I am in Canada for the first time in a year and I find as a Canadian I am experiencing reverse culture shock.  I find the average Canadian has a very easy life compared to Chinese in Shanghai in that their complaints are about the achievement of their goals whereas the Shanghai Chinese complaints are about trying to achieve their goals.  Rather than wanting a house and a car the Canadians have them but then they complain about car insurance and repairs and house heating bills and or having to pay-off their mortgage as soon as possible.  They seem to whine alot in their comfortable life while many oldstyle Shanghaianese don't have toilets.  From this perspective, I have a new appreciation for the smiles I see on the street in Shanghai.  The weather sucks, the air and water quality sucks and the standard of living is tough for many but they still smile and don't complain.  I am aware this is a Chinese cultural trait to not complain; Nevertheless, there is some authenticity in it.