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What to expect when you visit our home

(Ten helpful guidelines for visitors)

Some of our first-time visitors are nervous about visiting an American’s home. Don’t be! We are a very casual family, and we love to have guests. But, if it makes you more comfortable to know what to expect or how to act, here are our “ten guidelines” for visitors.

1. Please don't bring a gift unless you want to bring a small snack to put on the table for guests to eat (and this is not necessary either).

2. It is normally OK to bring a friend, but please let me know by email in advance if possible. If something happens at the last minute so you can't come, don't worry about it. We understand!

3. Because of Chinese laws, guests must be over 18 years old, unless they are accompanied by a parent or teacher.

4. When you arrive, close the door (to keep bugs or cold air out), then take your shoes off (inside the apartment); we will have slippers out for you.

5. Do not reach down to touch our dog (Gimli--Our Dog), even if you love dogs and have been to our home many times. If you do, she will wet the floor! Perhaps after an hour or so, she will let you pet her (especially if she remembers you from a previous visit), but don't expect this; she is (unfortunately) not fond of strangers. Our dog is sometimes more friendly if we ask visitors to give her a dog-cookie (but if you are afraid of dogs, you don't have to!). Forgive us if she whines during the movie!

6. Feel free to look all around the apartment and ask questions about our decorations (many have a special story, and we love to explain!).

7. If there is food on the table, help yourself! No one will "ask you three times" to eat or drink. We expect that you will take what you like and leave everything else.

8. We almost always show films in English with English subtitles (unless we tell you otherwise). Normally, I post an on-line study guide at www.krigline.com.cn/movies.htm. I highly recommend that you look at this before the show so you can understand the English better.

9. I'll probably make some comments about the film before we start or during the film (these are often things on the study guide). We often take a break in the middle of the film (for refreshments and questions). After the film, we usually have a few discussion questions. Try to participate!

10. After the film, you are welcome to stay and talk. Leave whenever you are ready, but don't leave alone. If the movie ends late, we don't want our female guests to walk to a bus stop alone (if there is no one else, I may escort you).

There. Now you know what to expect! We are looking forward to a wonderful time together!