Backstory: I am a student going to China for a week; in preparation for the trip, my mom sent periodic instructions about what to do and not to do, which included eating only “candy bars, American candy bars.” Also, I am 28.
While in China:
Don’t drink the water!
Don’t eat the food!
Don’t talk to strangers!
Don’t get near any birds!
But have a good time.
Love,
Mom
Xenophobia is alive and well and living in the USA
March 11, 2009 at 12:14 pm
haha the little “but have a good time!” at the end is cute. At least the good thought is there.
March 11, 2009 at 1:41 pm
For having spent 6 years living in China, I can vouch for the validity of each and every point of advice. I also think it’s naive and, quite frankly, the worst kind of “xenophobia” to assume that all other countries are as safe and clean as our own. China is definitely NOT and the hazards should be taken seriously. I’m only ranting because I encounter small-minded comments, like Little Lemon’s, on a daily basis with my work and cannot stand those people who look for racism and perceived injustice around every corner and then make snarky comments about it while bashing their own country.
March 11, 2009 at 3:39 pm
So, what’s the danger with Chinese birds? Bird flu, or Chinese birds that hate Americans and swoop down to peck our eyes out? I am very worried.
March 11, 2009 at 4:29 pm
My mom gave me lots of similar tips when I went to Borneo. I’m 25, married and have already moved from the US to attend university in Australia so I’m used to paranoid travel advice. I actually enjoy it. Mom frets, Dad is shocked by just how paranoid Mom’s thoughts can get and I speak in very soothing tones and promise not to speak to or offend anybody while also not touching, eating or drinking anything. ever. no-really-i-mean-it!
March 12, 2009 at 8:07 am
10 years ago when i was in college, i visited ireland for a few weeks without telling my mom beforehand because i knew she would freak out. she found out mid-way through the trip when i ran out of money ;). all she kept saying to me on the phone was that if i get my arm or leg blown off in a bombing, i needed to tell her before i got home so she wouldn’t find out in the airport in front of strangers. I remember looking at the phone in my hand and thinking “WTF? is this conversation really taking place?” Good times, good times.
Of course, she denies this ever happened.
March 12, 2009 at 2:02 pm
One piece of advice mom forgot, learn how to go potty while standing up!
March 12, 2009 at 7:09 pm
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