Illustration: Luo Xuan/GT

I marked the calendar at work and realized that I only had one day until I set off on my 10-day adventure back home. My bags were partially packed, and I only needed to hit the tourist market in Wangfujing to grab some last-minute souvenirs. My friends and family were eagerly texting me, saying they cannot wait to see me and telling me how excited they are. Amid all the excitement of going home and catching up with everyone, some things make the situation a little stressful and annoying.

For any expat who has gone home or back to visit friends, there are classic questions you face from almost everyone.

"So, what is China like?" as if I can somehow sum up the whole of my experience and opinion of China over a quick chat.

The real China is so far from the perception those have at home that it would take at least two full days of lectures, pie charts and power points to just scratch the surface. So, I usually just say, "It's awesome. There are so many different things like amazing food and beautiful scenery, and you can do it all for next to nothing."

This usually leaves the listener satisfied enough. Any more information would be shared on an ask-and-tell basis.

It is best not to overwhelm people with everywhere you have been and everything you have done all at once. Whether it is jealousy or an inability to relate, it tends to alienate people and make them shut down.

"When are you coming back home for good?" Hmmm, let me check my calendar. When you move to another country, you have a timeline in your head, but this definitely changes once you arrive and start to become accustomed to your new life.

In this situation I say, "Well, I think I am going to stay a little longer than expected because there are so many opportunities in China."

Quick, short and to the point. The truth is I have no idea when I am coming back, or if I am coming back. However, that type of response is sure to give you the wide-eyed stare you are desperately trying to avoid.

"So do you speak fluent Chinese now?" While cultural immersion is the best way to learn a language, I think it is safe to say that you could easily live in China without knowing Chinese. In the eight months I have lived here, I have learned to count, say thank you and you're welcome, and most importantly, ask for a beer.

This is a good time to bust out the pictures you took around town of "Chinglish" translations. My favorite being a "beware of your belongings" sign I saw in the bathroom, which immediately made me start to get uneasy around my backpack.

When going home, there is also reverse culture shock. Many people are doing the same thing they were doing when you left. While this makes it easy to fall back into the routine, you see everything through a different lens because change happens quickly in China. Realize that you need to adapt to the situation and that people are seeing you differently just the same way you are seeing them differently.

This article was published on the Global Times Metropolitan section Two Cents page, a space for reader submissions, including opinion, humor and satire. The ideas expressed are those of the author alone, and do not represent the position of the Global Times.