Hello Sir
I’m sorry that you haven’t found the 7-11 and other fine foreign grocery stores where the foods are fresh and nice.

I’m sorry that you haven’t seen kids playing happily in the park and babies laughing in their mothers’/fathers’ arms.

I’m sorry that you didn’t know that one empty bottle means 0.12 kuai to the old ladies. 100 bottles means foods for a day.

I’m sorry that you didn’t know that lots of people don’t have a Apartment in downtown. For living they have to get up at 5am or even earlier to catch the first bus.

I’m sorry that you didn’t have fun in bargain. “What is your last price?” “NO JOKING PRICE MY FRIEND” “I am losing money” “Don’t break my heart.” Is it just can make you laugh?. Above all, we call bargain an art..

I’m sorry that most of the checker they don’t speak English or any other foreign languages and you should know that how many people are here.. Just be more patient and forgiving.

I’m sorry “Sir” that no one call you “sir” in bank. But is that really matter?

I’m sorry that you didn’t try DHL or FedEx when you worry about the reliability of the post office.

I ‘m sorry again Sir, there are hundreds of million of population. Please share the park with them and just enjoy your happy hours there.

I’m sorry to tell you that we are not perfect yet, still need time to make it better.

I’m sorry that our cultures are different from each other and as we all know there are always pros and cons. Enjoy the pros and understand the cons.

Thank you, Sir, you make me truly understood what is “Home sweet home” No other place is as good as home.

No one can make us happy but ourselves. There still have half of the water in the glass.

Sir, I am sincerely hope that you can come again, to see more great things about this country and be happy everyday.

Wish you happy for a lifetime.

I'm happy that you and china both are happier now since you left.

Give him a break! he's happy to be home and makes some good points that other (non sinophile)foreigners will agree with - I'm sure Chinese people when they come home from abroad feel a sense of belonging and relief because they are home and moan about what they didn't like or understand. We've all done and will continue to do it... let him express himself cos he aint in China now! )

NOt angry at all..
As i said, home is the sweetest place in the world. And i totally understand your feelings...
Just wondering if you list all the happy good things maybe can make your happier....

Things are changing right? So we wish for the best....

I don't get it! Why is any criticism about daily things blindly equated with having a negative attitude towards China, i.e. "insulting China"?
If someone told me, the service in my country leaves much to be desired, I'd agree with that person, but never would take it as an insult towards the whole country.
If someone said those homeless lying around on every corner in front of the shopping malls, I'd agree with that person, but never would take it as an insult towards the whole country.
If someone were complaining about people in the service sector, always pestering the customers to tip them, I'd agree with that person, but never would take it as an insult towards the whole country.
If someone seriously complained about discrimination towards foreigners in daily life, I'd agree with that person, but never would take it as an insult towards the whole country.

Except for a few, MacLeod made some valid points.
Nobody can deny, that the service in restaurants, supermarkets etc. in China is a disaster. It's not a secret, that people working there aren't the smartest. But that's not due to being chinese, but due to the lack of (higher) education.

Bodily excretions in many places is a reality. Should I call it the cultural gap, that many parents let their kids make dookie and wee-wee _everywhere_, especially at the playground (benches, slides, swings etc.)? You cannot sit anywhere without worrying about who may have left something for you. But the worst part is, that young children tend to lick on everything they get their hands on. As a parent one is therefore concerned about the health of one's child.
That's just two out of many.
Where's the insult in that? Why can't people express any criticism without being smashed down and being called a china basher?

I'm sorry

to zhenli...what are you sorry about...i enjoyed every moment when i was there(april to aug) and i am so glad to be going back and see more of China and all the things it offers a guy who has never been outa his country...so im not sure why you are sorry..please explain your self...D

It's a good that you stay at the home now.

China is the big best, if you don't learn that you have stupid life.

I also agree. Everyone has their own opinion about something. OP is just stating his opinions and there's nothing wrong with that.

u is all the very stupid people.

even the the most benben black boy knows, China is best place.

You is the most stupidest most of the laowais.

You have no think brain when you say the stuff

Lol!

I am glad to be back for travelling again....Dali is so COOL!

I even like the Chinese mosquitos...they are much smaller!

But I miss my doggies....and sheep and long white clouds...: (

and Where the hell I can get Swiss Cheese?!!!

Wow, what is the purpose of this essay? Why would you intentionally insult a whole nation because you just did not get it? I think such thoughts should be kept in your head or put on an American website, but are not appropriate here. There are two things that causes my heart pain: 1,) This is why Americans are hated all over the world. 2.) I did not get to meet you to help you discover yourself and China.

I have traveled all over the world and have been to the countries you have mentioned. They are nothing special. It is the US with a different accent and buildings. China is a very special place. If you had researched it more before you arrive then maybe you would be able to realize that. If you had taken more time to talk to people or smile to those who stare at you with curiosity. Then maybe your feelings would be different. Like I tell my Chinese students that I send to the United States to study, not everyone is meant to travel abroad. It takes a person with an open mind, outgoing personality, forgiving and ability to see the beauty when things around you are not so beautiful. You have missed so much and won't realize it until many years from now. One day, you will look back and regret that you did not do more, or make more of an effort when you were here. By then, it will all be a memory and there nothing you can do to change it.

You can blame China and the Gods for your experience. The reality, is that everything that was lacking was because of YOU! It was you that would not allow yourself to see the real China and enjoy your experience. It was you and your American ways that looked down on China as less than desirable. If you would have just allowed yourself to be free and go with the experience you would have seen how wonderful and kind the Chinese people are. You would have seen how unique the culture is and how amazing things are here.

I truly feel sad for you. I can tell by this essay that you had suffered during your stay here. My suggestion is to stick to European countries. Then you would need to deal with different cultures or experience anything life changing.

The service is bad in Beijing, but in other parts of China the service can be much better. Beijing is a little behind in that respect.It's funny that this is supposed to be the showplace of China yet people's behavior and the service are much worse than other parts of China. I even thought this twelve years ago on my first trip here. Compared to even the southwest Beijing was lacking even back then.

Why not use "*" as a censored?!?!? Australia man never say "bs"; this is insult to our nation, and misuse my words, I am feel the insult to, according to the law of China(中国) this means I can sue you for money!!! I tell you. Watch out!! Australian is the friendly peace loving people, but you say the mean word, we kill all you!!!!!