We recently returned from a cultural exchange to China.

Being in a completely different country forced us to adapt to the new environment and all it has to offer. One of the major things that varied highly from the United States has been our dining experience. We ate a traditional Peking duck dinner, which has a regal place in Chinese history as a meal of the Emperor. And although some of us said we would not eat American food on the trip, the menu at Pizza Hut was far from familiar with Teriyaki Octopus and Shrimp Balls as options.

Another thing that has been quite noticeable is the monetary system and economy in China. There is no tax on purchases, so the price on the sticker is the actual price unless you bargain, which is also commonplace. The Silk Market is a popular shopping venue to purchase anything you could want. It had been my intention to leisurely peruse the market, however we were greeted by an excited mass of sales men and women determined to meet their quota. By the end of the day I had a few unexpected purchases in hand that I did not even know if I wanted.

Fellow FLA member Shakarra McGuire summarized it best when she said, “The Silk Market is like a crash course in life. It’s quick, uncertain and thrilling.”

Everyone in China seems to have a craft, skill or product to sell. In the U.S. we are a nation of consumers. However, in China they focus more on the production and the selling of their goods and services.

Despite the many differences we encountered on our trip, we have also realized that our culture has impacted their society in a similar manner to the way their culture has impacted ours. We may not recognize it, however we are much more congruent than is to be expected. 

We have comprehended the transcending trend of spirituality.
We have mastered the art of bargaining.
We have wearily walked one of the World’s Wonders.
We have reveled in the aroma of Jasmine Tea and Beijing streets.