Comments on: The Foreigners of Beijing http://www.welmer.org/2008/04/07/the-foreigners-of-beijing/ Exploring the East, Revisiting the West Tue, 18 Jan 2011 22:44:41 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 By: Bill http://www.welmer.org/2008/04/07/the-foreigners-of-beijing/comment-page-1/#comment-10 Bill Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:55:59 +0000 http://www.welmer.org/?p=9#comment-10 No doubt, culture is a big issue. Most people can't get around it, but I know and have met plenty of people who can. The differences between Eastern and Western civilization are profound, but they are offset by some fundamental similarities. When I mention maturity, I have to admit I'm referring to myself as much as anyone else. I was just a kid when I was in China, and of course cultural issues don't seem too important when there's a good-looking girl in front of you. One thing I've come to understand is that although boundaries are there for a good reason, some people have what it takes to cross them, and those people are part of an important cultural bridge. However, as you suggest, not everyone is up to that, so I will continue to urge caution when it comes to these relationships. That it has worked for you is a testament to your own good judgment. I wish I possessed the same! No doubt, culture is a big issue. Most people can’t get around it, but I know and have met plenty of people who can.

The differences between Eastern and Western civilization are profound, but they are offset by some fundamental similarities. When I mention maturity, I have to admit I’m referring to myself as much as anyone else. I was just a kid when I was in China, and of course cultural issues don’t seem too important when there’s a good-looking girl in front of you.

One thing I’ve come to understand is that although boundaries are there for a good reason, some people have what it takes to cross them, and those people are part of an important cultural bridge. However, as you suggest, not everyone is up to that, so I will continue to urge caution when it comes to these relationships.

That it has worked for you is a testament to your own good judgment. I wish I possessed the same!

]]> By: Loki on the run http://www.welmer.org/2008/04/07/the-foreigners-of-beijing/comment-page-1/#comment-9 Loki on the run Tue, 15 Apr 2008 01:05:14 +0000 http://www.welmer.org/?p=9#comment-9 <i> The problem is that a lot of the girls are immature, and aren’t quite sure what they want. </i> I suspect it is much more a clash of cultures issue. If all you want is quick sex, stick with the prostitutes. Having been married to someone from one small part of China (that I met in college) for more than 20 years now, a great deal of good will is required on the part of both parties.
The problem is that a lot of the girls are immature, and aren’t quite sure what they want.

I suspect it is much more a clash of cultures issue. If all you want is quick sex, stick with the prostitutes.

Having been married to someone from one small part of China (that I met in college) for more than 20 years now, a great deal of good will is required on the part of both parties.

]]> By: admin http://www.welmer.org/2008/04/07/the-foreigners-of-beijing/comment-page-1/#comment-8 admin Mon, 14 Apr 2008 23:06:23 +0000 http://www.welmer.org/?p=9#comment-8 It's a bit mercenary, but sometimes it works out well for everyone involved. The problem is that a lot of the girls are immature, and aren't quite sure what they want. For the older ones - late 20s and up - it's more likely to be a well-considered decision than an impulse. It’s a bit mercenary, but sometimes it works out well for everyone involved. The problem is that a lot of the girls are immature, and aren’t quite sure what they want. For the older ones – late 20s and up – it’s more likely to be a well-considered decision than an impulse.

]]> By: Loki on the run http://www.welmer.org/2008/04/07/the-foreigners-of-beijing/comment-page-1/#comment-3 Loki on the run Mon, 14 Apr 2008 18:57:17 +0000 http://www.welmer.org/?p=9#comment-3 <i> And then there were the visa-hounds, as they were called by US marines guarding the embassy. These were a ubiquitous breed in any locale where laowai were to be found, latching onto American and European men in hopes of a better life abroad. </i> And is there anything wrong with that?
And then there were the visa-hounds, as they were called by US marines guarding the embassy. These were a ubiquitous breed in any locale where laowai were to be found, latching onto American and European men in hopes of a better life abroad.

And is there anything wrong with that?

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