China and the Open Door Policy

I thought the Open Door Policy in China referred to letting foreign countries and foreign visitors come in to this vast country.

Silly me!

What China's open door policy means is literally that - leave every door open - especially when it is forty degrees outside!

On Sunday when we gave our final listening exam to our students, the room was colder than it was outside, and that was mighty cold. The students were wearing scarves, hats, earmuffs, boots, and gloves on the hand that wasn't writing. On Monday, when Jane arrived in the classroom, she was literally shivering. There is no heat in the dorm rooms and the students are not allowed to use plug-in heaters.

In our apartment building, there is a large foyer. The double doors are kept open 24/7 and the workers are not allowed to use plug-in heaters behind their desk, even though it is terribly COLD! Susan carries around a hand warmer with her at all times. I asked if she could use one on her feet, and she said she moves too much to put a hand warmer on her feet. I would.

So, now you know what Open Door Policy really means...