Ohhh, China...

China has a long way to go.

Many Westerners see China as the next super power--and it probably is-- but China lags far behind the U.S. in so many ways.

Case one: Sanitation.

Toilets in China are dismal. 98% of toilets in China are squat pots--aka no seat on which to rest. I particularly object as a favorite pastime is reading the Economist while sitting on a western toilet. Let's just say there is no bathroom reading in China. One restroom at a gas station was so unsanitary that maggots littered the floors and walls. You have to go to a four star hotel before you can get a toilet on which you can sit. If you want soap and toilet paper provided, you have to go to a five star hotel. I am sick of having to carry toilet paper with me everywhere I go.

Instead of wearing diapers, infants have long slits cut in their pants. When nature strikes, the child simply squats and is able to urinate or defecate wherever he or she might be. Including the sidewalk, the bus or the subway. Most everyday I see infant behind waving in the wind.

Today I went in to a bakery to buy a croissant (no, China does not do them well). As I opened the croissant container, I some how brought the entire try of 20 croissants and 20 pieces of cheese cake to the floor. Apologizing profusely, I helped pick up the mess but was taken aback as the bakers placed the spilled contents back on the trays and onto the shelves. I didn't say anything as I did get the only croissant that didn't hit the floor and I didn't have to pay for 39 extra pastries.