1 . I still remember my first time going to the Chinese company's canteen. When I stepped onto the elevator, each one was full of people.     1       However, there was no sign of fire and people were laughing and talking. I followed the flow of the crowd to the doors of the canteen. It occurred to me that in China everyone has lunch almost at the same time.     2    The canteen followed this schedule, only being open a few hours per day.

When I stood in the doorway, I realized I had to act fast or I would be left behind.     3     Unlike my school lunchroom, here everyone lined up and took a tray, and instead of silverware there were chopsticks and soup spoons.

As I was pushed along the line, I saw dishes I didn't recognize and as people cut in line and picked up dishes left and right,     4     I ended up taking a pork and cucumber dish and a tofu salad.

I have been at my company for over a year and a half.     5     I have learned what dishes I like, mostly by trial and error, and a lot of the workers know me and say hello to me.

I am still getting used to eating lunch at "lunchtime", but I think the schedule definitely helps keep me on track during the day. I wish there were something like this at offices in my hometown.