Top 10 Observations about our time in China

1. There are no lines in China. Everyone just pushes their way to the front until someone wins.
2. The Marriott breakfast buffet is awesome! Where else can you get dragonfruit, pineapple, french toast, bacon, pan fried mackerel, preserved egg, fried rice, rice noodles, BBQ pork buns, congee with century old egg and swiss cheese?
3. Do not take your hotel room key out of the electricity socket when you leave or will not have a very cool room when you return. (In order to have electricity, you have to insert your room key into a socket on the wall.)
4. If you go to a Chinese restaurant without your guide, you are taking your life into your own hands! You may or may not get what you think you are ordering. Even if you do, you might be too exhausted to eat after trying to communicate. Do not assume a nod of the head means 'yes, I understand what you are saying.'
5. McDonald's serves chicken wings and taro fried pies (not apple).
6. A taxi driver will lead you to assume he knows exactly where you want to go. Then he will try to drop you off in an area you do not recognize.
7. A restaurant owned and operated by a fellow American is an absolute oasis!
8. Pizza Hut also serves Chinese dishes and many different kinds of tea.
9. The pastries in the Marriott bakery DO taste as scrumptious as they look!
10. China's most precious export is our most prized possesion - our children!