<p>Most Asians tend to be more formal than Americans. Most adults, outside of the States, do not wear sneakers unless they are exercising.</p>
<p>Novisto-Sierra Trading Post is great! A site I try to avoid, unless looking for something specific, as can be quite time intensive, one great page of bargains after another. Have gotten some great things from there, though in this case, need to have him try some things on first at a real store, as shoes can be hard to fit.</p>
<p>Old Fort-your reply is one of the reasons I posted on here. What you are saying is reminiscent of what I knew from living in HK all those years ago. But my knowledge is old, and Asia has changed immensely since those days, so was unsure of the validity of that knowledge. “You are judged by what you wear” So true. And the formality, though again have been unsure how that may have changed. He is going to Shanghai, so some western rules might apply there a bit as well, I’d think. Any suggestions for gifts, should he be asked to someone’s house?</p>
<p>White socks are the other American identifier overseas, or so I’ve heard.</p>
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<p>Now that is absolutely true! :)</p>
<p>“Any suggestions for gifts, should he be asked to someone’s house?”
Of the many gifts that we gave to my S’s host family while he was there, the jars of Vaseline hand lotion or similar moisturizers were most appreciated and most asked for by the women of the family. Dad got a bottle of scotch that was placed in the dining room cabinet to be admired, I guess, but never opened. This was true for other host families as well. I think there was a certain cachet to the Vaseline brand!
Also note that gifts may not be overly oohed and aaahhed over. I was told there is a cultural norm that forbids such fawning in order that the giver won’t feel that his gift is more important than he is.</p>
<p>If he is in Shanghai, he could very well be invited to some nice places by some families - a teacher is well respected. It is always customary to bring gifts when you visit someone’s house. China has come a long way, especially in the metropolitan areas. I think English books, some picture prints, or American arts and crafts. Most Chinese go to HKG to do their shoppings now, so they could get almost anything there. Something authentic from America would show their friends that they know people from America.
There are some great night clubs in Shanghai where many expats go. It’s going to be a great experience for him…very jealous.
Woody is correc - if they don’t ooh and ahh about your present, it doesn’t mean they don’t like it, they are just trying to be polite. They may even wait until you leave to open the present.</p>
<p>Thanks! Is Jonny Walker black label still the scotch of choice, or has the trend moved to something else? Single malts?</p>
<p>Johnny, it is!!</p>