4.Expectation: I honestly thought I would see policemen on every corner carrying AK-47s.

Reality: Although there are cameras on virtually every corner, I haven't had a run-in yet with Big Brother. No AK-47 sightings, either.

5.Expectation: I expected merchants to be hawking fake Prada, Gucci, and DVDs at me everywhere I turned.

Reality: When I got to China all I could find were badly worded English t-shirts.

6. Expectation: I was praying that squat toilets were just a rumor still floating around from 40 years ago.

Reality: You can imagine my shock and disappointment the first time I found myself staring at this baby.

Get prepared for the squat toilet before you travel to China.[Photo/ China.org.cn]