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hot?

You can tell you're getting used to the climate when:

  • You pull the covers over yourself at night against the "chill" of the fan on you.
  • You put on jeans the next morning. It's 93 degrees Fahrenheit outside. This fashion choice seems reasonable to you.
  • You don't notice anymore that your skin is sticky with humidity.
  • The 80 degree nights with a light breeze are "cool."
  • When you shower in the morning, you use lukewarm water at first because cold water is "too cold."
  • When you shower at night, you use lukewarm water for the whole shower.
  • You don't sweat like a pig the second you leave your apartment during the day.
  • You don't chug water like your life depends on it.
You can tell you're getting used to the culture when:
  • It seems reasonable to cover up on a hot day.
  • You don't always wait for the crossing signal before crossing the street. "Hey, no traffic!" is good enough.
  • Of course everything is in Chinese.
  • You start recognizing Chinese symbols.
  • A meal that "Only costs 100 dollars!" sounds cheap.
  • Going down a small, tight alley situated between two buildings with water damage, chipped paint, rusty metal grating and sketchy-looking entrance ways feels perfectly safe.
  • You stop wondering why the ice cream truck is making late-night runs. (Note: The garbage trucks play music, so you'll hear Fur Elise and other tunes around the neighborhood once the sun goes down.)
  • You stop waking up at every loud noise in the street.

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