Today I invited some friends over for a typical American breakfast, except that I invited them over for dinner because who eats real breakfast in the morning anyway? Actually, I do. This semester I only have one morning class on Thursday so I have time to make a real breakfast. In fact, I often eat a prebreakfast while making breakfast, which is closely followed by brunch.
Anyway, for dinner tonight I wanted to treat George, my old boss, who has treated me countless times to KTV, movies, or dinner. He brought his friend Rainbow and Vivian, who is an old student of mine. We made crepes (pancakes are too difficult in a wok on a hot plate) and a potato dish (not sure how that's breakfast) and pizza :).
As we were sitting down, Vivian was struggling to choose a seat. I was confused until she asked me, "It is custom in your culture that this is the host chair?" I laughed and said I had no idea but it made me think about all the customs we study before we come to China and our customs that they expect when they are invited to an American's apartment for dinner.
I rarely think of such things anymore. Sometimes I'm not even sure anymore which customs are Chinese. In China you always offer your guest something to drink the moment they step in the door. Is that American too? Because to me it feels so natural and even necessary. But I am not good at fighting to pay the bill and now I'm wondering if I should have walked my guests to the gate, even though they told me it was too cold to go outside. It's funny how fighting is polite. I think people here must just be programmed to always consider others' needs. I have to fight with a student to keep her from carrying my bag of groceries for me. When students buy fruit, they buy a lot, because they're buying it for all their friends to share. And if they just happen to run into you, they'll give you some of it! They say, "It is just the Chinese way."
