Rules for this road

ok, one last post before we leave. For months, I have been reading every tour book and tip list on Hong Kong and China I could lay my hands on, and here are some of the tips I picked up. Most of these come from multiple sources.
Don't talk politics with the Chinese, but don't be surprised if they ask you a bunch of personal questions about your family, your home and your job. I printed photos of several plays we have done at Nichols over the past several years, of the school, my house, and my family to whip out at a moment's notice.
It's okay to wipe your chopsticks before using them in a restaurant, but don't play with them. Don't stick your chopticks upright in rice. they'll look like prayer incense sticks for the dead. Don't give white flowers (funeral color), and don't wear all white. Big problem. I ended up dying several items of clothing so that I wouldn't be all in white. Several of my students and friends said that we don't necessarily think that someone is going to a funeral if they wear all black, but I pointed out that we do sometimes think they are in mourning, or an emo, Goth, or hey! an actor! Heaven forbid!
No midriffs, major cleavage, or mini-skirts. Long shorts are fine, but cut-offs are definitely a no-no. No flip-flops, but a strap-back sandal is okay. ( I heard that in many Asian countries the naked foot is too revealing.) Sloppy dressing is frowned on too. It's going to be VERY hot and HUMID at this time of year, but the convention venues and restaurants are positively arctic, so a shawl or jacket is a must.
Leave some food in the dish or your host will lose face because obviously they couldn't feed you well enough. Wo! As a child of the clean-plate generation who had to think guiltily of the starving people all over the world every time I left a bite of stewed tomatoes and okra in the dish, this presents quite a challenge.
I got a tip from Rena's (5th grader - taught me some survival Chinese) mom, however to avoid those big buffets at the hotels, but street food that has been steamed, boiled, etc. is perfectly safe. Good to know since Charlotte is looking forward to trying crickets.
The Chinese apparently love business cards. Present yours with both hands, and receive theirs the same way. (This sounds so Japanese to me.) Don't stick their business cards in your pocket or purse right away, but hold it or place it in front of you on the table for a bit and look at it a couple times as you continue your conversation. I printed up dozens of NYSTEA business cards to use at this conference. Carol Sue helped me tear the perforations.
Refuse a gift three times before taking it. Otherwise you'll look greedy. The Chinese will refuse your gifts at least three times; so keep offering it and pushing it gently into their hands. They probably won't open it in front of you either.
The older generation still do a little bow with their fist placed in the palm of the other hand. In addition to the verbal greeting, they will appreciate it if you do the same.
If you are tall and blond (whoops, Charlotte) people will probably point at you and comment on your foreign status. Smile, and nod pleasantly.
Don't lose your temper. If you display your dissatisfaction with someone, they may smile, but they also lose face. Stay flexible and keep smiling and apologizing for inconveniencing THEM. I learned three ways to apologize in Mandarin! The Chinese are very forgiving of respectful foreigners who make a mistake.
We're bound to make a ton of mistakes. I'll let you know how we fare.
BTW, we have a guide in Beijing, thanks to a recommendation from my friend, John. Sarah Peng (sarah@toobj.com) and I have been e-mailing each other over the last few days, and planing that leg of the trip. She has excellent suggestions, and I'll share more when we arrive ther in a couple weeks.
For now, Hong Kong and IDEA and more theatre from more countries than I could have dreamed of. Heaven! Talk to you in a few days.
Cheers,
kate