Let's Line Up!

You're wandering around the stores and you're suddenly feeling hungry. In America, the norm is to line up politely with at least a foot between people. In China, that's definitely not the case. The mentality: SWARM.

Chinese people "lining up."
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6161/6203238053_8b5094f77d_m.jpg

VERSUS



Americans lining up.
http://trendsettersofficialblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/a-year-ago-on-labor-day-weekend-unemployed-americans-stand-in-line-to-attend-a-job-fair-in-el-monte-ca-sept-4-2010.jpg
 

When you're talking about tradition and culture, Chinese people are usually pretty polite. However, when you're lining up for something, it's a war zone. You are pressed up against another people, with no breathing or moving space, and you're expected to fight for the cashier's attention if you're trying to pay for something. In mainland China, it can range from food stores to thrift stores to the set-up stores on the streets and you're shouting over other people trying to talk to one or two people behind the counter.

However, Hong Kong is slightly different. If you're on the street, it's the same thing as China, with slightly less screaming and shouting. But, if you go into somewhere more official (like an airport) or a nice mall, like the one in Causeway Bay called Times Square, then it's like the American norm. They like to take after Western or European ways when the stores are all fancy and expensive.





Causeway Bay's Times Square Mall
http://hk.tranews.com/Show/images/News/3236864_1.jpg





So, when you do go to Hong Kong (or China) make sure you drink lots of orange juice so you can keep your voice after shouting or just your health in case any of those people around you are sick.

If you're claustrophobic, I highly recommend to not go to China or Hong Kong. Otherwise, you'd probably have to get over it.