk.

What you will need:
1. Passport application
2. If you fill it out in pen, it must be in BLACK ink
3. Identification - Proof of citizenship (certified birth certificate for most) and primary identification (Drivers license, Government ID, old passport). If your name differs from your birth certificate take appropriate documents with you (marriage license, legal name change document)
4. You must submit it in person – it will not be accepted by mail
5. Photocopy of the ID you use - copy front & back
6. Fees - As of 3/2013 you will need $110 (they prefer cash) for the passport and $25 to pay the USPS to process the passport for you
7. Photo – photo requirements are on the DS-11.
I went to CVS Drugstore and they took my photo in less than 5 minutes for $9.99. Simply tell them you need a passport photo. If you will be doing your Travel Visa application right after your passport arrives ask for 3 copies so you won’t have to go back to do another photo. If you aren’t applying for your Travel Visa for several months, it is best to get a new updated photo when you turn it in.
8. Once you have your DS-11 completed take it your nearest US Post office. Warning: They will attach your birth certificate and marriage license to the application. You will get it back after you get your passport. They are mailed separately for security reasons. My passport took about 3 weeks to be sent to me, my birth certificate came a day later. You can check status online, the link is on the back of the form.

I had my birth certificate from 1971 but it was not the “long” form listing my parent’s names and other personal information. If you do not have the long form you will have to contact the County Courthouse to obtain a new copy (for a fee) before applying for your passport. If in doubt ask a mail clerk at the USPS and they will tell you if yours is acceptable or not.


Second step: Travel Visa

Travel Visas can be issued for single entry, double entry, or multiple entries. The price is the same regardless of how many entries you apply for. My brother in law, BG, started my Visa application for me and wrote me a checklist with what I needed to do. His list was extremely helpful and made the whole process easy. He had me apply for multiple entries so I can come and go as often as I wish until it expires in 12 months. You can turn your application in two ways. Either take it yourself to the Chinese Consulate or pay a passport & visa agency to handle it on your behalf. I decided to pay a service to do it for me instead of traveling to Los Angeles from Santa Barbara twice myself. I used Ambassador Passport & Visa Services in Los Angeles. I would definitely use them again if I have the need.

You will need:
1. Chinese Visa application. You must type in all UPPER CASE and leave no blanks. If it doesn’t apply to you type NONE.
The application is at: http://www.ambassadorpassportandvisa.com/admin/pdfs/china-visa-application.pdf
2. You will need two standard “Passport” photos. See Passport step #7 above.
3. If your passport is the first passport you have ever obtained, you need to write a letter to the Chinese Consulate (see sample letter below).
4. Photo copy of your passport
5. Copy of your flight itinerary
6. If you use Ambassador Passport & Visa you will need to complete an order form http://www.ambassadorpassportandvisa.com/pdfs/cover_letter.pdf
7. Fees - Travel Visa was $140. Ambassador’s fee is $99-$140 depending on what jurisdiction you live in. Fee schedule is on their website. I sent my Visa application and documents via FedEx Ground for $9. They do offer rush processing, the above pricing was for regular processing which took about 7 business days. For me their fee was worth every penny, I would have had to travel to the Consulate in Los Angeles once to drop it off and then go back to pick it up a few days later when it was ready.

**Sample letter for first time passport holders**

The Consulate General of The People's Republic of China
443 Shatto Place
Los Angeles, CA 90020

To Whom It May Concern:

This is the first passport (enter passport # here) that I have been issued. I do not have any expired or passports issued in another name.

Sincerely,

Your Name
Your Address
City, State, Zipcode


Signed: _______________________________ Date: _______________


Total Fees as of 3/2013

Passport $110
USPS Processing $25
Passport & Visa Photos $30
Travel Visa $140
Visa processing $99
Fed Ex to Ambassador $9
Fed Ex return to me $35

Cost for passport + visa $448

I am ready to go see what life is like in Wuxi. Perhaps the Housewives of Wuxi will let me do a little guest spot after I have spent a few weeks running around with them.

Until then zài jiàn,

Bucky

Wheels, Wheels and Stroller Wheels

Hey Ya'll,

I dream of the day of being able to go shopping and not have to worry about what stroller I need to take or if I'm going to be able to get in the store with my stroller on my own. But we make it work here.

One of the things that is so different here in China from (in my limited experience) America is walkways and strollers. Never before in my life have I seen escalators and elevators and even store entrances blocked off so much so that you can't fit a normal stroller through.

Welcome to China!

I have found that it takes two different types of strollers (one with big wheels and an umbrella stroller) to make life work and even a really good baby carrier. In the beginning, when Pickle was really little, the umbrella stroller was not an option so that made going out on my own pretty complicated. But we eventually figured it out and he lived in the baby carrier for a long time. Now we have learned how to get around and when to use the big stroller and when to take the umbrella stroller, cause there is no way I'm putting Pickle in the carrier anymore...he is way to heavy. Ha!

The walkways here in Wuxi are not very even and at times make for a rough ride for the kiddos, but if you have a good stroller with big wheels it makes it a much smoother ride.

Yea...taking a stroller up all those steps.... No way! Baby carrier it is! 

We LOVE the Bob stroller and it gets around wonderfully everywhere we need to go, up and down stairs, off roading, whatever is need. 

Even our favorite Starbucks has stairs to climb to get inside. 

The umbrella stroller is great for shopping! Easy access in and out of the stores and up and down escalators and elevators. 

Do you see the blockades? My BOB in no way fits through there, so umbrella stroller it is! 

Even at the grocery store you have to have either an umbrella stroller or a great group of friends to help you lift it up and over the blockades. We love our friends! 

The big wheels on the BOB come in handy when you have to go up a few flights of stairs and you need to "bump" it up. 

Before moving over, take inventory of what you have and what you need. If possible, purchase the strollers in the states because you will pay much more most of the time for the same type thing over here. My umbrella stroller came from Babies R Us and was about $20. The same thing here goes for about $30.

In essence, with proper planning and knowing what you are in for, you will be just fine. We make it work every day...we just call it our "work out" for the day! So come on over and join in the stroller brigade!

Pandas

Within our first 24 hours of arrival, our family experienced the panda phenomenon. We didn't know what it was called, or whether "panda phenomenon" was just a word made up by my husband's Chinese assistant, but it does describe what we felt. Like pandas in the zoo.

We had to buy housewares and a baby crib, so we met up with a colleague of BG's who has been living in Wuxi for over six years. He had arranged for a van and a translator to shop with us. With our entourage we arrived at METRO to buy housewares.

Walking down the aisles, pushing my sleeping son in his stroller, I felt it.

The stares.

All eyes on us.

Two or three METRO employees, plus BG, a translator, the driver, BG's colleague and me. All looking at fry pans. It was overwhelming. The employees would watch every move we made, and if I so much as glanced at a drinking glass, they'd be pulling a box of more expensive glasses off the shelf and try putting it in our cart.

We felt like animals in the zoo.

From METRO we headed across the road to IKEA and our experience was even more intense. We had little old ladies following us, touching us, and reaching in my stroller trying to peek inside( which was covered with a blanket to keep my son sleeping). No personal boundaries.

A week or so later, after we settled in our apartment, we went to Nanchan with Southern Belle's family for dinner. It happened to be a holiday, so it was extra crowded, but the "panda phenomenon" was in full effect. Crowds gathered round Belle's son as he walked, and the cameras came out full force. No one thinks twice about taking photos of a complete stranger's child.

The crowd is gathered around Pickle. Even the kids are taking his picture. 

I think that in time, we have all grown accustomed to being "pandas" here. I notice far fewer glances, yet if I pay attention, there are most definitely still eyes on us, hands reaching in my stroller, and old ladies getting too close for comfort.

LG in his stroller lovin attention from little girls

My hope is that living here helps us grow a thicker skin, so that when we return to the States, we are far less concerned with what others think about us. I hope that LG grows up with a confidence to stand in front of a group of strangers and speak/perform with ease. Somehow, someway, all this attention is going to have a positive effect on our growth as human beings.

Wuxi No.1 People's Hospital

Wuxi No. 1 People's Hospital

LG fell ill last month. He was checked by the general practitioner at UFH Wuxi just before Chun Jie, and we were told he had a virus. The physician we see at UFH Wuxi is only at Wuxi clinic on Thursdays, and was headed out on holiday after our visit. Over the course of the weekend, LG's fever rose, and his breathing seemed labored.

By Sunay night, it was decided, we would call in to UFH's Shanghai clinic, since the english speaking Doctor at Wuxi clinic was on holiday. I needed to have our son seen by a pediatrician for peace of mind.

I ran into a roadblock due to a UFH Shanghai policy regarding appointments for "new" sick patients. They have a policy that parents must call at 5:00p the day before they want an appointment for a sick child. Since LG would be a new patient, he would require 40 minutes for consult and evaluation. The pediatrician did not have forty available minutes for an appointment the next day. I explained hat I could wait a day or so for an appointment. I was told again, that I would need to call back the next evening at 5:00p to try for the next day.

Frustrated, I phoned my husband and he had his assistant help me make an appointment at Wuxi No. 1 People's Hospital with a pediatrician on the VIP floor. With my husband's assistant by our side, we were able to see a pediatrician the same day and have our son assessed.

We saw Dr. Ling Li. She was supposed to be fluent in English, yet she relied on our translator to communicate with us. I was bit miffed that we were told she was fluent in English,yet she was answering our questions in Mandarin. However, it was what it was, and my son's well being was worth more than me being upset over something as silly as language barriers.

The pediatrician fully assessed LG and was very patient and soft with him. I felt like she made him comfortable and had a good bedside manner, smiling and talking to him.

We were told our baby was sick.

"Yes, we know he is sick. What does he have?"

"Your baby need medicine."

"But what's the diagnosis? What is wrong with him?"

"He have lung infection. He need breathing treatments."

After a few more probing questions, we agreed to nebulizer treatments, antibiotics and a bronchodilator medication. We would do three breathing treatments over the course of the week.

Following the janitor ( in grey) to the pharmacy counter

Once we finished with the pediatrician, a janitor (yes, a janitor), met us at the checkout counter (where we also paid for the services) and escorted us to the pharmacy counter without prescription. He picked up the medications and motioned for us to follow him up the escalator into the main hospital. We went through some doors, past a massive line of people waiting and into a room filled with boxes to a nurse behind a counter. He handed the nurse the nebulizer medication. She in turn, handed us a baby mask, and put the nebulizer medication into the mask.

From there, we were lead next door to the breathing treatment room. This was a communal room filled with about 30 nebulizer stations and benches. We were shown to a corner bench- once seated, the nebulizer tubing was placed on a machine, and I sat LG in my lap and proceeded to give him a treatment with many spectators.

We returned three days later for the pediatrician to re-assess his illness. On this visit, I learned that she could speak English! She told me that she is more comfortable with Mandarin, so when someone like me comes with a translator, she prefers to speak in the language she is most comfortable. I told her that her English was good, and the remainder of our second visit was completed in English. Dr. Li is a very nice woman.

Overall, the experience was not as bad as I had imagined it would be. It was helpful to have a translator, and although VIP services cost considerably more (as of 1/2013 it costs 10rmb for regular registration vs 150 rmb for VIP registration, which allowed us to be seen right away in a clean exam room) I felt that it was worth every penny. Overall, total cost for registration, two examinations, three nebulizer treatments, antibiotics and expectorants was approximately 450rmb.

Would I use Wuxi People's Hospital regularly? Probably not. I am still stuck in my western ways, and prefer to see foreign physicians..however, I will not hesitate in an emergency situation, to utilize Wuxi People's VIP floor in the future.

I'm just thankful that Dr. Li was able to help us in a time of need and get LG on the road to recovery.

-Elle Lay

Contact info:

Wuxi No. 1 People's Hospital
Tel:0510-82700775
Add:299 Qingyang Rd.
Nanchang Dist.

清扬路299号

http://www.wxfh.com/ (Chinese website)

Dr. Ling Li (pediatrician)