After dropping the kids off at camp, I turned my attention to China preparations. One of my big questions was, is it okay to wear shorts in China? It's really hot in some parts. In Europe, I'd never wear shorts (or sneakers), because it screams "tourist" at least, and probably "American tourist," but in China that's not really much of an issue. Not such an easy question to answer. I've learned that they're not appropriate for business meetings, and lots of other things about China etiquette. For example, spitting is very common, though the government is cracking down on it before the Olympics. One guide said that the spitting is most disconcerting when the chef in your restaurant does it.

I also learned that the number 4 is associated with death (I believe that is so in Japan as well), and as a result apartments on the 4th floor of a building are the least expensive. Considering how few American buildings have a 13th floor, I guess I can't cast stones.