Interlude 4

I have always tried to be culturally open minded and accepting of other people. However, if you’re going to purposely push and shove, I’m going to say something!

This morning at breakfast, there were probably about 40 people from a tour group from China. Most everyone else was our group (about 40 people as well) and other guests. We all wait in line for whatever buffet item we want; however, the Chinese group would push and shove instead of wait in line. I’m not talking about a gentle push, I’m taking about a full on shove and push. And if they can’t get through in front of you, they go behind and you and keep shoving. A lot of people from our group were quite offended so we began to physically stop them and firmly say “No! That’s NOT okay!” Now I know they probably don’t speak English but I know they got the message with the look on our faces and us pointing to the back of the line. They looked surprised and would walk away.

Two nights ago when I went to the ballet, they announced that pictures and video were strictly forbidden. As soon as the curtains went up, two of the four Chinese ladies sitting to my right immediately pull out their phones to begin recording. I reached over and I tugged at one of the woman’s arms and I pointed to her phone and shook my finger, “No!” She made the other lady also out down her phone.

I like to adhere to whatever laws, rules, or culturally unwritten rules a country has. If I ever go back to China, I’ll know it’s okay to push and shove until I get what I want.