In China, Do as Chinese Do?

"In Rome, Do as Romans Do." Does it mean that in China, I have to do what Chinese people do? Well, I have this saying in mind before leaving for China last year. I have read about Chinese culture, specially when it comes to eating. I saw the exotic food in Beijing when it was shown on television before the Beijing 2008 Olympics. I was thinking that eating snakes and scorpions would be some of the exceptions of not being a Roman in Rome. I don't have any problem with following or respecting their culture at all. In fact, I tried hard, just like eating dog barbecue and going to a public bath. I couldn't say no since everyone was eating it and any dish with a dog meat is the specialty of Xuzhou, a city located in the northern part of Jiangsu Province. They asked me if I have tried and I said "No". I was about to add that I didn't have any plan to try, but before I could say it, they were asking me to try, saying that I would love it because it was delicious. It was the look on their faces that made me try. They look so sincere and anxious to see my reaction so I did it. When I started biting the barbecue I was thinking it was pork and I muttered, "hmmmmm hao chi." That simple statement made them smiled. So, they ordered more and put more on my plate. By the way, they love to serve you with anything, and even if you're so stuffed, you just have to try every dish that they would offer. Chinese people love having big meals during their Spring Festivals, so you don't have to worry about being hungry.

When it comes to trying their exotic food, such as beetles, scorpions, silk worms and snakes, I think I still need a lot of courage to do this. For now, I could say, that in China, I am trying to do what Chinese do.