"Oh That's Different" No. 2

It's been about a month since we came to Beijing and here are a few other interesting tidbits about this city of 20 million.

1. Communal toilet paper. Okay, you don't actually share your pieces of TP, but when you go into the bathroom, there's often only one toilet paper holder, typically near the sinks. (I learned this the hard way when I entered a stall and a little too late realize there wasn't any TP around. Okay, TMI.) Maybe it's too expensive to put toilet paper holders and rolls in each stall?

At least there's not a one-piece-per-person rule.

2. Don't LOL. Many Chinese women cover their mouths when they start to laugh really hard, which is such a shame because there's nothing better than a person enjoying a good laugh. I've heard women do this because showing your teeth is rude (this may be another reason why some Chinese don't smile in photos). Or it may be because laughing loudly isn't graceful, and some people believe women are supposed to be shy and quiet. (If this is the case, I'm in trouble.) 

3. Massages. This is the best thing ever. Beijing is know for their blind masseuses, who do a much better job than folks who can see. That's because their touch is heightened and they're more in tune with where to linger and work out a knot. Many massages here aren't luxury -- no candles or serene music, often communal massage rooms and sparse tables -- but they pack a punch for their price. Scott and I paid $13 a piece for a 60-minute massage. It was heaven. And really, you have your eyes closed, so who needs the frills?

4. Fabulous drinks. The selection of drinks, be it at a roadside stand or grocery store is incredible. There must be at least three dozen types, from milk tea to yogurt drinks with aloe chunks to typical soft drinks to cocktails in a can (such a great idea, right?). It makes for a tough decision. My favorite so far is a cashew peanut protein drink with tapioca balls.

Decisions, decisions ...

5. Cilantro. The Chinese adore cilantro. Before moving here, I always thought the herb was more of a seasoning for salsa or a southwestern quinoa salad. Here, it's commonly served in heaping bowls of noodles and gives the spicy dishes a refreshing and colorful kick. I've started throwing a handful into a stir fry and adding it to sauteed veggies. It's heaven.

6. Heat Day. It's in the mid-40s during the day right now, but gets into the 30s at night. But the government decides when to turn the heat on and it's not happening until Nov. 15. (To be fair, this is somewhat good because the heat comes from coal, meaning the already-bad pollution is going to get much worse during the winter.) So I leave you with a picture of me sitting on the couch inside the apartment in my down coat. Only four more days.

I can shed the coat on Nov. 15.