中美信息最近有幸访问美国作家Kristin Bair O'Keeffe有关她在上海三年的经历。我们很高兴和您分享她以下的感受。［在以上的文刊，东方与西方相遇， 中国苏医生回答的采问和Kristin回答的采问一样。
US-C Information: You probably did a fair amount of research before you moved from China to the States. Of the information that you learned, what was most helpful?
US-C Information: You probably did a fair amount of research before you moved from China to the States. Of the information that you learned, what was most helpful?
中美信息：在你来美国之前，你肯定做了很多的调擦研究。从中你觉的什么最有用？
Bair O’Keeffe: Actually I didn’t have a whole lot of time to do research. In late November 2005, my husband (then fiancé) and I decided to move to China. In February 2006, we got married. Six weeks later we moved. It was nuts—but loads of fun.
Bair O'Keeffe: 说实在的，我并没有很多时间做调研。在2005年十一月底， 我的丈夫（那时还是未昏夫）和我决定移居到中国。在2006年二月份，我们结了昏。六个星期后，我们般到了中国。那真是不可想象，但是充满兴趣。
We did have a cultural training session (provided by my husband’s company) a few weeks before moving. Though some of the information was outdated (how could it not be? China changes faster than any other place in the universe), it was pretty helpful.
在般家之前的几个星期，我们去了我丈夫公司提供的文化习属训练班。虽然有的信息过时了（怎么会不过时？中国的变化比这个宇宙的任何其它地方都快），但还是很有用。
One of the most important aspects of Chinese culture that we learned about during the session was the concept of guanxi. Formally, guanxi is a personal connection between people that allows those people to call upon one another for favors or service. Informally, it goes a little like this: I know you and you know me and you went to school with my Uncle Carl, so therefore I can ask you to do me a favor. Then later, when you need a favor, I’ll be there for you.
Guanxi has proven to be very important in both my husband’s workplace and our private lives. You just never know when a little guanxi will get you what you need a little faster or a little more efficiently.
That said, I still don’t think there’s any amount of research that can prepare you for the experience of living in China. A two-week vacation, maybe. But to live? No way. You just have to dive in.
One of the most important aspects of Chinese culture that we learned about during the session was the concept of guanxi. Formally, guanxi is a personal connection between people that allows those people to call upon one another for favors or service. Informally, it goes a little like this: I know you and you know me and you went to school with my Uncle Carl, so therefore I can ask you to do me a favor. Then later, when you need a favor, I’ll be there for you.
Guanxi has proven to be very important in both my husband’s workplace and our private lives. You just never know when a little guanxi will get you what you need a little faster or a little more efficiently.
That said, I still don’t think there’s any amount of research that can prepare you for the experience of living in China. A two-week vacation, maybe. But to live? No way. You just have to dive in.
我们在培训课上学的最有用的中国文化之一是关系。正规的来讲，关系是人与人之间的来往，有机会互相帮忙。随便讲来，就象以下：我认识你，你和我叔叔在同一个学校上过学，所以，我可以请你帮忙。如以后你需要帮忙，我一定会回报。
事实证明关系在我丈夫的公司和我们的生活中都十分重要。你不知道什么时候一点点关系会帮助把事办的快一点，效力好一点。
即使是这样，我觉的不管你做多少调研，你也不会准备的充足。如果去中国度假两个星期还行， 去住是不行的。如去住，你只好象游泳一样投进去才行。
US-C Information: What information did you not have that you wish you had had?
中美信息：你希望有的什么信息但你当时没能有？
Bair O’Keeffe: Oh gosh, I wish I’d known that our landlord wasn’t going to outfit our kitchen with dishes, pans, knives, etc. I spent the first few weeks in Shanghai chopping up sausages with my husband’s Swiss Army knife…until I sliced the heck out of my finger and made my way to IKEA for real kitchen supplies. But, of course, the misunderstanding with our landlord was caused by the language barrier…my biggest challenge in China.
I’ve been studying Mandarin since arriving in April 2006, but when I got here, the only thing I could say was ni hao (hello). Not being able to speak to people or understand what was going on around me drove me crazy. I sounded like a parrot (ni hao, ni hao, ni hao). It would have been so helpful to have studied for at least six months BEFORE moving.
Now I do pretty well. I can talk with the workmen who fix things in our apartment, make hotel reservations on the phone, chat with clerks, etc. I’m definitely not fluent, but I’m functional. This makes life in Shanghai so much more enjoyable…just being able to chat a bit and share stories with local folks.
Bair O’Keeffe: Oh gosh, I wish I’d known that our landlord wasn’t going to outfit our kitchen with dishes, pans, knives, etc. I spent the first few weeks in Shanghai chopping up sausages with my husband’s Swiss Army knife…until I sliced the heck out of my finger and made my way to IKEA for real kitchen supplies. But, of course, the misunderstanding with our landlord was caused by the language barrier…my biggest challenge in China.
I’ve been studying Mandarin since arriving in April 2006, but when I got here, the only thing I could say was ni hao (hello). Not being able to speak to people or understand what was going on around me drove me crazy. I sounded like a parrot (ni hao, ni hao, ni hao). It would have been so helpful to have studied for at least six months BEFORE moving.
Now I do pretty well. I can talk with the workmen who fix things in our apartment, make hotel reservations on the phone, chat with clerks, etc. I’m definitely not fluent, but I’m functional. This makes life in Shanghai so much more enjoyable…just being able to chat a bit and share stories with local folks.
我的天呀，我真希望我早知道我房东给我配置的锅碗瓢盆不适合我的橱房。一先几个星期在上海，我用我丈夫的瑞士小刀切肠。 直到我把我的手指头切了一大刀，我才到Ikea去采购橱房用品。但是我和房东的误解是因语言不通造成的，这也是我的最大的挑战。
我从2006年 到后在一直学中文。当我刚到时，我只能说‘你好’这一句话。不能沟通和听不懂别人在讲什么十分痛苦。我听上去象个鹦鹉（你好，你好，你好）。要是来之前的六个月能学点中文的话会相当有用。
现在我还可以。我可以和到我公寓来修东西的工人交流，打电话订酒店， 和服务员聊天等等。我还是不流利，但我可以沟通。能和当地人聊天和分享时事，这使我在上海的日子过的有意思多了。
US-C Information: Was there any organization that helped you when you first arrived in Shanghai?
US-C Information: Was there any organization that helped you when you first arrived in Shanghai?
中美信息：当你刚到上海时，有任何组织帮助你了吗？
Bair O’Keeffe: The American Women’s Club offers a “newcomer” program. I participated in this, but didn’t have the greatest experience. After a few weeks, I bagged it and set about making connections in other ways—finding a writing group, attending literary readings, etc.
Finding my tribe took a lot of gumption and perseverance, but after a while, I found myself with a terrific group of friends and a growing understanding of the Chinese culture.
Bair O’Keeffe: The American Women’s Club offers a “newcomer” program. I participated in this, but didn’t have the greatest experience. After a few weeks, I bagged it and set about making connections in other ways—finding a writing group, attending literary readings, etc.
Finding my tribe took a lot of gumption and perseverance, but after a while, I found myself with a terrific group of friends and a growing understanding of the Chinese culture.
美中妇女俱乐部提供‘新来者’系列。我参加了，但没觉的很有帮助。几个星期后，我离开了，想法找其它方试交流，比如找个写作部，参加文学会等。
US-C Information: What misconceptions do Americans have about living and working in China?
US-C Information: What misconceptions do Americans have about living and working in China?
中没信息：美国人对在中国居住和工作有什么成见？
Bair O’Keeffe: A lot of Americans still think of China as a third world country, but much of it is very far from that. Shanghai is quite modern with fancy restaurants, high fashion, thriving shopping districts, a growing middle class, and a burgeoning creative community. On the street where my apartment is, there are at least three high-end boutiques where I can have dresses made, three or four art galleries, a French wine bar, a hip café, and lots more.
Bair O’Keeffe: A lot of Americans still think of China as a third world country, but much of it is very far from that. Shanghai is quite modern with fancy restaurants, high fashion, thriving shopping districts, a growing middle class, and a burgeoning creative community. On the street where my apartment is, there are at least three high-end boutiques where I can have dresses made, three or four art galleries, a French wine bar, a hip café, and lots more.
许多美国人还认为中国是第三世界，但这已不切实际了。上海已是一个拥有很多高级餐馆，高级时装商场，活跃的购货中心，不断增长的中产阶层和创新社区。
US-C Information: What misconceptions about Chinese do many Americans have?
US-C Information: What misconceptions about Chinese do many Americans have?
中美信息：美国人对中国人的误解是什么？
Bair O’Keeffe: Many Americans also perceive China as a totally Communist/Socialist country. While it’s true that it has a centralized government that imposes restraints upon its citizens with which we Americans are not comfortable, it is a capitalistic nation. The success of the Chinese economy in the last decade is proof of this.
很多美国人认为中国全是共产主义／社会主义的国家。实际是中央政俯控制其公民， 对美国人来讲觉的很不自然，但这是一个资本主义的国家。中国前十年的经济成功是其证明。
US-C Information: What’s surprised you most about living in China?
中美信息：在中国使你最吃惊的是什么？
Bair O’Keeffe: I get surprised all the time (yes, even now, after two years in Shanghai), but one of the bigger surprises I made was how important food is here. Everything in China revolves around eating and preparing food. When people meet, they don’t say hello like we do back in the U.S. Instead they ask, “Have you eaten yet?” People are always explaining to me the different benefits of various foods—white mushrooms, onions, etc. This is good for this; that is good for that. It’s wonderful. Everyone connects over meals.
I was also surprised to learn that fireworks (giant, loud ones) are such a significant part of the Chinese New Year celebration. The way I understand it, fireworks were traditionally used during the holiday to scare away bad spirits. I guess that’s still the case because this year, the fireworks started at about 6:00 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and continued almost nonstop until about 3:00 a.m. And I’m not talking about poppers or sparklers. I’m talking about the biggest, boomingest fireworks you’ve ever seen in your life. And there’s not just one set going off; there are dozens and dozens of sets going off all over the city. It’s wonderful and absolutely crazy at the same time.
Bair O’Keeffe: I get surprised all the time (yes, even now, after two years in Shanghai), but one of the bigger surprises I made was how important food is here. Everything in China revolves around eating and preparing food. When people meet, they don’t say hello like we do back in the U.S. Instead they ask, “Have you eaten yet?” People are always explaining to me the different benefits of various foods—white mushrooms, onions, etc. This is good for this; that is good for that. It’s wonderful. Everyone connects over meals.
I was also surprised to learn that fireworks (giant, loud ones) are such a significant part of the Chinese New Year celebration. The way I understand it, fireworks were traditionally used during the holiday to scare away bad spirits. I guess that’s still the case because this year, the fireworks started at about 6:00 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and continued almost nonstop until about 3:00 a.m. And I’m not talking about poppers or sparklers. I’m talking about the biggest, boomingest fireworks you’ve ever seen in your life. And there’s not just one set going off; there are dozens and dozens of sets going off all over the city. It’s wonderful and absolutely crazy at the same time.
我总有惊讶，（是的， 即使现在，在上海住了两年后），我最惊讶的是吃饭的重要性。中国各地都围绕着吃饭和做饭。当人门相遇时，不象在美国你好的问候，人门问‘你吃饭没有？’。人们总是给我解释各种饭菜的益处， 比如白蘑菇， 洋葱等。这对这好， 那对那好。这到是很好，大家在饭桌上沟通。
我也惊奇的学知鞭炮是（又大又响）中国新年庆祝的重要成份。我所知的是鞭炮是用来驱邪的。我想这还是没变。因为今年的鞭炮在除夕六点钟开始响， 一直到早上三点钟才停。我不仅是说蹦的和出闪光的， 我是说你从没见过的最大的， 最响的鞭炮。我不仅是说一串，我是说一打， 一打的同时放。真是美妙，同时也象疯了似的。
US-C Information: How does the cost of living in China [in this case, Shanghai] compare to the U.S.?
US-C Information: How does the cost of living in China [in this case, Shanghai] compare to the U.S.?
中美信息：中国的消费［这指在上海］和美国比如何？
Bair O’Keeffe: If I eat local food, it’s fairly cheap. But because I eat a lot of Western food and go to a lot of Western restaurants, it’s much more costly. The imported foods in grocery stores are outrageously expensive. If I buy a box of cereal that costs $4.00 in the U.S., I pay about $9.00 for it here…sometimes more, depending on the cereal.
My husband and I try to eat at our favorite Chinese restaurants as often as possible—both because we love the food and because we don’t have to carve a hole in our wallets to pay for a meal.
Bair O’Keeffe: If I eat local food, it’s fairly cheap. But because I eat a lot of Western food and go to a lot of Western restaurants, it’s much more costly. The imported foods in grocery stores are outrageously expensive. If I buy a box of cereal that costs $4.00 in the U.S., I pay about $9.00 for it here…sometimes more, depending on the cereal.
My husband and I try to eat at our favorite Chinese restaurants as often as possible—both because we love the food and because we don’t have to carve a hole in our wallets to pay for a meal.
如我吃当地的饭菜，是相当便谊。但因为我去西餐馆吃很多西餐， 这就很贵。商场的进口食品十分昂贵。如我买一盒草米，在美国是四美金，我在这儿大概付九美金。有时还更多，看你买什么洋的草米。
我和我丈夫尽量在我们喜欢的中国餐馆吃。一是我们喜欢那儿的饭菜，二是我们不需要掏空钱包来付一顿饭的钱。
US-C Information: Is public transportation easy to use?
US-C Information: Is public transportation easy to use?
中美信息：公共交通方便吗？
Bair O’Keeffe: The subway system in Shanghai is great. It’s clean, safe, and well organized. Thankfully all signs are in English as well as Chinese. I avoid it during the weekday rush hours—way too many people crushed up against each other—but often use it during the weekends. I have a metro card that I charge up and I can use it for all kinds of transportation in Shanghai, including the metro, taxis, and buses. (I think—though I haven’t tried—I can even pay my utility bills with it.)
I’ve never ridden a bus in Shanghai. I’m sure I could figure them out at this stage if I wanted or needed to, but they’re always packed.
上海的地铁十分方便。地铁很干净和有顺续。谢天谢地，所有的标记中英都有。我不在上下班的时候坐地铁，那时人们互相挤的厉害，但我周末坐的多。我有一张地铁卡，我可以先付钱买卡，然后我能用它来付地铁，出租和公共汽车。（虽然我没这么用过，但我觉得我可以用它来付水电费。）
我还没有乘过公共汽车。如需要的话，我现在肯定能学会坐车。公共汽车总是很挤。
[For more information about Kristin and her blog Shanghai Adventures of a Trailing Spouse, 如想得知更多有关Kristin和她blog的信息，请按click here.]
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