Becoming Chinese

Our first visitor has arrived! As a rule grandmothers can’t stay away for long, especially if they only have one grandchild.

My mother arrived in Hong Kong looking typical of someone suffering fifteen hours in dry air. “Shouldn’t that flight be illegal” was my greeting. But because of her new Isagenix lifestyle, she hasn’t skipped a beat. We awoke this morning to attend Sunday Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church on Lamma. It’s always a pleasure to go to mass with family, bringing back memories of little girls giggling in the front pews.

Our plans are beginning to solidify for the coming weeks. The giant buddha, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Victoria’s Peak are just a few of our destinations. Of course we’ll have our share of lazy days on the beach.

So far, it’s interesting having our first visitor. On day one I feel like everything must be explained. Why do we take our shoes off in Church? Who set the standard for fashion here? Why are Chinese people the way they are?

For a foreigner, arriving in Hong Kong makes the transition a little easier. When it comes to modernization, Hong Kong is leagues ahead of mainland China. And quite honestly, even after traveling around Asia for 4 months I’m still trying to get a grasp on this culture. Slowly and painstakingly, I’m trying to fit in.

On the road to becoming Chinese, the first rule is to blend in. With Maeli that is near impossible. Since we now have a home in Hong Kong, at least we’re on our way.

The second rule is to respect authority. In church this morning one of the offertory prayers was for people who say “yes sir” all day. Oppression has been a long-standing trend in China and since rebels aren’t tolerated it’s just easier to say “yes sir.”

The third rule is the hardest for me: saving face. That generally means making people feel good about themselves even if you have to lie. Well, all I have to say about that is “crap.”

It’s a giant leap to move to Asia… especially for this Greener Grad who appreciates counter-culture. This visit from my mother is my first chance to explain a few things about how the world works on the other side of the globe. At least I realize that the true translation of “teacher” is “still learning.”