Lessons of Guangzhou

My first "real" trip to China was to Guangzhou. I went to Shen Zhen previously but i don't think it really counts as an eye-opener. Visited my ancestral home in Shun Tak, a district in Guangzhou in a village called "Sai Gou, Dai Dei" (its really close to the largest furniture city in Shun Tak which is approx 1 hr drive from Zhu Hai). We don't have any more links to the village but it was a nice experience to kind of go back to ur roots in China. This trip was really an eye-opener of China, many stories and experiences in just a few days! University professors won't be able to teach u any of the experiences of China, ever.

Here's a few things i learnt in mainland China:-

1. Chinese people in China cannot be trusted. If you ask anyone on the street for directions and they tell u its really near - its not!
2. Guangzhou food is nice. But go to restaurants where the menu has prices if possible and don't let the captain order too much food for you! You will end up with a table full of dishes u can't finish.
3. Asking for favors in a village - offer them some money and they will be ur best friend.
4. Don't trust your cab driver. Don't trust touts after u have negotiated with them, negotiate again with the driver.
5. You can be rude to the people in China, even better if you are louder than them. But becareful, this only applies to people in the South, people in the North will physically attack u!
6. Do not pick up money from the ground or any foreign objects on the ground. Especially if someone asks you to do so.
7. While crossing the road, just close your eyes and walk. The cars and bicycles will not stop for you even if the pedestrian light is green. It's an amazing country.
8. If you are a man, you will be solicited if standing on the streets alone. It may be your lucky day, but be warned, the ladies will be all nice and pretty, once u anger them, their true colors will show.
9. The biggest Chinese clans go by this order - Chan (Chen), Lee, Cheong, Wong, Ho.
10. Pay to go to the toilets, it's worth it! Nicest toilet is at the Museum of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen in Zhongsan, on the way to Guangzhou.

No matter how smart and cautious you are, when in China you are in for a ride! Enjoy! :D