Another cultural difference...no pets in bed or sofa

When I first came to the United States, I always saw ads selling pet step stools or pet stairs for dogs or cats. I was telling myself who wants such a product. It is better if my dog can't reach my bed or sofa.

I was surprised to see that Americans are completely the opposite and provide their pets unlimited access to their beds or sofas. In Hong Kong, I have never seen any pet owner has such a product before. This is all because we do not allow pets to get onto our sofas or beds, partly due to hygienic reason and partly because of the desire to minimize damage on expensive furniture.

Well, it's just another cultural difference and I'm glad my husband, who is an American White guy, agrees with me both on the hygiene and cleaning part. If not, I think we will fight day and night about how to treat our dog!

Table manner at a Chinese meal

I was having dinner at a Japanese restaurant with my husband and some Chinese friends over the weekend. We were trying out different types of sushi and I was trying to get a piece of big sushi roll from a plate that just arrived. The sushi pieces were slightly stacked and the ones on my side happened to be at the bottom. It took me a while before I could get a piece out without touching the other pieces or breaking them. My husband was asking why didn't I just take the top piece from across the other side of the plate.

Here comes the cultural difference: Chinese do not take the piece that is easiest. We have to take the piece that is closest to us.

We also pour tea for everybody else at the table first before pouring tea into our own tea cup. If you only pour for yourself, that is considered rude and self-centered.

There are lots to learn and to be aware of in terms of cultural differences, but once you get a hang of it, it is fun!